The road to Camino de Santiago

 Trade in your walking shoes for a bicycle and some DuVine inspiration as we follow the Camino de Santiago to Compostela. Not only will you achieve absolution, but you will also become part of history – as 2010 marks a Jubilee [Holy] year. 

So, what can you expect on this cycling vacation? In short, a lot of history, as we follow in the footsteps of centuries of adventurers on a modern day pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago as it winds through the Galician countryside – climbing up hills that overlook the scenic vineyards, descending into small medieval villages, riding along the river and into the plains of Castilla. 

Cycling along the Camino

The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) is a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. The pilgrimage owes its origin to the discovery, in what is now Galicia, of the tomb of the Apostle James the Great sometime early in the 9th century. Legend holds that St. James’s remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain where he was buried on the site of what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela. For more than 1000 years pilgrims have been walking along the Camino de Santiago. 

The Puerta Santa (Holy Door), which gives access to the Cathedral from the Plaza de la Quintana is opened on 31st of December on the eve of each Holy Year, and walled up again a year later. As in the past, pilgrims reaching Santiago during a Holy Year, and fulfilling the conditions for it, are granted a plenary indulgence, which means that they get remission for all of their  worldy sins.  Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected to walk to Santiago in 2010 – not only because it is a Holy Year but because the next Holy Year will not be for another 11 years. 

Sights along the St. James Way

Whatever the reason for your trek on this historic path– spiritual, personal, physical – you can guarantee that your modern day pilgrimage will be an unforgettable experience. 

And remember, the key phrase is “modern day“. Whereas unlike your historic counterparts, if you join us on our bike tour, you will be experiencing this journey in the lap of luxury. No need to worry about where to find refuge for the night, as you will rest in ultimate comfort at lavish paradors and hotels and wine and dine your way to Santiago de Compostela. 

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