CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Compostela, Spain
by Suki Belaustegui & Nomadic Tótem
October 4th – 16th 2019
13 days – 12 nights that will take you through the most iconic and fascinating
flavors and sceneries.
by nomadic tótem CAMINO DE SANTIAGO 42°52′50″N 8°32′38″O
explore local. travel beyond www.nomadictotem.com
DAY 1 – October 4th
MEET & GREET @ MADRID
This amazing journey begins as a meeting point at one of the most beautiful and foodie cities of the world; Madrid Spain. Icon Embassy Hotel; XIX Century building beautifully refurbished and the only hotel at the high-end and top fashion designers; Serrano Street. Welcome Lecture at the hotel by Suki Belaustegui and Nomadic Tótem Gurus @ 15:00 hrs.
Participants will introduce themselves and express what they would like to learn from the workshop as well as their expectations.
Participants will bring a selection of 20 to 30 photographs of their own so that Suki can observe each person’s photographic perspective and become familiarized with their creative tendency. This will enable an analysis of each person’s potential.
There will be a tutorial on the art documentary photography, ethical and humanitarian principles and techniques to develop the art of photography using natural light in people’s homes and environments.
An audiovisual with photographs related to the work reflected in the books ”Guardians of Time” and
”Africa in America” will be projected. Emphasis will be placed on the use of natural light.
Lectures devoted to the art of shooting the magic of landscapes in outdoor contexts. Participants will study the various uses of skills and the creative possibilities to make the best photography for this journey.
As a Welcome Dinner, we will enjoy a unique culinary tour tapas experience, downtown. We will taste the flavor of this city as a local; enjoying the best Spanish gastronomy at one of the most urban-chic and trendy districts in the heart of Madrid.
DAY 2 – October 5th
MADRID – LEON
Breakfast at the hotel
Group transfer towards the train station to headed León.
León boasts one of the greatest historical and architectural heritages in Spain. Some of the city’s most prominent historical buildings are the Cathedral, the finest example of French-style classic Gothic architecture in Spain, the Basilica of San Isidoro, one of the most important Romanesque churches in Spain and resting place of León’s medieval monarchs, and the Casa Botines, a Modernist creation of the architect Antoni Gaudí.
After visiting León, head to one of the most spectacular sights in the Bierzo region: Las Médulas, an old open-air mine, the largest in the whole Roman Empire, it ́s interior was once home to tons of gold. It is a huge work of engineering which permanently transformed the mountainous area into a weird and wonderful landscape that now has the World Heritage designation. We can combine the visit to Las Médulas with an exclusive wine tasting at one of our favourite wineries in the region.
After admiring Las Médulas, your transfer will take you to your hotel in Vilafranca del Bierzo, last stop before starting your adventure: the Camino de Santiago. Check in at Palacio de Canedo.
This three century-old mansion converted into a 14-room guesthouse is a breath of fresh air just off the Camino. The one site winery and canning facilities are well worth the visit. Each room is uniquely decorated and themed, some referring to lords of Canedo, making for a cozy stay amongst pilgrims and travelers alike.
ON FOOT
The French Way is the Camino par excellence. The Jacobean itinerary with the greatest historical tradition and the most internationally recognized one. It was already described in 1135 in the Codex Calixtinus, a fundamental Jacobean book. The book V of this codex constitutes an authentic medieval guide to the pilgrimage to Santiago. It specifies the sections of the French Way from Gaul lands and reports in detail on the sanctuaries of the route, hospitality, people, food, sources, local customs, etc. Our path will start in O Cebreiro and end in Santiago de Compostela after 8 magical stages of endless memories and unforgettable experiences.
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
We’ve selected the best stages of the O Cebreiro – Santiago section. We’ve adjusted the kilometers and stages so you can accomplish the route in 9 days, walking an average of 8 -15 kilometers per day at a relaxing pace, with enough time to admire the gorgeous sceneries and the stunning nature and wildlife of Galician forests.
The transportation will be at your disposal along the route, picking you up at the end of each stage and taking you to your hotel, where your luggage will be waiting for you. In the same way, it will be ready to take the participants at any time they wish to take them to the hotel; this in case some of you would like to arrive earlier and have some more free time on your own.
The route is well indicated and there are plenty of maps to follow the path with explanations about the surroundings and main places to visit; however our professional local gurus will be accompanying along the Camino to assist you in any requirement.
DAY 3 – October 6 th
O CEBREIRO – TRIACASTELA
Breakfast at the hotel
If the fog does not hide the valley, seeing the sunrise from O Cebreiro, a beautiful village with a series of pallozas (round stone houses with a straw roof) still standing and that were inhabited until relatively recently, is a privilege that the Camino gives us that one can not refuse. Today, we immerse ourselves in the land of Santiago, the land of the fog and the orballo (morning dew); Celtic castros (ancient settlements) and mines coveted by the Romans; infinite hills and fragas (old forests) of oaks and chestnut trees. A magic land that will stay in your memories.
Accommodation at Palacio de Canedo.
DAY 4 – October 7 th
TRIACASTELA – SARRIA
Breakfast at the hotel
From Triacastela there are two itineraries to get to Sarria: the southern one, longer, visits the famous Benedictine monastery of Samos and progresses through the leafy banks of the Oribio river; the other one advances more to the north by San Xil and goes through pretty landscapes populated by oaks and chestnut trees. In Sarria your guide will be waiting to drive you to the lovely Parador de Monforte de Lemos where you will spend the next two nights.
PARADOR DE MONFORTE DE LEMOS
The historic site of San Vicente do Pino is located in the uppermost part of the town of Monforte de Lemos. It is made up of the keep, San Vicente do Pino Monastery and the palace of the counts of Lemos, which houses the Parador de Monforte. The monastery dates back to the 9th century, although the current structure was built in the 17th century in the neoclassical style.
DAY 5 – October 8 th
SARRIA – PORTOMARIN
Breakfast at the hotel
Sarria is very close to the mythical and last 100 kilometers, the minimum distance that you have to walk on foot to win the Compostelana. The stage does not disappoint either the first-timer or the seasoned pilgrim. It offers countless villages, good examples of Romanesque, asphalted rural tracks, rural paths and corridors, medieval bridges and rustic footbridges.
DAY 6 – October 9 th
RIBEIRA SACRA – HEROIC WINEMAKERS
Breakfast at the hotel
Today if you want, you take a rest of your walking adventure and immerse in inland Galicia. Discover the incredible boat tours along the River Sil and River Miño canyons and enter a different world. Imposing locations with beautiful monasteries which, far from the madding crowd and protected by the mild climate of these lands, have for centuries devoted their time to God and grapes. As an optional choice you can keep walking to continue adding your personal kms to reach the 100km and get the Compostelana. The transportation will pick you up after your walk.
The rivers Sil and Miño, with canyons measuring 500 meters in depth, are dotted with tiny vineyards on steep slopes that require a heroic effort. Something unique that can only be found here. The Ribeira Sacra is the birthplace of the legendary “Amandi”, a wine that was so treasured by the Romans that they considered it the “gold of the River Sil”. A wine that centuries later the Benedictine monks produced exclusively for the wineries of the most refined popes.
DAY 7 – October 10 th
GONZAR – PALAS DE REI
Breakfast at the hotel
The stage is divided by the Ligonde mountain range, which in turn divides the basins of the Miño and Ulloa rivers. The path goes along modest, provincial and even national roads. However, the journey brings good examples of Romanesque churches, including the possibility of diverting to Vilar de Donas to visit San Salvador, old pilgrim hospitals and the valuable Lameiros cruise.
From Palas de Rei you’ll be transferred to your next hotel: Pazo de Brandeso.
Pazo de Brandeso. Check in. An old residence of the galician bourgeoisie of the early 17th century 1620 is more than just a rural tourism hotel. The atmosphere an spaces of a bygone era remain intact. The rooms, corridors, halls, dining rooms and library of the Pazo de Brandeso are decorated with antique furniture and pieces of art, bronze sculptures or magnificent marble fireplaces, all of which give the hotel a palatial atmosphere.
DAY 8 – October 11 th
PALAS DE REI – MELIDE
Breakfast at the hotel
We divide the Palas de Rei – Arzúa stage in two, as it is the most difficult and demanding stage in the Camino. You’ll cross the river Roxán, follow a path surrounded by eucalyptus and oak trees to San Xulián do Camiño, cross a spectacular forest with trees embraced by rock and twisted branches and admire a gigantic basket that, like the ‘hórreos’ (local granaries), was used to preserve corn.
Melide is a great place to try Galicia’s classic dish of octopus. Once in Melide we will taste its famous ‘pulpo a feira’ or octopus at a legendary ‘pulpería’ where we will met the owner and share her story over a delicious meal.
DAY 9 – October 12 th
MELIDE – ARZÚA
Breakfast at the hotel
From Melide the Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track bringing you to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Next is the pretty medieval village of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa, a cheese making village with the important attraction of rural and active tourism, especially in the vicinity of the reservoir of Portodemouros.
We will visit one of the local artisans that produce Arzúa cheese, learning how’s produced and tasting some of its varieties.
DAY 10 – October 13 th
ARZÚA – PEDROUZO
Breakfast at the hotel
We’re close to Santiago, only 40 km, so we will divide this last segment in two days. A pleasant walk through the already familiar eucalyptus tree forests and green fields defines the day. At the end of the stage you’ll pass by a memorial to Guillermo Watt, a pilgrim that died in the Camino in 1993.
DAY 11 – October 14 th
PEDROUZO – SANTIAGO
Breakfast at the hotel
Today you’ll make the final journey into Santiago. You will have a short morning drive to Pedrouzo, where you’ll start your walk. Your next point of interest is Lavacolla, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo (“Mount of Joy”) and it is from here that will catch your first glimpse of the Cathedral of Santiago.
When you arrive in the city, you will get a chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s
architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural mecca.
Explore Santiago de Compostela. Millions of people from all over the world come to this city every year, many of them reaching the end of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route. Its historic center has been designated a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
In Santiago, gastronomy is an active part of the culture of the city. There is a spectacular array of restaurants, bars and taverns, with prices to suit every budget – quality is what they all have in common. Here you can eat well – and plenty. You can taste regional products like the freshest seafood you could possibly imagine, artisanal charcuterie, cheeses, wines, liquors… Our local foodie gurus will recommend you to explore the market and later taste its best produce at some of the local restaurants and little corners inside the market.
Accommodation for 2 nights @ A Quinta Da Auga Relais and Chateux. A beautiful boutique hotel placed in a historical restored building. This hotel is one of the most charming hotels in the northwest of Spain. You can enjoy the gastronomy of the region at its unique restaurant and relax your mind and body at its luxury spa. This is a unique hotel, surrounded by nature with 10.000 m2 estate by the Sar riverside.
DAY 12 – October 15 th
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
9 am to 1:00 pm: Breakfast at the hotel and free morning to have time to work on your photos from the previous days that you will show in the afternoon for the feedback of your work.
3:00 to 7:00 pm: “Studio session” Last day of the workshop. We will be fully engaged in selecting, editing and analyzing the best photographs of each participant. At the end of the workshop, the best photographs will be presented as part of each participant’s portfolio.
As a Farewell dinner and to celebrate that you’re officially a pilgrim and a nomadic.photographer we planned for you a very special culinary experience, at the best restaurant in the city and beacon of the tradition-avant garde fusion in Galician cuisine: Casa Marcelo 1* Michelin.
DAY 13 – October 16 th
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Breakfast at the hotel. End of Services.
SEBASTIAN SUKI BELAUSTEGUI
Documentary Humanitarian Photographer. Experiential Photography Workshop Instructor.
His work has being published in books and magazines, including National Geographic (Cover February 2005), Time, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Unicef, and Travel & Leisure. Additionally he has held numerous workshops, lectures, and exhibitions in museums and art galleries throughout the world, including: Bhutan, India, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, The United States, México, Argentina, Perú and Cuba.
by nomadic tótem CAMINO DE SANTIAGO 42°52′50″N 8°32′38″O
explore local. travel beyond www.nomadictotem.com
AN EPICUREAN PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNEY
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
by; Suki Belaustegui & Nomadic Tótem
October 4th – 16th, 2019
Rate per person in double occupancy.
€4,350 euros.
Rate per person in single occupancy.
€4,900 euros.
Package Includes:
- 12 days of tutoring in documentary photography theory, practice, selection and analysis with Sebastián Suki Beláustegui.
- Welcome dinner Local Tapas Experience in Madrid.
- AVE fast train ticket-touristic class from Madrid to Leon (one way).
- Private transfer in minibus during the program. Camino de Santiago.
- Accommodation in each hotel mentioned in the program. 12 nights.
- Breakfast and lunch daily.
- Farewell dinner at Casa Marcelo, 1* Michelin Star Restaurant.
- Guided hiking tour through Camino de Santiago as mentioned in the program, with professional tour guides.
- Boat tour along the River Sil and River Miño canyons and Amandi vineyard.
- Hiking poles rented.
- Local Taxes.
Package Excludes:
- Services not specified in the itinerary.
- Tips and meals not mentioned.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
- Airline tickets.
- Airport transportations. Madrid airport – hotel / Santiago hotel – airport.
- Water and hiking gear.
**ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY UNTIL THE MOMENT OF PURCHASE AND CHANGES WITHOUT NOTICE** Limited Availability to 14 pax. First come first served basis.
This is a quotation only and is subject to availability as no reservations have been made. Because of the nature of hotels and the travel industry, it is not always possible to secure the hotels and lodges listed in the itinerary. Nomadic Totem will endeavor to secure the hotels listed in your itinerary. However, Nomadic Totem reserves the right to secure the next best available option or an upgrade in the event that the original hotels are not available or overbooked.
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by nomadic tótem CAMINO DE SANTIAGO 42°52′50″N 8°32′38″O
explore local. travel beyond www.nomadictotem.com