Today the pilgrim route through southern France and northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre is the most recognised Camino de Santiago or Way of St James, and is continually gaining in popularity with walkers, cyclists and pilgrims.
But in reality there were, and still are, many Caminos de Santiago, bringing pilgrims from all over Europe. Whilst some are not known or written about as much as the French route and others are no longer traveled they all form part of the rich and diverse history of the Camino de Santiago. Three of these less known caminos pass through the province of Soria in Northern Spain. It is also believed that Santiago (St James) himself traveled via Soria on his way from Galicia to Zaragoza, stopping to preach in the Roman settlements of Uxama and Numancia.
On our 7 day self guided holiday explore a number of the key locations important to pilgrims on their journey through the province and visit locations linked with Santiago and the legends of his appearances.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Soria. The historical village of Almazan is your first stop on the trail of Soria’s caminos. Almazan was a stopover on one of the Los Caminos del Duero (The Routes of the Duero) that pilgrims took from Zaragoza to Santiago de Compostela. Explore Almazan and surrounding rural villages for the remains of pilgrim hospitals and hermitages. Discover the miracles and myths of Santiago’s appearances in Soria or simply relax and enjoy the unique surrounds. Overnight: Estacion La Dehesa, Almazán.
Day 2: Today uncover the history of the camino throughout the southern part of Soria. A must see is the small remote 11th century hermitage church of San Baudelio, which contains one of the most important examples of ‘Mozarabe’ art. Its colorful detailed frescoes painted between the 11th and 12th centuries are of Christian and Arab influences. Further south is the village of Medinaceli, its Roman Arch unique in Spain and only one of the many points of interest Medinaceli offers the visitor. Overnight: Estacion La Dehesa, Almazán. Includes: (B).
Day 3: After breakfast travel along one of Soria’s Caminos to the market town of Berlanga de Duero. The remaining gate into the once walled village contains the easily recognizable camino symbol, the scallop shell. Berlanga’s place in history is diverse, as well the remains of a Pilgrims Hospital, Berlanga has a promenent castle and it’s first mayor was none other than El Cid, the famous Castillain hero.
Continue on to El Burgo de Osma, a central axis and major stopover for all pilgrims travelling through the province. Its grand cathedral one of Spain’s most important. On the hill above El Burgo de Osma sits the remains of the Roman settlement of Uxama. It is said that after visiting Galicia, Santiago (St James) preached in the Roman settlements of Uxama and Numancia, before travelling on to Zaragoza, where the Virgin appeared before him. Overnight: Hospederia El Fielato, El Burgo de Osma. Includes: (B).
Day 4: Spend the day in the Canyon Rio Lobos. The 9500 hectares (23400 acres) of pristine wilderness was declared a Nature Park in 1985, for its natural beauty and variety of flora and fauna. Follow along an ancient pilgrim route to the isolated Knights Templar hermitage of San Bartolome, the scene is a photographers’ delight and the sight of another Santiago miracle. There are few buildings that provoke such admiration and controversy as the mysterious Hermitage of San Bartolome. The nearby village of Ucero is the gateway to the canyon, its Templar castle, one of the many in this province that give Castile its name. Overnight: Hospederia El Fielato, El Burgo de Osma. Includes: (B).
Day 5: On your drive into Soria’s main town don’t forget to stop by the medieval hilltop village of Calatanzor, declared a national monument for its historic and artistic beauty. It is through this picturesque village with its adobe facades, conical chimneys and narrow lanes that pilgrims passed on route to El Burgo de Osma. Overnight: Hosteria Solar de Tejada, Soria Capital. Includes: (B).
Day 6: Explore more of Soria’s camino connections. The arches of San Juan de Duero are one of the most original and most visited Romanesque National Monuments in Spain. The 12th century church and wonderful cloister show a mixture of Romanesque, Mudejar and Arabic influences. The name derived from San Juan de Hospitalarios (The Order of St John of Jerusalem), who constructed numerous hospitals along the Camino. There is also the Knights Templar enclave of ‘San Polo’, on the banks of the River Duero.
Today you need to pass under the arched gate of the remaining chapel to reach the Hermitage of San Saturio. On the outskirts of Soria, near the village of Garray is Numancia, one of Celt Iberian Spain’s most important sites, where Santiago (St James) is said to have preached. Stroll along the ancient streets of this hilltop settlement which also gives you spectacular panoramic views across the plains. Overnight: Hosteria Solar de Tejada, Soria Capital. Includes: (B).
Day 7: Today after breakfast your journey ends. It’s time to say ‘Hasta Pronto’, Until next time! Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 6 Nights accommodation. Double occupancy room with en suite as per itinerary. Stay in some of the best locally owned and operated rural houses and hotels chosen for their charm and attention to detail.
- 6 Continental breakfasts
- Town and Village Maps. Almazan, Medinaceli, El Burgo de Osma, Berlanga de Duero and Soria Capital.
- Information pack created with our first hand knowledge of the regions places of interests, historical sites, fiestas and local artisans.
- List of local restaurants and food options for each overnight stay.
Price Excludes:
- Flights to and from Spain
- Ground transportation
- Car Hire
- Luggage transfers
- Travel insurance
- Phone calls, faxes, emails, use of internet, postage,
- Laundry services
- Purchases of souvenirs or other items of a personal nature
- Meals and drinks other than those listed in the itinerary
- All Entry fees to attractions
- Services of a Guide or Tour host
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Spain
Sightseeing
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
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