Camino de Santiago - The Inner & Outer Journey

Before we leave, we invite you to read, I Need Your Love - Is That True? by Byron Katie. This book is especially relevant to The Camino; it invites us to notice how our search for love, approval and appreciation plays a part in how we listen to others and how we experience our relationships. 

You're also invited to join Camino trip host Aileen Cheatham for an optional 3-session online workshop on The Work of Byron Katie, included in the cost of your trip. We’ll have the chance to discuss the book, practice the exercises, and mentally prepare for the trip.

We will gather our trip group on Zoom several weeks before we leave to share introductions, trip goals, logistics, and to answer your questions.

Fly into your choice of European cities, then fly to Santiago de Compostela or Madrid and catch a train ride to Astorga, Spain. The day is yours to arrive and settle in for two nights.

Gather in the hotel for a group morning check-in with your HHJ trip hosts and a special 3-hour workshop with Aileen. We will use The Work of Byron Katie to learn how to question the beliefs that limit us…something that the walk ahead will give us time to examine through inquiry.

In the afternoon, you'll have time to explore Astorga on your own and to then check in for the Camino briefing where you’ll receive your official pilgrim’s passport. Then join us for a welcome dinner.

Sept 23 – Rabanal del Camino (20 km / 12 miles) The first day of your pilgrimage takes you to the rural town of Rabanal del Camino where you'll stay in a charming, recently-renovated, 17th century medieval pilgrim hospital. 

Sept 24 – Molinaseca (24 km / 15 miles) Leaving Rabanal behind, you'll walk by the mythical Cruz de Ferro – a place where you’re invited to leave a small stone from home symbolizing something that is weighing you down and that you want to leave behind. If it's a hot day, you'll be able to take a swim on the Meruelo river that goes right through Molinaseca. 

Villafranca del Bierzo (32 km / 19 miles) After Molinaseca, you’ll walk by the magnificent Templar Castle at Ponferrada. Little by little, the city will give way to cultivated fields and vineyards that lead to the center of Cacabelos, then on to the picturesque historic town of Villafranca del Bierzo. 

Sept 26 – Herrerías (21 km / 13 miles) Choose between two routes to Herrerias: one less traveled and more physically demanding, through beautiful Spanish hills, and the other, the traditional Camino route, which is easier. We’ll gather that evening to celebrate highlights and inspiring breakthroughs over a delicious 3-course dinner at a beautiful country home. 

Sept 27 - O Cebreiro (8 km / 5 miles) After a leisurely sleep and morning group gathering, you’ll be able to choose when to leave for our steepest and shortest walk (5 miles) up to the enchanting village of O Cebreiro. Here in 1984, Don Elías, the local parish priest, was the first to adopt the now-iconic yellow arrow as a way to mark The Way. The story goes that Don Elías drove across the whole north of Spain on his Citroën GS packed with yellow paint, painting arrows leading to Santiago de Compostela!

Sept 28 - Triacastela (21 km/ 13 miles) You’ll travel through Galicia, where the Celts settled as early as 600 BC. Here, you'll see the ruins of ancient walls, small farms, and hill-forts called castros. 

Sept 29 - Sarria (17 km / 10.5 miles) Following the Camino Real through small villages you reach the romantic town of Sarria, one of the most popular starting points of the Camino de Santiago. An alternate route through the hills is also an option for this day’s walk. 

Sept 30 - Portomarin (23 km / 14 miles.) Today's stage ends in Portomarin, a picturesque small town featuring many gastronomic surprises, including the famous ‘empanadas de anguila’. We will stay at two small hotels very centrally located, allowing us to easily access the historic center and many wonderful restaurants.

Oct 1 - Palais de Rei (29 km / 18 miles) Get ready for another big day, where you'll end at a comfortable hotel situated right on the Camino, one step away from the best gastronomy, leisure and culture of Palais de Rei. 

Oct 2 - Arzúa (20 km / 12 miles) Walk through forests and cultivated fields until you reach Coto. There, two beautiful bridges greet you before you reach Melide. Today's stage allows you to enjoy the landscape and a number of towns that appear on both sides of the Camino. Before arriving at Arzúa, you can stop at the beautiful enclave of Ribadiso right next to the river. One last ascent takes you to Arzúa, a town famous for its cheese. We'll host everyone for dinner at a beautiful country home and gather to share final wonderings and gratitude. 

Oct 3 - Rúa (20 km / 12 miles) In this penultimate stage, you will advance through a landscape marked by oaks, fragrant eucalyptus, and cultivated agricultural fields. In fact, it’s common to have to stop for crossing cows! You will pass by the Chapel of Santa Irene before descending to the quiet town of Rua where we’ll enjoy a group meal. Take some time to listen to sounds of the quiet countryside.

Oct 4 - Santiago de Compostela (20 km / 12 miles) You'll walk through the outskirts of Santiago, then navigate your way to the cathedral signaling the pilgrimage's end. Here, you can experience the traditional afternoon mass. Then be sure to have your Camino passport stamped for the last time and get your Pilgrim’s certificate from the tourist office to commemorate your journey. 

After breakfast and morning good-byes, take the train to your departure city…or stay on to continue the adventure. The choice is yours!

Your life ‘Camino’, enriched with all the insights you have gathered, now begins!

Your Honest Heart journey can continue after you arrive home. We'll host two calls following the trip: first, an opportunity for Camino trip sisters to reconnect and share inspiring take-aways; second, a one hour trip sharing with the wider HHJ community.

Honest Heart Journeys' online Conversations community is a natural place for you to continue to nurture your ongoing growth and sense of connection with new friends. Here you'll also find opportunities to continue to dive into The Work of Byron Katie with Aileen.