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Ponferrada, Léon, Spain·23 September - 7 October 2024

Camino de Santiago - The Inner & Outer Journey

Take the inner journey of inquiry along the Way of St. James

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Overview

This pilgrimage, which has found its way onto many travel bucket lists, is a profound opportunity to experience a transformative inner and outer journey. The Camino de Santiago is a world-renowned pilgrimage trod by spiritual seekers for more than 1,000 years. With its stunning landscapes, medieval villages, castles and Roman ruins, walking the Way of St. James offers a unique opportunity to connect with ancient culture and meet like-minded people from around the world – all while experiencing a deeply meaningful inner journey. Many embark on the Camino with a question or desire for clarity. Immersing oneself for 12 days in this inspiring setting with a single focus to reach a destination has a way of quieting the mind and allowing inner wisdom to surface. It is a time for slower-paced reflection far from the responsibilities of daily life. You’ll be encouraged to allow yourself solo time while you walk, journal, and spend part of each day in silence. You will enjoy the support of the fabulous women on the trip and the beautiful framework that The Work of Byron Katie gives for inner inquiry and connected conversation with others. Invite a traveling partner, or come alone and meet wonderful new friends along the Way! People of all ages and fitness levels can embrace this journey. You'll be able to walk at your own pace and rest when you need it. You're never too far from a comfortable bed and delicious meal! This trip is limited to 14 participants - a beautiful size for meaningful individual and group connection. REGISTER BY MAY 31.

Highlights

Walk the most famous pilgrimage trail through Spain

Walk the most famous pilgrimage trail through Spain

Travel ancient paths along roads once walked by Christians following the remains of St. James, the Apostle, featuring remnants of Roman bridges, Celtic walls, castles, and monasteries. It is now a beloved route for those seeking clarity of purpose, camaraderie, and a special sense of accomplishment.

Experience profound connection to yourself and others

Experience profound connection to yourself and others

We invite you to shed the masks and labels you wear in everyday life and let them be replaced by open, natural, and joyous connection. Practicing inquiry and journaling are supportive ways to move through what may be getting in the way of your freedom. To support you on your journey, an Honest Heart guide will offer regular thought prompts that invite you into deep reflection as well as optional check-ins.

Incorporate a powerful tool for inquiry

Incorporate a powerful tool for inquiry

Throughout the journey, trip host Aileen Cheatham will offer opportunities to experience the power of The Work of Byron Katie by identifying and questioning the beliefs and patterns that can hold us back from living free of fear and with an open heart. For those who already practice The Work, the Camino will be a chance to deepen daily practice. Aileen will be available during the trip to support you with your growth.

Itinerary

We have carefully selected the itinerary and lodgings so that you can experience one of the most beautiful sections of the Camino de Santiago. We will begin in the town of Ponferrada in Northern Spain and walk for 12 days, 130 miles to Santiago de Compostela. While we will all follow the same itinerary, it is our intention that the Camino remain an individual journey where you have the freedom to follow your own guidance, choose the experiences that call you, and connect with fellow travelers that inspire you.

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The day before your trip

Pre-trip

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. Session dates will be announced 5 months before the trip.


Ponferrada

DAY 1

September 23 - Arrival

From Madrid, catch a train to Ponferrada, Spain. Arrive and settle in for three nights. We look forward to welcoming you and for you to begin to get to know this incredible group of women!

Molinaseca

DAY 2

September 24

Molinaseca to Ponferrada (8 km - 5 miles) For those who are interested, we will take a morning transport to the charming town of Molinaseca by the Meruelo River. You will be able to explore the town and have lunch there. Don't forget your Pilgrim's passport so that you can have it stamped before you walk back to Ponferrada. This is a perfect warm up for the days ahead!

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DAY 3

September 25

Day in Ponferrada - 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 explore how to question the beliefs that limit us…something that the walk ahead will give us time to examine through inquiry.

The afternoon is yours to explore the town of Ponferrada.  There is a magnificent Templar Castle waiting to be discovered!

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DAY 4

September 26

Villafranca del Bierzo (20 km / 12.5 miles)  As you exit the center of 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. You'll want to explore in the afternoon!

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DAY 5

September 27 & 28

Sept 27 – Herrerías (21 km / 13 miles) Choose between two routes to Herrerias: one less traveled and more physically demanding, through beautiful hills, and the other, the traditional Camino route along a river, which is also beautiful and easier. We’ll gather that evening to celebrate highlights and inspiring breakthroughs over a delicious 3-course dinner at a beautiful country home. 

Sept 28 - 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! 

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DAY 6

September 29 & 30

Sept 29 - 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 30 - 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. 

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DAY 7

October 1 & 2

Oct 1 – Portomarin (23 km / 14 miles) At certain points in Galicia, including today’s descent to Portomarín, you will have a choice to follow two sets of stone way markers. The final descent will lead across the river Miño and up majestic stone steps into Portomarín. Be sure to visit the imposing 10th-century Romanesque church and the 12th-century fortress church of San Nicolás on the central square. Tonight, we'll gather everyone for a lovely group dinner on the hotel terrace.


Oct 2 – Palais de Rei (25 km / 15.5 miles) Today's walk begins with a climb under the forest canopy, opening to trails through charming villages with beautiful stone houses such as Ligonde, Lestedo and Eirexe. The town of Palas de Rei will be waiting for you at the end of this stage. Consider attending the traditional Pilgrim’s mass at 7pm today, or one day during your pilgrimage. 

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DAY 8

October 3 & 4

Oct 3 - Melide (15 km - 9.5 miles) Today’s stage is short. So, you can enjoy the landscape and small towns along the Way. Before arriving Arzúa you can stop at Ribadiso, next to the Iso River, which is a great viewing spot. You must taste the typical Arzúa-Ulloa cheese.


Oct 4 - Arzúa (15km - 9.5 miles) This is another lovely day to enjoy the countryside as you walk. Before arriving Arzúa you can stop at Ribadiso, next to the Iso River, which is a great spot for viewing. 

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DAY 9

October 5 & 6

Oct 5 - Pedrouzo (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 6 - Santiago de Compostela (19 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. Let us treat you to a celebration dinner this evening at a wonderful Michelin star restaurant - a perfect way to cap our incredible journey!

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DAY 10

October 7 - Departure

After breakfast and morning good-byes, take the train to your departure city, fly back to Madrid…or stay on to continue the adventure. The choice is yours! Your life ‘Camino’ - enriched with all the insights you have gathered - now begins!

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DAY 11

Continued Community

Your Honest Heart journey can continue after you arrive home. We'll host a group call several weeks after we get home so all can share further highlights and where our Life Camino is taking us. There will also be opportunities for you to continue to dive into The Work of Byron Katie with Aileen.

It's also fun to see you embrace further trips so you can continue to travel with your HHJ sisters!

The Experience

We host your journey

We host your journey

You will receive a blank journal and a workbook with everything you need to do your Work on the Camino. We will offer prompts for daily consideration and practical exercises to invite you to reflect and journal. Throughout the trip, those wanting to join, will gather at specific, pre-scheduled meetings to share highlights, insights and realizations. Prior to the trip, we will offer an workshop (optional) on the book we’ll be reading and will explore how the practice of inquiry can help to identify and question stressful thoughts during our walk, and in our daily lives. Follow-up workshops will also be available during our journey. These workshops, along with the trip workbook and journal, will offer invaluable context for reflection and discussion.

Be ready to walk!

Be ready to walk!

You should be ready to walk 12-15 miles/day. Remember, it’s your main activity and you have all day to accomplish it! There will be time to stop for lunch, a cafe or to rest along the way. You may also elect to taxi or take a bus between locations, whenever you choose. This trek is a beautiful opportunity to unlimit yourself and feel the freedom and clarity of accomplishing your goal!

Keeping things flexible

Keeping things flexible

We’ll provide you with daily accommodations and luggage transfers, and we’ll give you plenty of suggestions for rest stops and dining. But we want you to have the autonomy to make your own choices during this journey. We hope you’ll check in with yourself and discover what works for you each day. You'll be able to pick your route (when more than one is available), who to walk with, or choose to walk alone. You can decide for yourself when and where to stop along the way, and have flexibility most evenings to choose where to dine, and with whom. Your detailed guide book will show you options and you can choose to do as much or as little as you want!

Lodging along the Way

Lodging along the Way

We’ve selected your lodgings with comfort and culture in mind. Depending on availability, we’ll stay in small hotels or country homes. You’ll have the support (in English) of a local operator that will handle any questions or needs that you have. We will provide each traveler an itinerary with information on your specific accommodations so you can arrive and depart in your own time.

Working up an appetite

Working up an appetite

The Spanish love to eat well. Many of the restaurants along the way offer farm to table options and tasty local desserts. You'll find a variety of tapas, fresh seafood, and regional classics. Every town offers a simple, hearty 3-course ‘pilgrim’s fare’ dinner at a reasonable cost. All breakfasts and four dinners are included during the trip. You are free to plan your own lunches and the rest of your dinners. Some days, there will be an opportunity to pack a sandwich at breakfast to tuck into your day pack. You can also purchase lunch, snacks or coffee in stores along the day. We recommend that you budget between $25-35/day to cover these meals and treats.

Spain in September?

Spain in September?

September is one of the best times to walk the Camino de Santiago, as the weather is lovely, downpours are less likely, and temperatures range from the high 60’s to low 80’s F. It’s grape harvest time and you may find local festivities along the way. Autumn is also a bit quieter after the peak summer months with tourists and students on the road, but still active with groups like ours.

Important packing tips

Important packing tips

We invite you to pack light. You’ll want good hiking boots or supportive trail runners, walking poles (if they work for you), good socks (no cotton!) and a day pack to carry your water, snacks, and the trip guide. Favor quick dry clothing over cotton. Good rain gear (jacket and pants) is essential for walking comfortably during rainy days. You will only need a couple of casual outfits for evening wear. No need to carry your own bag/backpack each day. We have arranged for luggage transfers between lodgings (45 lbs. max.) We will provide a complete planning guide, including a detailed suggested packing list.

What's Included

What's Included

An optional pre-trip workshop on The Work of Byron Katie

14 nights of lodging including a hearty breakfast

Four group dinners

Luggage transfers between lodging

Please budget $25-$35 per day, for lunch and incidentals

Curriculum Workshop Booklet

HHJ blank Journal & Pen

Pilgrim Passport and certificates

Transportation to Ponferrada

All lunches and some dinners (for your flexibility)

Trip insurance (required)

Transportation drom departure in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Hosts

Aileen Cheatham

Aileen Cheatham

Aileen’s passion has been self-development. Her inner journey began as a young teen when her mother introduced her to the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, sparking a passion for metaphysics and inner growth. In her mid-twenties, she became a student of A Course in Miracles, a self-study course where the central teaching is the practice of forgiveness. She studied the Course for over 20 years with a beloved teacher, Dr. Kenneth Wapnick.  

Aileen believes that how we experience the world is directly related to the thoughts and beliefs we hold about it. In 2007 she discovered The Work of Byron Katie. In a short time, through this powerful practice, she began to feel more relaxed, flexible, tolerant, and more deeply connected to herself and others. 

Her desire to support others in their journeys led her to become a Certified Facilitator for The Work of Byron Katie and for the last twelve years she has worked with both individuals and groups, online and in person, to share this simple yet transformational method of self-inquiry. She has offered workshops in the US, Mexico, Europe, South America and Africa.  

Aileen walked the Camino de Santiago in its entirety over five weeks in 2021. Setting out from St. Jean, at the foothills of the Pyrenees, she was originally unsure what exactly had drawn her to the Camino; as she walked, she discovered her calling as a listener to other travelers, and shared the transformative power of the Work with those who asked to be facilitated.

Aileen speaks English, French and Spanish fluently and has traveled extensively, especially in Europe and South America. She is excited to share her passion for travel and inner growth with the women traveling with Honest Heart Journeys. 

Jennifer Dale

Jennifer Dale

Jennifer loves celebrating and encouraging the beauty she sees in others. She's a gatherer and builder who naturally nurtures community and hosts safe environments for meaningful connection. She believes in our inherent wholeness and need for discovery and growth. While pursuing careers in dance and design, Jennifer recognized that she thrived most nurturing people. She spent almost two decades developing and facilitating programmed trips and events for faith-based community with Adventure Unlimited and her church. This included helping develop DiscoveryBound's National Leadership Council servant leadership program for teens as director during some of its formative years. As dean of girls at Principia School, Jennifer heard a calling to nurture the kind of sisterhood that defies current cultural stereotypes and expectations. Honest Heart Journeys was conceived during long conversations about strong, gracious womanhood with a sister friend during COVID lockdowns. She loves writing about timeless women’s topics in her frequent HHJ blog.Wherever Jennifer's gone, her 'sisters' --  wonderful women with whom she’s built teams, programs, and deep friendships – have been steady, supportive companions. This kind of quality sisterhood is woven through the HHJ experience. It encourages others to give time to nurture their spiritual and personal hearts and gently holds them accountable to seeing and living their fullness, which of course blesses others.Travel has always been a passion of Jen’s, and she’s experienced firsthand the powerful impact of intentional programming facilitated within correlative environments. Hiking the Camino has been on her bucket list for years, and she hopes it can become an annual personal pilgrimage with HHJ!

FAQs

Reserve your spot through our website. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 90 days prior to the departure date. We welcome payments via credit card, check, or Zelle (jen@honestheartjourneys.com). Credit card payments will incur a surcharge. We're happy to work with you to establish a payment plan as well.

If you have ANY questions, we'd love to talk with you! Reach out any time at info@honestheartjourneys.com.

A deposit of 50% of the HHJ trip cost is required to reserve your spot on the trip.

If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded less a $300 per person service charge. If a cancellation is made from 180 to 90 days prior to the trip departure date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. If a cancellation is made within 90 days of the trip departure date, the entire trip fee is forfeited. All cancellations must be received in writing to info@honestheartjourneys.com. 

It is highly unlikely that we will cancel a trip, but we do reserve the right to cancel due to weather, natural disasters, emergencies or a lack of sufficient reservations. If we cancel a trip, a full refund of the trip deposit and any final payment will be given.

HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of cancellation, unexpected circumstances, or the need for evacuation. We want you to make a decision that meets your needs. Though we do not recommend specific companies, travel industry colleagues have recommended the following companies: AIG Travel, Alliance, Seven Corners, Travelguard, and WorldNomads. Booking protection is offered through the registration process on our website. You might also see what your credit card offers, and many airlines now offer travel insurance.

    

The planning guide that we provide all registered guests who are paid in full includes a full trip itinerary, packing list, supportive travel information, release forms for you to review/sign/return to us, information on our trip book and other supporting materials, and a link to a guest survey that collects your important information. 

This trip through Spain will originate in Ponferrada and end in Santiago de Compostela. For arrival, fly into your choice of European cities, then fly to Madrid or Santiago de Compostela and catch a train ride to Ponferrada, Spain. For your departure, plan to catch the train or a flight from Santiago de Compostela to your departure city.

Check this link to book your train rides:  

https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date and make sure that is is valid. Your passport must be: 

  • issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue') 
  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the 'expiry date').

Reviews

My trip with HHJ brought out my true self, the self I haven't seen or felt in a very long time!

HHJ Trip Guest

My life transformed a year ago while walking the Camino de Santiago with Aileen, a 10+ year expert facilitator for The Work of Byron Katie. Walking the Camino de Santiago invites the trekker to pause and move inward to a place often not visited in our busy and complex home lives. Aileen and Jennifer, both wise and highly skilled women, give the traveler expert guidance and a compassionate and safe space to process the inner wisdom that unfolds along the way.

HHJ Trip Guest

I was blown away by the opportunity to connect with an amazing group of women in a way I did not know was possible and in a format which opened up a beautiful way to connect and talk.

HHJ Trip Guest

Add Ons

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PRICE$750.00/pp

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Camino de Santiago - The Inner & Outer Journey

Spain· 23 September - 7 October 2024· 14 nights

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