In the year 800, bishop Teodomiro rejoiced at his discovery of what he firmly believed was the tomb of the apostle St. James. The first pilgrimage to the resting place of this only apostle to be buried in Europe (as recorded by historians) was subsequently held in 950. It was led by bishop Gotescalcus, who went on to recount the various difficulties encountered. Soon thereafter, pilgrims from across Europe flocked to the region, following ancient roads - especially the Roman routes - to reach their goal. The resulting series of routes became known as the Way of St. James.

St. James' tomb could notably be reached from a number of starting points and by following various itineraries. Pilgrims generally chose the shortest and safest route to the foot of the Pyrenees, which were extremely difficult to get over at the time. While the majority of travellers initially opted to cross these mountains via routes that followed the Basque and Mediterranean coastlines, one route soon became a favourite. It was the itinerary that went from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port through the Roncevaux Pass (Navarre), or by the mountain passes of "del Palo" (Col de Pau) or "Somport", the latter eventually becoming the sole route to traverse the Aragon Pyrenees.

As of Puente de La Reina, in Navarre, the "Camino Frances" meanders along what is nearly a single path, the last straight line crossing the north of Castille, Leon and finally leading to Galicia, the land of mythical Celtic traditions where old beliefs still hold sway...

Here are the details about this Challenge :

The pilgrimage of St. James de Compostela is a Catholic pilgrimage to the legendary tomb of the apostle St. James the Great, located in the crypt of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia (Spain).

Before setting off, participants receive a pilgrim's passport (credencial), a document that includes a copy of the planned itinerary. This passport is stamped and dated at each step of the journey, thereby providing each pilgrim with a record of the route travelled. The passport also serves as proof to receive the Compostela, a certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims by the Cathedral Pilgrim's Office after they have completed the Way. To earn this certificate, participants, in addition to having their fully-stamped passport, need to have walked at least the last 100 kilometres (or cycled 200 kilometres).

Pilgrims traditionally collect scallop shells along their journey, fixing these to their coat, hat or backpack and bringing them back as a souvenir of their travels. This manifestation, which is at the origin of the well-known dish "coquille Saint-Jacques", is a key characteristic of the pilgrim, along with the latter's staff, bag and wide-brimmed hat.

Itinerary 

Benefits

Participants will benefit from the dedicated support of qualified professionals while they prepare for the expedition.

What's included

• Round-trip flight between Montréal and Madrid with a scheduled airline.
• Train transportation from Madrid to Leon and from Santiago to Madrid.
• Accommodations in 1-, 2- and 3-star hotels, inns or hostels, and in a 3-star Parador in Villafranca del Bierzo (double occupancy) (no dormitories).
• Baggage transportation (except for day bag) between locations.
• Guided tour of Leon (day 2).
• All meals.
• Tour guide from the travel agency during the entire trip.
• Local French-speaking guide on days 2 to 16.

Fundraising

To take part in this expedition, participants must raise a minimum of $10,500.

Information sessions

Information sessions will be held once a month. Contact us at either 514 861-9227 or (toll-free) 1 888 766-2262, ext. 229.

Participants and heroes

Each participant pairs up with a cancer hero who will be his source of inspiration. If you would like to participate but don't know a cancer hero, let us know. We will be happy to introduce you to someone who will inspire you to successfully complete your Challenge.

Information

Call us, at 514 861-9227 or (toll-free) 1 888 766-2262, ext. 229.

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