WalkingWalking withwith InigoInigo — the Ignatian Camino

Ignatian Camino 2014 – Itinerary Thursday May 1st – Friday May 30th, 2014 (30 days/29 nights)

Itinerary

Day 1: Thursday May 1, 2014. Stage: None - . Overnight: Loyola Upon arrival at Bilbao airport, transfer to your Hotel in Loyola, . Enjoy a rest day to recover from the long flight, adapt to the new time zone and to get your things ready for the journey.

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⌂ Overnight: Hotel Arrupe (Loyola). 3 star hotel. Located only a few meters from the Basilica and Tower-House, the Hotel Arrupe beautifully combines traditional heritage with modern amenities

Day 2: Friday May 2, 2014. Stage: None - . Overnight: Loyola Today you will visit the Sanctuary of Loyola. The Sanctuary is comprised of a huge shrine built around the Tower-House in which Iñigo de Loyola, the future St Ignatius was born in 1491. The Tower-House is Loyola’s spiritual heart, popularly known today as ‘the Holy House’. Tour the museum of the Tower-House and be sure to spend time in the venerated room (now a chapel) where Ignatius convalesced after his serious battle injury at the Battle of in 1521, at age 30. Ignatius’s Autobiography describes how he read a life of the saints in this room, and, inspired by it, slowly began to conceive of serving God with his own life, in imitation of the great saints. Visit the 17th century Basilica. Baroque in style and boasting a circular floor plan presided by a majestic dome and graceful lantern; the Basilica was designed by the Italian architect, Carlo Fontana (who was a disciple of Bernini and fashioned this project as a miniature Vatican). You’ll also pick up your “pilgrim’s passport”, or credential, an document that officially identifies you as a pilgrim on the Camino Ignaciano. ⌂ Overnight: Hotel Arrupe (Loyola). 3 star hotel. Located only a few meters from the Basilica and Tower-House, the Hotel Arrupe beautifully combines traditional heritage with modern amenities

Day 3: Saturday May 3, 2014. Stage: Loyola – Zumarraga (17.5km). Overnight: Zumarraga Commence your first day of walking directly from the Sanctuary, surrounded by picturesque scenery, along a well-marked trail to Zumárraga. Pass through the town of Azkoitia, home to the impressive church of Santa María la Real and some lovely tower houses in the old quarter. You’ll be following the River Urola valley all the way to Zumárraga. After arriving in town, be sure to visit the magnificent 16th century Basque Gothic church of Our Lady of the Assumption.

⌂ Overnight: Hotel Exteberri (Zumárraga). 2 star hotel. Surrounded by the mountains of the Alto Urola valley, this classically decorated hotel is complete with relaxing garden. The restaurant is renowned for its delicious Basque cuisine.

Day 4: Sunday May 4, 2014. Stage: Ermita De Mirandaola – Arantazazu (11.2 km). Overnight: Arantazazu A morning coach transfer will take you from Zumarraga to the Ermita De Mirandaola where you will commence the next stage of the Camino Ignaciano. Continue walking along the valley, until commencing a sustained climb from the Presa de Barrendiola (dam) up to the Franciscan Sanctuary of the Virgin of Arantzazu. This is a hard but rewarding climb.

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The Sanctuary is located on the site where presumably the Virgin of Arantzazu appeared to the shepherd Rodrigo de Balanzategui in 1468. According to legend, the figure of the Virgin was in a thorn-bush, and the shepherd’s exclamation "Arantzan zu?!" (Thou, among the thorns?!) gave rise to the name of the place.

From this time, the place became a centre of Marian devotion and pilgrimage (as San Ignacio stated in his autobiography). Many historians believe that it was here that Ignacio experienced nocturnal meditations and where he took his vows of chastity. Little is left of the primitive sanctuary - the current complex is a wonderful example of contemporary Basque art. Enjoy a peaceful evening in the quiet of the Sanctuary complex.

⌂ Overnight: Hotel Santuario de Arantzazu (Arantzazu). 3 star hotel. Located high in the peaceful Aizkorri mountain range, this comfortable hotel lies in the heart of the Sanctuary.

Day 5: Monday May 5, 2014. Stage: Arantazazu - Araia (18.3 km). Overnight: Egino We’ll warm up our legs with a climb out of Arantzazu (to a mountain pass at 1180m), followed by a sharp drop to Araia. You are now walking in the verdantly green Aizkorri- Aratz National Park, home to the highest peaks of the watershed between Cantabria and the Mediterranean. Part of the trail today joins up with the Camino de Santiago Vasco (the Basque Way to Santiago), which comes from the San Adrian Tunnel. After connecting with the Camino de Santiago, continue to the small village of Araia. Transfer by coach to Casa de Espiritualidad Haitzur in Egino (6 km).

⌂ Overnight: Casa de Espiritualidad Haitzur (Egino). Spiritual Retreat House run by the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy.

Day 6: Tuesday May 6, 2014. Stage: Araia - Alda (21.5 km). Overnight: Alda After breakfast, travel back to Araia by coach to commence your day’s walk. Today we’ll cross the valley that connects the cities Vitoria and Pamplona, and ascend to the Entzia Mountains (the more western part of the Urbian and Andia massifs). From the mountain pass of Entzia enjoy spectacular views as you descend into the picturesque Arana valley and Alda (at 816 m altitude), a quaint, and traditional Basque village.

⌂ Overnight: Casa Rural Biltegi (Alda). Rural Inn. A simple family-run guesthouse in the mountain village of Alda. Enjoy hearty local Basque cuisine at dinner.

Day 7: Wednesday May 7, 2014. Stage: Lapoblacion - Laguardia (18 km). Overnight: Laguardia A morning coach transfer will take you from Alda to Lapoblacion to commence your next stage of the Camino Ignaciano (you’ll be walking into Laguardia today). En route you’ll leave behind the challenging, yet beautiful mountains and head towards the vineyards and farmlands of La Rioja.

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Walk to the door of your hotel in picturesque Laguardia where we will stay for two nights. This charming and historic walled town is built upon an intricate system of underground “caves” or cellars, excavated under the houses and streets.

⌂ Overnight: Hotel Villa de Laguardia (Laguardia). 4 star hotel. Set amongst the vineyards in Laguardia, this modern wine hotel features a swimming pool, terrace and garden – all perfect for relaxing after a long day of walking!

Day 8: Thursday May 8, 2014. Stage: Rest Day - . Overnight: Laguardia Enjoy a rest day in Laguardia. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets, perhaps explore one of the underground wine cellars and visit the lovely Romanesque 12th century Church of Santa María de los Reyes for some personal reflection and prayer. ⌂ Overnight: Hotel Villa de Laguardia (Laguardia). 4 star hotel.

Day 9: Friday May 9, 2014. Stage: Laguardia - Navarrete (17.3 km). Overnight: Navarrete Farewell Laguardia and continue your pilgrimage. Traversing vineyards and fertile farmlands, you’ll cross the Ebro River ('s most important and most voluminous river), en route to Navarrete.

Strategically built on a hill, the houses with their coats of arms show the importance of Navarrete. In 1482 the Catholic Monarchs granted the noble title of Duke of Najera to the father of Duke Antonio Manrique de Lara (also viceroy of Navarre from 1515 to 1535), who knew Ignacio de Loyola very well. (It is known that Ignacio came to the Duke’s palace in Navarrete to settle an outstanding account with him when he was on his way to Montserrat).

As you enter Navarrete you will also start to see other pilgrims, all clad with backpacks, walking sticks, and the scallop shell symbol. These pilgrims (walking in the opposite direction to you) are on the “Camino Frances” (the French Camino) to Santiago de Compostela. Continue to Logroño, the lively capital of the Rioja region, and where we will stay for two nights.

⌂ Overnight: Albergue El Cantaro (Navarrete). 1 star hostel.

Day 10: Saturday May 10, 2014. Stage: Navarrete – Logroño (13 km). Overnight: Logroño Another walking stage through the vineyard landscape of the La Rioja region. Your destination today is Logroño, the capital city of the autonomous region of La Rioja. There’s plenty to see in monumental Logroño, including the 16th century Cathedral of “La Redonda” with its two Baroque towers called “Las Gemelas” (the twins).

⌂ Overnight: Albergue El Cantaro (Navarrete). 1 star hostel.

Day 11: Sunday May 11, 2014. Stage: Agoncillo – Alcanadre (16.7 km). Overnight: Calahorra

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After breakfast, a morning coach transfer will take you to Agoncillo. En route to Alcanadre you’ll pass through several small towns and villages located on – or close to – the mighty Ebro river, and past vineyards and olive groves. The name of Alcanadre is Arabic in origin: Al-Cana-Dre, referring to the “bridges” or “arches” of an old bridge over the Ebro River, whose ruins are near the town. The 16th century church of Santa María preserves a lovely Romanesque image, while the remains of a 1st century Roman aqueduct can also be seen. After all pilgrims arrive in Alcanadre, a coach will transfer you to your lodgings in Calahorra.

⌂ Overnight: Hotel Cuidad de Calahorra (Calahorra). 2 star hotel. A small, tranquil hotel situated in the centre of Calahorra. Featuring simple, classically decorated rooms; personalized service and a good restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.

Day 12: Monday May 12, 2014. Stage: Alfaro - Tudela (24.6 km). Overnight: Tudela After breakfast, a coach transfer will take you back to Alfaro to commence today’s walk. Farewell Alfaro and enter Castejón, an important railroad junction (the city has a museum dedicated to railroads). The modern church of St. Francis Xavier here reminds us that we are now in Navarra, the kingdom in which the Jesuit saint left a profound mark (as noted by the many churches dedicated to him).

Continue along a trail that runs close to the Ebro River at times, until arriving in Tudela (with a population of 30,000). Founded in 802, Tudela is one of the most important cities of Muslim origin in Spain and Europe. For more than 400 years, Muslims, Jews and Mozarabs coexisted, making the city a cultural melting-pot which is reflected in its historic buildings, winding streets, alleyways, walls and watchtowers. The architectural gem of the city is the 12th century Cathedral of Santa Maria, built over the remains of an old mosque. It features a beautiful doorway, Romanesque cloister, and light-filled Gothic central nave. Be sure to visit the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, staffed by Jesuit fathers who will be happy to stamp your pilgrims’ credentials.

⌂ Overnight: Hotel Tudela Bárdenas (Tudela) 3 star hotel. A modern and elegantly decorated hotel located in the main street of Tudela; close to the main monuments and shopping area.

Day 13: Tuesday May 13, 2014. Stage: Gallur – Alagón (21.2 km). Overnight: Zaragoza Morning transfer to Gallur. A short walking stage today, mainly along hard-packed dirt farming tracks. Your Camino passes through Luceni, a small town with an ancient Roman presence (excavations of the first settlements have unearthed coins and medals from the time of 2nd century AD emperor Antonius Pius). According to historians, it was on the outskirts of Luceni where Ignatius debated about whether or not to kill a Muslim with whom he had had an argument (his life was spared).

Your destination is Alagón. Don’t miss the church of St. Peter the Apostle. The church (situated on the site of the former mosque) is well worth a visit, especially for its main 16th

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century altar. In the old part of town there is also a former college of the , beside the church of St. Anthony of Padua.

After all pilgrims arrive in Alagón, a coach will transfer you to your hotel in Zaragoza.

⌂ Overnight: Hotel Sauce (Zaragoza). 2 star hotel. Boasting a privileged location (in the historic centre of the city) and 40 smart rooms, this charming hotel is situated a mere 100 m from the Basilica del Pilar. Renowned for the friendly and attentive staff.

Day 14: Wednesday May 14, 2014. Stage: Rest Day - . Overnight: Zaragoza The rest day in Zaragoza affords the opportunity to have clothes cleaned, stock up on snack supplies, make use of facilities such as the post office, and to visit one (or several) of the many places of worship in the city.

⌂ Overnight: Hotel Sauce (Zaragoza). 2 star hotel.

Day 15: Thursday May 15, 2014. Stage: El Burgo De Ebro - Pina De Ebro (23 km). Overnight: Pina De Ebro Farewell Zaragoza and travel by bus out of the city and into the countryside. Abandon El Burgo de Ebro and - accompanied by the river Ebro on you left side - continue walking through arid landscape en route to Fuentes de Ebro.

In Fuentes de Ebro, don’t miss the church, dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, with a beautiful 18th century Eucharistic monument to Holy Thursday in the chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Walk to the door of your inn in the small village of Pina De Ebro.

⌂ Overnight: Pension Los valles (Pina De Ebro). 2 star hostel. A clean and humble hostel in the village of Pina de Ebro.

Day 16: Friday May 16, 2014. Stage: Pina De Ebro - Venta De Santa Lucia (18 km). Overnight: Bujaraloz Say goodbye today to your recent companion - the Ebro River - and the Camino de Santiago del Ebro. The Ignatian Way will now follow the Camino Real (Royal Road) that took Iñigo de Loyola as a pilgrim to the monastery of Montserrat, and which is the same as the Camino de Santiago Catalán, but in the opposite direction (As has been usual in your pilgrimage, you will be going “against the current.”) Soon after, you’ll enter the barren Monegros landscape, named so for the black-looking hills you’ll see in the distance along your journey. Los Monegros are the closest thing to desert landscape to be found anywhere in Europe. The region is scorching hot during the summer and subject to brutal windstorms during the winter. There is little shade from trees here, though the landscape possesses its own barren and rugged beauty. Be sure to

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carry plenty of water with you. After your walk finishes en Venta de Santa Lucia, a coach transfer will take you to your hostel in Bujaraloz.

⌂ Overnight: Hostal El Español (Bujaraloz). 2 star hostel. A simple and efficiently-managed modern hostel in the village of Bujaraloz. Featuring modest rooms, a friendly service and simple cuisine.

Day 17: Saturday May 17, 2014. Stage: Bujaraloz – Candasnos (20.2 km). Overnight: Fraga Another walking stage through the stark landscape of the Monegros region, without trees nor shade. You’ll be close to the N-II road today, tracing the Camino Ignaciano along flat terrain. Half-way along you’ll arrive in the village of Peñalba. Your destination is Candasnos, another small village with a population of around 500 people. The Romanesque church of St. Mary of the Assumption, dates back to the 12th century (you can still see the stonemasons’ individual marks on the cut stones, dating back to that time). After the group has all arrived in Candasnos, transfer by coach to your hotel in Fraga.

⌂ Overnight: Hotel Casanova Huesca (Fraga) 3 star hotel. A recently-renovated, large and modern hotel situated in the commercial centre of Fraga. Featuring a restaurant and cafeteria, and comfortable guestrooms.

Day 18: Sunday May 18, 2014. Stage: P.I. Les Planes – Lleida (17 km). Overnight: Lleida After breakfast, a coach transfer will drop you away from the busy roads at the industrial area of Les Planes to commence today’s walk. Your destination today is the city of Lleida. Follow a long stretch of the Camino Ignaciano through the outlying industrial outskirts of Lleida (often within sight of the busy A-2 highway) and finally, alongside the River Segre and into the city. Lleida is an important regional centre within the region of Cataluña and famous for its agricultural produce and textile industry. Of Iberian origins, the city (which was well known to the Romans who baptized it “Ilerda”) was under Muslim rule for four centuries. It was later conquered by Count Ramon Berenguer in the middle of the twelfth century. After dinner, we recommend you enjoy a stroll around the city’s lovely historic quarter. ⌂ Overnight: Hotel Catalonia Transit (Lleida) 3 star hotel. Located in central Lleida, in the Plaza Berenguer IV, this interesting hotel is housed within a modernist building (train station). The hotel offers functional, simply-designed guestrooms.

Day 19: Monday May 19, 2014. Stage: Lleida - Palau D'Anglesola (24 km). Overnight: Lleida Depart Lleida and continue your pilgrimage towards Manresa (every day that little bit closer!), leaving behind the big city and entering the countryside once more. Following the footsteps of St. Ignatius, your destination is Palau D'Anglesola, a small village with a 12th century church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Once the group has all arrived in Palau D'Anglesola, transfer back to your hotel in Lleida.

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⌂ Overnight: Hotel Catalonia Transit (Lleida) 3 star hotel.

Day 20: Tuesday May 20, 2014. Stage: Palau D'Anglesola – Verdú (25 km). Overnight: Verdú A coach transfer will take you back to Palau D'Anglesola from where you’ll commence a long day of walking (take plenty of water), along farmland roads. Your destination is Verdú, a small village with great significance for the Society of Jesus in Cataluña, as it is here that early Jesuit Saint Pierre (Peter) Claver was born and raised. He would later become known as the “holy defender of the black slaves” in the port of Cartagena de Indias (Colombia).

The most important religious monument in Verdú is the 13th century parish church of Santa Maria, with its Romanesque portal. Inside are the 15th century Gothic sculptures of the Virgin, in polychrome stone, and that of Saint Flavia, patron saint of the town. Beside the church stands the 12th century castle, around which the community developed. In the restaurants, bars and shops of the town, you are also likely to spot the local ceramics produced here - notable for their distinctive black colour.

⌂ Overnight: Refugio de Peregrinos de Sant Pere Claver. This welcoming refuge for pilgrims opened its doors in April 2013.

Day 21: Wednesday May 21, 2014. Stage: Rest Day - . Overnight: Verdú Enjoy a day of silence and meditation to recover and restore your energy. ⌂ Overnight: Refugio de Peregrinos de Sant Pere Claver.

Day 22: Thursday May 22, 2014. Stage: Verdú – Cervera (16 km). Overnight: Cervera Depart Verdú and commence the next walking stage (this is a short one!) The distance is short and terrain easy to follow, as you walk through Tàrrega and onwards to Cervera. Traces of the towns’ 18th century splendour can still be seen in its buildings and old city walls. In the impressive main square stand several aristocratic buildings dating back to the 17th century, in addition to the Church of Santa Maria. ⌂ Overnight: Hostel Bonavista. 3 star hostel. Comfortable and beautifully restored old inn, from its terrace you can admire the towers of the 18th century University of Cervera.

Day 23: Friday May 23, 2014. Stage: Cervera - Santa Maria Del Cami (22.4 km). Overnight: Jorba En route to Santa Maria Del Cami, you will pass a few small villages where you can buy refreshments and pause for a rest. In one of them (Pallerols), you’ll find a beautiful 12th century Romanesque church dedicated to Saint James (Sant Jaume de Pallerols). We continue to walk along the Camino Catalan, but in the opposite direction to those pilgrims walking towards Santiago de Compostela. The stage today ends in the samall village of Santa Maria Del Camíno from where you will be transfer to

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⌂ Overnight: Jorba Pilgrims refuge. The hospitable village priest runs the village’s pilgrim refuge.

Day 24: Saturday May 24, 2014. Stage: Castelloli – Montserrat (17.3 km). Overnight: Montserrat After breakfast, transfer by coach to the small village of Castelloli where you will start today’s walk. Following in the footsteps of St. Ignatius, march through picturesque countryside to the Benedictine Royal Basilica of Montserrat. This is a difficult stage with some steep sections. Along the way, however, you’ll enjoy the craggy mountain scenery of the Montserrat Mountain which rises majestically up to 1,235 metres. The bizarre rock formations in Montserrat create a unique universe in stone, and the landscape and views are breathtaking.

The Monastery complex has been one of Spain's most important pilgrimage sites for hundreds of years, due to its famous 12th century Romanesque wooden carving of the revered Virgen Moreneta, the “Black Virgin”.

The history of Montserrat dates to the 9th century, when a small group of shepherd children saw a bright light descending from the sky in the Montserrat Mountains. Montserrat was an important stop on the pilgrimage for St. Ignatius, and it is said that he experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus while at the shrine.

The cave chapel known as “Santa Cova” is where (according to legend) the Virgin Mary was seen by the shepherds. After Mass at the Basilica we may be lucky enough to enjoy a performance of L’Escolania; Europe's oldest boys' choir and one of its finest, based here in the Monastery.

⌂ Overnight: Hotel Abat Cisneros (Montserrat). 3 star hotel. Housed within a converted monastery building that has welcomed pilgrims since the 16th century, the hotel is situated in the heart of the Sanctuary of Montserrat, adjacent to the Basilica.

Day 25: Sunday May 25, 2014. Stage: Rest Day - . Overnight: Montserrat Enjoy a day of silence and meditation at the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.Today you will have an opportunity to participate more fully in the life of the monastery. Prayer sets the rhythm for the monastery day. The day begins and ends in prayer. Every day, in addition to celebrating the Eucharist, the monks meet five times to pray (the liturgy of the hours). They also have time for private prayer and for reading the Bible and other spiritual works. All this helps create an atmosphere of prayer throughout the day. Also, from the plaza in front of the monastery, you can take 2 Funiculars. The Funicular of Sant Joan carries visitors up to the mountains above the monastery. There are several walking paths of different lengths and spectacular scenic beauty. The Funicular of Santa Cova carries visitors down to the sacred cove where the original sacred statue of the Black

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Virgin, supposedly carved by Saint Luke, was found in 890. The iron railings around the cove were designed by Gaudi. ⌂ Overnight: Hotel Abat Cisneros (Montserrat). 3 star hotel

Day 26: Monday May 26, 2014. Stage: Montserrat – Manresa (23.5 km). Overnight: Manresa Savour each kilometre on this final and very special stage, as you descend the mountainous terrain from Montserrat to Manresa (though there is a final ascent up into the city). On March 25th, 1522, walked from Montserrat to Manresa, where he would live for the next eleven months. His stay - far longer than he had foreseen - is of great relevance in the autobiography and in the deeds of the Saint. His favourite place to pray was the Cave; a natural grotto facing Montserrat and over which the Church, the Jesuit Residence and the Retreat House are built. His experiences here would flourish and bear its fruit in his spiritual masterpiece; the Spiritual Exercises.

⌂ Overnight: Urbi Apartments (Manresa). This centrally located 18th century apartment building is only 100 meters away from the Centro de Espiritualidad de la Cueva de San Ignacio. It comprises 54 comfortable and fully equipped apartments.

Day 27: Tuesday May 27, 2014. Stage: None - . Overnight: Manresa Spend the morning in prayer and reflection, and discover the Manresa of Saint Ignatius. Don’t miss the Gothic Cathedral, its several Baroque churches and interesting modernist buildings. Be sure to also to take your credentials to receive their final stamp, and to pick up your “Ignaciano”, your official certificate of completion. ⌂ Overnight: Urbi Apartments (Manresa). Day 28: Wednesday May 28, 2014. Stage: Manresa - Barcelona. Overnight: Barcelona After breakfast, transfer by coach to your centrally located hotel in Barcelona (1 hour). In the afternoon, a local guide will meet you in the lobby to commence a fascinating walking tour of the Barcelona of Saint Ignatius. You’ll explore Barcelona’s medieval nucleus, built originally on the Roman City of Barcino. There are many landmark buildings in this historic neighborhood, including the Gothic Cathedral, the church of Santa Maria del Mar, and the Basílica dels Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor. ⌂ Overnight: TBA. 3 star hotel (Barcelona). Day 29: Thursday May 29, 2014. Stage: None - . Overnight: Barcelona Enjoy a free day for more sightseeing or perhaps shopping; the city boasts excellent shopping, including top quality shoes, clothes, leather, perfumes, artisan ceramics and glassware, olive wood, and the best gourmet products that Spain has to offer (virgin olive oils, wine vinegars, saffron, smoked paprika, etc).

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Don’t miss the “La Sagrada Familia” (Church of the Holy Family), the half-finished church complex that became the obsession of Barcelona's famously eccentric architectural genius, Antoni Gaudí. It is the most recognizable symbol of Barcelona. Gaudi worked on the church for over 40 years, and because of the complexity of the design, it is not expected to be completed until 2020. Dinner on your own tonight. ⌂ Overnight: TBA. 3 start hotel (Barcelona). Day 30: Friday May 30, 2014. Stage: None - . Overnight: Departure After breakfast, transfer to Barcelona’s airport for your onward flight to Australia.