alking with Inigo — the Ignatian Camino WW ITINERARY Day 1: Saturday 31st August Depart Australia Depart from Melbourne this evening aboard your Emirates flight to Dubai. On arrival, transfer to your connecting flight to Barcelona. Day 2: Sunday 1st September Arrive Barcelona After arriving at Barcelona’s airport, a private coach transfer will take you to your centrally located hotel.We suggest you explore Barcelona’s medieval nucleus (Cuitat Vella), built originally on the Roman City of Barcino. Barcelona’s majestic Gothic Cathedral is based in the old town and around the Cathedral you'll see many fine examples of Gothic architecture and Roman walls. 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. Reunite together for dinner this evening. Overnight: Hotel Carlit (Barcelona). 3 star hotel A comfortable and convenient hotel, located in the heart of the Eixample district, and only a 500 m stroll from Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The classic façade of the building houses a modern and elegantly-decorated 1 Day 3: Monday 2nd September Barcelona – San Sebastián – Loyola Coach transfer from the hotel to Barcelona airport. Upon arrival at San Sebastian airport, transfer (1¼ hours) to 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 Pamplona 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 Arupe beautifully combines traditional heritage with modern amenities. Day 4: Tuesday 3rd September Loyola - Zumárraga (17.5 km) 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 5: Wednesday 4th September Zumárraga – Arantzazu (19.2 km) Continue along the valley, until commencing a sustained climb from the village of Brinkola up to the Franciscan Sanctuary of the Virgin of Arantzazu. 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. NOTE: During our stay, the Sanctuary celebrates a Novena dedicated to the Virgin of Arantzazu; a wonderful time to join in the festivities. 2 Day 6: Thursday 5th September Arantzazu – Araia (17.7 km) We’ll warm up our legs with a climb out of Arantzazu (to a mountain pass at 1180 m), 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 Adrián Tunnel. After connecting with the Camino de Santiago, continue to the small village of Araia. Return by coach to the hotel in Arantzazu. 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. NOTE: During our stay, the Sanctuary celebrates a Novena dedicated to the Virgin of Arantzazu; a wonderful time to join in the festivities. Day 7: Friday 6th September Araia – Alda (21.5 km) Farewell the tranquil Franciscan sanctuary of Arantzazu, and 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. The group will be lodged between the two rustic properties owned by this hospitable family.Enjoy hearty local Basque cuisine at dinner. Day 8: Saturday 7th September Alda – Genevilla (17.9 km) From Alda you’ll descend to San Vicente de Arana, where the trail runs parallel to the quiet paved road to the village of Santa Cruz. At the crossroads at the entry to Santa Cruz, you might decide to make the 2 km detour to visit the river swimming pool for a refreshing dip! Alternatively, continue directly to Genevilla along a well-marked dirt road. Coach transfer from Genevilla to your hotel in Laguardia. You are now in a region called La Rioja Alavesa. If there's a wine that embodies Spain, it's “Rioja”. Intense and seductive, the wines from this region in the north of Spain have been prized since the Middle Ages, when medieval pilgrims drank it en route to Santiago de Compostela. Vines are heaving with grapes right now, as the vendemia (annual harvest) is about to commence. 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 9: Sunday 8th September Genevilla – Laguardia (27 km) A morning coach transfer will take you from Laguardia back to Genevilla 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. Walk to the door of your hotel (for your second night) in picturesque Laguardia. This charming and historic walled town is built upon an intricate system of underground “caves” or cellars, excavated under the houses and streets. Enjoy an early evening walk through the narrow cobbled streets, perhaps explore one of the underground wine cellars and visit the lovely 3 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 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 10: Monday 9th September Laguardia – Navarrete - Logroño (30.3 km) Farewell Laguardia and embark upon your longest walking day yet (though thankfully the terrain is gently rolling, presenting no great difficulty. Traversing vineyards and fertile farmlands, you’ll cross the Ebro River (Spain'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.