BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//XirCammini - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:XirCammini X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://xircammini.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for XirCammini REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Malta BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20230326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20231029T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260714 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260721 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250817T153737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T193107Z UID:7292-1783987200-1784591999@xircammini.org SUMMARY:A Different Scotland DESCRIPTION:Highland\, Coastal & Medieval Scotland (20260713R\, Level: Mod) Meeting Place: 2 hours before the flight at the airport. \n \nA Highland and Coastal Scotland\nFollow this link to register for the event \n   \nOur Camino\, stretching from outside the vibrant city of Aberdeen (Cove Bay) to the historic Arbroath Abbey (once dedicated to St. Thomas Becket) offers an unparalleled journey through the heart of Scotland’s stunning northeastern coastline. This captivating camino blends spiritual reflection with an immersive experience of raw natural beauty\, ancient history\, and charming coastal life. Imagine embarking on a path where every turn reveals a new vista: dramatic cliffs plunging into the North Sea\, picturesque fishing villages with their colourful boats bobbing in the harbours or resting on their sides in low tide\, and the haunting silhouettes of centuries-old castles standing sentinel against the elements. This route is not merely a walk; it’s a historical narrative etched into the landscape\, and a spiritual awakening for those who seek it. The crisp air and the scent of salt and heather\, the sounds are a symphony of crashing waves\, or pitter-patter of light rain\, the cries of seabirds\, and the gentle murmur of Scottish accents constantly engage the senses\, promising an unforgettable adventure for pilgrims and hikers alike. \nThis coastal walk is a relatively new\, yet rapidly gaining recognition\, long-distance walking route inspired by ancient pilgrimage paths such as St Ducthac’s\, St. Columba’s and the pilgrimage from the Northeast of Scotland to Abroath Abbey and onward to St. Andrews. While the traditional St. Duthac pilgrimage route historically led to Tain\, this coastal iteration offers a distinct and equally enriching experience. We will begin our journey in Aberdeen Cove Bay\, outside the ancient city renowned for its granite architecture and bustling harbour\, and then winds our way south along the Aberdeenshire and Angus coastlines. The path meanders through a diverse tapestry of landscapes\, from the rugged cliffs of the Aberdeenshire Coastal Path to the sandy beaches and fertile farmlands of Angus\,  promising raw and outstanding natural beauty. \nFlight details \nFor those joining us from Malta\, the suggested flights are: \nMalta to Glasgow FR3744 ( 05:45 – 08:40) on 14th July\, returning to Malta on 20th July from Edinburgh to Malta FR6695 (06:05 – 10:55) \nFor those intending to join us from overseas\, we can meet at either the airport or the appointed accommodation in Scotland. \nNote: XirCammini is a membership-based Camino/hiking association and not a travel agency. Hence\, XirCammini does not book flights. Where applicable\, XirCammini engages Walk.mt Ltd or other licensed travel operators for licensed incoming/outgoing travel agency requirements. \nPrice | Deposit \nApplicants will receive an invoice with the price payable in two instalments (deposit and balance) with dates indicated on the invoice.  The price of this trip covers local airport transfer/transport and daily baggage transfers in the United Kingdom and accommodation on a shared\, twin-room B&B basis (single supplement can be quoted if requested). The price also includes extensive local training\, an information session\, and a trek leader. \nPrice: €995 (Non-refundable deposit: €295) \nFollow this link to register for the event URL:https://xircammini.org/event/a-different-scotland/ LOCATION:Airport\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250802_091457-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260707 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260713 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250817T153228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T184043Z UID:7290-1783382400-1783900799@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Canterbury Camino\, Kent\, UK FULLY BOOKED DESCRIPTION:A 4-day Camino from Rochester to Canterbury + free morning in Canterbury. (202600707R\, Level: Easy/Mod) Meeting Place: 2 hours before the flight at the airport \nChaucer and Dickens on the Canterbury Camino\nFollow this link to register for the event FULLY BOOKED | SORRY \nEmbark on a journey of literary\, historic and spiritual significance between Rochester (home to Charles Dickens) and Canterbury in the footsteps of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in Kent\, the Garden of England. \n \n \nIntriguing historic and religious personalities include St Augustine of Britain\, King John\, Thomas Becket\, John Fisher\, Thomas Moore\, the Holy Maid of Kent\, Christopher Marlowe and the setting for some of William Shakespeare’s plays\, such as King Lear and Henry V. So much of this comes alive during our Camino in Kent. \n \nThe Camino is less than 100km long and is from the Cathedral of Rochester (England’s second oldest Cathedral) to Canterbury Cathedral (England’s oldest Cathedral). \nFlight details \nApplicants are to book their own flights. These are the suggested flights: \n\nTuesday 7th July 2026: Malta – London Heathrow KM100 07:05 – 09:45. This allows us sufficient time to visit Rochester at leisure on arrival in United Kingdom.\nSunday 12th July 2026: London Heathrow – Malta KM103 20:30 – 00:50 (+1). This allows us a day (between our arrival the day before and the whole morning after) to visit enjoy Canterbury.\n\nNote: XirCammini is a membership-based Camino/hiking association and not a travel agency. Hence\, XirCammini does not book flights. Where applicable\, XirCammini engages Walk.mt Ltd or other licensed travel operators for licensed incoming/outgoing travel agency requirements. \nPrice | Deposit \nApplicants will receive an invoice with the price payable in two instalments (deposit and balance) with dates indicated on the invoice.  The price of this trip covers local airport transfer/transport and daily baggage transfers in the United Kingdom and accommodation on a shared\, twin-room B&B basis (single supplement can be quoted if requested). The price also includes extensive local training\, an information session\, and a trek leader. \nPrice: €975 (Non-refundable deposit: €275) \nFollow this link to register for the event FULLY BOOKED URL:https://xircammini.org/event/canterbury-camino-kent-uk/ LOCATION:Airport\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250721_151618-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260616 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260624 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250817T152404Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T114419Z UID:7286-1781568000-1782259199@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Kayaking on the Camino Portugues | Translatio Sancti Jacobi\, June 2026 DESCRIPTION:Redondela to Santiago de Compostela with Walking and Kayaking (20260615R\, Level: Mod) Meeting Place: 2 hours before the flight at the airport. \n \nCamino Portugués: Kayaking the Camino (Translatio Sancti Jacobi)\nFollow this link to register for the event \nEmbark on a profound spiritual journey\, on an interesting variant of the second most popular Camino de Santiago with XirCammini. \n1-week Redondela\, Galicia to Santiago de Compostela\, wth 4 days of walking and 2 days of which would be kayaking until we reach Santiago de Compostela. \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nWe start our Camino in Redondela\, walking for 2 days to Barrantes in Salnés Valley on the Camino Espiritual of the Camino Portugués de Santiago de Compostela. From there we kayak on Ría de Arousa (Arousa estuary) and up the River Ulla (Río Ulla) to reach Pontecesures. This maritime-fluvial route\, known as Traslatio\, follows the journey St. James’s remains traditionally believed to have taken to reach IIria Flavia (present day\, Padron). \nFlight details \nDeparture from Malta: 16th June 08:40 Malta Vueling VY8741 to Barcelona and VY1677 Barcelona to Santaigo de Compostela arrive in Santiago Airport at 16:10\nDeparture from Santiago de Compostela\, Spain: 23rd June 09:25 leaving Santiago airport VY1681 arriving in Barcelona and taking VY8742 to Malta arriving in Malta at 15:20 \nNote: XirCammini is a membership-based Camino/hiking association and not a travel agency. Hence\, XirCammini does not book flights. Where applicable\, XirCammini engages Walk.mt Ltd or other licensed travel operators for licensed incoming/outgoing travel agency requirements. \nPrice | Deposit \nApplicants will receive an invoice with the price payable in two instalments (deposit and balance) with dates indicated on the invoice.  The price of this trip covers local transport and daily baggage transfers in Spain and accommodation on a shared\, twin-room B&B basis (single supplement can be quoted if requested). The price including hiking training\, an information session\, and a trek-leader and the rental of kayaks\, A Camino Passport (Credencial) and assistance in obtaining the Compostela Certificate. \nPrice: €995 (Non-refundable deposit: €300) \nFollow this link to register for the event URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-portugues-trek-and-kayak/ LOCATION:Airport\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cover.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260416 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260422 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250817T150838Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T204045Z UID:7269-1776297600-1776815999@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Cammino di San Antioco (Sardegna) DESCRIPTION:(20260416R\, ) Meeting Place: 2 hours before the flight at the airport \nCammino di Sant’ Antioco\, Sardinia | The Moor that came from the sea!\nFollow this link to register for the event \nThe Cammino di Santu Jacu in Sardinia\, is a Camino route that traces its origins to Sant’Antioco\, the patron saint of Sardinia\, often referred to as “the holy Moor who came from the sea.”  This historical connection posits that Sant’ Antioco arrived in Cagliari\, the capital of Sardinia\, and then journeyed along the Central Axis to Porto Torres. From Porto Torres\, he is believed to have sailed towards Barcelona\, subsequently walking the Catalan-Aragonese Way to Logroño and then the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela.  The island of Sant’ Antioco\, historically known as Sulki\, located in the southwest of Sardinia\, has long served as a crucial Mediterranean port.  This port was historically used for exporting minerals and food\, resources that were exploited over centuries by various settlers and occupants\, leaving their mark since Punic times.   The historical link between Sardinia and Santiago de Compostela is further evidenced by tables dating back to 1466\, which is why the Cammino di Santu Jacu commences at the Basilica of Sant’ Antioco.  As XirCammini\, we limit our Camino to the island of Sant’ Antioco and the rich tapestry of cliffs\, beaches\, azure sea\, and tranquil skies that adorn this island. Our Camino is less than 100km long and we walk it during the week of the feast of Sant’ Antioco\, experiencing also the welcoming hospitality of Sardinians during this festive season of their Patron Saint. \n \n \nFlight details  \nFlight details: Tue 16th to the 21st April 2026 \n \nFlight cost not included in the price. \nNote: XirCammini is a membership-based Camino/hiking association and not a travel agency. Hence\, XirCammini does not book flights. Where applicable\, XirCammini engages Walk.mt Ltd or other licensed travel operators for licensed incoming/outgoing travel agency requirements. \n \nPrice | Deposit \nApplicants will receive an invoice with the price payable in two instalments (deposit and balance) with dates indicated on the invoice.  The price of this trip covers local transport and/or daily baggage transfers in Sardinia and accommodation on a shared\, twin-room B&B basis (single supplement can be quoted if requested). The price also covers a day at sea with fishermen\, weather permitting. Extensive\, local training\, an information session\, and a trek leader are also provided. \nPrice: €595. (Non-refundable deposit: €295) \nFollow this link to register for the event URL:https://xircammini.org/event/cammino-di-san-antioco-sardegna-3/ LOCATION:Airport\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250502_094544-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260406 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260420 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250817T150332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T191520Z UID:7265-1775433600-1776643199@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Via di San Francesco Rome to Assisi DESCRIPTION:A 12-day Camino on the footsteps of St Francis from Rome to Assisi (20260406R\, Level:Mod/Hard) Meeting Place: 2 hours before the flight at the airport \nVia di San Francesco (Via del Sud) | Rome to Assisi\nFollow this link to register for the event \nThe Via di San Francesco (Via del Sud) is a pilgrimage route in Italy\, inspired by the life and travels of St. Francis of Assisi\, connecting Rome and Assisi through Lazio and Umbria. It blends natural\, historical\, and spiritual sites\, ancient paths\, mule tracks\, and secondary roads\, offering a journey through diverse landscapes and sites connected with the life of St Francis. \n \nRoute Summary \nThe southern Way of St. Francis begins in Rome and ends in Assisi\, passing through Rieti\, Greccio\, Spello\, Foligno\, Trevi\, and Spoleto\, among other sites tied with the ministry of this humble saint. It is almost 260km long. The route retraces the steps of St. Francis\, who frequently travelled between Assisi and Rome\, passing through numerous Franciscan hermitages\, sanctuaries\, and churches. \nThe Way of St. Francis is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one\, offering opportunities for reflection and contemplation while traversing diverse natural landscapes\, including forests\, olive groves\, and rolling countryside. \nFlight details \nFlights: \n\nMonday 6th April 2026 FR1119 07:05 – 08:40  Malta – Rome Fiumicino. Basic Price as at 25th Nov: Eur 55.99\nSunday 19th April 2026 FR7113 15:20 – 16:50 Perugia – Malta. Basic Price as at 25th Nov: Eur 53.99\n\nIndicated dates: Tue 6th to 19th April 2026. \nNote: XirCammini is a membership-based Camino/hiking association and not a travel agency. Hence\, XirCammini does not book flights. Where applicable\, XirCammini engages Walk.mt Ltd or other licensed travel operators for licensed incoming/outgoing travel agency requirements. \nPrice | Deposit \nApplicants will receive an invoice with the price payable in three instalments (deposit\, 1st and 2nd instalment) with dates indicated on the invoice.  The price of this trip covers local transport and daily baggage transfers in Italy and accommodation on a shared\, twin-room B&B basis (single supplement can be quoted if requested). Price also includes extensive\, local training\, an information session\, and a trek leader. \nPrice: €1\,200. (Non-refundable deposit: €300) \nFollow this link to register for the event \n  \n  URL:https://xircammini.org/event/via-di-san-francesco-rome-to-assisi/ LOCATION:Airport\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250605_162815-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260406 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260414 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250817T145656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T114104Z UID:7264-1775433600-1776124799@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Kosovo & North Macedonia DESCRIPTION:Four seasons in 1 week of outdoor adventure\, history\, culture\, wine and food. (20260405R\, Level: Mod) Meeting Place: 2 hours before the flight at the airport \nBreathtaking Kosovo & North Macedonia\nFollow this link to register for the event \nKosovo\, independent since 2008 and Europe’s youngest nation\, presents a compelling narrative of resilience\, vibrant culture\, and breathtaking natural beauty\, making it an increasingly attractive destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences. Kosovo has steadily built its identity\, offering a unique blend of ancient history\, rich heritage\, and modern dynamism. Its strategic location in the heart of the Balkans\, coupled with a welcoming people\, positions Kosovo as a fascinating all-seasons country with something for every type of adventurer. From snow-capped peaks perfect for winter sports to sun-drenched vineyards producing exquisite wines\, and from bustling city centres to tranquil mountain trails\, UNESCO Heritage Christian Orthodox sites and Ottoman-era mosques and town centres\, Kosovo is a land of captivating contrasts and endless discovery. \nKosovar gastronomy is a delightful fusion of Balkan\, Ottoman\, and Mediterranean influences\, characterized by fresh\, locally sourced ingredients and hearty flavours.  While perhaps lesser known\, Kosovo’s viticulture is experiencing a renaissance\, particularly in the Rahovec (Orahovac) region. This area\, with its favourable climate and fertile soil\, has a long history of winemaking dating back to Roman times\, with local wineries producing increasingly high-quality wines\, primarily from indigenous grape varieties. \nWhile there\, we will also experience outdoor adventure\, including for example mountain hiking and snow-shoeing\, caving\, ziplining\, and/or via ferrata. \nThe trip includes one day in North Macedonia\, exploring Matka Canyon. \n \nFlight details \n\n6th April 23:05 arriving in Skopje 7th April at 00:45 W6 4766\n13th April 20:45 arriving in Malta 22:30 W6 4765\n\nBasic flight prices at the moment between Eur 40 – 50 per flight. \nDates: Monday 6th to the 13th April 2026. \nNote: XirCammini is a membership-based Camino/hiking association and not a travel agency. Hence\, XirCammini does not book flights. Where applicable\, XirCammini engages Walk.mt Ltd or other licensed travel operators for licensed incoming/outgoing travel agency requirements. \nPrice | Deposit \nApplicants will receive an invoice with the price payable in two instalments (deposit and balance) with dates indicated on the invoice.  The price of this trip covers local transport and daily baggage transfers in Kosovo and Macedonia and accommodation on a shared\, twin-room B&B basis (single supplement can be quoted if requested). Price also includes extensive\, local training\, an information session\, and a trek leader. \nPrice: €975. (Non-refundable deposit: €375) \nFollow this link to register for the event URL:https://xircammini.org/event/kosovo-north-macedonia/ LOCATION:Airport\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG-20250401-WA0048.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260329 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260406 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250817T122028Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T085127Z UID:7262-1774742400-1775433599@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Camino de Santiago de Mallorca DESCRIPTION:A Jacobean Camino that then connects with Via de la Lana on the Spanish mainland. (20260331R\, Level: Mod) Meeting Place: 2 hours before the flight at the airport \nFollow this link to register for the event. \nThe Mallorcan Way of St. James\, begins at the Lluc Sanctuary (Santuari de Lluc). This monastery is nestled within the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range\, which is the most significant massif on Mallorca. Consequently\, the starting elevation for this journey is approximately 400 meters above sea level. The Virgin of Lluc holds the esteemed title of patron saint of Mallorca\, making the sanctuary one of the island’s most vital religious sites. This spiritual significance is further enhanced by a botanical garden on the premises\, showcasing over 200 distinct plant species native to the Balearic Islands. Thus\, the very essence of nature serves as the initial point of this pilgrimage. The Camino is > 70km long. \nThe path is steeped in Catholic devotion and tales of miracles\, with its very stones narrating the history of Mallorca\, the largest of the Balearic Islands. By the close of the 14th century\, seven stone crosses were erected along the route\, each symbolizing one of the seven miracles attributed to the Virgin and Patron Saint of Mallorca on the island. Tradition holds that a shepherd boy discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary in a cave near the present-day sanctuary in the 13th century. This discovery led to the establishment of the hermitage and later\, the monastery\, which has since become a focal point for pilgrimage and spiritual reflection. The Serra de Tramuntana\, where Lluc is situated\, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011\, recognized for its cultural landscape and the harmonious integration of human activity with the natural environment\, further underscoring the importance of the Lluc Sanctuary as a cultural and historical landmark. \nFlight details \n\nSunday\, 29th March@ 18:05 to 20:10 FR8888 Malta – Palma de Mallorca\nSunday\, 5th April@ 20:45 to 22:50 FR8888 Palma de Mallorca – Malta\n\nIndicated dates: Sunday\, 29th March to Sunday\, 5th April 2026. \nNote: XirCammini is a membership-based Camino/hiking association and not a travel agency. Hence\, XirCammini does not book flights. Where applicable\, XirCammini engages Walk.mt Ltd or other licensed travel operators for licensed incoming/outgoing travel agency requirements. \nPrice | Deposit \nApplicants will receive an invoice with the price payable in two instalments (deposit and balance) with dates indicated on the invoice.  The price of this trip includes local transport and/or daily baggage transfers in Mallorca\, and accommodation on a shared\, twin-room bed-and-breakfast basis (a single supplement can be quoted if requested). Price also includes extensive\, local training\, an information session\, and a trek leader. \nPrice: €775. (Non-refundable deposit: €325) \nFollow this link to register for the event \n  \n  URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-de-santiago-de-mallorca/ LOCATION:Airport\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Di-Ralf-Roletschek-Opera-propria-GFDL-1.2-httpscommons.wikimedia.orgwindex.phpcurid74157608.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260209 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260217 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250817T115724Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T183402Z UID:7248-1770595200-1771286399@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Caminho de Fatima (registration required) DESCRIPTION:Caminho de Fátima: A Pilgrimage Along the Tagus\n\n\n\nPlease follow this link to register for the event. \nTwo testimonies from previous pilgrims on this Camino with XirCammini:  \n\nhttps://xircammini.org/news/caminho-de-fatima-ruta-de-tejo/\nhttps://xircammini.org/news/caminho-de-fatima-ruta-de-tejo-2/ \n\nEmbark on a profound spiritual journey along the Caminho de Fátima\, a revered Marian pilgrimage route in Portugal that draws millions annually. This particular path\, known as the Caminho do Tejo\, traces the majestic Tagus River (Rio Tejo) from the historic Cathedral Sé in Lisbon to the sacred Cova da Iria in Fátima. Pilgrims will experience the diverse Portuguese landscape\, traversing challenging uphill climbs and serene descents into the valleys of the Aire and Candeiros Mountains\, with the intermittent companionship of the Rio Tejo. \n\n\n\nThe Rio Tejo\, a vital artery of the Iberian Peninsula\, originates at Fuente García\, at an elevation of less than 1\,600 meters above sea level\, and finally flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The Tejo River plains are renowned for their exceptional red wines\, with the Tejo region holding the distinction of being Portugal’s oldest wine-producing region. This Caminho de Fátima offers more than just a spiritual quest; it provides an opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Lisbon on the afternoon of arrival and to savour the rich flavours of typical Portuguese cuisine and renowned wines throughout the journey. \n\n\n\nThe Cova da Iria\, a tranquil basin nestled in the central region of Portugal\, specifically in the Santarém district\, holds profound significance as the site of the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima. It was here\, between May and October of 1917\, that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three young shepherd children: Lúcia dos Santos\, Francisco Marto\, and Jacinta Marto. During these apparitions\, Mary identified herself as the “Lady of the Rosary” and imparted messages to the children. These messages included what became known as the “three secrets of Fátima.” The last secret is especially relevant today and talks about the consecration of Russia to her as a means to achieve world peace and prevent further global calamity. \n \n\n\n\nFlight details\n\n\n\nFlights:  \nMalta – Lisbon: 9th February 2026: FR9654 14:15 to 16:25. Indicative basic price as at 25th Nov: 43 \nLisbon Malta: 16th February 2026: FR9655 17:05 to 21:15. Indicative basic price as at 25th Nov: 35. \n\n\n\nPrice | Deposit\n\n\n\nApplicants will receive an invoice with the price payable in two instalments (deposit and balance) with dates indicated on the invoice. The price of this trip covers local transport and daily baggage transfers in Portugal and accommodation on a shared\, twin-room B&B basis (single supplement can be quoted if requested). The price also includes extensive\, local training\, an information session\, and a trek leader but excludes the flight. \n\n\n\nPrice: €745. (Non-refundable deposit: €245) \n\n(20260207R\, Level: Easy / Mod) Meeting Place: 2 hours before flight at the airport \nPlease follow this link to register for the event. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/caminho-do-fatima-registration-required/ LOCATION:Airport\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Slide1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251025 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251102 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250314T223715Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250701T142813Z UID:6488-1761350400-1762041599@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia | 2nd segment of Camino Maltes DESCRIPTION:The Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia is the 2nd segment of the Camino Maltés de Santiago de Compostela and takes us from Caltagirone (Citta’ Jacopea to Sanctuary of St. James in Capizzi). \nFlight Details\nWe fly to Sicily on 25th October 2025 and transfer from the airport to Caltagirone\, a World Heritage city. Flights are to be purchased separately by the persons joining this Camino. They are not covered in the contribution below. \n\nOctober 25th: FR367 12:05 – 12:50 Malta – Catania\nNovember 1st FR396 13:35 – 14:25 Catania – Malta\n\nTo register\, please follow this link and pay the deposit of Euros 275 \nCaltagitone | Citta Jacopea\n \nCaltagirone is the Citta Jacopea and the start of the Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia. Etymologically\, the name Caltagirone is derived from Arabic qalʿat al-jirār (قلعة الجرار) meaning \,castle of pottery jars’ underlining how far back the pottery tradition goes in this town. Numerous archaeological finds date back to the 2nd millennium BC. In 1030 Arabs built a castle in Caltagirone to fend off attacks by the Byzantine general George Maniakes accompanied by Ligurian allies.  Traces of Ligurian language still exist in the local dialect. \nThe main attractions of the city are the 142-step monumental Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte\, built from 1608 in the old part of the town and the Church of St James the Elder. \nWe will commence the Camino di San Giacomo from the church of St. James and our itinerary over the following days is as follows: \nDay 1 of walking: Caltagirone – San Michele Ganzaria – Mirabella Mbaccari. Distance: 19km with approximate altitude differences of + 260 m/ – 300 m. Level: Easy to Moderate. \nDay 2 of walking: Mirabella Mbaccari – Piazza Armerina. Distance: 21km with approximate altitude differences of + 500 m/ – 300 m. Level: Moderate. \nDay 3 of walking: Piazza Armerina – Valguarnera Caro Pepe. Distance: 19km with approximate altitude differences of + 300 m/ – 380 m. Level: Easy to Moderate. \nDay 4 of walking: Valguarnera – Assoro. Distance: 25km with approximate altitude differences of + 980 m/ – 680 m. Level: Moderate to Difficult (because of ascent). \nDay 5 of walking: Assoro – Nissoria – Nicosia. Distance: 25km with approximate altitude differences of + 630 m/ – 680 m. Level: Moderate. \nDay 6 of walking: Nicosia – Capizzi. Distance: 17km with approximate altitude differences of + 680 m/ – 330 m. Level: Easy to Moderate. \n \nCapizzi | Sanctuary of St James\nIn Capizzi we are now in the Province of Messina and close to Cerami\, the site of the famous Norman Battle against the Arabs with the legend of St George as the Matamoros assisting the greatly outnumbered Normans to victory. Both Ptolemy and Cicero mention Capitum\, Capizzi precursor and it appears that the town had considerable importance during Hellenistic and Roman times together with Haluntium (present-day San Marco d’ Alunzio). \nCapizzi is renown for the Sanctuary of St James the Elder and for the feast of the Saint every year in July. The statue of St. James the Elder is carried on the shoulders by the Capitini making stops in the various churches. During the procession the  “Wall of Miracles” is demolished. We’ll learn of the Legends surrounding the “Wall of Miracles” during our Cammino. \nThe contribution for this event is Euros 675 per person and includes hotel / B&B (twin sharing basis) accommodation mostly on bed and breakfast basis and daily deli\, cheese\, wine and fruit as hiking lunches during trekking (served from the assistance van)\, assistance van with us throughout\, airport (coach) transfers\, daily coach and baggage transfers during our 7-day stay and a Pilgrim Kit (with Credencial\, Cammino-Patch\, tee-shirt and Testimonium) and assistance car during our trekking. The cost does not include flights. \nPrices are based on twin-sharing. If you are interested in single-supplement please request and we’ll check availability and price. In certain places\, the cost difference is significant. \nWe can accommodate up to a maximum of 20 persons. \nTo register please follow this link and pay the deposit of Euros 275. \n  URL:https://xircammini.org/event/6488/ LOCATION:Sicily\, Italy\, Italy CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20211214_134950.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251003 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251017 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250216T231619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T130014Z UID:6309-1759449600-1760659199@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Camino Invierno | P375| Level: Mod | October 2025 DESCRIPTION:3rd to 16th October 2025 | €975\n\n\n\nCamino Invierno | P375 | Level: Mod  \nIntroduction\nThe name Camino Invierno originates from a “bypass” to the Camino Frances when part of the route was impassable due to winter weather. In time\, this developed as a route of its own right. \nStarting in Ponferrada\, the Camino passes traverses river Sil and the Ribreira Sacra area on its way to Santiago de Compostela. \nIt is one of the lesser walked routes\, making it even more special as a Camino. \nSuggested Flights\n\n3rd October 2025: Ryanair FR1526: 06:25 to 08:40. Malta to Barcelona\n3rd October 2025: Vueling VY1676: 14:25 to 16:15. Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela.\n16th October 2025: Vueling VY1678 and VY8740: 07:15 – 14:15 from Santiago de Compostela to Malta.\n\nItinerary (dates may vary by a day or two)\nThe Camino itinerary is spread over 12 walking days as follows: \n\nDay 1: 3rd October 2025 | Travel to Santiago de Compostela\nDay 2: 4th October 2025 | Ponferrada to Las Medulas | 28km\nDay 3: 5th October 2025 | Las Medulas to Barco Valdeorras | 28km\nDay 4: 6th October 2025 | Barco Valdeorras to A Rua Valdeorras 12km\nDay 5: 7th October 2025 | A Rua Valdeorras to Quiroga 27km\nDay 6: 8th October 2025 | Quiroga to Pobra do Brollon 23km\nDay 7: 9th October 2025 | Pobra do Brollon to Montforte de Lemos 13km\nDay 8: 10th October 2025 | Montforte de Lemos to Chantada 31km\nDay 9: 11th October 2025 | Chantada to Rodeiro 26km\nDay 10: 12th October 2025 | Rodeiro to Lalin 22km\nDay 11: 13th October 2025 | Lalin to Silleda 16km\nDay 12: 14th October 2205 | Silleda to Outeiro 24km\nDay 13: 15th October 2025 Outeiro to Santiago de Compostela 18km | Free afternoon and evening in Santiago de Compostela.\nDay 14: 16th October 2025 | Travel back to Malta\n\nThis event is open only to XirCammini Members. This camino is scenic camino\, combining old Roman bridges\, hills\, forests\, cultivated land and river areas. \nThe total contribution covering (a.) local transport from / to airport and first / final accommodation (b.) daily baggage transfers (c.) daily accommodation on twin sharing basis including breakfast (d.) local training (e.) credencial and concha (f.) assistance with obtaining the Compostela is €975 for this 14-day trip. This contribution excludes the flight. The deposit for this trip is €375. \nPlease follow this link to apply. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-invierno-p375-level-mod-october-2025/ LOCATION:Spain\, Spain CATEGORIES:Overseas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250905 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250920 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240924T102920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T120552Z UID:5696-1757030400-1758326399@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Camino Primitivo | P359 | Level: Mod | September 2025 DESCRIPTION:Camino Primitivo | P359 | Level: Mod (with 2 challenging days in Asturias) | Camino Primitivo \nIntroduction\nThe name Camino Primitivo originates from the ‘first’ Camino by Alfonso II\, king of Asturias\, from Oviedo to Santiago in the 9th century AD. Starting in Oviedo\, it merges into the French Way at Melide. In total it is about 340 km long from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It crosses two autonomous regions\, Asturias and Galicia and three provinces (2 in Galicia being Lugo and A Coruna). \nThe main characteristic of this route is the constant ascents and descents making it a relatively challenging route. This means that pilgrims need to have trained beforehand and be physically prepared for the daily uphill climbs. \nFrom Oviedo to Lugo it is a typical mountain route of trails\, dirt treks (muddy at times)\, stone and gravel paths as well as some asphalt roads. The altitude lends itself to spectacular panoramas; one of the distinctive features of this Camino. Also\, at that altitude\, the surrounding greenery intersected by rivers\, streams\, valleys and Asturian hamlets is refreshingly serene. \nLess than 10\,000 pilgrims walk this route annually (of the almost 0.5m pilgrims who collect walk the various Caminos de Santiago annually). Since this route is not as popular as\, say\, the French or Portuguese ways and therefore one does not meet as many pilgrims as one does on these routes. The advantage of this is that it is easier to make friends and share experiences with other pilgrims sharing the way. It also means that hospitaleros and locals are not overwhelmed by and more helpful / accommodating with peregrinos passing through. The route is less commercialised and more authentic. It provides for a good balance of mixing with other peregrinos and walking in solitude. \nPlease\, follow this link to apply.\nFlights\nRefer below for suggested flights \nItinerary (dates may vary by a day or two)\nThe Camino itinerary is spread over 13 walking days as follows: \n \n\nFri 5th Sept: Fly from Malta to Astuarias\nSat 6th Sept: Oviedo to Grado | 26km\nSun 7th Sept: Grado to Salas | 22km\nMon 8th Sept: Salas to Tineo 20km\nTue 9th Sept: Tineo to Pol Allande 28km\nWed 10th Sept: Pola Allande to Berducedo 18km\nThurs 11th Sept: Berducedo to Grandas Da Salime 20km\nFri 12th Sept: Grandas da Salime to Fonsagrada 26km\nSat 13th Sept: Fonsagrada to O Cadavo 24km\nSun 14th Sept: O Cadavo to Lugo 30km\nMon 15th Sept: Lugo to Ferreira 26km\nTue 16th Sept: Ferreira to Melide 24km\n Wed 17th Sept: Melide to O Pedruozo 32km\nThurs 18th Sept: Day 13 O Pedruozo – Santiago de Compostela 18km\nFri 19th Sept: Rest morning in Santiago de Compostela | fly out evening from Porto. (road transit included)\n\nThis event is open only to XirCammini Members. This camino is also characterised by a number of ascents and therefore\, prior training is advised. It is also a very scenic camino\, combining coastal areas and bays\, cliffs\,  hills\, forests and historic urban areas. \nThe total contribution covering (a.) local transport from / to airport and first / final accommodation (b.) daily baggage transfers (c.) daily accommodation on twin sharing basis including breakfast (d.) local training (e.) credencial and concha (f.) assistance with obtaining the Compostela is \n\n€995 for this the full Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela (5th – 19th September). This contribution excludes the flight but includes local road transport.\n€695 for those joining the Camino Primitivo from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela (14th – 19th September). This contribution excludes the flight but includes local road transport\n\nSuggested flight details (to be booked by the pilgrims): \n\nFOR PILGRIMS DOING THE FULL CAMINO PRIMITIVO: Malta – Asturias (via Barcelona): 5th September VY8741 | VY1572 11:00 – 22:35\nFor those joining only for the last weeK of the Camino FROM LUGO: Malta – Barcelona 14th September 05:50 – 08:05 on FR5753 connecting to Barcelona – Santiago de Compostela 17:00 – 18:55 on FR6332. Transport (included) would then take you from Santiago de Compostela Airport to Lugo.\nFor the whole group returning together PORTO – MALTA: 19th September FR1510 18:40 – 22:45.\n\nPlease\, follow this link to apply. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-primitivo/ LOCATION:Asturias\, Spain CATEGORIES:Overseas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/18.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Malta:20250729T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Malta:20250804T170000 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250217T113626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250217T115944Z UID:6330-1753776000-1754326800@xircammini.org SUMMARY:St Margaret's Way\, Scotland | Jul - Aug 2025 DESCRIPTION:From the 29th Jul to the 4th of August we will again be walking the St. Margaret’s Way in Scotland. This historic Camino is from the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh\, though South Queensferry and Scotland’s idyllic east coast to St. Andrews. \nThe medieval pilgrimage route from Edinburgh to St. Andrews is known as St. Margaret’s Way because Saint Queen Margaret of Scotland (1045 – 1093) initiated the ferry across the River Forth to assist pilgrims travelling this route from Edinburgh to St. Andrews. During her lifetime she also built various monasteries\, churches and pilgrim albergues. We will also have the opportunity to visit her tomb in Dunfermline. \nInterested? please follow this link to register. \n \nItinerary\n\nTue 29th July\, we arrive at Glasgow Airport and transfer by coach to our accommodation.\n30th Jul: We leave accommodation at 08:00 a.m. to reach Edinburgh Cathedral for a 09:30 start of the St Margaret Camino. The route from the Cathedral to South Queensferry will pass via/past Crammond Beach\, Dalmany House and Barnbougle Castle\, keeping Crammond Island on our right . The total walk should be + – 12 miles (20 km). So\, leaving at 10:00 from the Cathedral\, and maintaining our usual average pace (including breaks) we should be able to reach South Queensferry by/before 16:00. That would be a good time to stop and also eat in South Queensferry. Transfer back to our accommodation\n31st Jul : From South Queensferry\, we’ll walk to Burntisland and celebrate mass at the end of walk in St. Joseph’s church\, Burnt Island. This will again be + – 12 miles (20 km) walk. So if we start this by 10:00\, we should be in Burntisland by 16:00. Mass at St. Joseph’s can be at + – 16:30. Then I can arrange for transport to collect us from Burntisland at 17:30 to take us back to our accommodation Dunfermline (+ – 30 mins). Free evening in Dunfermline for dinner.\n1st Aug: Coach trip from Dunfermline to Kinghorn is < 30 mins. We’ll walk from Kinghorn to Dysart (approx 11 miles or 18km). We’ll celebrate mass at Carmelite Monastery in Dysart (the coach would then collect us from there and take us back to Dunfermline). We can probably manage mass at 16:00 at the Carmelite monastery and the coach collects us at 17:00 to take us back to Dunfermline.\n2nd Aug: Coach trip from Dunfermline to Leven is < 30 mins. We’ll walk from Leven to Earlsferry (+ – 10 miles or 16km). If we start at or before 10:00 at Leven then we can also ask the coach to collect us at 16:30 from Earlsferry and we book mass at 18:30 in Dunfermline (St. Margaret’s Memorial Church). This allows us time to travel to Dunfermline and freshen up before mass.\n3rd Aug: Coach trip from Dunfermline to Crail. We walk from Crail to St. Andrews (+ – 10 miles or 16km). So\, if we start at 10:00 from Crail\, we should be able to reach St. Andrews by/before 15:00. This allows the group to visit the ruins of St. Andrews\, the university grounds / beach area and eat something. Then we can have mass at 17:30 and the coach takes us back Dunfermline at 18:15.\n4th Aug: After breakfast we check out and the coach drops us off for a couple of hours on the Royal Mile Edinburgh and after that we proceed to the airport for our return to Malta via Edinburgh Airport\n\n \nFlights\nThese are the suggested flights (flights are not included in the price): \n\n29th July Malta – Glasgow 14:50 – 17:45 FR3744\nEdinburgh – Malta 4th August 16:10 – 21:00 FR6695\n\n \nContribution\, deposit and what it covers\nThe contribution per person will be Eur 995 in twin room/ ensuite sharing on bed and breakfast basis\, including airport and daily coach transfers in Scotland. \nNon-refundable deposit: Eur 295 per person. \nInterested? please follow this link to register. \n \n  URL:https://xircammini.org/event/st-margarets-way-scotland-jul-aug-2025/ LOCATION:Scotland\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG-20240722-WA0005.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250721 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250728 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240924T102918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T121854Z UID:5694-1753056000-1753660799@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Canterbury Camino\, UK DESCRIPTION:Canterbury Camino\, UK | P357 | Level: Mod | We meet at the airport 2hrs before the flight | A Camino from Rochester to Canterbury \nFollow this link to register. \n“At nyght were come into that hostelrye Wei nyne and twenty in a compaignye\, Of sondry folk\, by aventure yfalle In felaweshipe; and pilgrimes were they alle\, That toward Caunterbury wolden ryde.” G. Chaucer\, Canterbury Tales. \nThis Camino is from the historic\, Norman town of Rochester (with the pilgrim steps of William of Perth) and continues to Canterbury Cathedral in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims reminiscent of the pilgrims in Chaucer’s tales. \nSuggested Flight\nKM Malta Airlines Mata – Gatwick – Malta 21st – 27th July 2025 \n \nDaily Itinerary\n\nDay 1: 21st July | Arrival at Gatwick (10:55 on KM malta airlines) and travel to / check-in at Rochester accommodation.\nDay 2: 22nd July | Day 1 of walking | Rochester to Thurnham | 19km.\nDay 3: 23rd July | Day 2 of Walking | Thurnham to Lenham | 13km.\nDay 4: 24th July | Day 3 of Walking | Lenham to Chilham | 24km.\nDay 5: 25th July | Day 4 of Walking | Chilham to Canterbury | 11.5km.\nDay 6: 26th July: Day of rest in Canterbury\nDay 7: 27th July Return to Gatwick (11:55 flight)\n\n \nContribution\, deposit and what it covers\nThe contribution per person is Euros 975 and includes airport transfers (in UK)\, daily baggage transfer\, daily accommodation in twin-room sharing/ensuite\, teeshirt\, local training and services of a group leader. The contribution excludes flights\, lunches and dinners. \nThe deposit is Euros 275 per person. \nFollow this link to register. \n \n \n  URL:https://xircammini.org/event/canterbury-camino-uk/ LOCATION:United Kingdom\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Canterbury5-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250528 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250605 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240924T102753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241031T143732Z UID:5684-1748390400-1749081599@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Caminho de Fátima (Rota de Rio Tejo) DESCRIPTION:Caminho de Fátima | P347 | Level:Mod | We meet at the airport 2hrs before the flight | Caminho de Fátima (Rota de Rio Tejo)\nThis event is open to all registered XirCammini members and also to affiliated members (i.e. registered members with Ramblers Association of Malta and the Malta Geographical Society). \nFátima is one of the greatest Marian devotions in Europe attracting millions of pilgrims each year. We will walk this Camino (Caminho in Portuguese) along the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) from the Cathedral Sé in Lisbon to the Cova de Iria\, Fátima. Walking uphill or descending into the valleys of the Aire and Candeeiros Mountains\, Rio Tejo will accompany us all the way. \nRio Teju originates in Fuente Garcia (< 1\,600m above sea level) and crosses several territories in Spain and Portugal\, most notably cutting across these cities until reaching the sea: Aranjuez\, Toledo\, and Talavera de la Reina in Spain and Abrantes\, Santarém\, and Lisbon in Portugal. The Teju river plains are also renowned for excellent red wine\, the Tejo region being the oldest wine producing region in Portugal. \n \nOn this Caminho de Fátima we will also have the opportunity to visit Lisbon on the afternoon of our arrival and also sample typical Portuguese food and wine along the Caminho. \nCova de Iria is in the region of Santarem in the central region of Portugal. Our Lady of Fátima is the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary when she appeared before three shepherd children between May and October in 1917 in Cova de Iria\, Fátima. She spoke to them on the 13th of each month and identified Herself to them as the Lady of the Rosary. From these apparitions\, the children recounted the “three secrets of Fátima”\, The three secrets of Fatima were/are: A vision of Hell; a prediction of the end of World War I and a prediction of the beginning of a worse war (understood as World War II). Of greater significance today\, the Blessed Virgin Mary also called for the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as a way to bring peace. \n \nInterested? Please book by following this link. The deposit on booking is €195. \nFlights:\n\n28th May: Malta – Lisbon FR9654 leaving Malta at 08:50 and arriving in Lisbon at 11:20\n4th June: Lisbon – Malta FR9655 leaving Lisbon at 11:45 and arriving in Malta at 15:50\n\nNote: XirCammini is a membership-based camino/hiking association and not a travel agency. Flights would need to be booked individually by participants. \nItinerary | Route\n\n28th May: Malta – Lisbon (suggested flights above)\n29th May: Lisbon – Póvoa de Santa Iria < 25 km\n30th May: Póvoa de Santa Iria – Vila Franca de Xira < 28 km\n31st May: Vila Franca de Xira – Azambuja <20 km)\n1st June: Azambuja – Santarem + – 32 km\n2nd June: Santarem – Amiais de Baixo < 26 km\n3rd June: Amiais de Baixo – Fatima < 25 km. (Coach transfer back to Lisbon with an afternoon visit to Tomar\, Citadel of the Knights Templar)\n4th June: Return flight from Lisbon to Malta (suggested flights above)\n\nCost | Registration\nThe total contribution is of €695 excludes flights but covers \n\nlocal (Portugal) transport from / to airport and first / final accommodation\nafternoon excursion in Lisbon on arrival\nVisit to the Templar Citadel of the Knights in Tomar.\ndaily baggage transfers\ndaily accommodation on twin sharing basis including breakfast\nlocal training\n\nInterested? Please book by following this link. The deposit on booking is €195. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/fatima/ LOCATION:We meet at the airport 2hrs before the flight\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/3-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250430 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250506 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240924T102747Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250116T214607Z UID:5675-1745971200-1746489599@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Cammino di San Antioco (Sardegna) DESCRIPTION:Cammino di San Antioco (Sardegna) | P338 | Level: Mod | We meet at the airport 2hrs before the flight | Cammino di San Antioco (Sardegna) \nXirCammini is a membership-based\, not-for-profits\, non-denominational and non-sectarian association open to all who support its aims\, primarily focused on generating interest in heritage\, faith\, cultural and/or green tourism. We are registered with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations. More information about XirCammini is available on our website: https://xircammini.org/ \nXirCammini is neither a travel agency nor tour operator. We offer these overseas hiking experiences to XirCammini members and members of similar/affiliated hiking organisations in conjunction with licensed tourism entities and/or not-for-profit hiking organisations with whom we collaborate. \nWe are pleased to offer the Cammino di San Antioco in Sardegna. Interested? \n\nRead this brochure for more info: Information Pack\nOr follow this link to apply: Registration form.\n\nWhen you complete the registration form and proceed to “check-out” you will be asked to complete some simple details (i.e. name\, surname\, email address and mobile number) and you will not be asked to pay at check-out. You would subsequently receive an order form (with your reference number) and IBAN details to settle the deposit due. Please pay only the deposit (i.e. Euros 175 for twin sharing applicants and Euros 240 for single supplement applicants). Please note that deposits would be used to secure reservations and would be non-refundable. Thank you. \n  \n  URL:https://xircammini.org/event/cammino-di-san-antioco-sardegna-2/ LOCATION:We meet at the airport 2hrs before the flight\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20230501_131047-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250417 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250425 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240924T102744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241017T111756Z UID:5671-1744848000-1745539199@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Camino Muxia | Fisterra | Santiago DESCRIPTION:Camino Fisterra and Muxia | | Level: Mod | We meet at the airport 2hrs before the flight | Muxia\, Fisterra\, Olivoreia\, Negriera Santiago \nThis Camino starts from KM0 (Muxia) and leads back to Santiago de Compostela on beaches\, cliffs\, countryside  pathways and some historic sites. It is approximately 120km long. \nPlease book by following this link. \n \nThe Camino to Fisterra or Muxia is traditionally a continuation to “land’s end” after pilgrims would have reach Santiago de Compostela. In time\, the inverse route\, i.e. from Muxia or Fisterra\, established itself a Camino route ending in Santiago de Compostela. The route: \n\nMuxia to Fisterra. + – 30km\nFisterra to Cee. 15km\nCee to Olivoreia or Abeleiroas. + – 25km\nOlivorea/Abeleiroas to Negreira. + – 30km\nNegreira to Santiago de Compostela. + – 20km\n\nThis event is open only to XirCammini Members. This camino is also characterised by a number of ascents and therefore\, prior training is advised. It is also a very scenic camino\, combining coastal areas and bays\, cliffs\,  hills\, forests and historic urban areas. \n \nThe total contribution covering (a.) local transport from / to airport and first / final accommodation (b.) daily baggage transfers (c.) daily accommodation on twin sharing basis including breakfast (d.) local training (e.) credencial and concha (f.) assistance with obtaining the Compostela is €695. This is marginally higher than usual because we are incorporating the local cost of transport from Porto Airport to Galicia and from Santiago back to Porto airport\, eliminating the need\, inconvenience\, related risks (and cost) of a connecting flight. \nFlight details: FR1509 17th April: Malta | Porto: 15:15 – 17:35 | 24th April FR1510 Porto | Malta: 18:00 – 22:50 \nInterested? Please book by following this link. The deposit on booking is €295. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-fisterra-and-muxia/ LOCATION:We meet at the airport 2hrs before the flight\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20210910-WA0053.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250411 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250414 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20250217T151700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T155806Z UID:6350-1744329600-1744588799@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Messina\, Tindari e Montalbano\, Sicily\, 11th - 13th April 2025 DESCRIPTION:A relaxing long weekend in Sicily where we hike and also walk back in time (in history) .. a bit of nature\, seaside/salt lakes\, greenery\, history\, archeology\, sanctuaries\, typical food and wine .. while enjoying each others’ company. \nInterested? Please complete this registration form and settle a non-refundable deposit of Eur195 (twin sharing) or Eur 260 (single supplement). \nItinerary & Accommodation\n\n11th April: Arrival\, transfer Messina where we visit (not necessarily in this order) the areas of Capo Peloro\, Ganzirri\, Torre Faro\, Pilone and a Fisherman village as well as Messina city centre and historic bell and clock tower (12.00 noon sound and movement of statue). We’ll check-in a comfortable city hotel and then have a free evening. Messina has its typical streetfood (facaccia and arancini pidoni etc.)\n12th April: After breakfast\, we’ll travel to Tindari to visit the archeological sites and the sanctuary and descend\, hiking the fox trail trek to the Marinello lakes.\n13th April (Palm Sunday): We check out aftet breakfast\, visit Montalbano Elicone with its historic castle\, followed by a trek in area of the vulcanetto do Monte Mojo.\n\nThe 2 nights accommodation will be in a city hotel on a bed inclusive of buffet breakfast basis. \nInformation\nMessina was a metropolis dating back to the Magna Graecia of 8BC and a very important harbour for the Greeks\, then known as Zancle. Similaro to other strategic port cities\, Messina over the ages saw several rulers including Romans\, Goths\, Normans\, Anguvenes and the Kingdom of Naples\, Aragonese Spanish\, French\, and the Bourbons until Italian unification in the 19th century. Regrettably much of the old city was destroyed by successive earthquakes over the years but there are still some historical gems – like the Norman Cathedral with its bell tower – that captures the attention of tourists at noon with the sound and movement in tandem with the bell chimes. Outside the city\, there are muscle farms\, fishermen villages and other natural areas to explore. \nTindari dates back to Greek and Roman settlements (Tyndaris or Tyndarion) that existed there long before the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna\, for which Tindari is now famous. In fact\, the earliest civilizations noted there dated back to around 400BC; the Bronze age similar to other civilizations in Naxos. Eventually it fell under Roman dominion but was later destroyed during the Arab rule in Sicily. Archaeological remains evidence an agora\, a theatre and an ancient basilica. \nThe Roman Catholic Sanctuary Basilica in Tindari has many legends. The church was first built in the 8th century and dedicated to Maria Santissima del Tindari. ” The statue of the Black Madonna\, of byzantine origins\, in the Basilica deemed miraculous by many believers. It was smuggled from Constantinople during the iconoclasm initiated by Emperor Leo III in the 8th and 9th centuries. A storm forced the ship carrying the Black Madonna made of cedar wood to dock at the port of Tindari\, where the crew safely stored their cargo in the local abbey. Today\, it is behind the altar with the inscription “nigro sum sed formosa” (I am black\, but beautiful). The Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Tindari attracts several pilgrims every year. \nAlthough in the minds of many\, Montalbano is synonymous with the books or television series of Inspector Montalbano\, it is actually a town in the province of Messina  in a southwest direction of Nebrodi and Peloritani mountain range. Known as one of the Borghi più belli d’Italia\, it dates mainly back to King Frederick II but also has much older megaliths of Argimusco\, and the natural wood of Malabotta. \nMojo Alcantara\, within the province of Messina\, located between Palermo (150km) and Messina (50km). In the 17th century\, the verdant town of Mojo Alcantara grew on the dormant lava stream that 3\,000 years earlier traversed Alcantara\, reaching the coast at Capo Schiso’. We will be giking in the Vulcanetto area there. \nEarmarked Flights\n\nFriday 11th April 2025 KM640 from 06:00 to 06:40\nSunday 13th April 2025 KM643 from 23:50 to 00:35\n\nContribution and deposit\nThe contribution per person is of Eur495 and covers \n\n3 full days of trekking;\n2 nights of hotel accommodation including buffet breakfast (accommodation on twin-sharing basis);\nsnacks of salami\, cheese\, bread\, wine and fruit during the treks;\nminibus and driver that are with us for the entire trip from arrival in to departure from Catania airport;\n2 local\, licensed guides;\n1 lunch.\n\nFor single supplement the price increases to Eur 575 per person. \nThe price excludes flights and dinners \nInterested? Please complete this registration form and settle a non-refundable deposit of Eur195 (twin sharing) or Eur 260 (single supplement). URL:https://xircammini.org/event/tindari-cammino-sicily-11th-13th-april-2025/ LOCATION:Sicily\, Italy CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tindari.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250328 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250405 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240924T102737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241129T160405Z UID:5665-1743120000-1743811199@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Kosovo & Macedonia DESCRIPTION:Kosovo | P329 | Level: Mod | We meet at the airport 2hrs before the flight | Vini | Nature | Cultural & Gastro-Hiking in Kosovo & Macedonia \nTo register for this trip please follow this Link (non-refundable deposit: Eur225) \n\nITINERARY\n\n\nWe arrive in Skopje on 28th March at 21:20\nDay 0: 28/03/2025 (Fri): We arrive in Skopje\, Macedonia at 21:20 and transfer to Brezovica\, for check in and overnight stay.\nDay 1: 29/03/2025 (Sat): After breakfast we check out / depart for Prevalla  where we hike Oshlak Mountain and transfer to Prizren. After lunch in Prizren we continue with a old town tour of Prizren (Sonte Bridge and Sinan Pasha Mosque) followed by free time in town before dinner [Coach transfer times: Brezovica – Prevalla 15km | Prevalla – Prizren: 25km]\nDay 2: 30/03/2025 (Sun): Breakfast at 09:00 and check out at 10:00.\n\nIn Rahovec and hike in vines and agricultural areas followed by\nlight lunch / snacks at a Wine Distillery in Rahovec\nFree evening for dinner in Gjakove [Coach transfer times: Prizren – Rahovec 32km | Rahovec – Gjakove: 25km]\n\n\nDay 3 31/03/2025 (Mon): Breakfast at 08:00 followed by a tour of the Grand Bazaar of Gjakove. After that we transfer to Deqan to visit the Deqani Orthodox Monastery (UNESCO HERITAGE SITE). After lunch we hike to the largest waterfall in the region and the Sleeping Beauty Vave followed by a circular walk in Radaci Village and we then transfer to Rugova.  [Coach transfer times: Gjakove – Decan – Radavc 50km | Radavc – Boge 40km]\nDay 4 1/04/2025 (Mon): Breakfast at 08:00 followed Hiking in Bjeshket e Nemuna National Park / Liginati Mountain lakes\, Hajla Mountain top and mountain villages\, hike around the lake and the grand canyon cave hike. We then return to the same hotel in Rugova for the 2nd night [Coach transfer times: Gjakove – Decan – Radavc 50km | Radavc – Boge 40km].\nDay 5: 02/04/2025 (Tue): Breakfast 08:00. Hiking in Miruisha Canyon and waterfalls\, Bear Sanctuary and Ulpiana Archeological Park. Transfer to in Pristhina in the evening for dinner. We will need 2 nights in Pristhina. (02 – 04/04/2025).\nDay 6: 03/04/2025 (Wed): Breakfast at 08:00. We walk up to and hike in Germia Park followed by lunch at one of the traditional restaurants in Germia. After lunch we return to Pristhina. Whoever wishes\, we can visit the Nena Teresa Cathedral and the Ethnography museum before dinner. Second night in the same hotel.\nDay 7: 04/04/2025 (Thurs): After breakfast we check out and travel to Macedonia. We have lunch at Matka Canyon and continue to Tetovo where we visit the Turkish Mosque and Hammam\, the Dervish Monastery and the Painted Mosque before continuing the airport.  We need to be at the airport at 19:00.\n\nCOST: The contribution per person including all local transport accommodation\, breakfasts and most lunches and dinners (as indicated in the itinerary above) and local trekking guides (but excluding the flight) is Eur 925 per person for this 7-day | 7 night adventure. \n \nTo register for this trip please follow this Link (non-refundable deposit: Eur225) \nSuggested flights: URL:https://xircammini.org/event/kosovo/ LOCATION:We meet at the airport 2hrs before the flight\, Malta CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Rugova1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250313 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250320 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240712T082037Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240828T161823Z UID:5404-1741824000-1742428799@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria FULLY BOOKED DESCRIPTION:This event is fully booked. But\, do to room configurations we may have space for only one lady (on twin sharing basis). If interested\, please write to information@xircammini.org \nBackground\n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nCenturies ago\, Galician sailors fearful of a shipwreck due to a tempest\, prayed to St. James the Elder to be saved. If saved\, they pledged to build a church dedicated to St. James in Tirajana\, on the highest point of the main Island. In 1850 the statue of St. James was moved from Tirajana to a new church in  St. Bartolome\, Tunte. Furthermore\, since the Spanish conquest of these islands\, Castilian settlers in the North of the island built a church of St James in Gáldar. \nPilgrimages between the shrines of St James ensued and the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria was born. \nInterested? Follow this link to book this hiking trip. \nSummary\nThe Camino covers 65km from Faro de Maspalomas to Galdar\, crossing the island of Gran Canaria from south to north. It is rated as moderate to hard\, with some challenging inclines in the interior of this volcanic island\, rising from sea level to 1\,720m above sea level. The highest point is in the areas of Garanon and Cruz de Tejeda. From there\, the Camino descends to 118m above  sea level at Galdar\, where it stops. \nThe overall route is approximately 70% paths and tracks and 30% asphalt. \n \nDates | Flights\nThe overall trip is from the 13th to the 19th March 2024 (dates indicative and may change marginally depending on flight connections). 14th – 16th March would be dedicated to walking the Camino (3-day Camino) followed by a rest day where we are including a day tour of Gran Canaria. On the 18th March we  will travel via Madrid\, allowing us an afternoon to explore this beautiful city and – after an overnight stay in a hotel in Madrid- we return to Malta on 19th March 2025. \nFlight details: \n\nMalta | Madrid 13th March Ryanair FR5883:  06:00 – 08:55\nMadrid | Gran Canaria 13th March FR 2011: 17:55 – 20:00 (this allows those who wish to grab lunch at the historic Megado San Miguel or the Plaza Maior in Madrid to do so)\nGran Canaria | Madrid 18th March FR569 10:50 – 14:40\nMadrid | Malta 19th March FR5382 19th March 07:45 – 10:25\n\nImportant Notes: \n\nIf pilgrims book a hold luggage they would need to exit the security area and re-check in the luggage. There is ample time to do so with both out-going and incoming connections. At the time of writing this Madrid also has a secure deposit area for luggages if we then wish to visit Madrid. \nIn case of our return journey\, accommodation will be in an airport hotel in Madrid so as to reduce inconvenience in the morning. So\, upon arrival from Gran Canaria on the 18th March\, we can check-in. leave or luggages in our rooms and proceed for an afternoon / evening in Madrid.\n\nCamino Route | Etapas\n(* dates may vary depending on flight connections) \n14th March: Faro de Maspalomas to San Bartolome de Tunte. 28km | 1\,200m elevation | Difficult. After leaving Maspalomas\, the Camino also passes through Fataga before arriving in Tunte. \nStart: Faro de Maspalomas\, Pl. del Faro\, 15\, 35100 Maspalomas\, Las Palmas\, Spain End: Tunte Catholic Church\, 35290 San Bartolomé de Tirajana\, Las Palmas\, Spain \n \n15th March: San Bartolome de Tunte to Crux de Tejeda. 16km | 1\,050m elevation | Difficult. After leaving Tunte\, the Camino also passes through Llanos de la Pez before arriving in Cruz de Tejeda. \nThis is cited as the most beautiful day of the 3 days of hiking because of the natural beauty of the atypical mid-mountain landscape. The initial incline is challenging but\, after that\, the panoramas are spectacular. \nStart: Tunte Catholic Church\, 35290 San Bartolomé de Tirajana\, Las Palmas\, Spain \nEnd: Nuestra Senora de Socorro\, Tejeda \n \n16th March: Crux de Tejeda to Gáldar. 21km | 450m elevation | Moderate. After leaving Tunte\, the Camino also passes through Llanos de la Pez before arriving in Cruz de Tejeda. \nStart: Nuestra Senora de Socorro\, Tejeda \nEnd: Santiago Apostol\, Gáldar \n \nThe descent to Gáldar continues to immerse us in the natural beauty  of black volcanoes\, green forests and meadows. \nThe Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria ends in Gáldar. \n17th March: Is a rest day after completing the Camino. For this rest day\, a day tour will be organised\, visiting vineyards (wine and/or rum tasting)\, banana plantations and other local attractions. \n18th March: We travel back from Gran Canaria and enjoy an afternoon / evening in Madrid. \nAccommodation\nAccommodation will be centralised in one town\, Maspalomas\, for the whole week. This would limit the need to pack and unpack and transport luggage on a daily basis. A coach will be with the group for the whole week to take people to the start of walks and return them to their accommodation at the end of the day. \nMaspalomas is a bustling town with ample amenities. The selected accommodation  will also provide fully serviced kitchens per twin/double sharing apartment. \nContribution\nThe contribution per person for this Camino is Euros 725 per person. This covers: \n\n7 days’/6 nights accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis: (a.) 5 nights in holiday apartments (accommodation only basis). Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen\, living room\, master bedroom with two single beds\, bathroom and terrace equipped with table and chairs. The accommodation is conveniently located close to amenities (for example there is a Spar\, HyperDino and Gordillo all within 5 – 10 mins walking distance and also plenty of restuarants). (b.) 1 night in an Airport hotel in Madrid also on twin / double sharing basis.\nairport and daily coach transfers\nA full day excursion with local guide\nTrekking leader\nCredencial\nLocal training calendar.\n\nA non-refundable deposit of €225 is requested to reserve your place. \nInterested? Follow this link to register and pay the €225 deposit. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-de-santiago-de-gran-canaria/ LOCATION:Gran Canaria\, Spain CATEGORIES:Overseas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CGC10.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241227 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250112 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240212T130726Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241002T122130Z UID:5039-1735257600-1736639999@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Sri Lanka | FULLY BOOKED DESCRIPTION:Sri Lanka 2024/5\nNote: XirCammini is not a travel agent or tour operator. These itineraries are put together / purchased from licensed travel agencies and/or IATA ticketing agent/s and/or tour operators and are open only to XirCammini members. To register for the event please follow this link. \n \nIn Dec 2024/ Jan 2025 we are immersing ourselves in this 14-day excursion\, merging history\, culture\, ancient spirituality and outdoor adventure: \n \nWhen: We leave Malta on 27th December 2024 morning and return on 11th January 2025. \nWhere: The complete holiday will be in Sri Lanka.  Our last day and night will be in the picturesque Mount Lavinia with its sprawling beaches (a paradise on the mainland). \n \nWhat: Highlights of this hiking adventure: \n\nNegombo (https://fb.watch/pSpQl0hYRp/): A Dutch colonial village renown for the sight\, scent and sound of its fish market. The shouts of\nvendors\, the rich ocean aroma\, and the colorful array of seafood create an authentic and lively atmosphere.\nDambulla (https://fb.watch/pSpRFzjU0W/): The cave temples’ complex; a Unesco Heritage Site. Cave entrance ticket is included. There are five caves (shrine rooms) in Dambulla temple. All these caves are full of statues depicting various personifications of Buddha throughout the ages. There are 150 Buddha images in these caves. Cave No. 5 (the last in order) has no historical value as it was done in the second decade of this century. All the other caves contain statues and paintings representing various epochs of Sinhalese sculpture and paintings. The early paintings of Dambulla are\nbelieved by some to belong to the 8th century A.C.\nPinawala Elephant Orphanage https://fb.watch/pSqhDpLcIb/\nMinneriya National Park (4×4 safari). The Minneriya National Park is famous for its herds of elephants migrating for food\, water\, and shelter\, and forming a ‘gathering’ that can be witnessed by the visitors. The dry season is the best time to visit this place\, as the majestic elephants migrate to the Minneriya Tank for water. Apart from elephants\, the national park is also home to several mammals\, birds\, reptiles\, and different kinds of plant species. Minneriya National Park comes under the dry zone\, meaning\, it receives less rainfall compared to the other areas in the country.\nHike to Sigiriya Mount Fortress (Unessco Heritage Site) (https://fb.watch/pSpTrbZn7r/): Entrance ticket included. Sigiriya Rock Fortress declared a world heritage site by UNESCO\, Sigiriya serves as a fine example of ancient urban planning. Sigiriya is a significant site of the Cultural Triangle and perhaps Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical destination. The site\, also known as Lion Rock\, is recognized all over the world for the remains of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and its numerous enchanting and well-preserved attractions. The complex hydraulics system at the fortress enhances the site’s reputation as a beautiful example of classical city planning. The fortress complex\, constructed in the 5th century\, includes attractions such as the royal gardens\, one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world\, and the Mirror Wall\, which is adorned with ancient graffiti. The highlight of the fortress is the colourful frescoes painted on the western face of the rock; it is believed that there were initially 500 such frescoes\, but merely around 22 of them remain today.\nWhite water rafting in Kitugala\, included in the price (the site where the David Niven Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed) https://fb.watch/pSqrbQ0INw/\nNew Year’s Eve celebrations in Kandy (https://fb.watch/pSqdEvWPCc/). In Kandy we will also visit the Botanical Gardens. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (https://fb.watch/pSqnRtU1bu/)\, alongside Adam’s Peak\, is considered one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka and is an important pilgrimage destination. The golden-roofed temple is supposedly home to a tooth of Buddha and during the pooja\, the time of offering and prayers\, tourists as well as religious followers can inspect the gold casket in which it is guarded. The temple itself is in the royal palace complex\, which encompasses several temples and museums.\nHike to Meemure rain forest https://fb.watch/pSpXtIs5E2/ (including a night in mud huts) and Trek to Nawarathna waterfall\, Sooriya Arana water ponds\, trekking / exploration of Nitro cave Exploration\,  Heengaga River and the 7 Waterfalls. Meemure is one of the most remote villages in Sri Lanka with the only access via a 14 km (8.7 mi) trail from the town of Loolwatte. Meemure is well nourished by water as their evergreen rain forest. This is a village in Sri Lanka with a population of about 400 and it’s located near the border between Kandy District and Matale District in the Knuckles\nMountain Range.\nNuwara Eliya\, a city tour of this British colonial town and the tree plantations. We also climb Mount Kirigalpoththa (https://fb.watch/pSq3hqm6Ot/) and trek to World’s end at Horton Plains (https://fb.watch/pSq0drl7UI/). Kirigalpoththa mountain is the second tallest in Sri Lanka and the tallest of the mountains in the island whose summits are open to hikers.  Horton Plains is located on a high windswept saddle at about 7\,000 ft (2134 mt.) elevation. The awesome escarpment drops vertically for about 4\,000 feet; hence its name was given. Sri Lanka’s highest plateau 7200 ft above sea level in the central mountain country. This ‘Fen” is a very scenic region with an astounding variety of scenery from mountains to grasslands\, from marshes to trout streams. Sri Lanka’s best flavoured high grown teas are grown in the surrounding areas. Spectacular view from ‘Worlds End’ where the plateau plunges a thousand feet in a straight sheer drop. Cool and bracing climate\, and very good hiking country. Distinctive flora (many English field flowers grow on the plains) colourful butterflies and many rare highland birds.\nA scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. In Ella we visit Ella Gap\, 09 Arch Bridge and the Namunukula Mountain Range and we will also walk the Flying Ravana Mega Zipline. https://fb.watch/pSqjQPGBSi/ . Ella Gap\, Ella is everyone’s favourite hill-country village and the place to ease off the travel accelerator and enjoy the stunning panoramic views. On a clear night one can even see the subtle glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri\nLanka’s south coast. Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s scenic highlands\, the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is an architectural marvel. This colonial-era railway bridge\, constructed entirely of bricks and cement\, stands majestically amidst emerald tea fields and misty hills. Visitors are enchanted by the picturesque blend of history and nature\, making it a perfect spot for photography\, leisurely walks\, and witnessing the timeless charm of trains passing over this iconic structure. Namunukula\, at 2\,035m\, is the 12th highest mountain in Sri Lanka and its name is emanating from its nine peaks.\n4×4 Safari in Yala. Yala National Park\, a wildlife paradise in Sri Lanka. Embark on an exhilarating safari adventure through its vast wilderness\, where untamed nature and diverse ecosystems flourish.  Majestic elephants\, elusive leopards\, colourful bird species\, and a myriad of other fascinating creatures call this  their natural habitat. Traverse through lush forests\, tranquil lakes\, and golden savannahs\, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of this enchanting sanctuary. https://fb.watch/pSq63mcDlT/\nTrekking in the Sinharaja rain forest https://fb.watch/pSq7SRYNqU/ and https://fb.watch/pSqtvC95l2/. Sinharaja\, Sri Lanka’s tropical rainforest\, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The Sinharaja forest\, which is situated 30 km from Galle\, covers an area of 8\,900 hectares and is one of the few virgin forests left in the world. The forest covers a series of mountains and ridges rising abruptly from 90m to 1170m above mean sea level. The\nSinharaja forest includes streams\, springs\, rivers\, and waterfalls\, and is home to leopards\, deer\, monkeys\, butterflies\, and a variety of trees\, shrubs\, and medicinal herbs are also found within the forest. The Sinharaja forest is unique because it is the only location in Sri Lanka where the altitude changes within one kilometre in an area measuring 01 km from east to west. This factor has contributed to the amazing variety of species of fauna and flora\, a significant mammal population and several species of birds and reptiles.\nBalapitiya River Cruise through the mangrooves of Balapitiya and also visiting Cinnamon island (for which Sri Lanka is famous).\nGalle Fort. We will also be stopping for some time in Galle\, with its Portugues bastions reminiscent of those in Malta\, where history and culture from Sri Lanka\, Colonial Portugal and Holland fuse together.\nMount Lavinia. https://fb.watch/pSqaHG4M4m/ Mount Lavinia is known as the Golden Mile of beaches. However\, it also shares a history with Malta – Sir Thomas Maitland – who was Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) from 1805 to 1811 and of Malta from 1815 to 1823 – lived in Mount Lavinia when in Ceylon. Aparently the name is derived from Lovina\, the name of a half-cast (Sinhalese-Portugues) lady with whom he fell in love there. We will also enjoy our final dinner on the beach in Mount Lavinia.\n\nHow Much?: \nThe overall contribution per member is: Euros  3\,375 per person (in twin / double room sharing). A non-refundable deposit of Euros 875 required when registering. In case there are already groups of 3 persons interested in sharing a triple together\, a lower contribution applies. Please note that – although – Euros 3\,375 includes the return flights\, we would be instructing members to purchase the air ticket separately\, directly from a pre-appointed travel agency that is kindly providing XirCammini members with a preferential price. The overall contribution includes: \n\nReturn air tickets with 30kg luggage allowance. (Although the above contribution includes also the air ticket cost\, each of us will be purchasing these separately\, directly from the chosen IATA travel agent that provided us with the preferential price)\nAccommodation mostly in 4* hotel other than when we are trekking in Meemure area and sleeping in mud-huts\nAll breakfasts and dinners\nA coach\, driver and licensed and experienced guide with us at all times plus licensed trekking guides in each locality on the trekking days\nEntrance fee to Dambulla\n4×4 Safari in Minneriya\nSigiriya Fortress Mount entrance\nWhite-water rafting in Kitigula\nNew Year’s Dinner in a Colonial Heritage Building that is now a hotel in Kandy\nEntrance to the Temple of the Tooth\nIn Meemure (at the campsite) we will also include lunch (in addition to breakfast and dinner)\nScenic Train-ride\nMega Ravana Zipline\n4×4 Safari in Yala\nRiver cruise in Balapitiya\nTrekking leader from Malta\nTraining in Malta to prepare for trekking days\n\nHow many?: We are aiming to have a group of 20 persons. \nOther important info: \n1.) Please check vaccine requirements well ahead of time: https://healthservices.gov.mt/en/phc/pchyhi/Pages/Travel-Vaccination.aspx \nTo register please follow this link. A non-refundable deposit of Euros 875 is required when registering. \nLooking forward to hearing from you and to having you with us | Sincerely … James & Tucc URL:https://xircammini.org/event/sri-lanka-open-only-to-xircammini-members/ LOCATION:Sri Lanka\, Sri Lanka CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241022 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241027 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240820T120131Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240824T160706Z UID:5529-1729555200-1729987199@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Cammino di San Antioco\, Sardegna | Malta Geographical Society DESCRIPTION:XirCammini is a membership-based\, not-for-profits\, non-denominational and non-sectarian association open to all who support its aims\, primarily focused on generating interest in heritage\, faith\, cultural and/or green tourism. We are registered with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations. More information about XirCammini is available on our website: https://xircammini.org/ \nXirCammini is neither a travel agency nor tour operator. We offer these overseas hiking experiences to XirCammini members and members of similar/affiliated hiking organisations in conjunction with licensed tourism entities and/or not-for-profit hiking organisations with whom we collaborate. \nWe are pleased to team up with Malta Geographical Society for this event. \nInterested? \n\nRead this brochure for more info: Information Pack\nOr follow this link to apply: Registration form.\n\nWhen you complete the registration form and proceed to “check-out” you will be asked to complete some simple details (i.e. name\, surname\, email address and mobile number) and you will not be asked to pay at check-out. You would subsequently receive an order form (with your reference number) and IBAN details to settle the deposit due. Please pay only the deposit (i.e. Euros 150 for twin sharing applicants and Euros 210 for single supplement applicants). Please note that deposits would be used to secure reservations and would be non-refundable. Thank you. \n \n  URL:https://xircammini.org/event/cammino-di-san-antioco-sardegna-malta-geographical-society/ LOCATION:San Antioco | Sardegna\, Italy CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20230501_131047-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241005 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241013 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20231014T084213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231014T085139Z UID:4603-1728086400-1728777599@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia DESCRIPTION:Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia | Level: Mod |  P292 \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nBecause of the overwhelming response to the Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia in February 2024\, we are running this event again in October 2024. \nThe Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia is the 2nd segment of the Camino Maltés de Santiago de Compostela and takes us from Caltagirone (Citta’ Jacopea to Sanctuary of St. James in Capizzi). \n   \nWe fly to Sicily on 5th October 2024 (flights to be advised) and transfer from the airport to Caltagirone\, a World Heritage city. \n   \nCaltagirone is the Citta Jacopea and the start of the Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia. Etymologically\, the name Caltagirone is derived from Arabic qalʿat al-jirār (قلعة الجرار) meaning \,castle of pottery jars’ underlining how far back the pottery tradition goes in this town. Numerous archaeological finds date back to the 2nd millennium BC. In 1030 Arabs built a castle in Caltagirone to fend off attacks by the Byzantine general George Maniakes accompanied by Ligurian allies.  Traces of Ligurian language still exist in the local dialect. \nThe main attractions of the city are the 142-step monumental Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte\, built from 1608 in the old part of the town and the Church of St James the Elder. \n   \nWe will commence the Camino di San Giacomo from the church of St. James and our itinerary over the following days is as follows: \nDay 1 of walking: Caltagirone – San Michele Ganzaria – Mirabella Mbaccari. Distance: 19km with approximate altitude differences of + 260 m/ – 300 m. Level: Easy to Moderate. \nDay 2 of walking: Mirabella Mbaccari – Piazza Armerina. Distance: 21km with approximate altitude differences of + 500 m/ – 300 m. Level: Moderate. \nDay 3 of walking: Piazza Armerina – Valguarnera Caro Pepe. Distance: 19km with approximate altitude differences of + 300 m/ – 380 m. Level: Easy to Moderate. \nDay 4 of walking: Valguarnera – Assoro. Distance: 25km with approximate altitude differences of + 980 m/ – 680 m. Level: Moderate to Difficult (because of ascent). \nDay 5 of walking: Assoro – Nissoria – Nicosia. Distance: 25km with approximate altitude differences of + 630 m/ – 680 m. Level: Moderate. \nDay 6 of walking: Nicosia – Capizzi. Distance: 17km with approximate altitude differences of + 680 m/ – 330 m. Level: Easy to Moderate. \nIn Capizzi we are now in the Province of Messina and close to Cerami\, the site of the famous Norman Battle against the Arabs with the legend of St George as the Matamoros assisting the greatly outnumbered Normans to vistory. Both Ptolemy and Cicero mention Capitum\, Capizzi precursor and it appears that the town had considerable importance during Hellenistic and Roman times together with Haluntium (present-day San Marco d’ Alunzio). \nCapizzi is renown for the Sanctuary of St James the Elder and for the feast of the Saint every year in July. The statue of St. James the Elder is carried on the shoulders by the Capitini making stops in the various churches. During the procession the  “Wall of Miracles” is demolished. We’ll learn of the Legends surrounding the “Wall of Miracles” during our Cammino. \nThe contribution for this event is Euros 625 per person and includes hotel / B&B accommodation mostly on bed and breakfast basis (last couple of nights on half-board)\, airport (coach) transfers\, daily coach and baggage transfers during our 7-day stay and a Pilgrim Kit (with Credencial\, Cammino-Patch\, teeshirt and Testimonium) and assistance car during our trekking. The cost does not include flights. \nTo register please follow this link and pay the deposit of Euros 225. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/cammino-di-san-giacomo-in-sicilia-3/ LOCATION:Sicily\, Italy CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Sicily.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240924 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241002 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20230905T175730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240416T180124Z UID:4172-1727136000-1727827199@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Camino Norte (last week from Terra Che) DESCRIPTION:Camino Norte (last week from Terra Che) | Level: Mod | Meeting Place: Spain \n\n\n\n1.)   Summary | Contribution\nThe last week of the Camino Norte\, from Villalba\, in the province of Lugo\, to Santiago de Compostela is approximately 110km | A non-refundable deposit of €195 is requested to reserve your place. The total contribution per XirCammini member (including the deposit) is €695 and this covers \n\nAirport transfers from Porto Airport to the first accommodation in Spain and from the last accommodation in Spain to Porto Airport\nOther local transport\nDaily baggage transfers (max 10 kg cabin bag per person)\nAccommodation in twin / double sharing accommodation on B&B basis. A choice of accommodations include Casa / Hotel Rural\, pensions and a monastery.\n3 dinners.\nCredencial\, assistance in obtaining the Compostela certificate.\n\n \nThe camino is spread on 5 walking days walking days and due to the inavilability of choice accommodation\, other than donativos and municipal albergues at various etapas\, we have included multiple nights in the some accommodations and daily person transfers. Thank you. \nPlease follow this link to register your interest. Do not pay anything at this stage. A non-refundable deposit of €195 will be requested once we have the required minimum number of persons interested: \n2.)   Flights\nFlight information is as follows. Do not book before we confirm that we have the required minimum number of persons registered / interested to join: \nOutgoing: FR1509 Malta – Porto on 24th September and \nIncoming: FR1510 Porto – Malta 1st October \n \n3.)   Important Notes\nXirCammini is not a tour operator or travel agent. We are a not-for-profits\, membership-based association registered in Malta with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (VO: 1646). This explains why our pricing is some 15% – 30% lower than that of other organisations and generally offers more\, i.e. our walks are not self-guided (although one can walk part or all of the way on their own). We set off as a group with a group leader from among our members who is an experienced Camino afficionado. This means that\, at all times\, you have someone to assist and\, if required\, trouble-shoot. Even with very well planned an executed itineraries\, occasionally there could be a last minute issue with\, say\, accommodation or land transport\, a mis-directed baggage that does not arrive at a particular accommodation\, an injury etc. So\, having the support of a group and a group leader can be a relief. In terms of accommodation we tend to choose varied accommodation (i.e. a monastery\, a hotel\, pension and where available\, a casa rural etc.) almost without exception on a twin room basis (other than where we add a private albergue experience). From the baggage that arrives at our daily destination we can also safely assume that our accommodation is generally the same as the ones used by more established Camino tour operators. What we try to achieve is that pilgrims travelling with us have all the basic essentials catered for while in Spain\, leaving you to concentrate on the spiritual journey\, social interaction and camaraderie. Being in a group also means that you will make new friends from different walks of life but who share the same passion for the Camino. \n4.)   Membership\nSince we are a membership-based association\, people travelling with us would need to be members of XirCammini. \n \n5.)   Camino Norte: Introduction |Length | Terrain\nAt over 860km in Spain alone\, the Camino Norte is one of the longest Camino on Spanish soil\, starting from either in Bayonne in France or in Irun or Santander in Spain.  We will be walking the last stages of the Camino Noerte from Villalba to Santiago de Compostela. The distance is of around 110km\, making it eligible for the Compostela for walking pilgrims from the Pilgrim’s Office once you reach Santiago. The Camino Norte currently attracts less than 2% of all Camino pilgrims applying for the Compostela in the Pilgrim Office in Santiago. \nThe Camino is a scenic one which means\, there will be some elevations and distances may vary on a daily basis due to ruta complementarias. The lack of accommodation (other than municipal albergues and donativos) means that we will use additional transport to and from certain accommodations where we would have repeat nights. \n\nVillalba to Baamonde + – 20km Today’s walk would be through wooded areas and rural villages in the Terra Chá region of Galicia.\nBaamonde to Friol+ – 25km. From Vilalba we walk in the direction of Miraz and then go off-piste to our accommodation\, a casa rural\, in Friol. (inclusive of dinner)\nMarcela to Biomorto + – 25km. Our walk will take us from Marcela\, through Sobrado dos Monxes (famous for its monastery) and to one of our highest points on this Camino. Enjoy the panorama. In Sobrado there is a 10th century monastery with a façade that is a remarkable work of art. we will continue the walk to Biomorto and from there transport will take us back to our accommodation in Friol. (inclusive of dinner)\nBiomorto – Rua + – 28km: We would be sharing part of this route with pilgrims from the Camino Frances (who would be meet us after Arzua and will experience some uphills as we get closer to Santiago. In Rua we will stay at a beautiful Casa Rural (inclusive of dinner)\nRua to Santiago de Compostela + – 22km:  Today’s walk heads initially towards a wooded area and then continues mainly on roads to Monte de Gozo and into Santiago de Compostela at >250m above sea level .\n\n6.)   Some other practical matters\nFor members joining us from overseas you can either meet us at the airport or we can agree to meet at the first accommodation in Villalba the evening before we start walking. \nWell before the Camino we also set up a WhatApp group for the pilgrims on the Camino so that you start interacting beforehand with questions\, practical advice\, food or medicine intolerances etc URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-norte-last-week-from-terra-che/ LOCATION:Spain\, Spain CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240913 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240921 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20240528T091411Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240730T131010Z UID:5325-1726185600-1726876799@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Camino Inglès September 13th - 20th\, 2024 DESCRIPTION:Due to an overwhelming response to the Caminos that we organised / are organising this year\, we are planning to hold an additional one from the 13th to 20th September 2024: The Camino Inglès from Ferrol in the Bay of Biscay to Santiago de Compostela. \nPlease book by following this link. \n \nThe Camino Inglès is the route walked by Pilgrims from the British Isles\, pre-Henry VIII\, who landed mainly in Ferrol\, in the Bay of Bischay\, on their way to Santiago de Compostela. We will be covering approximately 135 km as follows. Today\, this route is walked by approximately 4% of pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. \n\nFerrol to Pontedeume (route across the Nevantia Bridge approximately 25 km; 37 if one walks the traditional 1st day);\nPontedeume to Betanzos: 27 km;\nBetanzos Hospital Bruma / Meson do Vento: 35km;\nMeson do Vento to Sigüeiro: 27 km\nSigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela: 18 km\n\nThis event is open only to XirCammini Members. This camino is also characterised by a number of ascents and therefore\, prior training is advised. It is also a very scenic camino\, combining coastal areas and bays with rivers\, hills\, forests and historic urban areas. \n \nThe total contribution covering (a.) local transport from / to airport and first / final accommodation (b.) daily baggage transfers (c.) daily accommodation on twin sharing basis including breakfast (d.) local training (e.) credencial and concha (f.) assistance with obtaining the Compostela is €695. This is marginally higher than usual because we are incorporating the local cost of transport from Porto Airport to Ferrol and from Santiago back to Porto airport\, eliminating the need\, inconvenience\, related risks (and cost) of a connecting flight. \nInterested? Please book by following this link. The deposit on booking is €295. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-ingles-september-13th-20th-2024/ LOCATION:Ferrol\, Spain\, Spain CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20220329-WA0018.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240904 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240911 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20230905T175803Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240212T181823Z UID:4195-1725408000-1726012799@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Camino San Salvador DESCRIPTION:Camino San Salvador | Level: Moderate to Hard | P290 \nThis group will be capped at a maximum of 16 people because of limitations on accommodation in some remote locations. \n \nThe camino is rated as moderate to hard because it has at least a couple of days that would be rated as hard due to the inclines (reaching up to 1\,600km of altitude with significant ascents and descents). \nFlights \n\nOn 3rd September 2024 The group flies from Malta to Madrid and continues by coach from Madrid to Leon.Flight FR5383 09:35 – 12:25.\nOn 10th September 2024 The group flies back to Malta from Asrturias Airport via Fiumicino\, Rome. 09:15 – 11:45 and from Fiumicino taking the KM Malta Airlines connect KM615 to Malta at 21:00 – arriving in Malta at 22:30.\n\nImportant Note: If pilgrims book a hold luggage they would need to exit the security aera and re-cehck in the luggage in Fiumicino on their return flight/s. \nThe Camino is from Leon to Oviedo (about 130km) crossing beautiful Asturian countryside on the following etapas: \n\n4th Sept: León to La Robla 27 kms.\n5th Sept: La Robla to Poladura de Tercia 24 kms.\n6thSept: Poladura de Tercia to Llanos de Somerón 18 kms\n7th Sept: Llanos de Somerón to Pola de Lena 22 kms\n8th Sept:Pola de Lena to Oviedo 34 km.\n9th Sept: A rest day in Oviedo. It is recommended that we visit the Ovetense\, Oviedo Cathedral.\n\nThe contribution per person for this Camino is Euros 545 per person. This covers local (Spain) coach transfers\, daily baggage transfer (max 10kg per person) and daily accommodation on b&B basis where applicable and two dinners in accommodations in remote locations. \nA non-refundable deposit of €195 is requested to reserve your place. \nInterested? Please follow this link to register and pay the €195 deposit. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-san-salvador-spain/ LOCATION:Spain\, Spain CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cruz-Salvador.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240731 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240808 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20230905T175804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231206T095714Z UID:4196-1722384000-1723075199@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Tochar Phadraig & Irish Caminos DESCRIPTION:Dublin\, Tochar Phadraig & Irish Caminos | Level: Mod/Hard |P291 \n \nThe popular Irish Caminos week returns with some changes. \n\n31 July: arrival in Dublin and transfer to the west of Ireland\nCliffs of Moher trek \n2 August: Mam Ean Pilgrimage trail and ‘fjord’ Connomara \n3 August: Achill Island bays and Cliffs Trail\n4 August: 1st day of Tochar Phadraig from Ballintubber Abbey to Aughagower\n5th August: 2nd day of Murrisk to the top of Coragh Phadraig\n6th August: A free day in Dublin\n7th August: Return home\n\nCost\, flight details and regristration link to be uploaded shortly. If you are interested please drop us an email on information@xircammini.org  URL:https://xircammini.org/event/tochar-phadraig-irish-caminos/ LOCATION:Galicia CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ireland.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240720 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240728 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20230905T175801Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T065940Z UID:4194-1721433600-1722124799@xircammini.org SUMMARY:St Margaret's Way\, Scotland DATES & FLIGHT INFO UPDATED DESCRIPTION:St Margaret’s Way\, Scotland | Level: Mod |  P289 \nThe medieval pilgrimage route from Edinburgh to St. Andrews is known as St. Margaret’s Way because Saint Queen Margaret of Scotland (1045 – 1093) initiated the ferry across the River Forth to assist pilgrims travelling this route from Edinburgh to St. Andrews. During her lifetime she also built various monasteries\, churches and pilgrim albergues. \n \nFor those of us travelling from Malta we fly on Saturday 20th July (12:25 – 15:20 FR6696) and return from Edinburgh to Malta on Saturday 27th July (07:15 – 12:00 FR6695). We all need to purchase our own flight tickets. Please do not delay in purchasing them since the Edninburgh flights in summer are in high demand. For those joining us in Scotland we can meet at the airport to continue together to our accommodation. \nWe start St Margaret’s Way from St. Mary’s Cathedral in the centre of Edinburgh\, mostly on bike paths and quiet roads to the Forth Road Bridge. From there onwards we’ll enjoy some scenic coastal tracks and former pilgrim trails through local communities\, to the famous ancient town of St Andrews. The total cammino is around 140 km from Edinburgh to St Andrews. \n20th July: We arrive in Edinburgh and travel to our hotel in the south of Fife. Depending on the time of arrival we might factor in a short urban walk. We will be in the same hotel and a dedicated coach will take us to and from the starting / end point of each day’s trekking. \nTentative itinerary (a more detailed one will follow closer to the trip): \n21st July: Transport will return us to Edniburgh in the morning. We walk from Edinburgh to South Queensferry (17km): Mostly on quiet roads and bike tracks out of Edinburgh to the famous Forth Road Bridge (Victorian era bridge)\, enjoying also views across the Forth river and the Fife coast. Along the Rocheid path we can also enjoy the secret garden. \n22nd July: South Queensferry to Burntisland (20km): We start with a spectacular crossing the Forth Road bridge\, hundreds of feet above the Firth on a special bike/walkway. The route then takes us down to  North Queensferry\, under the famous railway bridge where we join the Fife Coastal Path stopping in Burntisland for the night. \n23rd July: Burntisland to Leven (24km): From Burntisland we walk along a short strip of main road \,with a pedestrian walkway alongside\, returning  to a quiet section of the Fife Coastal Path\, past Kinghorn. And onwards to Kirkcaldy. From there we continue past the old Linoleum factory to the beach and the 15th century Ravencraig Castle. The route follows the Fife Coastal Path through fishing and coalmining villages to Lundin Links and Leven. \n24th July: Leven to Earlsferry (14km): From Leven we continue along the beach to the village of Largo\, passing the harbour\, the giant viaduct and the house commemorating Robinson Crusoe and onto the famous Largo Bay. Largo Bay takes us to Earlsferry. This was a famous landing place for pilgrims prior to the Reformation. \n25th July: Earlsferry to Crail (20km): From Earlsferry we continue along the Fife Coastal Path through several fishing villages including Anthruster (reportedly having the oldest fish and chips shop in the British Isles) until we reach Crail. \n26th July: Crail to St. Andrews (30km): We continue our last day from Crail along quite roads to St. Andrews on St Margaret’s Elbow along the Fife Coastal path through ancient fishing villages along beaches and over rocks until the spires of St Andrews come into view.  The path continues up through the harbour into the precincts of the ruined cathedral. \n27th July: Return to Malta. \nWe will be accommodated in 2 hotels within walking distance of each other. We have managed to secure a number of double and triple rooms (all en-suite). Regrettably there are less twin rooms (i.e. double with separate beds). Please indicate your preference in the comments box when completing the registration. Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis and the contribution per person is as follows: \n\nin a double (matrimonial bed): Euros 995 per person\nin a twin (2 separate beds per room) Euros 995 per person\nin a triple room (3 separate beds per person) Euros 950 per person.\nSingle supplement: Price on request.\n\nThis covers accommodation on bed abd breakfast basis\, airport transfers and daily transfers to/from where we begin/end our daily walks and a guided tour on one of the evenings. Needless to say\, you will also benefit from the weekly training and other walks organised in Malta as well as group leaders with your throughout. \nNon-refundable deposit upon registration: Euros 295 per person for double or twin rooms | Euros 250 per person for a triple room. \nTo register please follow this link. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/st-margarets-way-scotland/ LOCATION:Scotland\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/St-Andrews-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240624 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240706 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20230905T175754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231030T211938Z UID:4187-1719187200-1720223999@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Cammino di San Francesco (La Verna - Assisi) DESCRIPTION:Cammino di San Francesco (La Verna – Assisi) | Level: Hard | Meeting Place: To be advised | P282 \n \nThis is a Camino in footsteps of St Francis of Assisi from the Sanctuary of La Verna\, through Pieve Santo Stefano\, Sansepulcro\, Citta’ di Castello\, Gubbio and Bischina to Assisi. \nWe depart from Malta on Italy on the 24th June 2024 and commence our 9-day cammino on the 25th June 2024 \nSuggested flight:  \n\nFR7112 24th June 2024 leaving Malta at 05:50 arriving in Perugia at 07:30\nFR7113 5th July 2024 leaving Perugia at 15:20 arriving in Malta 16:50\n\nIf you are interested in registering please following this link. \nThe contribution for accommodation (some on bed and breakfast and some on half-board basis)\, transport and daily baggage transfer (may 10kg cabin bag per person) is 995€. A deposit of 145€ is required to reserve a place. \nThe treks will be led by Fr Walter Vassallo ofm. If you are interested in this event we recommend that you book as early as practicable to avoid disappointment. \n \nThe daily distances and altitudes on this cammino are as follows: \n\nLa Verna to Pieve S. Stefano:\n\n \n2. Pieve S. Stefano to Pian de la Capanna: \n \n3. Pian de la Capanna to Sansepolcro \n \n4. Sansepolcro to Citta di Castello \n \n5. Citta di Castello to Pietralunga \n \n6. Pietralunga to Gubbio \n \n7. Gubbio to Eremo San Pietro in Vigneto \n \n8. San Pietro in Vigneto to Valfabbrica \n \n9. Valfabbrica to Assisi \n \nDay 10: Exploring Assisi. \nIf you are interested in registering please following this link. URL:https://xircammini.org/event/cammino-di-san-francesco-la-verna-assisi/ LOCATION:Galicia CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230608_141319-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240429 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240505 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20230905T175734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240213T120644Z UID:4180-1714348800-1714867199@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Cammino di San Antioco (Sardegna) ADDITIONAL PLACES AVAILABLE DESCRIPTION:Cammino di San Antioco (Sardegna) | Level: Mod/Hard | Price: € 475 per person | P275\n\nThis event has had an overwhelming reponse! As a result we have been able to secure additional transport and accommodation and can offer more places! There is also the possibility of single supplement (@ € 550 instead € 475 per person from 29th April – 4th May) \nIf you are interested please book immediately because places once these additional places are taken we would absolutely not be in a position to add more. Thanks \nTo register please write to information@xircammini.org \nPlease book the following flights: \n\nFR7048 April 29th\, 2024 leaving Malta at 18:40 arriving in Cagliari at 20:00\nFR7049 23:45 May 4th\, 2024 leaving Cagliari at 23:45 arriving in Malta at 01:00(+1)\n\n \nNote: Dates may vary depending on Flight Schedule. When available dates will be provided. \nThe Cammino di Santu Jacu in Sardinia attributes with roots to Sant’Antioco\, the saint patron of Sardinia\, known as “the holy Moor who came from the sea”. He arrived in Cagliari\, the capital of Sardegna\, and then following the Central Axis up to Porto Torres to sail towards Barcelona\, walking the Catalan-Aragonese Way to Logroño and the Camino\nFrancés to Santiago de Compostela. Sulki (Sant Antioco)\, the ancient name of this island in the south-west of of Sardinia\, has always been a landing point for navigation in the Mediterranean Sea; a port from\nwhich minerals and food of this land were exported and exploited over the centuries by various settlers and occupants\, who have left their mark since punic times.  Later depopulated due to attacks by pirates from Barbary\, it was transformed into a penal colony for condemned Christians from the Maghreb lands.  The historical link with Santiago di Compostella is testified by the tables of 1466 and it is for this reason that our Way of St. James begins here\, at the Basilica of Sant’Antioco. \n \nDay 0: We arrive in Cagliari and transfer by coach to Sant Antioco. Accommodation will be mostly in self-catering apartments. The afternoon/ evening gives us time to stock our fridges for breakfasts and packed lunches. \nDay 1: We walk from Sant Antioco to Maladroxia in the South East of the island walking slightly inland through a wooded area until we veer towards the coastal area. Transport will collect us from Maladroxia to take us back to Sant Antioco for the evening. \n \nDay 2: Transport will take us back to Maladroxia. From the beach we continue walking along mainly low cliffs and coastal coastal areas until we reach the beach of Calasapone. Transport will return us to Sant Antioco. \n \nDay 3: Transport will take us back to Calasapone. From there we will continue along the cliffs towards the village of Calasetta. From Calasetta we continue along the prominade\, beaches and the old railway track back to Sant Antioco. On day 3 evening we’ll organise a victory dinner covered by XirCammini. \nDay 4: We have a full day excursion to by boat to Carloforte and Isola di San Pietro with the possiblity of a swim in transit. \nDay 5: We’ll have time for last minute sightseeing (or shopping) in Sant Antioco before returning to Cagliari and Malta. \n \nThe contribution is € 475 per person and covers the \n\ntwin or triple room sharing accommodation (on B&B basis for persons in the hostel and the B&B but self-catering in the apartments; but a refund for breakfast will be given/adjusted from final payment to those in the self-catering apartments)*\nairport transfers and\ndaily transfer to /from the hike\,\nday tour by boat of Carloforte and/pr Isola di San Pietro.\nPilgrim Kit with San Antioco teeshirt\, Credencial and Testimonium.\n\n(*Note: Single supplement on B&B basis: € 550 instead € 475 per person from 29th April – 4th May 2024) \nA non-refundable deposit of Euros 125 is required when registering. \nXirCammini will also cover the Victory Dinner (menu not drinks) on day 3 after we complete the Camino Sant Antioco. \nTo register please write to information@xircammini.org URL:https://xircammini.org/event/cammino-di-san-antioco-sardegna/ LOCATION:Sant Antioco\, Sardegna\, Italy CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230501_082944-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240330 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240407 DTSTAMP:20260731T193043 CREATED:20230905T175720Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231004T130612Z UID:4168-1711756800-1712447999@xircammini.org SUMMARY:Via De La Plata (Ourense to Santiago de Compostela) DESCRIPTION:Via De La Plata | Level: Mod | P268 \n \n1.)   Summary | Contribution\nVia De La Plata (Oursense to Santiago de Compostela) 110km | A non-refundable deposit of €145 is requested to reserve your place. The total contribution per XirCammini member (including the deposit) is €545 and this covers the local transport (Airport in Spain or Portugal) to Oursense and\, vice versa\, from Santiago de Compostela to the Airport\, daily baggage transfers (max 10kg cabin bag per person)\, daily accommodation in a variety of hotels\, pensions\, a monastery on a bed & breakfast basis where available. Thank you. \nPlease follow this link to register your interest and to pay the deposit. A non-refundable deposit of Euros 145 is requested when registering. Thank you. \n2.)   Flights\nPilgrims are requested to book the following flights. On Vueling anyone sending ‘hold’ luggage can send it all the way through to Santiago de Compostela airport despite the connection in Barcelona (and vice versa): \n \nOutward (30th March): Malta – Barcelona – Santiago de Compostela leaving Malta at 14:20 and arriving in Santiago de Compostela at 22:35 (VY8741 | VY1679) \nInward (6th April): Santiago – Barcelona – Malta leaving Santiago at 06:45 and arriving in Malta at 14:30 (VY1672 | VY8740) \n3.)   Important Notes\nXirCammini is not a tour operator or travel agent. We are a not-for-profits\, membership-based association registered in Malta with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (VO: 1646). This explains why our pricing is some 15% – 30% lower than that of other organisations and generally offers more\, i.e. our walks are not self-guided (although one can walk part or all of the way on their own). We set off as a group with a group leader from among our members who is an experienced Camino afficionado. This means that\, at all times\, you have someone to assist and\, if required\, trouble-shoot. Even with very well planned an executed itineraries\, occasionally there could be a last minute issue with\, say\, accommodation or land transport\, a mis-directed baggage that does not arrive at a particular accommodation\, an injury etc. So\, having the support of a group and a group leader can be a relief. In terms of accommodation we tend to choose varied accommodation (i.e. a monastery\, a hotel\, pension and where available\, a casa rural etc.) almost without exception on a twin room basis. From the baggage that arrives at our daily destination we can also safely assume that our accommodation is generally the same as the ones used by more established Camino tour operators. What we try to achieve is that pilgrims travelling with us have all the essentials catered for while in Spain\, leaving you to concentrate on the spiritual journey\, social interaction and camaraderie. Being in a group also means that you will make new friends from different walks of life but who share the same passion for the Camino. \n4.)   Membership\nSince we are a membership-based association\, people travelling with us would need to be members of XirCammini. \n \n5.)   Camino de La Plata: Introduction |Length | Terrain\nThe Camino de La Plata is the longest Camino on Spanish soil\, starting from either Seville or from Almeira (called Mozarabe). The last few etapas (stages) of it\, i.e. from Granja de Moreruela\, are also called Camino Sanabres. We will be walking the last 6 stages of the Camino de La Plata or the Camino Sanabres i.e. from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela. The distance is of around 110km\, making it eligible for the Compostela for walking pilgrims from the Pilgrim’s Office once you reach Santiago. The Via de la Plata currently attracts around 1% of all Camino Pilgrims applying for the Compostela in the Pilgrim Office in Santiago. Most of these would also only be walking the last 5 days from Ourense (6 days if pilgrims break the Ourense – Casarellos in 2 etapas). \nThe Camino is a scenic one which means\, there will be some elevations and distances may vary on a daily basis due to ruta complementarias. You will be crossing 3 provinces in 5 days of walking. Below are our indications of km and elevations. In terms of terrain this is generally mixed\, i.e. urban/paved roads and country/forest paths and soil/gravel paths. None of the days are particularly taxing for a seasoned hiker. Of all\, Day 1 is the most arduous both in terms of length and elevation.  The rest then all seem to be more palatable after walking the first day: \n\nOurense to Casarellos: 33 – 35km with a net elevation of < 610m over the whole day. There is a relatively steep ascent in the beginning of the day and the rest of the day offers a gradual ascent.\n\n \n\nCasarellos – Estacion de Lalin: 18 – 20km. you start the day with a gentle ascent reaching 900m above sea level and the rest of the day (approx the last 12km or so) are a descent to < 500m above sea level.\n\n \n\nEstacion de Lalin to Silleda: 15km – 18km. This is as series of gentle ascents and descents (little net gain or loss on this day) reaching a hight of < 550m above sea level and a depth of <400m above sea level at your lowest.\n\n \n\nSilleda to Ponte Ulla: This is an 18km – 20km descent from <500m above sea level to the River (Rio) Ulla at >60m above sea level.\n\n \n\nPonte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela: This is a 20km – 22km gradual ascent from <61m above sea level to Santiago de Compostela at >250m above sea level .\n\n \n6.)   What to see on the way?\nThe following are some sights worth including on the way: \n\nThe Roman Bridge over the Rio Mino and the old city quarter. The bridge is known as the ‘old bridge’ or ‘Ponte Vella’. The Camino will start over this bridge.\nCathedral of Ourense. Note: These generally do not open for the public before 10:00\, a to dedicate time to it one would need to arrive the night before.\nThermal waters in As Burgas This is a free\, public space but one can also visit private thermal baths in Ourense.\nAlong the whole path there are various river crossing some with medieval bridges and several hamlets. Between Silleda and Ponte Ulla there is also a beautiful galician palace with gardens called Pazo de Santo Estevo de Oca.\nWhen traversing Bandeira make sure you savour their empanadas because this village is renown for its pies.\nThe Pico Sacro and the Hermitage of St Sebastian offers a magnificent view of Santiago de Compostela before starting the descent to our Loca Sancta. Entry into Santiago is over River Sar and through the Arco de Mazarelos into the old quarter of Santiago de Compostela.\n\n7.)   Some other practical matters\nFor members joining us from overseas you can either meet us at the airport or we can agree to meet at the first accommodation in Ourense the evening before we start walking. \nWell before the Camino we also set up a WhatApp group for the pilgrims on the Camino so that you start interacting beforehand with questions\, practical advice\, food or medicine intolerances etc URL:https://xircammini.org/event/via-de-la-plata-3/ LOCATION:Spain\, Spain CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/12.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR