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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241022
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241027
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
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:20260731T211805
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:20260731T211805
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:20260731T211805
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:20260731T211805
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:20260731T211805
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/
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:20260731T211805
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:20260731T211805
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/
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:20260731T211805
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:20260731T211805
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240315
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240320
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20231206T102119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240213T114009Z
UID:4859-1710460800-1710892799@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Culture & Hiking Event (Filippo Paladini\, Palermo) CANCELLED
DESCRIPTION:This event has been cancelled due to lack of general interest \n 
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/culture-hiking-event-filippo-paladini-palermo-terme-monte-monte-finestrelle/
CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Paladini.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240211
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20230905T175436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231014T090430Z
UID:4149-1706918400-1707609599@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia[FULLY BOOKED]
DESCRIPTION:Cammino di San Giacomo in Sicilia | THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \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). On this cammino we will be assisted  by Toto Trumino\, from the Confraternity of St. James in Sicily and the originator of this heritage walk. \n   \nWe fly to Sicily on 3rd February 2024 (FR367: 11:35 to 12:25) and transfer from the airport to Caltagirone. \nWe have a free afternoon to settle in our respective accommodations and for a short urban hike exploring highlights in this 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   \nOn the 4th February we will commence the Camino di San Giacomo from the church of St. James and our itinerary over the following days is as follows: \n4th February 2024: Caltagirone – San Michele Ganzaria – Mirabella Mbaccari. Distance: 19km with approximate altitude differences of + 260 m/ – 300 m. Level: Easy to Moderate. \n5th February 2024: Mirabella Mbaccari – Piazza Armerina. Distance: 21km with approximate altitude differences of + 500 m/ – 300 m. Level: Moderate. \n6th February 2024: Piazza Armerina – Valguarnera Caro Pepe. Distance: 19km with approximate altitude differences of + 300 m/ – 380 m. Level: Easy to Moderate. \n7th February 2024: Valguarnera – Assoro. Distance: 25km with approximate altitude differences of + 980 m/ – 680 m. Level: Moderate to Difficult (because of ascent). \n8th February 2024: Assoro – Nissoria – Nicosia. Distance: 25km with approximate altitude differences of + 630 m/ – 680 m. Level: Moderate. \n9th February 2024: 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 thelLegends surrounding the “Wall of Miracles” during our Cammino. \n10th February 2024: We check out after breakfast and proceed to the airport stopping for lunch en-route. (Flying out on FR396: 17:05 arriving in Malta at17:55). \nThe contribution for this event is Euros 595 per person. \nThe contribution 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. \nTHIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED.
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/cammino-di-san-giacomo-in-sicilia/
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:20231020
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231024
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20230716T192806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230914T094418Z
UID:3957-1697760000-1698105599@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Valle del Belice\, Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco\, Monte Genuardo & Palermo\, Sicily FULLY BOOKED
DESCRIPTION:THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED \n4 days of hiking\, nature\, good food and wine and great fun! \nCombining trekking in Valle del Belice (with its Olive Oil and Pecorino DOP)\, sleeping at Santa Maria del Bosco Abbey at the foothills of Monte Genuardo in the Sican mountains; a mediaval abbey converted into a sublime Relais with excellent hospitality. After the weekend in Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco we finish our hiking tour with a day exploring Palermo. \nThe 4-day trekking itinerary organised by VaiColTrekking covers: \n\nA day of trekking in Valle del Belice after landing in Trapani- Marsala on Friday 20th October 2023;\nIn the evening we join other hikers at Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco for a week-end of hiking including Monte Genuardo\, the Sican foothills and Lake Arancio;\nMonday is dedicated to urban trekking and sight-seeing with a guide in Palermo\n\nbefore returning to the airport for our return flight to Malta from Trapani- Marsala. \nPrice: includes all local transport in Sicily\, guide in Palermo\,  the weekend programme of trekking at Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco\, Monte Genuardo and Lake Arancio and trekking in Valle del Belice\, accommodation and meals. The price does not include air-travel from / to Malta / Trapani. (Price: Euros 550\, of which Euros 280 cover the weekend at the Abbazia as advertised on the VaiColTrekking website. Deposit: Euros 150) on a twin or double room sharing basis. \nSuggested air-travel: \nFriday 20th October\, FR7005 (Ryanair – Maltaair) Malta – Trapani Marsala 06:00 – 06:55 \nMonday 23rd October\, FR7006 (Ryanair – Maltaair) Trapani Marsala – Malta 22:45 – 23:35
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/valle-del-belice-abbazia-santa-maria-del-bosco-monte-genuardo-palermo-sicily/
LOCATION:Sicily\, Italy
CATEGORIES:Overseas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Santa-Maria.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230920
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230928
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20221110T063112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230315T054849Z
UID:2651-1695168000-1695859199@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Camino San Salvador FULLY BOOKED
DESCRIPTION:THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED \nCamino San Salvador (Leon to Oviedo)\, Spain | A non-refundable deposit of €145 is requested to reserve your place. \nThe contribution covers local (Spain) coach transfers\, daily baggage transfer (max 10kg per person) and daily accommodation on b&B basis where applicable. \nThis group will be capped at a maximum of 14 people because of limitations on accommodation in some remote locations. Thank you. \nFlights: \n\nOn 20th September 2023 we fly Malta to Rome (Fiumicino) connecting to Asturias (Oviedo) Airport KM612 MLT – FCO 07:30 – 09:00 and FR5828 FCO – AST 11:05 – 13:31\nOn 27th September 2023 we return from Asturias (Oviedo) Airport to Malta via Rome FR5829 AST – FCO 14:05 – 16:30 and KM615 FCO – MLT 21:10 – 22:35\n\nIMPORTANT: Because of connecting flights it is highly recommended that pilgrims do not book hold luggage. \nThe Camino is from Leon to Oviedo (about 130km) crossing beautiful Asturian countryside on the following etapas: \n\n21st Sept: León to La Robla 27 kms.\n22nd Sept: La Robla to Poladura de Tercia 24 kms.\n23rd Sept: Poladura de Tercia to Llanos de Somerón 18 kms\n24th Sept: Llanos de Somerón to Pola de Lena 22 kms\n25th Sept:Pola de Lena to Oviedo 34 km.\n26th Sept: A rest day in Oviedo. It is recommended that we visit the Ovetense\, Oviedo Cathedral.\n\n \nInterested? Please follow this link  (link disabled) to register and pay the €145 deposit.
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/camino-san-salvador-2/
CATEGORIES:Overseas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20220719_082944-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230906
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230911
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20221110T063111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230307T060508Z
UID:2649-1693958400-1694390399@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Transumanza
DESCRIPTION:Transumanza: Trekking with Sheep in Abbruzzo\, including accommodation\, meals and local transport (inlcuding also transport to and from the airport in Rome\,  | A non-refundable deposit of €125 is requested to reserve your place. Thank you. \nRecommended flights (not included in the price): \n\nWednesday 6th September KM612 from Malta at 07:35 arriving in Rome at 09:00. We then travel by coach (covered in the price by VaiColTrekking) to the trekking destination in Abbruzzo.\nSunday\, 10th September on KM 615 from Rome at 23:00 arriving in Malta at 00:23.\n\nMaximum 20 people. \nTo register and pay the deposit please follow this link. \n 
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/transumanza-2/
CATEGORIES:Overseas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Transumanza.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230821
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230829
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20221110T063110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230704T160615Z
UID:2648-1692576000-1693267199@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Tochar Phadraig FULLY BOOKED
DESCRIPTION:This trip is fully booked \nDuring this trip we will \n\nwalk the Tochar Phadraig (2-day Irish Camino of St. Patrick)\nclimb Croagh Phadraig (St. Patrick Mountain or the Reek)\nvisit and trek Achill Islands\nwalk to Church Island / Bronze age settlement (and for the braver ones … attempt to swim in Lough Carra)\ntrek the cliffs of Moher from Lisconnor to Dolinn.\nspend some time in Dublin before returning home.
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/tochar-phadraig-2/
CATEGORIES:Overseas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amended-Tochar.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230814
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230822
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20230111T170237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230213T133320Z
UID:3298-1691971200-1692662399@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Tochar Phadraig - FULLY BOOKED
DESCRIPTION:On 14th August 2023 we fly on FR7243 arriving in Dublin in the afternoon proceeding immediately to County Mayo for check in and dinner. We would then leave at around midnight on 21st Aug to reach Dublin Airport in time for the 5:55 (FR7242) flight to Malta. \nDuring this trip we will \n\nWalk the Tochar Phadraig (2-day Irish Camino of St. Patrick)\nClimb Croagh Phadraig (St. Patrick Mountain or the Reek)\nvisit and trek either Achill Islands / Cliffs or Cliffs of Moher (from Lisconnor to Dolinn)\nwalk to Church Island / Bronze age settlement (and for the braver ones … attempt to swim in Lough Carra)\nTrek the mean min pilgrimage trail in Gounty Galway.\n\nThe contribution for this trekking experience is Euros 975 covering all local (Irish) daily coach transfers\, hotel accommodation on twin room sharing basis on half board basis (breakfast and dinner) plus packed lunch and experienced local guides on some of the treks where required. \nThis Event is now FULLY BOOKED. If you are interested and would like to be on the waiting list in case any one drops out please drop us an email on information@xircammini.org
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/tochar-phadraig-3/
LOCATION:Ireland\, Ireland
CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20220818_141556-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230629
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230706
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20221110T063042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230611T192112Z
UID:2641-1687996800-1688601599@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Pollino & Aspromonte (Southern Italy)
DESCRIPTION:In this June/July trek we will be combining 2 popular desitnations\, Pollino and Aspromonte and will experience: \n\nTrekking in Dinamare\, Messina\nTrekking in Pollino mountain\nWhite water rafting (River Laos) and\nTrekking and swimming in Aspromonte\n\nWe will stay in agriturismi selected by VaiColTrekking and the treks will be led by Attilio Calderera. \nA non-refundable deposit of €145 is requested to reserve your place. Thank you. \nYou are also requested to book the following flights (these are not covered in the cost): \n\nMalta – Catania: 29th June 2023 on KM640 leaving Malta at 05:40 and arriving in Catania at 06:20. This allows us to take advantage of a full day on the 29th June 2023.\nCatania – Malta: 5th July 2023 on KM643 leaving Catania at 23:20 and arriving in Malta at 23:59. This\, again. allows us to take advantage of a full day on 5th July 2023.\n\nIf you are interested in applying please follow this link to register your interest and to pay the deposit.
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/pollino-sila-2/
CATEGORIES:Overseas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Slide6-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230629
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230703
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20230410T133628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230410T134349Z
UID:3770-1687996800-1688342399@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Dinnamare & Aspromonte
DESCRIPTION:For those who are unable to join us for a whole week from 29th June to 5th July (Dinnamare\, Aspromonte and Pollino) why not join us for a long weekend in Dinnamare\, Sicily and Aspromonte\, Calabria. \n\n\n\nOn arrival\, 29th June\, we trek in Northern Sicily (Messina region) in Dinnamare before crossing over to Calabira to continue trekking in Calabria (30th to the 2nd of June) among the woods of Aspromonte and its spectacular waterfalls in Gambarie  and Montalto. \n\n\n\nThe itinierary organised bt VaiColTrekking includes accommodation\, local trasnport\, breakfasts and dinners. \n\n\n\nPrograms can always be modified due to weather changes or special unforeseen needs. \n\n\n\nA non-refundable deposit of €150 is requested to reserve your place. Thank you. \n\n\n\nYou are also requested to book the following flights (these are not covered in the cost): \n\n\n\n\nMalta – Catania: 29th June 2023 on KM640 leaving Malta at 05:40 and arriving in Catania at 06:20. This allows us to take advantage of a full day on the 29th June 2023.\n\n\n\nCatania – Malta: 2nd July 2023 on KM643 leaving Catania at 23:20 and arriving in Malta at 23:59. This\, again. allows us to take advantage of a full day on 2nd July 2023.\n\n\n\n\nIf you are interested in applying please follow this link to register your interest and to pay the deposit.
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/dinnamare-aspromonte/
LOCATION:Sicily and Calabria\, Italy
CATEGORIES:Overseas,Trekking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Aspromonte.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230405
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230415
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20221110T062933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T100517Z
UID:2630-1680652800-1681516799@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Camino Portugues (Valenca/Tui - Santiago de Compostela)
DESCRIPTION:1.)   Summary | Contribution\nCamino Portugues 2-week (Porto) and 1 week (Tui) options | A non-refundable deposit of €145 is requested to reserve your place. Thank you. \nFor those travelling from Malta\, the suggested flight connections are: \n\nMalta – Porto: 5th April 2023 on FR1509 from 07:00 – 09:20 (arrival in Porto)\nPorto – Malta: 14th April 2023 on FR1510 from 16:50 – 20:55\n\nXirCammini will organise the land transport from / to airport in Portugal/Spain. The road transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto Airport is just under 3 hours. \nPlease follow this link to apply for the 2-week Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. \n2.)   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. \n3.)   Membership\nSince we are a membership-based association\, people travelling with us would need to be members of XirCammini. apply for membership by following this link. \n4.)   Camino Portugues: Introduction |Length | Terrain Combined Information for a Porto or Valenca/Tui Start\nThe Camino Portugues is one of the most popular Caminos after the Camino Frances\, starting from as far as Lisbon or Porto or anywhere in between\, it has a number of variations the most prevalent of which being the Coastal and the Central routes. Many walk only the last 120km or so from Valenca/Tui to Santiago de Compostela\, 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 10% to 15% 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 Valenca/Tui (6 days if pilgrims break the distance between Padron and Santiago de Compostela 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 2 countries (the North of Portugal and the Province of Galicia) in 5 days of walking even if you start in Valenca/Tui. Some of you will be starting in arguably the 2nd most important city in Portugal\, Porto\, adding another 5 days in Portugal before reaching Galicia\, Spain. Between Portugal and Spain you will also be in different time zones (1 hour difference). \nBelow 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\nPorto to Giao/Fajozes: 22 – 25km with balanced number of ascents and descents reaching a high of 112m above sea level and low of 28m above sea level. The starting point is at the Cathedral of Porto close to the main train station and the scenic King Luis Bridge above the Douro River. You will be stopping in a village surrounded by fields mainly of corn. The area is also renown for its Douro wine. A visit to the train station before starting off would be worth your while.\n\n \n\nGiao/Fajozes – Barcelo: 30 – 33km. Although a slightly longer day\, ascents and descents are also relatively gentle with the highest ascent at 142m above sea level and descending lower than the previous day\, close to Calvado River at 9 m above sea level\, The area is renown for its Calvado wine. River banks in the region generally mean very good wine! Barcelos is a lovely town with a grand bridge over the river from where you will enter barcelos and also a magnificent medieval cathedral.\n\n \n\nBarcelo – Ponte de Lima: 30km – 35km. Compared to the previous day this etapa would be a little bit more taxing since it is a slightly longer walking day with at least 2 ascents that are relatively higher than experienced on the previous days. Still\, compared to other Caminos. ascents on the Portugues are relatively gentle. This route peaks at 184m above sea level and descends to 10m above sea level. Ponte de Lima is a very scenic town overlooking the river and the historic Ponte de Lima Bridge.\n\n \n\nPonte de Lima – Rubias: This is an 18km – 20km and\, in general\, will feel gentler than the previous day because it is a considerably shorter walking day. However it does have a steep ascent towards the middle of the walking day. This is where a fierce battle took place during the Iberian (Peninsular) Wars and a momument to the massacred retreating French troops still stands eerily in the hills after leaving Ponte de Lima. the ascent is almost double that of the previous day rising to over 320m above sea level but after a gentle descent the last 1/4 of the way is more or less a plateau. Rubias is a sparsely inhabited hamlet with a few pilgrim accommodation buildings and a general store. It is advisable that you stock up on certain essentials the day before in case you become peakish before dinner.\n\n \n\nRubias to Valenca: This is a 18km – 20km gradual descent being at < 275m above sea level at the highest peak and dropping to >20m above sea level towards the end of the walking day.  Dedicate time to exploring Forteleza 9the fortified Portuguese citadel overlooking the River Mino\, acting as a natural border between Portugal and Spain.\n\n \n\nValenca/Tui to O Porrino: 18km  – 20km characterised by short and sharp ascents and descents during this relatively short day of walking. The highest elevation is still on of the lowest for the whole Camino at 46m above sea level and the lowest point for this day will be at 15m above sea level. Do not rush through Tui. The Cathedral of Tui and the old quarter is worth a walk through before proceeding on your way to O Porrino. You will hit beautiful Galician countryside as soon as you exit Tui.\n\n \n\nO Porrino – Arcade: 22km – 24km. For those of you brave to swim (or wet their feet) in the Atlantic\, Arcade offers a beautiful beach where the estuary meets the sea. The walking day is not particulatly taxing since there is plateau.#/gentle ascent for the first half of the walk\, continuing with a descent to sea level.\n\n \n  \n\nArcade – Pontevedra: 12km – 15km. Crossing the old bridge as you exit Arcade\, this day is characterised with one short sharp ascent (relatively low at 56m above sea level) before descening again to 7m above sea level\, In Pontevedra\, if you make it in time before noon (it is suggested that you leave earlier from Arcade)\, you may be lucky enough to find a seat in the municipal market and order resh fish from the market to be cooked for oyur there. Pontevdra is the provincial capital and is a bustling town with its quaint old quarter and more modern streets and shops.\n\n \n\nPontevedra to Caldas de Rei: This is an 22km – 25km with an ascent in the first 1/3rd of the walk followed more or less a descent to 0m at sea level at Caldas de Rei. Caldes de Rei\, as the name suggests\, has thermal waters which can be experienced even in public water sources in the town’s plazas. This was historically a spa town for royalty. It’s worth carrying a small quick-dry towel with you and wetting your feet with hot and cold water at the end of the walking day before going to your appointed accommodation. It is a relatviely ‘sleepy’ town with a lovely public garden and wooden sculptures along the river.\n\n \n\nCaldas del Rei to Padron: This is a 18km – 20km relatively easy day\, reaching the town of Padron\, famous for the savoury Pementos Padron which one generally washes down with some Tinto. It is also the seat of the Roman town of Illiria Flavia and believed to be the place where St James evangelised. There is a steep hill worth climbing with the cross that is the recognised symbol of the Camino Portugues. The cross is erected where is is believed that St James preached during the Roman period. If you present your Credencial for stamping the Church of St James\, you can then collect the Pedronia (Pilgrim Certificate) across the bridge at the pilgrim albergue.\n\n \n\nPadron to Santiago de Compostela: This is a 20km -22km walking day. although not a longer than average walking day\, it is characterised by one ascent from start to finish as one climbs from practically sea level to > 250m above sea level. While the initial part offers some countryside settings the latter part is mainly through greater Santiago de Compostela area until reaching the old Santiago quarters and the Cathedral.\n\n \n  \n5.)   What to see on the way?\nThe following are some sights worth including on the way: \n\nThis Camino has an abundance of rivers and bridges. Most of the bridges (Porto\, Ponte de Lima\, Barcelos\, Arcade etc.) are historic bridges.\nIt also has a number of magnificent cathedrals and churches\, notably in Porto\, Valenca\, Tui\, Padron and Santiago.\nThermal waters in Caldas de Rei.\nThe hill and cross in Illiria Flavia (Padron) where St James is believed to have preached.\nWhen in Padron make sure to sample the Pemento Padron.\nNorth Portugal is renown for its wine (Ribiero del Douro and Calvado) as well as port. in Galicia\, closer to Santiago\, the region is also known for the Ribiera Sacra.\n\n6.)   Some other practical matters\nFor members joining us from overseas (any one interested in membership please follow this link)\, the Malta group will probably fly into Porto (Portugal) and we organise a coach from there to the starting point. You can either meet us at the airport or we can agree to meet at the first accommodation in either Porto or Valenca 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-portugues-valenca-2/
CATEGORIES:Overseas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG-20210908-WA0029.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230415
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20221110T062932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T100404Z
UID:2629-1680220800-1681516799@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Camino Portugues (Porto)
DESCRIPTION:1.)   Summary | Contribution\nCamino Portugues 2-week (Porto) and 1 week (Tui) options | A non-refundable deposit of €145 is requested to reserve your place. Thank you. \nFor persons travelling from / to Malta these are the recommended flights to book: \n\nMarch 31st\, FR1509 leaving Malta at 21:20 and arriving in Porto at 23:40\nApril 14th\, FR 1510 leaving Porto at 16:50 – 20:55\n\nAccommodation in Porto will be sought for the first night (31st Mar/1st Apr) and the Camino would commence on 2nd April\, giving participants time to spend in Porto. \nTravel time from Santiago de Compostela back to Porto (coach will be organised by XirCammini) is less than 3 hours. \nPlease follow this link to apply for the 2-week Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. \n2.)   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. \n3.)   Membership\nSince we are a membership-based association\, people travelling with us would need to be members of XirCammini. apply for membership by following this link. \n4.)   Camino Portugues: Introduction |Length | Terrain Combined Information for a Porto or Valenca/Tui Start\nThe Camino Portugues is one of the most popular Caminos after the Camino Frances\, starting from as far as Lisbon or Porto or anywhere in between\, it has a number of variations the most prevalent of which being the Coastal and the Central routes. Many walk only the last 120km or so from Valenca/Tui to Santiago de Compostela\, 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 10% to 15% 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 Valenca/Tui (6 days if pilgrims break the distance between Padron and Santiago de Compostela 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 2 countries (the North of Portugal and the Province of Galicia) in 5 days of walking even if you start in Valenca/Tui. Some of you will be starting in arguably the 2nd most important city in Portugal\, Porto\, adding another 5 days in Portugal before reaching Galicia\, Spain. Between Portugal and Spain you will also be in different time zones (1 hour difference). \nBelow 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\nPorto to Giao/Fajozes: 22 – 25km with balanced number of ascents and descents reaching a high of 112m above sea level and low of 28m above sea level. The starting point is at the Cathedral of Porto close to the main train station and the scenic King Luis Bridge above the Douro River. You will be stopping in a village surrounded by fields mainly of corn. The area is also renown for its Douro wine. A visit to the train station before starting off would be worth your while.\n\n \n\nGiao/Fajozes – Barcelo: 30 – 33km. Although a slightly longer day\, ascents and descents are also relatively gentle with the highest ascent at 142m above sea level and descending lower than the previous day\, close to Calvado River at 9 m above sea level\, The area is renown for its Calvado wine. River banks in the region generally mean very good wine! Barcelos is a lovely town with a grand bridge over the river from where you will enter barcelos and also a magnificent medieval cathedral.\n\n \n\nBarcelo – Ponte de Lima: 30km – 35km. Compared to the previous day this etapa would be a little bit more taxing since it is a slightly longer walking day with at least 2 ascents that are relatively higher than experienced on the previous days. Still\, compared to other Caminos. ascents on the Portugues are relatively gentle. This route peaks at 184m above sea level and descends to 10m above sea level. Ponte de Lima is a very scenic town overlooking the river and the historic Ponte de Lima Bridge.\n\n \n\nPonte de Lima – Rubias: This is an 18km – 20km and\, in general\, will feel gentler than the previous day because it is a considerably shorter walking day. However it does have a steep ascent towards the middle of the walking day. This is where a fierce battle took place during the Iberian (Peninsular) Wars and a momument to the massacred retreating French troops still stands eerily in the hills after leaving Ponte de Lima. the ascent is almost double that of the previous day rising to over 320m above sea level but after a gentle descent the last 1/4 of the way is more or less a plateau. Rubias is a sparsely inhabited hamlet with a few pilgrim accommodation buildings and a general store. It is advisable that you stock up on certain essentials the day before in case you become peakish before dinner.\n\n \n\nRubias to Valenca: This is a 18km – 20km gradual descent being at < 275m above sea level at the highest peak and dropping to >20m above sea level towards the end of the walking day.  Dedicate time to exploring Forteleza 9the fortified Portuguese citadel overlooking the River Mino\, acting as a natural border between Portugal and Spain.\n\n \n\nValenca/Tui to O Porrino: 18km  – 20km characterised by short and sharp ascents and descents during this relatively short day of walking. The highest elevation is still on of the lowest for the whole Camino at 46m above sea level and the lowest point for this day will be at 15m above sea level. Do not rush through Tui. The Cathedral of Tui and the old quarter is worth a walk through before proceeding on your way to O Porrino. You will hit beautiful Galician countryside as soon as you exit Tui.\n\n \n\nO Porrino – Arcade: 22km – 24km. For those of you brave to swim (or wet their feet) in the Atlantic\, Arcade offers a beautiful beach where the estuary meets the sea. The walking day is not particulatly taxing since there is plateau.#/gentle ascent for the first half of the walk\, continuing with a descent to sea level.\n\n \n  \n\nArcade – Pontevedra: 12km – 15km. Crossing the old bridge as you exit Arcade\, this day is characterised with one short sharp ascent (relatively low at 56m above sea level) before descening again to 7m above sea level\, In Pontevedra\, if you make it in time before noon (it is suggested that you leave earlier from Arcade)\, you may be lucky enough to find a seat in the municipal market and order resh fish from the market to be cooked for oyur there. Pontevdra is the provincial capital and is a bustling town with its quaint old quarter and more modern streets and shops.\n\n \n\nPontevedra to Caldas de Rei: This is an 22km – 25km with an ascent in the first 1/3rd of the walk followed more or less a descent to 0m at sea level at Caldas de Rei. Caldes de Rei\, as the name suggests\, has thermal waters which can be experienced even in public water sources in the town’s plazas. This was historically a spa town for royalty. It’s worth carrying a small quick-dry towel with you and wetting your feet with hot and cold water at the end of the walking day before going to your appointed accommodation. It is a relatviely ‘sleepy’ town with a lovely public garden and wooden sculptures along the river.\n\n \n\nCaldas del Rei to Padron: This is a 18km – 20km relatively easy day\, reaching the town of Padron\, famous for the savoury Pementos Padron which one generally washes down with some Tinto. It is also the seat of the Roman town of Illiria Flavia and believed to be the place where St James evangelised. There is a steep hill worth climbing with the cross that is the recognised symbol of the Camino Portugues. The cross is erected where is is believed that St James preached during the Roman period. If you present your Credencial for stamping the Church of St James\, you can then collect the Pedronia (Pilgrim Certificate) across the bridge at the pilgrim albergue.\n\n \n\nPadron to Santiago de Compostela: This is a 20km -22km walking day. although not a longer than average walking day\, it is characterised by one ascent from start to finish as one climbs from practically sea level to > 250m above sea level. While the initial part offers some countryside settings the latter part is mainly through greater Santiago de Compostela area until reaching the old Santiago quarters and the Cathedral.\n\n \n  \n5.)   What to see on the way?\nThe following are some sights worth including on the way: \n\nThis Camino has an abundance of rivers and bridges. Most of the bridges (Porto\, Ponte de Lima\, Barcelos\, Arcade etc.) are historic bridges.\nIt also has a number of magnificent cathedrals and churches\, notably in Porto\, Valenca\, Tui\, Padron and Santiago.\nThermal waters in Caldas de Rei.\nThe hill and cross in Illiria Flavia (Padron) where St James is believed to have preached.\nWhen in Padron make sure to sample the Pemento Padron.\nNorth Portugal is renown for its wine (Ribiero del Douro and Calvado) as well as port. in Galicia\, closer to Santiago\, the region is also known for the Ribiera Sacra.\n\n6.)   Some other practical matters\nFor members joining us from overseas (any one interested in membership please follow this link)\, the Malta group will probably fly into Porto (Portugal) and we organise a coach from there to the starting point. You can either meet us at the airport or we can agree to meet at the first accommodation in either Porto or Valenca 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-portugues-porto-2/
CATEGORIES:Overseas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20210906_182516-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230325
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230401
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20221110T062931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T100021Z
UID:2628-1679702400-1680307199@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Via de La Plata
DESCRIPTION:1.)   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 €495 and this covers the local transport from Porto Airport to Oursense and\, vice versa\, from Santiago de Compostela to Porto 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. \nFor the Maltese Members: the flights that you need to book are as follows: \n\n25th March 2023: Malta – Porto (Portugal): Ryanair FR7643 leaving Malta at 10:45 and arriving in Porto at 13:05\n31st March 2023: Porto (Portugal) – Malta: Ryanair FR1510 leaving Porto at 16:50 and arriving in Malta at 20:55\n\nThe land transit (we will provide coach transport) from Porto Airport to Ourense and from Santiago de Compostela to Porto Airport is under 3 hours each way. \n2.)   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. \n3.)   Membership\nSince we are a membership-based association\, people travelling with us would need to be members of XirCammini. \n4.)   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 \n5.)   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\n6.)   Some other practical matters\nFor members joining us from overseas (any one interested in membership please follow this link)\, the Malta group will probably fly into Porto (Portugal) and we organise a coach from there to Ourense. 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-2/
CATEGORIES:Overseas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20220731_171536-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="XirCammini":MAILTO:information@xircammini.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230209
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230213
DTSTAMP:20260731T211805
CREATED:20221110T062855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221228T151943Z
UID:2615-1675900800-1676246399@xircammini.org
SUMMARY:Sicilia Mare e Neve (e Vino!)
DESCRIPTION:IMPORTANT NOTE: For those who wish to still wish to join us\, the flight of 9th Feb a.m. is not available anymore at an economical price. Therefore\, one can still join by taking the KM3646 in the evening\, leaving Malta at 22:20 and arriving in Catania at 23:00. Transport will deliver you to the accommodation to join the group from the 1st night and to snow-shoe and trek the vineyards on the 10th\, 11th and 12th of Feb. The late evening return flight of the 12th Feb at time of posting this is also still available. \nOn February 9th we arrive in Catania in early morning on KM640 leaving Malta at 06:10 a.m. (flights not included). \nFrom Catania we travel North to visit/trek in Tindari and Marinello. In the late afternoon we travel to Villa Miraglia for an overnight stay and a snow-shoe trek. \nOn the 11th Feb we check out of Villa Miraglia and travel to Le Vigne Regaliali for 2 days of trekking (11th and 12th Feb) and an overnight stay on the wine estate. \nWe return to Malta on KM643 via Catania at 22:20. \nThere are only 22 places available on this trekking activity. So\, if you are interested\, please book early to avoid disappointment. \nThe contribution per person for this event is €625 and non-refundable deposit of €125 (to be deducted from the €625) is required to reserve your place. The contribution covers land transport in Sicily\, accommodation (in twin sharing rooms) and all meals except lunch in Tindari on the 9th of Feb. Thank you. \nIf you would like to join this event please follow this link to pay the €125 deposit.
URL:https://xircammini.org/event/costa-tirrenica-e-vigne-regaliali-2/
CATEGORIES:Overseas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://xircammini.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20220212_110614-scaled.jpg
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