Has anybody done the ship's excursion to Santiago, usually from Vigo or Coruna? If so, how was it, and was it worth whatever price you paid?

Santiago De Compostela. I would suggest the ships tour in this port. You know I seldom say that.

The drive takes a while, about one hour. There is huge square in front of the church and small quaint streets with lots of shops surround the church. The church is really unique and definitely a “kodak moment”.

The highlight of the event is to see the demonstration of the Botafumeiro Incense Ceremony. I will always remember this ceremony. A giant urn full of incense is lifted almost to the roof and then it swings back and forth filling the church with incense. May not sound like much but it is so big, burning, and they get it going really fast. It is amazing to watch. This used to be done as this is a famous church were pilgrims used to congregate and it was to hide the “stench” that filled the church with all these road weary, non bathed pilgrims.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.

Wendy,

This is one place I would really emphasize nobody that has the opportunity should miss. It is my favorite city in Spain, it is so special. If you get to see the Botafumeiro you'll be luckier than me. I have been to Santiago twice, both times staying 4 days at a time and they never did it while I was there :( . But I have seen videos of it and it is very impressive. If the only thing the town had was the Cathedral that would be IMO reason enough to go, but the town is much more than that.

So get yourself to Santiago anyway you can.

Right, thanks, I had already decided that if I go, it will be on the ship's excursion, glad to hear an enthusiastic endorsement. I will probably book for two, and then if it interferes with the cordon bleu class, I can always cancel, we will be seeing more than our share of churches in Portugal, so if we have to take a pass, we can.

Wendy, I'll 3rd what Ngaire and Maria said. A great tour. That incense burner is huge.

If you have an opportunity,visit the hotel, oppposite the Cathedral,which is reputed to be the oldest hotel in the world.It was founded as a hospital in 1499.

Sounds like a great excursion that we will look into for 2007.

Santiago is a must see, if you can. People from all over Europe started doing the pilgramage sicne the 10th century. Many Spaniards (and many others) still do the pilgrimage honoring St. James every year.

Santiago de Compostela