The Circular Journey

Flores del Camino

Fd
Flores del Camino Retreat Centre
  • Email address verified
46 reviews
Jul 3 - 10, 2022
Group size: 6 - 12
The Circular Journey
Flores del Camino

Flores del Camino Retreat Centre
  • Email address verified
46 reviews

Jul 3 - 10, 2022
Group size: 6 - 12

About this trip



Nourish the soul with this transformative journey. Build community as we explore the history of inspired designs from ancient petroglyphs to gothic cathedrals and palaces along the Camino de Santiago. Experience hands-on workshops in sacred geometry and rose window construction. We'll take time for photography and sketching amongst iconic architectural masterpieces and the breathtaking countryside. Forge new friendships as we enjoy the flavors of the Spanish culture, including the chocolate museum and a local winery. Discover yourself again, by design.


A collaboration between John Hornsby, Gabriel Swinney & Flores del Camino (Bertrand Gamrowski, Basia Goodwin)

About your tutors

Bertrand Gamrowski (PhD)  is co founder of Flores del Camino Retreat Centre. He has a background in mathematics.  He specialises in the use of geometry in Christian art & architecture & has made a large body of research relating to the art of the Camino de Santiago. He finds joy & fulfilment in teaching & sharing what is not just an intellectual exercise but a “practical philosophy” hands on practise.


Basia Goodwin (MA) is co founder of Flores del Camino. She is an alumni of the Princes School of Traditional Arts, specialising in the use of geometry in traditional arts, craft & philosophy.  In her creative practice she works with a variety of mediums, ceramics, glass, makes & paints with natural pigments, using local Camino ocher earths.


John Hornsby has spent the bulk of his 25-year career in experiential design work.  He is an artist & designer, creative connector, & a problem solver who loves fusing symbolism & strategy to design. As an avid supporter of the creative sector, John works at the intersection of community, story, & design.  He enjoys sketching & journaling of his travels along with teaching & facilitating meaningful conversations. 


Gabriel Swinney is the founder & managing principal of Swinney Creative, located in Asheville, North Carolina. He specializes in commercial, architectural, & interior photography; & loves integrating edge technology like drones, 3D imaging, VR/AR into his projects. The fuel for his creativity is a sense of adventure & wonder. His favourite pastime is exploring ancient pilgrimage routes in faraway destinations.

What’s included

  • Accommodation
    All accommodation consists of individual or double ensuite bedrooms.
  • Food
    Delicious and healthy meals prepared onsite and served with love in either the dining area or in the courtyard under the pergola. Wine is offered at dinner.
  • Dietary requirements
    We cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarian, gluten-free, carb-free, dairy-free.
  • Workshops
    All equipment & material provided.
  • Outings
    Site entries & transport fares for cultural activities.

What’s not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Airport Transfers

Available Packages

Single Room

Price for one person

$1,920
Deposit:$400
Twin room

Price for one person

$1,800
Deposit:$400

Available options

Assistance to book airport transfers
$50

Itinerary

Schedule
The Circular Journey

Sunday  3rd.     Welcome 

15h-19h Check-in

19h30

Induction tour & Welcome dinner

Bringing the group together


Day 1 ~ Monday 4th. 

Morning workshop (3h): Introductions to pilgrimage & geometry

Afternoon workshop (1h30): Preparing tea-stained paper 

Resting time

Evening Intention fire (intention for the week)


Day 2 ~ Tuesday 5th.  

Morning: Visit to León Cathedral 

Afternoon workshops (2 x 1h30): Dividing the circle ~ The petroglyphs of Galicia



Day 3 ~ Wednesday 6th.     

Tour of the Mountains of León

Peñafadiel petroglyphs, Cruz de Ferro, Forge of Compludo, Peñalba de Santiago, Valley of Silence, Bierzo wine tasting


Day 4 ~ Thursday 7th.     

Morning workshop (3h): Pointed stars & the creation of harmonious ratios. Drawing our first rose.

Afternoon visit: Astorga: Roman museum, Gaudí Palace, chocolate museum


Day 5 ~ Friday 8th.    

Morning team activity: real size drawing of León rose window on the ground. How the medieval masons would have brought their drawings to life.

Afternoon workshops (2 x 1h30): Kissing circles ~ putting the journal together


Day 6 ~ Saturday 9th. 

Morning workshop (1h30): the twelve roses of León

Late morning & afternoon: return to León

Cathedral (has our gaze been changed by this week?), restaurant, San Isidoro, & if possible San Pedro de Escalada.


Sunday 10th.

Wrap up

Final touches to the journal

Departure after breakfast and before noon


The schedule is representative of the actual retreat but maybe subject to changes, for example due to the weather or other circumstances.



Your Organizer


Fd
Flores del Camino Retreat Centre
46 reviews
A charming retreat centre situated along the Camino de Santiago in the medieval village of Castrillo de los Polvazares, considered one the most beautiful villages in Spain. Throughout the year we collaborate with retreat facilitators, craftsmen & writers weaving together complementary & inspiring offerings.

Reviews

This was my second retreat at Flores and a truly magical experience. Art workshops, studying ancient patterns and petroglyphs and dolmens, collecting and painting with pigments from the earth-the Journey into winter retreat focussed on contemplation and reflection and connections with ancestral paths. The cozy comfortable stay and amazing food added to the beautiful experience and my fellow participants were a lovely group, felt like old friends. Thanks to Basia and Bertrand and Clarissa for curating and hosting this retreat, which has made me feel renewed!
By NISHA R for Journey into Winter on Nov 07, 2024
A deeply moving, educational and fun retreat. Outstanding in every way as Basia and Bertrand were the most capable, kind, caring, inventive and personable hosts. I recommend this retreat for everyone.
By Merrily P for Sacred Windows 2024 on Aug 11, 2024
This was my second time experiencing a retreat at Flores. Everyone and everything was wonderful once again. We were treated with the most loving hospitality and provisions. Room accommodations are great, food was excellent and everything was way above average! But most of all the loving environment felt like a warm hug.
By Carol M for Easter Retreat 2024 on Apr 13, 2024
The Easter Retreat 2024 at Flores del Camino expanded my perception of the meaning behind the Catholic Easter Mass. Participating as one unfamiliar with the Mass it had a deep affect; those with a background in the ritual spoke of a profound return to the best of what they loved in their early Catholicism. The week was very thoughtfully arranged to be reflective and what I would call "healing". Highly recommended for people of any background who want a deeper understanding of the subtleties between the religious and the sacred, and how what is above can be an experience below.
By G G for Easter Retreat 2024 on Apr 12, 2024
The Easter retreat was a beautiful experience from start to finish. The accommodation was warm , comfortable and welcoming and the food plentiful and delicious. The retreat was reflective, spiritual and thought provoking and has left a very deep and lasting impression. Alexander, Basia and Bertrand are a wonderfully gifted team and Flores del Camino is a hidden gem.
By Anne G for Easter Retreat 2024 on Apr 11, 2024
Show More Reviews

References

Flores was the ideal location for our deep coaching training. The beauty of the location, delicious and healthy foods and the spiritual presence of the hosts made it a magical experience for us all. They were completely attentive to every need.
By Christi B on 22 Jun, 2022