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About this trip
The opportunity to walk Spain's celebrated Camino de Santiago isn't just another vacation; it's an outright life-changing achievement. This incredible 10-day adventure begins with two days of exploration in stately (and must-see) Madrid. Then continue to the picturesque municipality of Sarria to begin your own once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, along the final 100km of the famed Camino. Finish your walk at Santiago de Compostela's Cathedral, celebrating your accomplishment with fellow pilgrims from all over the world.
Introduction and Inclusions
- Explore Madrid's Plaza Mayor and Gran Via at your own pace
- Complete the last 100km of the pilgrim's trail and complete your "compostela" walk through small villages and towns
- Enjoy hearty and delicious Spanish food
- Walk into the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela
Duration: 10 daysStart/Finish City: Madrid to Santiago de Compostela
Level: Standard:
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Travel Style: Active
Hiking, trekking, adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 14 Avg 10
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Orientation walk in Madrid. Trekking along the pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela (6 days). Luggage transport throughout. Transport between Madrid and the start of the trek.
Highlights
Explore Madrid's Plaza Mayor and Gran Via at your own pace, complete the last 100km of the pilgrim's trail and complete your "compostela" walk through small villages and towns, enjoy hearty and delicious Spanish food, walk into the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
Please note that after the short bus ride on Day 4, this trip is a trekking trip. A support vehicle is available on every day to carry your main luggage, you will need to have a day pack large enough to fit whatever you require for each day hiking. Please note that only one bag is permitted per traveller, which cannot exceed 20kg/45lbs.
Be prepared to hike an average of 6 to 10 hrs per day, approx. 20-25 km per day, with some shorter and longer days along the way.
LUGGAGE FORWARDING OPTION: If travelling with extra luggage from previous trips or continuing on your travels after the tour, you have the option of forwarding extra luggage to Santiago from Leon for a reasonable fee (approx. 10-30 EUR depending on total weight). Please inquire with your Tour Leader on Day 1. There is also an option to transfer luggage daily to the next night stop, by taxi. This can be arranged with your Tour Leader and is an OPTIONAL service. Cost will be divided between those who choose to use this service.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
PILGRIM PASSPORT NOTE:
Please be aware that the Pilgrim Passport is included on this tour. It is a little stamp book and travellers will need to obtain at least 2 stamps per day to prove they have done the final 100km of the Camino. If this is done, then you are eligible for a Compostela Certificate upon arrival to the cathedral in Santiago. Your CEOs will arrange all of that on the ground.
Group Size Notes
Max 14, Min 8
Meals Included
9 breakfasts
Transport
Walking, local train.
About our Transportation
Aside from the train from Madrid and a short local bus ride on Day 4, transport on this trip is your own two feet!
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation
Hotels (9 nts).
Joining Instructions
From Madrid airport (MAD), you can reach the city centre in a few ways. You can take the Metro Line 8 (pink) directly to Nuevos Ministerios station, which is located in the city centre. Alternatively, take the 203 bus to Atocha Train Station (only operational during daytime hours).
To arrange an arrival or departure transfer, we recommend you book through our preferred transfer provider - HolidayTaxis
We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following details before booking:
- Flight number
- Flight Arrival Time and Date
- Flight Departure Time and Date
- Passenger's Name
- Number of Passengers
- Email
- Valid Mobile Telephone Number
- Drop off and/or Pick Up Address
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
Travel Insurance Required
It is mandatory for all of our travellers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD we also strongly recommend purchasing an all-inclusive plan that covers cancellation/interruption insurance as well.
What’s not included
- International Airfare
- Meals other than listed
- Gratuites
- Airport transfers
Available Packages
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character
Itinerary
Arrive anytime
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.