Here are the questions we are frequently
asked, we hope they cover all of yours however
if there is something we’ve missed let us
know and we will be happy to answer it and
add it to our FAQs page:
What will the holiday be like?
Special is probably the best word to describe
it. The Camino de Santiago (French Way)
is unique not only because it is a journey
of the soul and spirit but also because
you will be walking through a beautiful,
varied landscape in the company of many
interesting like-minded souls some of whom
may become long lasting friends or acquaintances.
On a typical day, whatever the speed of
your travel you are bound to meet other
pilgrims to share experiences with either
as you walk or at rest stops. This is what
makes the Camino so magical.
And you walk with the reassurance of knowing
that when you arrive at your next stop-over
you will have somewhere comfortable to stay
and eat already booked.
From Sarria onwards (the
last 110kms) the Camino is not challenging
and consists mainly of short flat stretches
alternating with small hills – rolling countryside.
The terrain underfoot is good being a mixture
of sandy paths, tarmac roads and some stony
lanes.
From Astorga to Sarria there
are two long climbs and two long descents,
one steep for a short way but with a more
gentle road alternative. The descents can
be a little stony.
From Leon to Astorga the
Camino is mainly flat with many vineyards.
There are stretches where the Camino is
a path alongside roads – in a very few cases
busy.
From Sarria to Santiago there
are frequent refreshment and toilet facilities,
before Sarria these are less frequent and
are pointed out in the notes and maps that
we provide you with which will also give details
of ascents and descents, distances and places
of interest.
And don’t forget your grand arrival in
Santiago! This is one of the most satisfying
experiences you can enjoy and you will feel
a real kinship with your fellow pilgrims
as you enter the famous cathedral!
Where will I be staying?
In all cases your accommodation will be
the best available, usually 2* or 3* hotels
or guesthouses, except in the larger towns
where we give you the choice of either the
more exclusive hotels that are available
or budget but good accommodation.
In smaller locations where the choice is
limited you may be staying in a small guesthouse,
which will be of good quality. You will always have your own bathroom and all hotels have wifi and some laundry facilities and some pools. Some hotels
will have Wifi or Internet and laundry facilities
and all will of course provide towels and
bed linen so sleeping bags are not necessary!
Very Important! The Camino is quite rightly
a popular pilgrimage and therefore at certain
times of the year there can be a shortage
of good accommodation. We do not compromise
on the quality of accommodation that we
expect our guests to stay in and therefore
where there is none available that meets
our standards we will arrange for you to
be transferred by taxi to the nearest suitable
one.
The earlier you book the more chance of
getting the best accommodation.
What are the meal arrangements?
With all holidays breakfast is included.
This can vary and as a minimum will be continental
however in some of the places may include
hams and cheese and cooked food.
Dinner if included will usually be where
you are staying and will be the menu of
the day, which usually has a choice of starters,
main course and sweet. Drinks are usually included
with the meals. Please let us know if you
have any special dietary requirements, we
are usually able to arrange for these.
Lunch is not included as there are plenty
of places to eat en-route and this gives
you the opportunity to try local dishes
and meet other pilgrims. We supply you with
a comprehensive menu translator as part
of your welcome pack. This will also tell
you something about the local dishes.
If you would prefer on some days to have
a picnic lunch your hotel may be able to
provide it or there may be shops nearby
where you can buy provisions. The notes
we provide you will have details.
Please note the eating times are different
in Spain – Breakfast is rarely served before
7.00am and Dinner is usually not available
until after 8.00pm.
Can I have my luggage transferred?
You certainly can. We will provide you with
luggage tags that need to be displayed at
all times and make the necessary arrangements.
Your luggage will need to be in reception
by 8.30am and is usually delivered to your
next hotel by 4.30pm. The luggage transfer
is limited to 1 bag per person with a maximum
weight of 20kg per bag. If you need more
let us know and we will quote!
How do I follow the Camino?
It couldn’t be easier as this is probably
the best way-marked walking route in the
world – just follow the yellow arrows and
scallops! We do also however provide you
with maps and comprehensive route notes
to make your journey more interesting.
How do I get the Compostella (certificate
of completion)?
To qualify for the Compostella you must
have walked the last 100km of the Camino
and prove it by having a Pilgrims Passport
that has been stamped at sufficient places
en-route. We will provide you with your
passport as part of your welcome pack. We
will also give you directions to the Pilgrim’s
Office in Santiago.
How do I get to the start and finish points?
We are happy to advise you on the best means of getting to the start when you make your booking with us and will even book it for you if you prefer.
Will I be safe and will I meet other Pilgrims?
In the main the Camino is a very safe and
friendly environment. You do need to take
the normal common-sense precautions in towns
and when you take a break however it is
very rare for people to have problems. Each
year many women make this pilgrimage alone
without incidents and you will generally
find local people very friendly and helpful.
You certainly will meet fellow pilgrims
of all nationalities and this is part of
its attraction.
What will the weather be like and when
is the best time to come?
We offer our holidays from April to October,
which tends to be the better months for
walking.
Galicia is green and beautiful for a reason
– it gets a lot of rain! As with other places
this far south it can also get hot in the
summer so when you choose to come should
be determined by when you are available
and what conditions you feel more comfortable
in walking in.
Spring, early summer and early autumn are
months when you will have a more comfortable
temperature but should be prepared for showers
or even rain. July and August can be hot
but with far less likelihood of rain.
The high stages of the Camino before Sarria
can be cool in spring and autumn.
Winter is chilly with snow at high levels
and rain throughout Galicia.
www.worldweather.org
will give you climate statistics under Spain,
A Coruna.
Do I need vaccinations and what health
precautions should I take?
Apart from COVID no other vaccinations are necessary and the COVID situation is constantly changing so we will point you to the latest information on this. However do ensure that if you do have any
medical conditions that you feel may interfere
with your enjoyment of the Camino check
first with your doctor. Likewise do remember
to bring any medication that you normally
take and we also recommend bringing a small
first aid kit.
It is a condition of our accepting your
booking for this holiday that you have adequate
travel insurance and if you are coming from
the UK an EHIC from www.dh.gov.uk as this
will be useful should you need to see a
doctor.
Health facilities in Spain are generally
good although as in most countries you may
need to wait for minor things in Accident
and Emergency departments.
What currency do I need and are there ATM’s?
The currency is the Euro and all towns and
most larger villages will have ATM,s
Our notes will indicate villages that have
these. Virtually all bars, restaurants, hotels, shops and taxis will take debit and credit cards.
What do I do in an emergency?
We give you full guidance on what to do
in an emergency with your welcome pack and
don’t forget that you will have available
24/7 both a Spanish and a UK helpline telephone
contact.
What do I need to bring?
Here are some suggestions, the list is not
exhaustive so do consider your own requirements:
Luggage - the baggage allowance is one item
(maximum 20kg) per person. If you need to
add more bags please contact us in advance.
Daypack (15-20L)
Good walking shoes with ankle support is
recommended
Plenty of spare pairs of socks - hiking
socks for walks and regular socks for evenings
Appropriate pants for hiking, i.e. not jeans
Light shoes/sandals (for evening)
Long pants for hiking
T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts
Long sleeved shirt
Polar fleece or a warm jacket
Underwear (thermal for winter trips)*
Warm hat and sun hat
Sunglasses
Water proof jacket or poncho in case of
rain
Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
etc
Water bottle
Extra clothing for cold sensitive*
Sun cream (preferably sweat/water resistant
and of a high factor)
Plastic bags
*not necessary for all trips
FIRST AID
Plasters
Blister plasters
Aspirin/Paracetamol for headaches or other
pain
Antihistamine tablets
Throat lozenges
Anti-inflammatory cream
SOME OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Extra underwear
Flashlight with extra batteries & bulb
Extra socks, extra T-shirts
Camera equipment
Binoculars
Collapsible plastic bucket or bowl for laundry
Some general antibiotics
Moist sealed mini paper towels
Powdered drink mix
Chocolate or candy bars
Needle and thread
Safety pins
Rip-stop nylon tape
Dental floss
Ace Bandage
Reading material
Walking stick or walking poles
Non-breakable glasses (if you wear breakable)
Small musical instruments like harmonicas
Playing cards…
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