Hiking Ancient Trails and Paradors of Northern Spain

Pilgrim’s Way: El Camino de Santiago

Spain

9 Days

From $5,195

Level 3

Moderate

Overview

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    Overview

    Be part of a thousand-year-old pilgrimage—El Camino de Santiago—across a landscape alive with legends. Our perfectly designed journey showcases the very best landscapes and villages along this famous trail all the way to Finisterre, mythical Kilometer 0, where we make the traditional barefoot walk on the beach. Our paths wind through foothills and forests and past exquisite Romanesque and Gothic churches. Trails are marked with scallop shells, the symbol of St. James. One of the joys of this journey is sharing the trail with pilgrims from all over the world. Along the way, we are welcomed in our carefully selected hotels, including two nights at the acclaimed Parador dos Reis Católicos in Santiago. Our expert Trip Leaders bring the history and heritage of El Camino alive with every step, right down to introducing you to the delicious specialties of each region you travel through. Buen camino!

    Arrive: Burgos, Spain

    Depart: Santiago de Compostela, Spain

    Highlights

    • With decades of experience on the Camino, we've honed this itinerary to perfection!
    • Hike the most scenic portions of Spain's El Camino in nine well-paced days
    • Complete the final stretch at Finisterre, walking the sands barefoot in true pilgrim tradition
    • Enjoy Trip Leaders who ensure the traditions of the Camino are very much a part of your journey
    • Stay in historic hotels, including the 5-star Parador dos Reis Católicos, a 15th century monastery in Santiago's central square

    Overview

      Book Online Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days
      From medieval Burgos, whose Old Quarter is dominated by a masterpiece of a Gothic cathedral, we hike the Camino to remote Hontanas and across the sun-splashed plains of Castile to historic León. We'll explore León's soaring Gothic cathedral before heading to the walled city of Astorga. At the start of the trip, we are given a document known as the "Pilgrim's Passport," which we carry on the trail and have stamped at points along the journey.
      We climb through heather and Scotch broom as we hike to the Cruz de Ferro, where for a thousand years, pilgrims have left a stone from home to make a wish (be sure to bring your stone!). One of our overnights is in charming Villafranca del Bierzo, built in the 11th century at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mountains. In its heyday, Bierzo had six pilgrim hospices and eight monasteries. Entering Galicia, the cultural and geographical transition is dramatic, and now we begin to hear the ancient Galician tongue, Gallego. A spectacular trail brings us to the village of O Cebreiro, long associated with the legend of the Holy Grail. Some of the most picturesque stretches of the entire pilgrim trail greet us as we hike to the whitewashed village of Portomarín.
      Hiking through hamlets and farms flanked by ancient grain silos, we arrive in Santiago, where all roads lead to the vast central plaza and extraordinary twin-towered limestone cathedral containing the remains of St. James. Santiago is one of Spain's most beautiful cities and its basilica is always full of a jostling mix of pilgrims. We finish our pilgrimage in Finisterre, walking the last part of the trail barefoot along the beach. Depart on Day 9.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      $600 due at time of reservation
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
      61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
      46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
      45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
      • Accommodations in inns, manor houses, and paradors
      • All meals included except 1 dinner as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • A glass of wine or beer with dinner
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Monasterio San Zoilo

      Carrion de los Condes, Spain

      Day 1 (1 night)

      An atmospheric Benedictine monastery in a serene country setting, this historic property has been artfully transformed into a unique hotel. It was founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 16th century with the addition of a beautiful Gothic cloister. It is still church-owned...

      Hotel Spa Ciudad Astorga

      Astorga, Spain

      Day 2 (1 night)

      Just steps from Antoni Gaudí's Episcopal Palace of Astorga, the Hotel Spa Ciudad Astorga is a lovely place from which to explore the churches, convents, and the chocolate museum of Astorga or simply kick back with a glass of Tempranillo. This boutique hotel offers 33 small yet modern rooms with...

      Parador Villafranca del Bierzo

      Villafranca del Bierzo, Spain

      Day 3 (1 night)

      Located in the pilgrim town of Villafranco del Bierzo, this 28-room hotel has been refurbished into completely modern style, with large, spacious rooms. While not offering the historic ambiance that most paradors do, it is nevertheless a very comfortable accommodation with air-conditioned rooms and...

      Hotel Alfonso IX

      Sarria, Spain

      Day 4 (1 night)

      Set beside the Río Sarria on the appropriately named Rua do Peregrino (Pilgrim Street), this modern 60-room hotel is centrally located and convenient to shops, cafes, and the Old Town. There's a swimming pool for a dip after a long day of walking, and the hotel's restaurant has a varied...

      Hotel Ferramenteiro

      Portomarin, Spain

      Day 5 (1 night)

      This simple hotel is well situated right on the Camino in the small town and charming of Portomarin, which is often filled with fellow pilgrims. Guest rooms are small and have either balconies or terraces with views over the green hills and out over the Rio Mino, where in the...

      Pazo Santa María

      Arzua, Spain

      Day 6 (1 night)

      Nestled in the countryside just outside Arzua, this restored historic manor house dates back to 1742. Guestrooms are well appointed, and there are beautiful gardens and a fountain—a lovely retreat. The restaurant serves traditional Galician dishes.

      Parador de Santiago de Compostela

      Santiago de Compostela, Spain

      Days 7-8 (2 nights)

      Adjacent to Santiago's soaring Romanesque cathedral is the 5-star Parador de Santiago de Compostela, one of the oldest hotels in the world. Staying at this parador brings you into the heart of Santiago's rich history. It's location right on the central square makes it a great place for people watching—sit...

      Trip Leaders

      Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

      Rob Noonan

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      Patricia Raczkowski

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      David Atela

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      Santiago Bejarano

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      Haya Blanco

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      Marian Gibert

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      Sofia Jaldo

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      What the Trip is Like

      This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 14 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 8 hours a day. You will also need to be able to keep up with the moderate but steady pace of the group as there are no alternative hiking options available. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.

      Average Hiking Day
      • 8 miles
      • 4-6 hours
      • 1,000 feet gain/loss
      Challenge Day
      • Day 5 - 14 miles, 8.5 hours, 900 feet gain, and 1,000 feet loss
      Review Trip Level Details
      Our hikes are over easy to moderate terrain, with well-marked paths throughout. We will occasionally walk a few miles on pavement, but most of the hiking will be on dirt paths. The first two days of the trip include a half day of hiking and a half day of learning about the history of the Camino in the local towns. The rest of the days include a morning hike until around 1:00 pm and an afternoon hike from 2:30 pm until 5:00 pm.

      We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercise. Stair climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared—make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in.

      While we have timed our trip for ideal hiking weather, you should be prepared for a variety of conditions. In spring and fall, the days are usually warm and dry but not too hot. Nights can be quite cool. There is typically sunshine, but showers can occur at any time.
      You will be welcomed each night in our carefully selected hotels and paradors, including two nights at the extraordinary Parador Dos Reis Catolicos. While not luxurious, the rest of our accommodations are in nice hotels that are comfortable and well located on the Camino. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
      A buffet breakfast is served at our hotel each morning with fruit, bread, whole grains, cold cuts, cheese, butter, ham, olive oil, tomato, yogurt, coffee, and tea. We'll enjoy lunches in cafés or restaurants along the trail that offer local foods including cheeses, fresh vegetables, salamis, ham, fresh fruit, and bread. These are the typical restaurants where pilgrims stop to eat, and they give us a great chance to be part of the community. Pilgrims come from all over the world to hike El Camino, and are always very friendly and willing to share their experiences. Some of the items you'll see on the menu are hearty soups, a variety of cheeses and hams from the region (including jamón serrano), salads, pimientos del padrón (roasted green peppers), and trout served the Spanish way (expect to see the whole fish!). We often don't convene for our lunches until around 1:00 pm as lunch starts late in Spain. Dinner is at our hotel or a nearby restaurant and includes other local specialties like lamb and fresh seafood. Please note that in Spain, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 8:00 pm.
      Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).

      Client Testimonials

      "What a fabulous experience We loved the trip. The guides were well prepared and extremely knowledgeable."

      Ann and John L.

      Beaverton, OR

      "Such a wonderful trip! We have recommended it to many friends already! The attention to detail, the provision of wonderful food, wines, snacks, and even happy hours at the end of most days hiking were just the best."

      Ann C.

      Seattle, WA

      "If there was a rating above excellent, I would assign it to the components of this trip: guides, food, and itinerary design. Even the "van time" was well planned (and relatively brief) so that it was a break between walks, rather than dead time. Thank you!"

      Betsy S.

      Kennebunkport, ME

      "This trip was beyond wonderful. Every detail was planned perfectly, extraordinary guides, and beautiful hikes. We love Wilderness Travel—we will be planning trip number four with you, and we tell all our friends about how great your company is."

      Chris R.

      West Chester, PA

      "I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the Trip Leaders were a very positive part of the trip."

      Denice W.

      Portland, OR

      "I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the guides were a very positive part of the trip."

      Denise W.

      Portland, OR

      "Wilderness has once again delivered an amazing trip for all aboard. Great leaders, great guests, and a great experience. This is a complex intinerary—different hotels every night, all the meal arrangements along the way—and yet there was not a glitch the whole trip, including perfect weather! Everything was handled perfectly."

      Dickie A.

      Fernandina Beach, FL

      "Another well designed WT journey—from the itinerary, lodges, timing on the trail and at the historic sites. This was a spiritual journey for me, and it will stay in my heart forever."

      Dorothy F.

      Basalt, CO

      "Excellent! This was my first experience with Wilderness Travel, and I was more than pleased."

      Ellen M.

      Aiken, SC

      "The trip was a fabulous experience—physically, socially,and spiritually. We're impressed with the entire organization and can't wait to travel with Wilderness Travel next year. I am already perusing the catalog!"

      Gwen M.

      Houston, TX

      "A fantastic experience! Our Trip Leaders were both wonderful—always on top of everything, with great personalities."

      J. Robertson

      Houston, TX

      "I had high expectations for this venture, but it was so much more than I had imagined. It was a fantastic experience that will stay in the forefront of my memories."

      Jan P.

      Portland, OR

      "I cannot say enough good things about this trip. Everything was expertly organized, every day was different, I felt extremely well looked after!"

      Janet W.

      Calgary, Alberta

      "Thank you so much for a life changing adventure. It is one I will never forget."

      Joan W.

      Owen Sound, Ontario

      "A very interesting hiking trip with lots of history and legend attached to it. Great guides and good food made for another memorable WT adventure."

      Johanna T.

      La Jolla, CA

      "This was just what I like in a trip; being out and about in the countryside and towns. The Trip Leaders were exceptional in having local cuisine and wines arranged at our meals. I really enjoyed the variety of hotel accommodations."

      Jon D.

      Montgomery, AL

      "The trip was the perfect mix of culture, hiking and cuisine with a truly outstanding leader."

      Joseph C.

      Campbell, PA

      "It was a fascinating and inspiring trip. We would recommend it highly."

      Judith S.

      Chevy Chase, MD

      "Best tour I've been on, and one of the best trips of my life!"

      Judy C.

      Albany, CA

      "Loved this trip! It was great, every minute of it. Wonderful hotels, and loved the picnics."

      Julie A.

      Little Rock, AK

      "This was a trip of a lifetime! Couldn't imagine it could have turned out so well. From the Trip Leaders, my fellow travelers who started as strangers and ended up as friends, to the paths we hiked, the food we ate, the hotels we visited, the local guides we had along the way, it couldn't have been a better experience. Don't change a thing!"

      Katherine B.

      Santa Clara, CA

      "Journey of a lifetime—great guides, fascinating cultural education, and wonderful food and wine."

      Kathy I.

      Charlotte, NC

      "An excellent trip: beautifully curated and expertly led."

      Kay R.

      Doylestown, PA

      "Hiking the Pilgrim's Way was an awesome, humbling, spiritual experience."

      Kelly H.

      Honeoye Falls, NY

      "Would do it again!"

      Ken B.

      Gig Harbor, WA

      "This was a most enjoyable experience! Everyone had a great time."

      Linda G.

      Wilton, CT

      "Rob's sense of humor was contagious, and his knowledge of geology and history added to the overall experience."

      Linda M.

      New Bern, NC

      "Starting in the flat cropland and moving through the heather, then the rolling hills and on through the Galacian forests was to us the perfect survey of the countryside."

      Linda M.

      New Bern, NC

      "The Pilgrim's Way trip through northern Spain far exceeded our expectations in every way! It was our first time visiting the country, and we knew we would have a fantastic experience going with Wilderness Travel again. The daily choices of spectacular scenic hiking, unbelievably fabulous gourmet food and wine of the region, comfortable and charming hotels, and our delightful and outstanding leaders made it an OVER THE TOP nine days on the Camino De Santiago!"

      Margaret T.

      Holtville, CA

      "Amazing experience! I can't imagine a better way to experience the Camino de Santiago! WT has really organized a great Camino experience for those of us without the time or endurance to tackle a 6-week strenuous walk. Our group was able to experience full walking days along the most varied and beautiful parts of the Camino, while also taking in the local art, architecture, cathedral tours, wonderful meals, and history along the way."

      Margaret V.

      Danville, CA

      "This was my very first WT experience and it far exceeded my expectations. Exceptional value!"

      Marjorie G.

      Montgomery, AL

      "Wonderful accommodations and extraordinary food! I loved the variety of the hikes, the history and the culture, and the laughter and fun we shared on the trip. At the end of every day I would think, wow, this was the best day ever, yet the next day would prove to be just as wonderful, up until the very end."

      Mary Jo B.

      Seattle, WA

      "An unforgettable experience! I thought the itinerary was an excellent blend of culture, history, and hiking."

      Mattie V.

      Tampa, FL

      "Great trip, great company, great way to see northern Spain!"

      Mike C.

      El Dorado Hills, CA

      "I so enjoyed this trip. Spain has romanced me. I will be coming back."

      Paige W.

      Tucson, AZ

      "Loved, loved, loved this trip! Everything was perfect—the hiking, the food, the hotels, the weather, the countryside, the villages, the churches, the larger cities, our guides, and the nicest group of people you could ever meet!"

      Peggy C.

      Moraga, CA

      "Our guides were amazing, always helpful, timely, respectful, and genuinely invested in our trip experience and safety. Perfect!"

      Sally S.

      Winston-Salem, NC

      "This was a wonderful trip that more than met my expectations. The accomodations were more than adequate, the meals were delicious, and I couldn't have asked for better guides."

      Sara C.

      El Dorado Hills, CA

      "On a scale from 1-10 this was a 15!!!!!"

      Sherry S.

      Long Beach, CA

      "Absolutely EVERYTHING about this trip was perfect:  itinerary, food, lodgings, trip leaders, educational opportunities.  A perfect example of why Wilderness Travel will always be our first choice when planning adventures."

      Susan W.

      Albuquerque, NM

      "Our Pilgrim’s Way began with rain as we left the splendor of the Burgos Cathedral and ended with rain as we walked the shell-strewn sands of Finisterre. But in between? Well, in between, it was filled with joy, beauty, dancing, singing, dramatic readings, witches, history, camaraderie, delicious food, delectable wines, charming villages, vibrant cities, hidden restaurants, incredible trip leaders, friendly people, time for reflection, the hypnotic crunch of one’s boots on the path and, oh, yes, sunshine that had us peeling off layers of clothes as we walked through the exquisite and varied landscapes of the camino."

      Virginia V.

      Salem, OR

      "Everything about this trip was thoroughly enjoyable—the itinerary, the people, the food, and the leaders. Even the weather turned out to be exceptional. This is our second trip with WT, and we hope to do more!"

      Yolanda (Yoli) S.

      Miami Beach, FL

      FAQs

      The Camino de Santiago can be done any time of year, however, the months of April-June and September-October are the best months to experience the trail. Read more about the differences between each month below.

      Best Time to Hike the Camino de Santiago

      Most pilgrim trails funnel into a few main routes within Spain on their way to Santiago de Compostela, with the classic "Camino Frances" (French Way) being the most popular. This is the route that we recommend, and have selected the most beautiful hiking sections for our journey.

      The Many Ways to Santiago

      El Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — is the name for the hundreds of miles of collective pathways that have guided pilgrims to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela for more than 1,000 years. The reason for the great pilgrimage was (and still is, for many) a matter of faith in the miraculous power of St. James.

      History of the Camino de Santiago

      The trail follows everything from country roads to cow paths as we travel through rural regions that see few outsiders aside from pilgrims. Of course, all hiking days are a bit different, and the weather always has the final say, but the following is a sense of a typical day on the trail.

      What to Expect on the Pilgrim's Way

      • We have handcrafted a journey that in just nine days brings you to the best of the landscapes and villages, skipping areas that parallel highways or developed areas.
      • Our expert Trip Leaders share phenomenal knowledge of the culture and history of the region and bring El Camino and its traditions to life.
      • Our support van is available several times a day to provide refreshments or to give you a lift if you'd like to shorten the hiking day.
      • You'll be welcomed each night in our carefully selected hotels and paradors, including two nights at the extraordinary Parador Dos Reis Católicos. No barebones hostels, we want you to rest in comfort as you make this historic pilgrimage!
      • We bring you all the way to legendary Finisterre, with a grand finale at "the end of the earth," mythical Kilometer 0 on the pilgrim trail.

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

      Submit the form below to download itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

      Level 1 – Easiest

      Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

      Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

      Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

       

      Level 3 – Moderate

      Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

      Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

       

      Level 5 – Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

      Level 6 – Very Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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We meet at 9:00 am in historic Burgos, and receive our pilgrim's passport for the symbolic journey ahead. The Kingdom of Castile was born in this historic town along the Arlanzon River, which marked the Moorish frontier in 884. Also the home of Spain's national hero, El Cid, in the 11th century, Burgos remained the capital of Castile until 1087. The riverside promenade, El Paseo del Espol&oacute;n, is one of Spain's loveliest, and the Old Quarter of Burgos is dominated by a masterpiece of a Gothic cathedral which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. We enjoy a fascinating guided visit of the cathedral, then drive to our trailhead at Hornillos del Camino on the Castilian meseta (high plain). As we start our hike, we begin to see the trail markers of El Camino with stylized yellow scallop shells, the symbol of St. James, whose star-rays point the way. We join in with pilgrims from around the world to hike through the Castilian landscape, and approach the remote village of Hontanas on foot, with lunch in a little pilgrims' restaurant.<div>\n<br><\/div><div>From Hontanas, we drive to Castrojeriz, passing the 14th century ruins of St. Anthony's Monastery, then continue to Fr&oacute;mista, a key pilgrim stop since the days of the Codex Calixtinus and the next important pilgrimage stop after Burgos. We pass humble villages of adobe and a Romanesque church that (in spring) is topped by a stork's nest with an active family of young. (On our spring departures, we may see migrating storks in several places.) We visit Fr&oacute;mista's perfect Romanesque church, the golden San Martin, founded in 1035 and restored in 1893. The church is now a national monument, its barrel-vaulted interior full of extraordinary sculptural detail of occult and medieval symbols. We overnight in the ancient town of Carri&oacute;n de los Condes, with its two 12th century Romanesque churches. Our accommodation is in a restored monastery converted into a splendid hotel. <br><br>Note: the hiking distances listed after each day are for trip members who hike the itinerary as described accompanied by one of the Trip Leaders. Using our support van or taxis, however, you can hike less than the indicated mileage when possible. If you do decide to hike less, you will be spending the extra time exploring our next town (perhaps enjoying a cafe) on your own.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1.5 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Le&oacute;n \/ Astorga","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A journey across the treeless plains of Castile brings us to the engaging city of Le&oacute;n. One of our visits will be to the city&#39;s 9th century San Isidoro Basilica, famed for its superb Romanesque Royal Pantheon and 12th century frescoes. We also enjoy time to stroll around Leon&#39;s leafy squares and the city&#39;s French Gothic cathedral, with its treasury of superb walls of stained glass. From Le&oacute;n, we drive to the stone village of Castrillo de Los Polvazares for lunch, then hike along the Camino. Our vehicle meets us and we head to our hotel in the walled city of Astorga. In the late afternoon, we visit the pilgrim museum, housed in a fairytale neo-Gothic palace designed by famed architect Antonio Gaudi in 1889. Like Le&oacute;n, Astorga had its own bishopric by the 3rd century and remained important throughout the Middle Ages because of the pilgrimage, as evidenced in its fine medieval architecture.<br>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHiking Details: 4.5 miles, 2-2.5 hours, 300 feet ascent, 100 feet descent<br>\nDriving Time: 2 hours<br><br>\nCharlemagne and the Codex Calixtinus: The Codex Calixtinus is a 12th century compilation of texts devoted to the cult of St. James and attributed to Pope Calixtus II. The book is housed at the cathedral in Santiago. As recounted in Book IV of the Codex, in the late 8th century, Charlemagne had a &#8220;vision&#8221; in which a knightly figure appeared to him, identifying himself as St. James (Santiago), the apostle. St. James described to Charlemagne that his body was resting in a tomb in the farthest reaches of Western Europe but the path to his resting place was blocked by the Moors who had conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula. Book V of the Codex is in essence a 12th century traveler's guide for pilgrims describing the pilgrim routes. At the end of Book V, an appendix contains 22 polyphonic settings that have made the Codex Calixtinus a valuable reference work for medieval polyphonic music.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Rabanal \/ Cruz de Ferro \/ Villafranca del Bierzo","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<body>We begin hiking the most historic part of El Camino today, and enjoy our interactions with the many pilgrims along the trail. Engaging with these pilgrims from around the globe is one of the highlights of the journey. From Rabanal del Camino, we climb a path through the woods to emerge on a dramatic moor of heather and Scotch broom, typical of the wild landscape. In this rugged and isolated region, we hike past ancient slate- or thatch-roofed houses and tiny villages abandoned long ago as people moved to cities and towns. Our hike ends at the famous Cruz de Ferro, an iron cross mounted on a 40-foot wooden pole atop Monte Irago and one of the most emblematic spots on the pilgrim trail. For a thousand years, pilgrims have carried a single stone here from their homeland to place below the cross and make a wish (don&#39;t forget to bring a stone from home!). In the afternoon, we head to the charming town of Villafranca del Bierzo, built in the 11th century at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mountains. In its heyday, Bierzo had six pilgrim hospices and eight monasteries, and it is one of the most delightful towns along the pilgrim route. The town&#39;s 12th century Romanesque church is elegantly simple, famed on El Camino as the place where pilgrims too ill to continue to Santiago could touch the church door to receive the same blessings as those who continued all the way. Indeed, there is a cemetery next to the church where many pilgrims are buried. From here, we walk a couple of miles along vineyards to our accommodation at the peaceful Parador de Villafranca.<br><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n\n\n\n\nHiking Details: 8.5 miles, 5.5-6.5 hours, 1,100 feet ascent, 250 feet descent<br>\nDriving Time: 1 hour<\/body>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"O Cebreiro \/ Samos \/ Sarria","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>The cultural and geographical transition from Castile to Galicia is dramatic, and now we begin to hear the ancient Galician tongue, Gallego. Very similar to Portuguese, Gallego is spoken by a larger percentage of Galicians than Basque or Catalan are in their respective provinces. The province of Galicia has a Celtic heritage similar to that of Brittany in France or Cornwall in England. Celtic invaders around 1000 BC found a home here that was similar to the green, rain-swept land they had left. Most of Galicia is settled in tiny farming villages with populations of less than 200. Granite walls surround little plots of land and fields of cabbage, and we see granite granaries (horreos) set up on pillars to protect them from rodents. Many remote crossroads feature sculpted granite crosses. Galicia has for a long time been far removed from the mainstream culture of Spain. The lush mountains called the Cordillera Cantabrica are the last barrier before Santiago. Today&#39;s hike follows a branch of El Camino that leads to the mystical Celtic village of O Cebreiro, which once ranked with Roncesvalles as a resting place for pilgrims. This mountain-top village has a 12th century Romanesque church, ancient Celtic pallozas (oval stone huts with conical straw roofs), and a small Benedictine monastery that was built over an ancient Celtic temple. O Cebreiro is associated with the ancient legend of the Holy Grail (the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper). Legend has it that during the 14th century, as a monk served communion at the church, the wine in the cup turned to blood, and this event became known as the Miracle of the Holy Grail. After lunch, we drive to the hamlet of San Cristobal de Real and hike to Samos, with its majestic 6th century Benedictine monastery still active with 30 monks in residence. A 20-minute drive brings us to Sarria, a town with a medieval core where two branches of El Camino meet. Our hotel is set near the El Camino in the heart of town.<br>\nHiking Details: 7 miles, 4.5-5.5 hours, 1,300 feet ascent, 200 feet descent; Optional 1.5 mile extension<br>\nDriving Time: 1.5 hours<\/body>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Sarria \/ Portomarin","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From Sarria, we begin our day&#39;s hike toward the whitewashed town of Portomarin. This is one of the most spectacular stretches of the entire pilgrim trail, with green, gently rolling countryside and lovely hamlets. Jewel-green fields and ancient stone walls line the way and we see farmers tending their small herds of cows. We arrive in Portomarin in the afternoon. Most of the town is new, but the main square has medieval facades, transported here from their original location in 1966 to save them from being inundated by a new dam. Amazingly, the entire church of St. Nicolas was dismantled, stone by stone, and brought here and reconstructed in the corner of the main square. After our successful pilgrim day, we enjoy a celebratory drink in Portomarin's main square. Overnight at hotel.<br>\nHiking Details: 14 miles, 7.5-8.5 hours, 900 feet ascent, 1,000 feet descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Galician Countryside","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<body>We head into lovely rural Galician countryside on backroads that pass through hamlets and farms flanked by ancient grain silos built of granite. The eucalyptus forests here herald the proximity of the ocean. The churches along the way are small and fascinating, and numerous wayside crosses testify that Christianity is deeply anchored in the land of Galicia. Tonight's hotel is set in the splendid countryside of La Coru&ntilde;a.<br><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n\n\n\n\nHiking Details: 8.5 miles, 4.5-5.5 hours, 400 feet ascent, 500 feet descent<\/body>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Santiago de Compostela","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the morning, we head into Santiago, where all roads lead to the vast central plaza and extraordinary twin-towered limestone cathedral containing the remains of St. James. Santiago is one of Spain&#39;s most beautiful cities, built of golden granite and declared a national monument in its entirety. We have a guided visit upon arrival and the rest of the afternoon is free if you wish to explore town or attend the daily noon or evening mass held for pilgrims in the cathedral. Even people who are not religious are moved by the emotional nature and pomp of this spectacle, with the organ music swelling into the vaulted ceilings and the jostling crowd of pilgrims from around the world joined in song. If we&#39;re lucky, we may see the dramatic swinging of the huge, smoking botafumeiro, a 200-pound incense burner hauled up a pole by eight red-robed priests. As it is swung from one side of the cathedral to the other, the smoking incense often glows&mdash;quite a spectacle! (Our local sources will keep us posted if this will occur when we're here). The town is also a wonderful place to walk, with its arcades and flagstone streets, or just enjoy an afternoon coffee on our hotel&#39;s terrace, overlooking the plaza and the magnificent cathedral. Witnessing the scene as many pilgrims conclude their journey is tremendously moving. Dinner is on your own this evening, and your Trip Leader will be happy to recommend restaurants according to your tastes, as local or as fancy as you wish to go! We overnight in a most impressive parador in the heart of town.<br>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<br>\nThe Cathedral: Santiago's cathedral is adorned with statues of St. James in his familiar pilgrim guise with staff, broad-brimmed hat, and scallop-shell badge. The highlight is the P&oacute;rtico de Gloria, with its striking Romanesque sculpture of a host of figures. Christ presides over the main door, flanked by his Apostles, and surrounded by 24 Elders of the Apocalypse playing music. Saint James sits on the central column beneath Christ. So many pilgrims have prayed at this spot with their fingers pressed in the roots of the marble Tree of Jesse below Saint James that deep holes have been worn into the marble.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Langosteira Beach \/ Finisterre","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Walking right from our hotel, we thread our way through Santiago's medieval streets to the outskirts of the city. Crossing the River Sarela, we traverse a lovely oak forest to reach a tiny village, looking back for a glimpse of the towers of Santiago's cathedral. Setting out on the dramatic last kilometers of El Camino, we get our first vision of the Atlantic Ocean, and the goal of our pilgrimage. The trail leads to 18th century Nosa Senora das Neves Sanctuary and the tiny hermitage of San Pedro Martir. At Langosteira Beach, we'll take off our shoes and walk the final stretch of El Camino barefoot along the sands. We'll have a celebratory lunch of fresh seafood at a cozy restaurant at the end of the beach. After lunch, we visit the Finisterre lighthouse, with its famed Kilometer 0, as countless pilgrims have through the centuries. This is an extraordinary moment for all who have walked the Way, and a wonderful experience to share. At day's end, we return to Santiago for a festive Farewell Dinner and overnight at our magnificent parador across from the great Cathedral of St. James.<br>\nHiking Details: 5 miles, 3-3.5 hours, 150 feet ascent, 200 feet descent<br>\nDriving Time: 2.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We depart after breakfast and transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Burgos \/ L&eacute;on \/ Astorga","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<body>From medieval Burgos, whose Old Quarter is dominated by a masterpiece of a Gothic cathedral, we hike the Camino to remote Hontanas and across the sun-splashed plains of Castile to historic\nLe&oacute;n. We'll explore\nLe&oacute;n's soaring Gothic cathedral before heading to the walled city of Astorga. At the start of the trip, we are given a document known as the \"Pilgrim's Passport,\" which we carry on the trail and have stamped at points along the journey.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Cruz de Ferro \/ Villafranca del Bierzo \/ O Cebreiro \/ Portomar&iacute;n","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We climb through heather and Scotch broom as we hike to the Cruz de Ferro, where for a thousand years, pilgrims have left a stone from home to make a wish (be sure to bring your stone!). One of our overnights is in charming Villafranca del Bierzo, built in the 11th century at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mountains. In its heyday, Bierzo had six pilgrim hospices and eight monasteries. Entering Galicia, the cultural and geographical transition is dramatic, and now we begin to hear the ancient Galician tongue, Gallego. A spectacular trail brings us to the village of O Cebreiro, long associated with the legend of the Holy Grail. Some of the most picturesque stretches of the entire pilgrim trail greet us as we hike to the whitewashed village of Portomar&iacute;n.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Galician Countryside \/ Santiago de Compostela \/ Finisterre","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Hiking through hamlets and farms flanked by ancient grain silos, we arrive in Santiago, where all roads lead to the vast central plaza and extraordinary twin-towered limestone cathedral containing the remains of St. James. Santiago is one of Spain's most beautiful cities and its basilica is always full of a jostling mix of pilgrims. We finish our pilgrimage in Finisterre, walking the last part of the trail barefoot along the beach. Depart on Day 9.<\/body>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/pilgrims-way-el-camino-de-santiago-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/pilgrims-way-el-camino-de-santiago-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"With decades of experience on the Camino, we've honed this itinerary to perfection!","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":38660,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Hike the most scenic portions of Spain&apos;s El Camino in nine well-paced 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Trekking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850608,"First_Name":"Rob","Last_Name":"Noonan","BioShort":"Rob Noonan came by his love of nature and the mountains early, adventuring throughout most of the Americas from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego and later earning a degree in environmental studies from Prescott College in Arizona. He has guided our Patagonia journeys since 1994, our hikes in the spectacular European Alps since 2007, and he is also our \"northern ambassador\" to Iceland and Greenland. In between trips, Rob lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he enjoys hiking and river rafting.","BioLong":"Rob Noonan came by his love of nature and the mountains early, adventuring throughout most of the Americas and later earning a degree in environmental studies from Prescott College in Arizona. He began guiding our Patagonia hiking journeys in 1994. Rob brings a lot to a journey, with his boundless energy and depth of knowledge. He has a keen interest in natural history (he's a self-confessed \"bird nerd\"), and he enjoys comparing the ecology and geology of the incredibly diverse landscapes that he guides in. His personal connections also open many doors along the way, which adds to the fun of any trip Rob leads. \"I love the cultural aspects of having friends all over the world, and it is a true joy in my life to lead adventures in lands I love and respect so passionately.\" When he's not leading trips for us, Rob lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he enjoys hiking and river rafting."},{"GuideID":850737,"First_Name":"Patricia","Last_Name":"Raczkowski","BioShort":"Patricia Raczkowski was born in Canada of a Spanish mother and Polish father and has lived in Spain since she was ten months old. Her first taste of the mountains came in high school, when she went on monthly hikes with the nuns from her school in Madrid, and she spent her senior year as an exchange student in Washington State, living with an American family. After going to veterinary college in Madrid and practicing as a veterinary nurse in England, her love of nature pulled her back to Spain. You can often find Patricia engaging with the locals along the trail and in towns, as she often she knows everyone along the way, from hotel and restaurant staff to local guides. She lives in the south of Spain in the high mountains of Granada (Sierra Nevada), and when not guiding, she heads out on her own adventures, hiking and traveling around the world. ","BioLong":"Patricia Raczkowski was born in Canada of a Spanish mother and Polish father and has lived in Spain since she was ten months old. Her first taste of the mountains came in high school, when she went on monthly hikes with the nuns from her school in Madrid, and she spent her senior year as an exchange student in Washington State, living with an American family. After going to veterinary college in Madrid and practicing as a veterinary nurse in England, her love of nature pulled her back to Spain. You can often find Patricia engaging with the locals along the trail and in towns, as she often she knows everyone along the way, from hotel and restaurant staff to local guides. She lives in the south of Spain in the high mountains of Granada (Sierra Nevada), and when not guiding, she heads out on her own adventures, hiking and traveling around the world. "},{"GuideID":850975,"First_Name":"David","Last_Name":"Atela","BioShort":"David Atela is a geologist, secondary school teacher, and author of numerous books about Spain&apos;s mountains. With roots in Bilbao, he has devoted his life to promoting the wild environments of the north of Spain, from the Pyrenees to the mountains of Cantabria. David has led trips for WT for the last 12 years and is a warm and gifted leader as well as an expert on the Camino de Santiago, with an encyclopedic knowledge of that region and its traditions. When not guiding, he lives in the south central Pyrenees, where he enjoys skiing, rock climbing, and long hikes. ","BioLong":"David Atela is a geologist, secondary school teacher, and author of numerous books about Spain&apos;s mountains. With roots in Bilbao, he has devoted his life to promoting the wild environments of the north of Spain, from the Pyrenees to the mountains of Cantabria. David has led trips for WT for the last 12 years and is a warm and gifted leader as well as an expert on the Camino de Santiago, with an encyclopedic knowledge of that region and its traditions. When not guiding, he lives in the south central Pyrenees, where he enjoys skiing, rock climbing, and long hikes. "},{"GuideID":850673,"First_Name":"Santiago","Last_Name":"Bejarano","BioShort":"Santiago Bejarano trained in Environmental Sciences in his native Ecuador and began his guiding career by bringing visitors to the jungle and highlands of Ecuador and the storied Galapagos Islands, where he worked as a naturalist. He later moved to Britain, which has been his home now for many years, and divides his time between Ecuador and Europe. Santiago guides for us on the high trails of the Alps of France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland and into the epic fjords of Norway. &ldquo;Guiding gives me the chance to be a link between cultures and to share my passion for nature. It also allows me to spend a lot of time in a place I really love&mdash;out in nature itself.&rdquo; He is fluent in English, Spanish, and German.","BioLong":"Santiago Bejarano trained in environmental sciences in his native Ecuador and began his guiding career by bringing visitors to the jungles and highlands of Ecuador and to the storied Gal&aacute;pagos Islands, where he worked as a naturalist. He later moved to Britain, which has been his home now for many years, and divides his time between Ecuador and Europe. Santiago guides for us on the high trails of the Alps of France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland and into the epic fjords of Norway. &ldquo;Guiding gives me the chance to be a link between cultures and to share my passion for nature. It also allows me to spend a lot of time in a place I really love&mdash;out in nature itself.&rdquo; Santiago enjoys photography, traveling, a good conversation, the diversity of life, and humanity. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and German."},{"GuideID":851234,"First_Name":"Haya","Last_Name":"Blanco","BioShort":"Haya was born in Santiago de Compostela in 1984, and has been in love with all things Galician ever since. She studied Fine Arts at the University of Salamanca and Pontevedra, then returned to Galicia, where she earned her Master&apos;s degree in Secondary Education at the University of Vigo. With her artistic soul and passion for adventure, Haya was a writer and illustrator of children&apos;s books when she discovered that working as a travel guide is the perfect fit for her. When she&apos;s not sharing her love of Spain with fellow adventurers, she continues her artistic work in her studio. Haya also works as a guide at Santiago de Compostela&apos;s Contemporary Art Museum. ","BioLong":"Haya was born in Santiago de Compostela in 1984, and has been in love with all things Galician ever since. She studied Fine Arts at the University of Salamanca and Pontevedra, then returned to Galicia, where she earned her Master&apos;s degree in Secondary Education at the University of Vigo. With her artistic soul and passion for adventure, Haya was a writer and illustrator of children&apos;s books when she discovered that working as a travel guide is the perfect fit for her. When she&apos;s not sharing her love of Spain with fellow adventurers, she continues her artistic work in her studio. Haya also works as a guide at Santiago de Compostela&apos;s Contemporary Art Museum. "},{"GuideID":850776,"First_Name":"Marian","Last_Name":"Gibert","BioShort":"Marian Gibert was born in Bilbao, Spain, grew up in Venezuela, and later lived in Britain, where she studied Business Administration at Cambridge. She also lived and worked in a ski resort in the Swiss Alps, picking up the Swiss-German and French languages along with her fluent English. Her passion for outdoor sports led her to operate, at age 23, her own mountain hotel in a small village in the Alpujarras, where she guided horseback riding and mountain biking trips. \"My passion is to be outdoors sharing the traditions, culture, art and gastronomy of the areas we visit. One of my favorite trips is the Pilgrim&apos;s Way. Since I walked alone from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela, I got addicted to that trail and every chance I have, I walk a few stages.&rdquo; After backpacking on six continents, Marian has settled in France. When not guiding, apart from exploring new hikes with her daughter and shepherd dogs, she is learning Euskara, the language of the Basque Country.","BioLong":"Marian Gibert was born in Bilbao, Spain, grew up in Venezuela, and later lived in Britain, where she studied Business Administration at Cambridge. She also lived and worked in a ski resort in the Swiss Alps, picking up the Swiss-German and French languages along with her fluent English. Her passion for outdoor sports led her to operate, at age 23, her own mountain hotel in a small village in the Alpujarras, where she guided horseback riding and mountain biking trips. \"My passion is to be outdoors sharing the traditions, culture, art and gastronomy of the areas we visit. One of my favorite trips is the Pilgrim&apos;s Way. Since I walked alone from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela, I got addicted to that trail and every chance I have, I walk a few stages.&rdquo; After backpacking on six continents, Marian has settled in France. When not guiding, apart from exploring new hikes with her daughter and shepherd dogs, she is learning Euskara, the language of the Basque Country."},{"GuideID":851226,"First_Name":"Sofia","Last_Name":"Jaldo","BioShort":"Sofia is an Andalusian to the core, and has a great love of her home city of Granada in Southern Spain. As a graduate of the University of Granada in Technical Architecture, she shares her time between restoring heritage buildings in the historic city center and spending time in the outdoors&mdash;mountain biking, hiking, and climbing&mdash;she enjoys a bit of everything! She also loves traveling and has trekked in India, the Dolomites, and the Pyrenees, as well as toured parts of Cuba and Portugal by bicycle. She says that meeting people from other cultures opens her mind and heart, and finds that working as a Trip Leader is the perfect combination of all of her passions&mdash;incredible architecture, amazing landscapes, outdoor adventure, and meeting fellow travelers.","BioLong":"Sofia is an Andalusian to the core, and has a great love of her home city of Granada in southern Spain. As a graduate of the University of Granada in Technical Architecture, she shares her time between restoring heritage buildings in the historic city center and spending time in the outdoors&mdash;mountain biking, hiking, and climbing&mdash;she enjoys a bit of everything! She also loves traveling and has trekked in India, the Dolomites, and the Pyrenees, as well as toured parts of Cuba and Portugal by bicycle. She says that meeting people from other cultures opens her mind and heart, and finds that working as a Trip Leader is the perfect combination of all of her passions&mdash;incredible architecture, amazing landscapes, outdoor adventure, and meeting fellow travelers. When she&apos;s not at the helm, you&apos;ll likely find her at the end of the group ready to give you an energetic push!"}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Ann and John L.","GuestLocation":"Beaverton, OR","GuestReview":"What a fabulous experience We loved the trip. The guides were well prepared and extremely knowledgeable."},{"GuestNames":"Ann C.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA","GuestReview":"Such a wonderful trip! We have recommended it to many friends already! The attention to detail, the provision of wonderful food, wines, snacks, and even happy hours at the end of most days hiking were just the best."},{"GuestNames":"Betsy S.","GuestLocation":"Kennebunkport, ME","GuestReview":"If there was a rating above excellent, I would assign it to the components of this trip: guides, food, and itinerary design. Even the \"van time\" was well planned (and relatively brief) so that it was a break between walks, rather than dead time. Thank you!"},{"GuestNames":"Chris R.","GuestLocation":"West Chester, PA","GuestReview":"This trip was beyond wonderful. Every detail was planned perfectly, extraordinary guides, and beautiful hikes. We love Wilderness Travel&#8212;we will be planning trip number four with you, and we tell all our friends about how great your company is."},{"GuestNames":"Denice W.","GuestLocation":"Portland, OR","GuestReview":"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the Trip Leaders were a very positive part of the trip."},{"GuestNames":"Denise W.","GuestLocation":"Portland, OR","GuestReview":"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the guides were a very positive part of the trip."},{"GuestNames":"Dickie A.","GuestLocation":"Fernandina Beach, FL","GuestReview":"Wilderness has once again delivered an amazing trip for all aboard. Great leaders, great guests, and a great experience. This is a complex intinerary&#8212;different hotels every night, all the meal arrangements along the way&#8212;and yet there was not a glitch the whole trip, including perfect weather! Everything was handled perfectly."},{"GuestNames":"Dorothy F.","GuestLocation":"Basalt, CO","GuestReview":"Another well designed WT journey&#8212;from the itinerary, lodges, timing on the trail and at the historic sites. This was a spiritual journey for me, and it will stay in my heart forever."},{"GuestNames":"Ellen M.","GuestLocation":"Aiken, SC","GuestReview":"Excellent! This was my first experience with Wilderness Travel, and I was more than pleased."},{"GuestNames":"Gwen M.","GuestLocation":"Houston, TX","GuestReview":"The trip was a fabulous experience&#8212;physically, socially,and spiritually. We're impressed with the entire organization and can't wait to travel with Wilderness Travel next year. I am already perusing the catalog!"},{"GuestNames":"J. Robertson","GuestLocation":"Houston, TX","GuestReview":"A fantastic experience! Our Trip Leaders were both wonderful&#8212;always on top of everything, with great personalities."},{"GuestNames":"Jan P.","GuestLocation":"Portland, OR","GuestReview":"I had high expectations for this venture, but it was so much more than I had imagined. It was a fantastic experience that will stay in the forefront of my memories."},{"GuestNames":"Janet W.","GuestLocation":"Calgary, Alberta","GuestReview":"I cannot say enough good things about this trip. Everything was expertly organized, every day was different, I felt extremely well looked after!"},{"GuestNames":"Joan W.","GuestLocation":"Owen Sound, Ontario","GuestReview":"Thank you so much for a life changing adventure. It is one I will never forget."},{"GuestNames":"Johanna T.","GuestLocation":"La Jolla, CA","GuestReview":"A very interesting hiking trip with lots of history and legend attached to it. Great guides and good food made for another memorable WT adventure."},{"GuestNames":"Jon D.","GuestLocation":"Montgomery, AL","GuestReview":"This was just what I like in a trip; being out and about in the countryside and towns. The Trip Leaders were exceptional in having local cuisine and wines arranged at our meals. I really enjoyed the variety of hotel accommodations."},{"GuestNames":"Joseph C.","GuestLocation":"Campbell, PA","GuestReview":"The trip was the perfect mix of culture, hiking and cuisine with a truly outstanding leader."},{"GuestNames":"Judith S.","GuestLocation":"Chevy Chase, MD","GuestReview":"It was a fascinating and inspiring trip. We would recommend it highly."},{"GuestNames":"Judy C.","GuestLocation":"Albany, CA","GuestReview":"Best tour I've been on, and one of the best trips of my life!"},{"GuestNames":"Julie A.","GuestLocation":"Little Rock, AK","GuestReview":"Loved this trip! It was great, every minute of it. Wonderful hotels, and loved the picnics."},{"GuestNames":"Katherine B.","GuestLocation":"Santa Clara, CA","GuestReview":"This was a trip of a lifetime! Couldn't imagine it could have turned out so well. From the Trip Leaders, my fellow travelers who started as strangers and ended up as friends, to the paths we hiked, the food we ate, the hotels we visited, the&#160;local guides we had along the way, it couldn't have been a better experience. Don't change a thing!"},{"GuestNames":"Kathy I.","GuestLocation":"Charlotte, NC","GuestReview":"Journey of a lifetime&#8212;great guides, fascinating cultural education, and wonderful food and wine."},{"GuestNames":"Kay R.","GuestLocation":"Doylestown, PA","GuestReview":"An excellent trip: beautifully curated and expertly led."},{"GuestNames":"Kelly H.","GuestLocation":"Honeoye Falls, NY","GuestReview":"Hiking the Pilgrim's Way was an awesome, humbling, spiritual experience."},{"GuestNames":"Ken B.","GuestLocation":"Gig Harbor, WA","GuestReview":"Would do it again!"},{"GuestNames":"Linda G.","GuestLocation":"Wilton, CT","GuestReview":"This was a most enjoyable experience! Everyone had a great time."},{"GuestNames":"Linda M.","GuestLocation":"New Bern, NC","GuestReview":"Rob's sense of humor was contagious, and his knowledge of geology and history added to the overall experience."},{"GuestNames":"Linda M.","GuestLocation":"New Bern, NC","GuestReview":"Starting in the flat cropland and moving through the heather, then the rolling hills and on through the Galacian forests was to us the perfect survey of the countryside."},{"GuestNames":"Margaret T.","GuestLocation":"Holtville, CA","GuestReview":"The Pilgrim's Way trip through northern Spain far exceeded our expectations in every way! It was our first time visiting the country, and we knew we would have a fantastic experience going with Wilderness Travel again. The daily choices of spectacular scenic hiking, unbelievably fabulous gourmet food and wine of the region, comfortable and charming hotels, and our delightful and outstanding leaders made it an OVER THE TOP nine days on the Camino De Santiago!"},{"GuestNames":"Margaret V.","GuestLocation":"Danville, CA","GuestReview":"Amazing experience! I can't imagine a better way to experience the Camino de Santiago! WT has really organized a great Camino experience for those of us without the time or endurance to tackle a 6-week strenuous walk. Our group was able to experience full walking days along the most varied and beautiful parts of the Camino, while also taking in the local art, architecture, cathedral tours, wonderful meals, and history along the way."},{"GuestNames":"Marjorie G.","GuestLocation":"Montgomery, AL","GuestReview":"This was my very first WT experience and it far exceeded my expectations. Exceptional value!"},{"GuestNames":"Mary Jo B.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA","GuestReview":"Wonderful accommodations and extraordinary food! I loved the variety of the hikes, the history and the culture, and the laughter and fun we shared on the trip. At the end of every day I would think, wow, this was the best day ever, yet the next day would prove to be just as wonderful, up until the very end."},{"GuestNames":"Mattie V.","GuestLocation":"Tampa, FL","GuestReview":"An unforgettable experience! I thought the itinerary was an excellent blend of culture, history, and hiking."},{"GuestNames":"Mike C.","GuestLocation":"El Dorado Hills, CA","GuestReview":"Great trip, great company, great way to see northern Spain!"},{"GuestNames":"Paige W.","GuestLocation":"Tucson, AZ","GuestReview":"I so enjoyed this trip. Spain has romanced me. I will be coming back."},{"GuestNames":"Peggy C.","GuestLocation":"Moraga, CA","GuestReview":"Loved, loved, loved this trip! Everything was perfect&#8212;the hiking, the food, the hotels, the weather, the countryside, the villages, the churches, the larger cities, our guides, and the nicest group of people you could ever meet!"},{"GuestNames":"Sally S.","GuestLocation":"Winston-Salem, NC","GuestReview":"Our guides were amazing, always helpful, timely, respectful, and genuinely invested in our trip experience and safety. Perfect!"},{"GuestNames":"Sara C.","GuestLocation":"El Dorado Hills, CA","GuestReview":"This was a wonderful trip that more than met my expectations. The accomodations were more than adequate, the meals were delicious, and I couldn't have asked for better guides."},{"GuestNames":"Sherry S.","GuestLocation":"Long Beach, CA","GuestReview":"On a scale from 1-10 this was a 15!!!!!"},{"GuestNames":"Susan W.","GuestLocation":"Albuquerque, NM","GuestReview":"Absolutely EVERYTHING about this trip was perfect:&#160; itinerary, food, lodgings, trip leaders, educational opportunities.&#160; A perfect example of why Wilderness Travel will always be our first choice when planning adventures."},{"GuestNames":"Virginia V.","GuestLocation":"Salem, OR","GuestReview":"Our Pilgrim&#8217;s Way began with rain as we left the splendor of the Burgos Cathedral and ended with rain as we walked the shell-strewn sands of Finisterre. But in between? Well, in between, it was filled with joy, beauty, dancing, singing, dramatic readings, witches, history, camaraderie, delicious food, delectable wines, charming villages, vibrant cities, hidden restaurants, incredible trip leaders, friendly people, time for reflection, the hypnotic crunch of one&#8217;s boots on the path and, oh, yes, sunshine that had us peeling off layers of clothes as we walked through the exquisite and varied landscapes of the camino."},{"GuestNames":"Yolanda (Yoli) S.","GuestLocation":"Miami Beach, FL","GuestReview":"Everything about this trip was thoroughly enjoyable&#8212;the itinerary, the people, the food, and the leaders. Even the weather turned out to be exceptional. This is our second trip with WT, and we hope to do more!"}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10332,"SimilarTripID":10303,"Trip_Code":"ENGCOAST","Trip_Name":"England Coast to Coast"},{"TripID":10332,"SimilarTripID":10962,"Trip_Code":"FLAVPORT","Trip_Name":"Flavors of Portugal and Spain"},{"TripID":10332,"SimilarTripID":10460,"Trip_Code":"HIKEBASQ","Trip_Name":"From France to Spain: Hiking in the Basque Country"},{"TripID":10332,"SimilarTripID":10337,"Trip_Code":"SPAINMOR","Trip_Name":"Southern Spain to Morocco"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73508,"ProductID":84918,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Transfer","Vendor":"Alpujatours","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Transfer","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71103,"ProductID":80931,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Monasterio San Zoilo","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Carrion de los Condes","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>An atmospheric Benedictine monastery in a serene country setting, this historic property has been artfully transformed into a unique hotel. 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Staying at this parador brings you into the heart of Santiago's rich history. It's location right on the central square makes it a great place for people watching&mdash;sit with a glass of wine looking out over the square and the cathedral of St. James as pilgrims reach the conclusion of their long journey, a moment of extraordinary emotion. The breakfast buffet is legendary here, from chocolate churros to fine Serrano hams and cheeses.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-parador-dos-reis-catolicos-bedroom.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_TC_Detailed_Itin_URL":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"Adventure","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/walking-the-pilgrims-way-during-a-pandemic\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/walking-the-pilgrims-way-during-a-pandemic\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Spain<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Emergency_Evac_Insurance":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Reading_List":"<strong>Reading List:<\/strong> Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-camino-de-santiago\">collection of books<\/a> tailored to your upcoming adventure. <br><br>","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"<html><body style='font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;'><\/html>","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T14:17:20 --><p><strong>LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please limit your luggage to one soft sided suitcase and a daypack, as there is limited space in our van.<\/p>","Custom_Carry-On":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T14:18:05 --><p><strong>CARRY-ON:<\/strong> Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, and prescription medications, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.<\/p>","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T14:18:22 --><p><strong>HIKING POLES:<\/strong> If you choose to bring hiking poles, they must be packed in your checked luggage as they are not permitted in carry-on bags.<\/p>","Custom_Daypack":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T14:18:40 --><p><strong>DAYPACK:<\/strong> To carry a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail.<\/p>","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-03T16:18:32 --><p><strong>PILGRIMAGE TRADITION<\/strong>: Bring a small stone from home to place below the Cruz de Ferro. This symbolizes leaving behind past sorrows, and the start of a new phase of life. We'll hike to Cruz de Ferro on Day 3 of our journey.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T14:19:16 --><p><strong>ARRIVING IN BURGOS<\/strong> <\/p><p>Trip members are responsible for meeting the Trip Leaders in the lobby of the hotel at 9:00 am on Day 1. The Hotel NH Collection Palacio de Burgos is located in the center of Burgos, and can be reached by taxi from the train station.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T14:19:27 --><p><strong>NH Collection Palacio de Burgos<\/strong><br \/>Calle de la Merced, 13<br \/>09002 Burgos, Spain<br \/>+34 947 47 99 00<br \/>nhcollectionpalaciodeburgos@nh-hotels.com<\/p>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<p><strong>DEPARTING SANTIAGO <\/strong><\/p><p>At 7:30 am on the morning of Day 9, we will provide complimentary transfers from the hotel to the Santiago de Compostela Airport. If you are departing later in the day or on another date, you are responsible for transferring on your own. Taxis are available for direct hotel to airport service (9 miles, approximately &euro;25).<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T14:19:54 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our Trip Leaders (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<br \/> <br \/>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/download\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.<\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_name_slug":"spain-camino-de-santiago-hiking-walking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Hike the ancient pilgrim trail to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela on Spain's legendary \"Camino Frances\" pilgrimage route.","Custom_List_Description":"Hike the ancient pilgrim trail to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela on Spain's legendary pilgrimage route.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Camino de Santiago Guided Hiking & Walking Tour","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"","Custom_References":"","Custom_Visit_Our_Website":"","Custom_Helpful_Links":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"Europe Manager or email us at europe@wildernesstravel.com.","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T14:32:04 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Su&aacute;rez Airport (MAD)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Anytime prior to Day 1<br \/><br \/><strong>Meeting Place:<\/strong> You will meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of Hotel NH Collection Palacio de Burgos in Burgos at 9:00 am on Day 1.<br \/><br \/>Trip members are responsible for meeting the Trip Leader in the hotel lobby at 9:00 am on Day 1. Due to the early morning rendezvous, we recommend arriving in Burgos the night before.<br \/><br \/>The easiest way to travel to Burgos from Madrid is via bus or train. Buses departs hourly from Terminal 4 at the Madrid Barajas Airport to Burgos, with a stop in Burgos close to our hotel, and takes 2.5 hours and costs approximately &euro;40. Visit ALSA Bus company (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.alsa.es\/en\">www.alsa.es\/en<\/a>) for information. Trains from Madrid to Burgos is approximately 2.5 hours by Alvia fast train or 3.5-4 hours by the normal train. Visit Rail Europe (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.raileurope.com\">www.raileurope.com<\/a>) for reservations and ticketing or Spanish National Railway (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.renfe.com\/EN\/viajeros\">www.renfe.com\/EN\/viajeros<\/a>). NH Collection Palacio de Burgos Hotel from the Burgos train station is 5 miles, approximately &euro;15, by taxi.<\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)<br><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 9, after 9:00 am <br><br>On Day 9, a morning transfer will be provided at 7:30 am from the Parador de Santiago de Compostela to the Santiago de Compostela Airport. (There is a breakfast buffet at the Parador starting at 7:00 am.) It only takes 20 minutes to get to the airport and you don't need to be there until 90 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights (a minimum of 45 minutes is required for luggage check-in). <br><br>Trip members departing earlier or later in the day are responsible for transferring on their own. Taxis are available for direct hotel to airport service (9 miles, approximately &euro;25). If you are flying via Madrid we suggest a flight from Santiago to Madrid.<\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-26T14:39:17 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Spain. There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.exitotravel.com\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>. <br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please forward us a copy of your email confirmation from the airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_About_Private_Journeys":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"<p>When is the Best Time to Hike the Camino de Santiago?<\/p>","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-23T15:12:19 --><p>The Camino de Santiago can be done any time of year, however, the months of April-June and September-October are the best months to experience the trail. Read more about the differences between each month below.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/europe\/spain\/camino-santiago-best-time\">Best Time to Hike the Camino de Santiago<\/a><\/p>","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"<p>Which is the Best Camino de Santiago Route for Me?<\/p>","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>Most pilgrim trails funnel into a few main routes within Spain on their way to Santiago de Compostela, with the classic \"Camino Frances\" (French Way) being the most popular. This is the route that we recommend, and have selected the most beautiful hiking sections for our journey. <br><\/p><p><a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.com\/europe\/spain\/camino-santiago-which-route\/\">The Many Ways to Santiago<\/a><\/p><\/body>","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"<p>What is the History of the Camino de Santiago?<\/p>","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>El Camino de Santiago &mdash; the Way of St. James &mdash; is the name for the hundreds of miles of collective pathways that have guided pilgrims to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela for more than 1,000 years. The reason for the great pilgrimage was (and still is, for many) a matter of faith in the miraculous power of St. James.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/europe\/spain\/camino-santiago-history\/\">History of the Camino de Santiago<\/a><\/p><\/body>","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"<p>What is a Typical Day Like on the Camino de Santiago?<\/p>","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>The trail follows everything from country roads to cow paths as we travel through rural regions that see few outsiders aside from pilgrims. Of course, all hiking days are a bit different, and the weather always has the final say, but the following is a sense of a typical day on the trail.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/europe\/spain\/caminio-santiago-average-day\/\">What to Expect on the Pilgrim's Way<\/a><\/p><\/body>","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"<p>What Makes our Camino de Santiago Journey Special?<\/p>","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p><ul><li>We have handcrafted a journey that in just nine days brings you to the best of the landscapes and villages, skipping areas that parallel highways or developed areas.<\/li><li>Our expert Trip Leaders share phenomenal knowledge of the culture and history of the region and bring El Camino and its traditions to life.<\/li><li>Our support van is available several times a day to provide refreshments or to give you a lift if you'd like to shorten the hiking day.<\/li><li>You'll be welcomed each night in our carefully selected hotels and paradors, including two nights at the extraordinary Parador Dos Reis Cat&oacute;licos. No barebones hostels, we want you to rest in comfort as you make this historic pilgrimage!<\/li><li>We bring you all the way to legendary Finisterre, with a grand finale at \"the end of the earth,\" mythical Kilometer 0 on the pilgrim trail.<\/li><\/ul><\/body>","Custom_file_name":"pilgrims-way-el-camino-de-santiago","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for three months after your date of exit from Spain. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. The service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisasexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip. <br><br>It is very important to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens do not need a visa for countries visited on this trip. If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"The Euro is the official currency of Spain. The most convenient way to obtain Euros is to use your debit card at ATMs. To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops in cities and larger towns. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad.","Custom_Tipping":"Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward guides for outstanding service. We suggest a tip of $160 or more per trip member for each of the Trip Leaders, preferably in local currency (please do not use a personal check). The Trip Leaders take care of gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, and for local guides and drivers.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Telephone:<\/strong> The international dialing code for Spain is 34. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.<br><strong><br>Email &amp; Internet Access:<\/strong> Internet access is available at most of our hotels, but connections may be spotty or unreliable.","Custom_Electricity":"Europe has 220-volt current. Plugs usually have two or three prongs.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"<html><head><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><\/head><body style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\nNo inoculations are required. However, it is easy to get a small cut, so a tetanus booster is strongly recommended (good for 10 years). If you take prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip.<br><\/body><\/html>","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"<html><body style='font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;'><\/html>","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercise. Stair climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in.","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Covid-19":"<html><body style='font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;'><\/html>","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-camino-de-santiago\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>\nPassport<\/li><li>\nOne other picture ID, such as a driver's license<\/li><li>\nExpense money<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"<ul><li>Soft-sided suitcase, with a small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel).<\/li><li>Daypack, large enough for a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail. Note: Very few daypacks or fanny packs are waterproof and any items that you need to keep dry should be put in a waterproof stuff sack inside your pack. <\/li><li>(Optional) Small roll-up bag to carry home purchases.<\/li><\/ul> <br><br>Please pack everything in one piece of luggage, as this simplifies the transportation of luggage en route. Although airline service to Europe is generally reliable, it is best to wear or carry your hiking boots with you on your flights in the event that your luggage is lost or delayed. Likewise, don't pack valuables, such as travel documents, camera gear, or prescription medicines in your checked luggage.","Custom_Clothing":"Bring clothes you find most comfortable for walking. Although it will be warm enough for shorts on many days, bring some lightweight long pants for cooler weather and protection from tall grasses. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable. You'll want a change of clothes for the evening, but nothing dressy is necessary. Casual wear is fine, and coats and ties are not required. <br><br>In Europe, there are dress requirements to enter churches. Shorts (or skirts) should come to the knees, and shoulders should not be bare. Women can use a shawl or large scarf to cover bare shoulders; short-sleeved t-shirts are acceptable. The dress code applies to both men and women. <br><br>The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only.<br><ul><li>Lightweight rain gear, such as a Gore-Tex rain\/wind shell jacket with hood<\/li><li>\rLight fleece sweater or sweatshirt<\/li><li>\rLong-sleeved shirt. Quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics like nylon are recommended.<\/li><li>\rT-shirts or short-sleeved shirts<\/li><li>\rHiking pants. Lightweight cotton or synthetic hiking pants are a practical choice. Jeans are not recommended because they can be hot and they take a long time to dry if they get wet.<\/li><li>\rHiking shorts. Quick-drying fabrics are recommended.<\/li><li>\rShade hat with a wide brim&mdash; preferably a waterproof one you can use as a rain hat as well<\/li><li>\rSturdy walking shoes or broken-in lightweight hiking boots with Vibram-type rubber lug soles and good ankle support<\/li><li>\rTevas or running shoes for sightseeing in towns<\/li><li>\rHiking socks. Some people like thick Thorlo-type socks with padded toes\/heels, or an outer sock and synthetic liner sock.<\/li><li>\rUnderwear\/sleepwear. Synthetics dry faster.<\/li><li>\rCasual city\/hotel attire<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>\nOne or two reusable water bottles, 1 qt. capacity<\/li><li>\nGood quality sunglasses with case. A spare pair of sunglasses is a good idea should your first pair be broken or lost.<\/li><li>\nToiletry kit<\/li><li>\nMoney belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member must bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices.<br><ul><li>\nSunscreen SPF 30 or higher and lip balm with sunscreen. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>\nAspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headaches, Tylenol PM for sleep<\/li><li>\n\nBlister kit. Look for long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>\nPrescription medications properly labeled<\/li><li>\nSpare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Earplugs for the hotel nights in Santiago de Compostela. Our hotel is right in front of the cathedral and main square. This location is great, but it is noisy very late into the night with activity as there are many college students in this city.<\/li><li>\nVoltage converter and plug adapter for appliance use in hotels<\/li><li>\nFleece jacket or nylon windbreaker<\/li><li>\nBathing suit for hotel pools (where available)<\/li><li>\nCollapsible walking stick or trekking poles<\/li><li>\nCamera, spare batteries, spare flashcards<\/li><li>\nFold-up umbrella<\/li><li>\nReading\/writing material<\/li><li>\nLightweight binoculars<\/li><li>\nBandannas<\/li><li>\nTravel clock<\/li><li>\nLaundry soap for hand-washing clothes<\/li><li>\nWashcloth, if you like to use one (most European hotels do not provide them)<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"Hiking Ancient Trails and Paradors of Northern Spain","Custom_Lodging":"8 nights inns, manor houses, and paradors","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 1 dinner","Custom_Difficulty":"7 hiking days on easy to moderate trails, some steep sections, 3-8 hours a day, van support","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-08T16:21:40 --><p>Due to the volatility of currency markets, we can only offer the most competitive pricing on our trips in Europe by partially tying the trip cost directly to the value of the Euro. In the late spring of 2022, when we set the rates for our 2022 program, the US Dollar equaled 0.93 Euros. While in most years, no price changes are ever necessary, if there were to be a significant change in exchange rates, we may be forced to raise or able to lower our trip cost; if so, your final invoice, sent two weeks before your final payment is due, will reflect the difference. Please note that the calculation will not be a straight proration. While most of the trip cost is paid in Euros, the remainder of our expenses are paid in US Dollars. The overall effect is to moderate any change; thus, if the Euro were to rise in value, the land price would rise less than might be expected, and if the Euro were to fall, the drop in trip cost would also be less than might be expected.<\/p>","Custom_Travel_Insurance":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>This trip is rated <strong>Level 3, Moderate<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 14 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 8 hours a day. You will also need to be able to keep up with the moderate but steady pace of the group as there are no alternative hiking options available. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.<br><strong><br>Average Hiking Day<\/strong><ul><li>8 miles<\/li><li>4-6 hours<\/li><li>1,000 feet gain\/loss<\/li><\/ul><strong>Challenge Day<\/strong><ul><li>Day 5 - 14 miles, 8.5 hours, 900 feet gain, and 1,000 feet loss<\/li><\/ul><\/body>","Custom_Terrain":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Our hikes are over easy to moderate terrain, with well-marked paths throughout. We will occasionally walk a few miles on pavement, but most of the hiking will be on dirt paths. The first two days of the trip include a half day of hiking and a half day of learning about the history of the Camino in the local towns. The rest of the days include a morning hike until around 1:00 pm and an afternoon hike from 2:30 pm until 5:00 pm.<\/body>","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercise. Stair climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in.<\/p><\/body>","Custom_Weather":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>While we have timed our trip for ideal hiking weather, you should be prepared for a variety of conditions. In spring and fall, the days are usually warm and dry but not too hot. Nights can be quite cool. There is typically sunshine, but showers can occur at any time.<\/body>","Custom_Accommodations":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>You will be welcomed each night in our carefully selected hotels and paradors, including two nights at the extraordinary Parador Dos Reis Catolicos. While not luxurious, the rest of our accommodations are in nice hotels that are comfortable and well located on the Camino. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.<\/body>","Custom_Cuisine":"A buffet breakfast is served at our hotel each morning with fruit, bread, whole grains, cold cuts, cheese, butter, ham, olive oil, tomato, yogurt, coffee, and tea. We'll enjoy lunches in caf&eacute;s or restaurants along the trail that offer local foods including cheeses, fresh vegetables, salamis, ham, fresh fruit, and bread. These are the typical restaurants where pilgrims stop to eat, and they give us a great chance to be part of the community. Pilgrims come from all over the world to hike El Camino, and are always very friendly and willing to share their experiences. Some of the items you'll see on the menu are hearty soups, a variety of cheeses and hams from the region (including jam&oacute;n serrano), salads, pimientos del padr&oacute;n (roasted green peppers), and trout served the Spanish way (expect to see the whole fish!). We often don't convene for our lunches until around 1:00 pm as lunch starts late in Spain. Dinner is at our hotel or a nearby restaurant and includes other local specialties like lamb and fresh seafood. Please note that in Spain, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 8:00 pm.","Custom_Transportation":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).<\/body>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}