Camino de Santiago Encompassed

The opportunity to walk Spain's celebrated Camino de Santiago isn't just another vacation; it's an outright life-changing achievement. This incredible 10-day adventure begins with two days of exploration in stately (and must-see) Madrid. Then continue to the picturesque municipality of Sarria to begin your own once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, along the final 100km of the famed Camino. Finish your walk at Santiago de Compostela's Cathedral, celebrating your accomplishment with fellow pilgrims from all over the world.

Travel Style

Active

Service Level

Standard

Physical Grading

3 - Average

Trip Type

Small Group

What's Included

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Orientation walk in Madrid. Trekking along the pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela (6 days). Luggage transport throughout. Transport between Madrid and the start of the trek.

Highlights

Explore Madrid's Plaza Mayor and Gran Via at your own pace, complete the last 100km of the pilgrim's trail and complete your "compostela" walk through small villages and towns, enjoy hearty and delicious Spanish food, walk into the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

Please note that after the short bus ride on Day 4, this trip is a trekking trip. A support vehicle is available on every day to carry your main luggage, you will need to have a day pack large enough to fit whatever you require for each day hiking. Please note that only one bag is permitted per traveller, which cannot exceed 20kg/45lbs.

Be prepared to hike an average of 6 to 10 hrs per day, approx. 20-25 km per day, with some shorter and longer days along the way.

LUGGAGE FORWARDING OPTION: If travelling with extra luggage from previous trips or continuing on your travels after the tour, you have the option of forwarding extra luggage to Santiago from Leon for a reasonable fee (approx. 10-30 EUR depending on total weight). Please inquire with your Tour Leader on Day 1. There is also an option to transfer luggage daily to the next night stop, by taxi. This can be arranged with your Tour Leader and is an OPTIONAL service. Cost will be divided between those who choose to use this service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.

PILGRIM PASSPORT NOTE:
Please be aware that the Pilgrim Passport is included on this tour. It is a little stamp book and travellers will need to obtain at least 2 stamps per day to prove they have done the final 100km of the Camino. If this is done, then you are eligible for a Compostela Certificate upon arrival to the cathedral in Santiago. Your CEOs will arrange all of that on the ground.

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg 10

Meals Included

9 breakfasts

Transport

Walking, local train.

About our Transportation

Aside from the train from Madrid and a short local bus ride on Day 4, transport on this trip is your own two feet!

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotels (9 nts).

Rooming and "My Own Room" Exceptions

Night 7 in Arzúa

Please be aware that single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

Joining Instructions

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

To get from airport to Hotel Europa (please check your vouchers to ensure this is your start hotel):

From airport terminals T1, T2, T3 or T4- take pink metro line "8" to Nuevos Ministerios. This should take about 22 minutes. From T1, T2 & T3 this is 5 stops. From T4 this is 7 Stops.

At Nuevos Ministerios change trains to line "C3" to station 'Sol' this is 5 minutes, traditionally direct (no stops).

The hotel is 1 minute walk away.
At the Station 'Sol' Take exit Carmen.
Walk west towards Calle del Carmen.
Across the road you will see the Hotel Europa, it is number 4

Alternatively, you can take a taxi. Direct with no traffic would be about 20 minutes & cost 35 EUROS. Traffic in Madrid can be bad - this would then increase the taxi to about 45 minutes & cost 50 EUROS plus.

To arrange an arrival or departure transfer, we recommend you book through our preferred transfer provider - HolidayTaxis - by copying the link below into your web browser:
https://partner.holidaytaxis.com/?ref=GADVE

Choose from a range of transport options including both private and shared transfers at a discounted rate.

We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following details before booking:

- Flight number
- Flight Arrival Time and Date
- Flight Departure Time and Date
- Passenger's Name
- Number of Passengers
- Email
- Valid Mobile Telephone Number
- Drop off and/or Pick Up Address

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

G Adventures Office London, United Kingdom
During Office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5:30pm Local Time)
+44 20 7243 9870

For absolute emergencies after office hours please contact: +441858378000

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)

Do not forget to pack a medical kit with extra Band-Aids. Blister kits are also available, and are a good idea to have with you. Please remember to bring and wear footwear that you know is comfortable and will not give you blisters. This is not a trip to break in new boots or shoes on.

Packing List

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

ESCS:
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece jacket or warm layer
• Flight info (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Gaiters
• Gloves
• Hiking boots
• Insurance info (With photocopies)
• Lightweight wicking shirts
• Passport (With photocopies)
• Slip-on sandals or shoes
• Small travel towel
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information
• Watch and alarm clock
• Windproof rain gear
• Windproof rain pants

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Trekking:
• Gloves
• Hat
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets.)
• Socks (Trekking socks (woollen or synthetic, not cotton).)
• Thermal base layer (Woollen or synthetic, not cotton.)
• Walking poles (Highly recommended.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: When packing your gear, the best clothing for hiking is quick-dry, synthetic materials.The weather can be quite hot during the summer months, so we recommend hiking in shorts and a t-shirt. During the shoulder seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) consider packing a pair of long, breathable pants and a sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.

Visas and Entry Requirements

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here

For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all.

Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement.

A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Tipping

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.

Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Optional Activities

Madrid
- Real Jardín Botánico Visit (3EUR per person)
- Gran Vía Visit (Free)
- Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit (15EUR per person)
- Plaza Mayor Visit (Free)
- Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit (12EUR per person)

Sarria
- Browse the Antique Shops

Santiago de Compostela
- Pazo de Raxoi Palace (Free)
- Praza das Praterias Square (Free)
- Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (6EUR per person)

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.