Hiking Route to Santiago de Compostela

Camino the Santiago tours

Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who for over a thousand years travelled on their way to the shrine of the Apostle James the Elder at Santiago. Heading into north-western Spain, paved roads, stony pathways, wooded trails and cobbled streets all seem to lead to the medieval city of Santiago de Compostela. It has been a coveted destination for travellers from many walks of life and many levels of European society since the ninth century. Millions of people have walked, ridden donkeys, horses and bicycles, or been carried to this most famous Christian pilgrimage site after Jerusalem and Rome, often taking months or even years to reach their goal. plusabroad offers study abroad language courses with a walking tour of the Camino de Santiago.

Sample Itinerary – Camino de Santiago Walking Tour – 3 Weeks

The first two weeks of the program you will attend Spanish classes from 9:30 to 13:00 daily from Monday to Friday in Madrid. In the afternoons there is an optional activities program with free - and low cost activities. One paid activity is included in your program fee.

Then you will embark on a 5 to 6 day for walking excursions that covers the last 100 kms. of the century famous Camino de Santiago de Compostela (St. James’ Way). A minibus will transport your equipment, meeting up with the group every 5 kms.

During the hiking excursion: Hotels in double occupancy; transport Madrid – Galicia – Madrid; 3 meals/daily; insurance, guide, visits to sites on route i.e. wine cellars, monasteries, archaeological sites.

Day 1 – Departure by coach from Madrid at 5 pm. Dinner on route. Hotel.

Day 2 - Breakfast. Departure by coach to kilometre 100 on the Camino de Santiago. 30 kilometres is our goal. Lunch on route. Minibus takes us to hotel. Dinner at hotel.

Day 3 - Breakfast. Departure in minibus to Km. 70. 30 kilometres is our goal. Lunch on route. Minibus takes us to hotel. Dinner at hotel.

Day 4 - Breakfast. Departure in minibus to Km. 40. 28 kilometres is our goal. Lunch on route. Minibus takes us to hotel. Dinner at hotel.

Day 5 - Departure in minibus to Km. 12. Arrival in Santiago for the Pilgrims’ mass at 12 noon. Lunch and return to Madrid at 3:30 pm by coach afterwards.

Distances and timings are approximate and can vary according to weather conditions and the participants needs. Cultural visits will take place en route according to availability.

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

The most comfortable and logical for hiking: footwear and socks, rainwear, change of clothing, thermos, small backpack, camera, sun protection cream, etc.

Quick Facts about Camino the Santiago Tours

1. Small groups: 6 to 12 participants

2. Commencing first Monday of month (except July, August and December)

3. Duration: 3 weeks

4. No language requirement. We offer 8 levels of language classes from complete beginners to composition classes for advanced speakers. Most of our staff is bilingual

5. Accommodation options

6. Designed for active travellers who prefer around 50/50 organized activities with free time

INCLUDED

1. Transfers from and to Madrid’s Barajas airport

2. Transport Madrid – Galicia – Madrid

3. 50/50 balance between organized activities and time to explore on your own

4. Lodging placement service for Madrid

5. Two-week intensive study abroad language course from 9:30 to 1 pm daily in our Madrid-based up-market language school (40 classes). Classes are given by certified teachers of Spanish for foreigners

6. Three meals daily during hiking excursion

7. Visit sites on route, i.e. wine cellars, monasteries and archaeological sites

8. Full-coverage health and accident insurance

9. Orientation pack

10. One group cultural activity (concert, excursion, exhibition, et al)

11. Optional cultural activities coordinator for those who want more or can't get enough, with free and small fee activities

12. Theme activities as described

13. Bilingual staff

14. Free Internet access at Spanish school

15. Testing, materials, certificates, value-added taxes

16. Low bureaucracy

Not included: Transportation (except transfers), normal meals, personal expenses, communication and lodging costs in Madrid.

If the minimum number of participants is not covered we will join our group with another to guarantee participation.

The hotels are in double occupancy during the hiking excursion.

START DATES 5-DAY EXCURSION HIKING THE ROUTE TO SANTIAGO
(Preceded by two-week Madrid Language and Culture Program)

• July 9-28, 2007

• July 30, 2007

• August 6-27, 2007

• August 27 - September 16, 2007

• September 24 - October 14, 2007 (4-day excursion)

• October 15 to November 5, 2007

• November 19 - December 10, 2007

SPANISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

There is no Spanish language requirement. You can participate in this program with no Spanish. We offer 8 levels of language classes from complete beginners to composition classes for advanced speakers. Most of our staff is bilingual. For more information see study abroad Spanish language courses.

COST PER PERSON FOR CAMINO THE SANTIAGO PROGRAM

1925 EUR (2604 USD) for 3 weeks, 40 Spanish lessons + list of included items mentioned above.

Payment is in euros. Dollar amounts are approximate and may fluctuate with daily exchange rates. All itineraries and prices are subject to change. Full payment is due before arrival. There is a 50 euros surcharge for payments made after arrival.

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Note: Inquire about discounts for groups of 8 or more. Payment is in euros. Dollar amounts are approximate and may fluctuate with daily exchange rates. All itineraries and prices are subject to change. Full payment is due before arrival. There is a 50 euros surcharge for payments made after arrival.