Janet C. (Camino 2017)
Camino de Santiago, Spain
The Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain, is more than just a famous trail. Depending on the hiker, it is also a pilgrimage, a cultural tour, a historical tour, and a religious experience. For over 1000 years, this route has enthralled people from all over the world, as the journey winds its way down from mountain villages, through farm fields and eucalyptus, culminating in an awe-inspiring conclusion in Santiago de Compostela's Obradoiro square overlooking the gothic cathedral.
We begin in the small town of O’Cebreiro, high in the Galician hills and some 160km from our end point. From the very first day, we are not just hikers but true pilgrims. We shall strap a sea shell on to our packs for good luck and cover an average of 22km per day along the famed "French Way", passing Galician Blondies (aka Spanish cows), historic churches, sites where miracles are reputed to have occurred and even the occasional bar for a welcome refreshment and, of course, a stamp for our passports. Our Camino passport is our proof of completion and must be guarded as preciously as our wallets!
This being a Comfortable Hiking Holiday, our daily efforts will be rewarded with a clean, comfortable hotel room or inn to relax in at the end of each day. No refugios with bunk beds and shared bathrooms on our tour. To give our feet a break, we will take a couple of days off to get a little better acquainted with the region. On one of the days we will take you on a tour of the historic city of Lugo, best known for its 1700 year-old Roman Wall which surrounds the city. On the other day off we will make you work for your meal, as we enjoy a traditional Galician cooking class.
The excitement levels rises daily knowing the goal is near. By the time we reach the incredible cathedral, all discomfort is forgotten. We've made it and it is time to hand in our passports for our pilgrims' certificate. Moving and joyous, this will be a hiking trip you will wear as a badge of honour.
| Dates | April 28 to May 10, 2018 |
|---|---|
| Grade | Moderate |
| What's Included | - 12 nights' accommodations |
| Cost | $3695 CAD land |
| My Own Room | If you would like to share accommodations, we offer a roommate pairing service. If there is another solo traveller looking to share accommodations, we will pair the two of you up together; in this case there would be no single supplement to pay. |
| Meeting Times/Places | In order to allow for greater flexibility and more competitive pricing, group airfare is not available for this holiday. However, we will gladly book your airline tickets on an individual basis. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs. |
| Status | This trip is confirmed as a GO! |
Daily Synopsis
Map
Photo Gallery
Accolades
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Terms & Conditions
Daily Synopsis
| Day 1 | HOLA |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | O'CEBREIRO TO TRIACASTELA |
| Day 3 | TRIACASTELA TO SARRIA |
| Day 4 | SARRIA TO PORTOMARIN |
| Day 5 | TOUR OF LUGO |
| Day 6 | PORTOMARIN TO PALAS DE REI |
| Day 7 | PALAS DE REI TO CASTANEDA |
| Day 8 | COOKING CLASS |
| Day 9 | CASTANEDA TO RUA |
| Day 10 | RUA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA |
| Day 11 | GUIDED TOUR OF SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA |
| Day 12 | TOUR OF COSTA DA MORTE |
| Day 13 | ADIOS |
Interactive Trip Map
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Photo Gallery
We have some great photos of previous tours of this location.
Click on the photo gallery link to view the gallery.
What an experience!
"Vicki and I had an AMAZING Camino trip with Comfortable Hiking Holidays. We were thrilled with absolutely everything and will recommend your company to others. The trip was very well organized. We were very impressed with Sheila and how she handled our many questions, kept us on track and did it all with a purpose and sense of humour. Our group bonded quickly and were very pleased with our accommodations and all the extras that were included. The cooking school was an amazing fun activity and we all certainly enjoyed the gourmet food and were pleasantly surprised to find the Spanish wine just kept coming to the tables!"
Janet C. (Camino 2017)
What a great time we had. I wouldn't have missed it and am richer for the experience of the Camino and the comradeship of fellow hikers. I was glad to meet with Sheila again and I must say, her leadership was excellent. The days off were most enjoyed also ------touring Lugo, the cooking class, touring the cathedral in Santiago, the Mass, a very moving experience and the final day at the spectacular sea coast. All in all, thank you for a well planned holiday with superb dining locations (wine included!)."
Isobel H. (Camino 2017)
"Thank you for all the work you put into this. It certainly paid off for Peter and I. It will never be forgotten. The Camino has been on my bucket list for at least 15 years. Never really thought I would get to it. You made it possible. I believe this "walk" has changed me just a little. So again Thank you."
Doreen P. (Camino 2017)
Make a Reservation
We're so glad you've decided to take a trip with us! We will do our very best to ensure you have a great time. Thank you for your business and we look forward to seeing you.
Please fill out the registration form below.
It is important that you read the Terms and Conditions before completing this form.
Terms & Conditions
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required at the time of booking (see individual trips for amount required for deposit). The balance is due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise specified. Late payments causing penalties to be levied by the airlines or any other supplier shall be the responsibility of the traveller.
Reservations are to be made online. We accept credit cards and personal cheques (payable to Comfortable Hiking Holidays). If paying by cheque, mail cheque along with a reservation form to:
Maddalena Molino
Comfortable Hiking Holidays
251 Consumers Road, 7th floor
Toronto, ON M2J 4R3 Canada
6079113 Canada Inc., doing business as Comfortable Hiking Holidays, is an independent travel affiliate with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., a Canada corporation registered under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 Registration Nos. 50023501 and 50023502.
DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS
All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Comfortable Hiking Holidays will base the decision whether or not to proceed with a trip taking into account several key factors, including but not limited to: the Canadian government’s travel advisory, the state of entry/exit requirements in each specific country, as well as the overall COVID-19 situation at that time. Rest assured, that our number one priority remains the safety and well-being of all our guests.
After the balance has been paid, refund will be made (less $50 per person and less any incurred charges by hotels, airlines etc.) if YOU can find a replacement person. If no replacement is found, then all monies paid will be forfeited. No refund for any unused portion of a trip. All cancellations are only considered to have been received on the date of receipt of written cancellation in the office of Comfortable Hiking Holidays.
If we are forced to cancel a holiday, Comfortable Hiking Holidays will endeavour to recoup any monies already paid, however full refunds are not guaranteed.
AIRFARE
Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. There is a service fee for booking flights, which is not included in the cost of the tour package.
Should you decide to book your own flights (which is not a problem at all), Comfortable Hiking Holidays will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip’s itinerary, so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.
Do not book your airfare until you check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays that we have the minimum number of participants to move ahead with the trip. Comfortable Hiking Holidays is not financially responsible for additional expenses incurred by you (such as non-refundable airline tickets) should a trip be cancelled.
Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs.
TAXES
H.S.T.
The Harmonized Sales Tax will be added to all trips taking place in Canada.
INSURANCE
Medical and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and can be arranged through our offices; we work with Allianz Global Assistance. If insurance is declined, a signed form will be required.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
It is the traveller’s responsibility to determine what documentation is necessary for each country to be visited. All Canadian and U.S. citizens require valid passports for travel. It is recommended and sometimes necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. Other nationalities should check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays. For more information on travel requirements per country, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.
It is imperative that the traveller discloses to Comfortable Hiking Holidays any medical condition(s) that may affect his/her ability to complete the hike and/or tour. Examples include (but are not limited to): allergies, ailments, diseases, medical conditions, special diets, medications and so forth. This information will be kept strictly confidential.
Our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, but if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, they are authorized to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be responsible for additional costs incurred.
In booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described. If you have any doubt about your abilities, please call us to discuss.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Prices are quoted are in CANADIAN DOLLARS (with some exceptions which are quoted in USD). They were calculated based on the exchange rates at the tme of publishing and are subject to change without notice. Should tour costs increase, Comfortable Hiking Holidays reserves the right to increase the price accordingly. If the price change is more than 7% of the total price for the travel services (except for a price change that is a result of Government Taxation), you are entitled to cancel if you wish, with full refund. You must notify us of your intention at least 48 hours after notification or if the change is a last minute change, within 24 hours of notification.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Prices quoted are for shared accommodations (two to a room). A roommate will be arranged when possible, otherwise the single supplement will apply. Single rooms are available on most holidays; cost for the single supplement is available on request.
PHOTOGRAPHS
The scenery is always picture-worthy so please take as many photos as you wish. We will do the same, but please note that it is customary for us to use photographs taken on actual hikes for our promotional materials. If you do not wish to have your photo used in any of our promotional materials, please inform your hike leader at the BEGINNING OF THE TRIP.
SMOKING
As the great majority of trip participants do not smoke, those who do are requested to refrain from smoking while with the group (e.g. on the bus, during the hikes, at meals, in the bar and in your room if sharing with a non-smoker).
CHILDREN
All participants must be at least 18 years of age.
SITE ACCURACY
Comfortable Hiking Holidays has attempted to make this site accurate. However, changes might occur for reasons beyond the control of Comfortable Hiking Holidays. In addition, the right is reserved to substitute hotels or change the itinerary when necessary, provided the travel facilities or other services are of at least the same standard or value.
HIKE LEADERS
All of our leaders are experienced hikers and have had first aid training. A representative of C.H.H. will accompany all of the trips (unless otherwise specified) to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Our hike leaders will be your guides on most holidays, but in some cases we will use local guides. C.H.H. reserves the right to make changes in hike leaders when necessary.
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither Comfortable Hiking Holidays nor Vision Travel shall be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond their control or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, terrorist acts, fire, earthquakes, weather conditions, storms, hurricanes, flood, civil or military authority, government requirement or restriction, disease, epidemic or pandemic.
OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY
Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel the operators, its agents, and/or suppliers of services act only as agents for the traveler and accept no responsibility for services of any hotel, aircraft, vessel, train, motor coach or any other conveyance used in connection with these tours, nor any delays, loss or accident to travelers or baggage occasioned by such services, from whatsoever cause. In the event it becomes necessary due to changes by supplier's airlines, or for the comfort or well being of passengers, or for any other reason, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. The extra cost, if any, resulting therefore, shall be paid by the tour members. Conversely, refunds will be made to passengers if any savings are effected thereby. The right is reserved to cancel any tour and to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, at any time. Acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance of all these conditions. There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations outside Ontario. Climate conditions may affect the provisions of services and the accommodations included in our tours. Accommodations offered in the tour are, to the best of our knowledge, available at the time of printing and accurately described.
TRAVEL WAIVER
AIRLINE CLAUSE
The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omissions or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The Passenger Ticket in use by the airline(s) when issued constitutes the sole contract between the airline(s) and the purchase of the ticket and/or passenger.
Although every precaution is taken for your safety, this type of excursion involves, by its very nature, a certain amount of risk. All participants are therefore required to sign a form releasing Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel of all liability.
Effective September 7, 2023, until further notice.
