Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It was reaching Santiago for sure. Seeing all the other pilgrims celebrating their achievement as well as our group was awesome. It was humbling to see people with disabilities struggle through the walk. It was a little disappointing walking through a built up area to reach the cathedral. I missed the pilgrim blessing as I didn't know that we could just show our passports and gain entrance to the cathedral. We were behind a large line up and just gave up our spot.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very helpful and very patient. He made sure that he spent time with all of the people in our group. He encouraged us to walk together as a group. He had a good sense of humor.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please have your group leader arrange for your pilgrim's passports to be handed in as a group to avoid 16 people waiting in line for their certificate. I was at the pilgrim's office for 7.30 am in the morning for the 8 opening and it still took me an hour for my certificate, later we found that our guide could have had us sign a document and hand in our passports as a group and then one person could have simply picked them up without waiting. The process described is very seamless and time efficient.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being struck by the fact that we were treading in the footsteps of pilgrims through the ages. That these were ancient routes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Manuel was determined that we would ALL finish the trek and enter Santiago together and enjoy the whole experience because it WAS meant to be a holiday. He was very conscientious, friendly and diplomatically dealt with our various problems such as blisters, pace and stamina. He was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the region. Organised our snack, lunch and evening breaks. Kept checking that we were coping with the distances walked.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that you spent time getting used to regular long walks before you go. You will spent a lot of time on your feet in between breaks and the pace is reasonably fast. Take a couple of pairs of light walking boots ,walking shoes or good trainers to change into so that you don't wear the same footwear everyday. Tackle any discomfort STRAIGHT AWAY. One of our group lost a small toenail by the 2nd day and had 12 blisters by the 3rd! Changing socks at lunch-time was also a good idea.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in to Santiago with the group, surrounded by other fellow pilgrims.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saint José, who kept us in wine from Samos to Santiago made the trip that much more enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

30km is as far, if not further, than it sounds and depending on your experience of walking in hot weather a light walking shoe or robust sandal might be preferable to full boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Santiago de Compostela was the highlight of the week for me and sharing the moment with the rest of the group was amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

José was a great trip companion and leader. He was fun and professional at the same time,and always ready to help us throughout the Camino.

Most Inspirational Moment

I doubt I'd describe any moment as "inspirational;" it was overall just a pleasant experience. I did like meeting other pilgrims, some of whom were walking the Camino alone. It is obvious that the experiences they were having were much richer and perhaps more inspirational than can be had trekking with a group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can only give Jose the highest praise. He was fun, informed, sociable, and very concerned about the welfare of his group. I fell (in a cafe, not on the Camino !!!) and broke my pelvis four days into the walk, and although there was nothing to be done but to drop out and rest, he did his best to see to my comfort for the rest of the tour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This walk is not particularly difficult, but the pace is quite fast, and there really isn't time to stop for short periods to savor the gorgeous views or to take photographs. The tour is rated "moderate" and asks for a"reasonable degree of fitness". Such wording is a bit too vague. I am over 70 and am very fit for my age, but as I said, I was a slower walker than most people in the group and always felt a little pushed to increase my pace.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing people of all ages doing this pilgrimage, some not for the first time and some not very able.Finding volunteers in little old churches willingly sitting stamping Pilgrim Passports for hours.The peace of Samos Monastery. Seeing storks nesting on a pole in someone's garden!Seeing the famous Botafumeiro (censer) in action at Santiago Cathedral at the Pilgrim's Mass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Manuel Garcia was brilliant - I cannot improve on the accolades given by a previous reviewer.We missed him once he left us but he left everything in order for the rest of our stay.When he knew I was learning Spanish he made a point of asking me the time etc to help me practise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do be very sure of your ability to walk some very long days back to back and be sure of your footwear (including socks).  The walking is not difficult but the long days make it hard on the feet. Pack blister kits etc just in case. Don't panic once your leader has gone - Jose gave us all the contact numbers we might need on a slip of paper.If you don't speak Spanish learn some basics before you go - they will be useful and much appreciated.  This is not the Costa del anywhere!

Most Inspirational Moment

Arrival in the Cathedral at Santiago was very moving, particularly the pilgrims service after the reflection of 8 days walking

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, would have been hard to beat

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go if you get the chance but read the pilgrimage book by paulo coelho before you travel

Most Inspirational Moment

The moment when you are standing in front of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostella at the end of the walk.  Also presenting your Pilgrim's passport complete with all it's stamps to get your certificate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was a brilliant leader who was always cheerful and made sure that every member of the group was happy and comfortable.  He dealt with any situation efficiently and speedily.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Anyone going on this trip should ensure that they have very comfortable walking boots as some of the days are quite long.  Also take some warm clothing as it was chillier than expected when I went (May).  Keep an open mind about eating Octopus - it may be better than you think!

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing really.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Spanish, excellent and spoke very good English. The advantage of having a native speaker leading the trail is obvious, he was able to advise on places to eat, menus and places to visit (not that there were many) and communicated well with locals and the various restauranteurs and hoteliers that we dealt with. He was always friendly and willing to please. Highly recommended.Jose (our leader) had to leave us on the Friday evening in order to lead another party (of cyclists) along "The Way", this left all day Saturday and Sunday until 1200 hours without a representative. Now, this wasn't really a problem but had anything gone astray, someone had an accident or one of the party had problems with, perhaps, the police, for example, then it could have been. I thought that we had paid for the whole package and that we should have received it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walk is along farm lanes, forestry type tracks and pavements which are hard surfaces and are hard on the feet. One day was just over 20 miles and the next about 20 miles. All the walkers were experienced and most had trouble with feet, joints or muscles.One person had such trouble with his feet that he had to take a taxi 20 miles to see a doctor who, because of the state of his feet, banned him from continuing.I think that the week should be "stretched" by one day to reduce these distances to a more acceptable level and one which would be more comfortable and enjoyable. Whilst "The Way" is a pilgrimage of sorts it should still be enjoyable and fairly relaxed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The achievement of reaching Satiago de Compostela and receiving my certificate in Latin!!  Also, we attended high mass and saw the Botafumeiro being swung in the Cathedral trancept.  Quite something.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Garcia was an excellent tour leader.  Always smiling, always helpful, he took all our group photos for us, ordered all our food and drink and sometimes served it in the many restaurants and cafes along the way.  Dealt efficiently and promptly with an injury one of our number received and spoke very good English.  I have had some good leaders on previous Exodus tours, but nobody better than Jose.  In many ways he made the holiday.  Ten out of ten.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather can be changeable so bring a range of clothing.  Energy bars and snacks can be difficult to come by so make sure you take some with you and bring at least one pair of well worn in walking boots.