Reviews

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!

Suggestions

My sister and I are both vegetarians and this is a sea-food region!  The salads and vegetables are fantastic and there's never any problem if you eat omelettes.  Be prepared to avert your eyes in the "pulperias" (octopus restaurants!) and don't ask for a "mixed salad" as it will contain tuna.Get into the spirit of collecting your passport stamps - it's great fun seeing the spaces fill up.  When you go to the Pilgrim Office in Santiago to get your certificate try lunchtime - it's much less busy.Don't expect to see anything inspiring from Monte de Gozo - there's a whole modern town to trek though these days before you get anywhere near the cathedral.  This was the only disappointment of the trip.

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

Suggestions

No

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!

Suggestions

All in all, an amazing trip that I thoroughly enjoyed.  From the walking and collecting as many different stamps along the way as possible (which made a lovely souvenir at the end) to the time spent in Santiago where we enjoyed some great meals and watched an outdoor concert in front of the cathedral in the evening.

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.

Suggestions

I have used Exodus on a number of occasions and they have been very good, the response from staff has always been quick and informative and honest. Any problems were easily sorted out, my impression of the Exodus represenatives has been very positive and I wouldn't hesitate to use the company in the future. All the arrangements such as flights and transfers have worked well and I would be happy to leave all this to them again. The cost of trips appears to me to be reasonable considering that I am generally paying for a "different" holiday with a dedicated leader and prearranged transport.In my mind the trouble with this "holiday" is that it was understated (or should it be overstated?), the terrain was neither intesting nor inspiring in the same way as the Inca Trail or South Africa. Before leaving I plonked the "The Way" onto Google Earth and reallised that I had made a mistake! I think that I contributed to my own demise!But finally, I have the highest regard for the many pilgrims that I met who had walked all the way from France, some young, some elderly, some with injuries, some hobbling, some being helped - but all cheerful.Would I do it again - definitely NOT!

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.

Suggestions

Make the most of the time in Santiago de Compostela.  It is a beautiful olld city with loads of street artists and performers.  Look out for Tuna de Derecho in the Cathedral square most nights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Collecting the stamps for the pilgramage passport at the various bars, cafes and churches added an unusual aspect to the walking trip. A great keep sake at the end of a very pleasant week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very entertaining and loved to talk about a wide range of topics.  Very attentive and his tales of walking through the hills and mountains were a pleasure to listen too. Top marks

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep an open mind about the food. It is geared for pilrims and so is cheap but plentyful.

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