Camino de Santiago Information Pack

Transcription

1 Camino de Santiago Information Pack

2 1 Camino de Santiago I have the pleasure of enclosing the details of your Camino de Santiago self-guided walking holiday with Macs Adventure and our local Spanish partner Tee Travel. Your accommodation details will be ed to you separately. Useful Contact Numbers & Websites Contact Telephone Website Macs Adventure (Office Hours) Macs Adventure (After Hours) Local Partner Contact Details: Agency Tee Travel Please contact Tee Travel in the first instance whilst on holiday in Spain in the event of any issues Tel: Fax: Emergencies 112 Trains from France to Spain Trains in Spain Buses in Spain I am sure that you will find everything to your satisfaction, but should you have any further questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact us. We strongly recommend that you download and read our Camino de Santiago Brochure in conjunction with this info pack. You can download it from our Spanish page of our website:

3 2 Tour Outline: Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday Duration: 35 Days Walking Short Description: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela (Way of St James) is a journey of the body, mind and spirit that millions of pilgrims have completed over thousands of years. More than just a simple walk what makes the Camino special are the fellow pilgrims you meet, the special places you visit, the stories you share and the challenges that you overcome. Grade: Moderate Style: Self Guided Walking Holiday Accommodation: The accommodation in Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon and Santiago de Compostela will be in 3 star hotels, the rest will be a mixture of rural hotels and hostels all with private rooms and en-suite. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. Meals Included: Breakfasts included Included: En-suite accommodation in handpicked hotels, country inns and hostels including breakfast, Guidebook, detailed route notes, info pack and maps for the group leader and Emergency telephone support should you require it. Excluded: Flights and transfers to first/from last accommodation, Travel Insurance, Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips etc. Any items not specifically mentioned in the program Optional Extras: Single room supplement(s) if applicable, Airport transfers, Additional nights during the holiday, baggage transfers. Information Pack, Maps and Route notes & Vouchers You should already have received the following by - A final confirmation invoice. - A link to this pre departure information pack. - An accommodation details sheet with confirmed details of your overnight accommodation. Shortly after your booking is confirmed we will post you a pack which includes: - A printed copy of this information pack. - A printed invoice. - Guidebook: Camino de Santiago by John Brierley On arrival at your first night s accommodation, you will receive: - Your detailed itinerary, maps, hotel vouchers, directions to the hotels and luggage labels. The Pilgrim Passport The Pilgrims Passport is issued by the church of St James, you can obtain one at the start of your walk in the pilgrims office or the local church in town. You need to get the passport stamped in churches, restaurants and hotels along the way. At the end of the walk in Santiago you can obtain your Compostela Certificate (only if you have walked the last 100km). For the other sections of the trail, the passport is used as a souvenir with all the colourful stamps you will receive. Our Local Representative Tee Travel Our local representative in Spain is Tee Travel who are dedicated to making sure that you have an unforgettable holiday. Tee Travel have made your hotel reservations and baggage transfer arrangements.

4 3 Problems, Emergencies or Complaints In the unlikely event that you have a problem or complaint during your trip, please speak to Tee Travel without delay. We cannot fix things once you have returned home. If the problem has not been resolved to your satisfaction please explain this to them and also contact our office (if possible) for further advice. In an emergency you can reach Tee Travel out of hours on their office phone number detailed above. You will be forwarded to their answering machine. Please leave a message with your contact details and they will get back to you shortly. Please do not worry if the message advises that they are closed as somebody will definitely call you back. Please do not wait until the trip is completed before bringing any matter to our attention as 99% of problems are easily and quickly resolved locally without affecting your enjoyment. Our local representative is in the best position to resolve complaints, so do not hesitate to call them. If your complaint concerns one of the accommodations, please speak to the owner right away, so that they have the opportunity to resolve it. IIIness, Injury, Emergency Support & Emergency Procedures If for any reason you feel unable to walk on any day there are several options available. Public transport may be available to the next stop or you can call out local partner at Tee Travel to arrange a local taxi which would be at your own expense. They will also be able to recommend a local doctor should you require the services of one. If, due to illness, injury or the weather, you are unable to reach your next accommodation as planned, contact them as soon as possible. Also inform our local representative. Find out whether it is possible to stay one or more extra nights at your present lodgings, and keep in mind that such an extension or extra transportation expenses are not foreseen in the package price and you will have to pay for it on the spot. In some cases, your travel insurance may cover these unforeseen expenses. Check your policy whether this is so. Should you need to leave the trip you will be responsible for your own onward travel. It is essential that you have travel insurance to cover you should you suffer an injury or illness that requires medical attention or you need to curtail your trip. Serious accidents and emergencies are thankfully rare but they do happen. You must be properly equipped and please refer to our equipment pages for detailed advice on safety equipment. Please carry the supplied emergency numbers with you at all times and a fully charged mobile phone.

5 4 Accuracy and Errors Your holiday and route notes have been prepared with the greatest care. It is however possible that you will, during your holiday, experience small changes or errors unforeseen at the time of writing. The information is provided as is and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. If you notice any mistakes please let us know, or if you have any suggestions, observations or comments we would very much appreciate them, and you may be certain that they will be used for the benefit of those who will follow you. Health & Fitness The concept behind most of our trips is action holidays and the fitter you are the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. You will have a far more pleasant experience if you have done some hill-walking or aerobic exercise in the run up to your holiday. If you do not currently enjoy a good level of fitness it may take many months of training to reach a suitable level of fitness to enjoy the walk. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase your fitness. Try to exercise for between 30 and 45 minutes three times per week (walking, running, cycling or swimming) and go for longer walks on the weekends which should include some hills. A good local gym will be able to draw up a fitness program for you on request. This way, when you start walking, you will feel relaxed and comfortable and strong, having done more than sufficient preparation for the trip. You will also have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos and explore the sights in your spare time, rather than just make it to the next hotel. Using your gear before departure (boots, daypack, clothing etc) gives familiarity and comfort whilst on the walk. It makes sense to know that all your gear works for you BEFORE departure, rather than discovering how things work or fit (or don t!) on the trip you have invested so much in. You should consult your doctor prior to starting an exercise program and prior to undertaking this trip if you have any specific health concerns or prior medical conditions that may affect your ability to exercise or complete this trip. You must consult your doctor prior to embarking on this trip if you answer yes to any of the following questions: - Has your doctor ever told you that you have a heart condition? - Have you had any pains in your chest or heart? - Do you frequently lose your balance, feel faint or have spells of severe dizziness? - Has your doctor has ever said that your blood pressure is too high? - Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity? - Are you taking any prescription medications, such as those for heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes? - Do you know of any other reason why you should not engage in physical activity? - Are you pregnant?

6 5 Practical Information Getting There and Away Your arrival date at your first nights accommodation should be the START DATE indicated on your confirmation invoice and your departure date should be the END DATE indicated. A detailed Travel to Camino section is included at the end of this info pack. Arrival Details Make your way to your first night s accommodation, where the hotel will be expecting you. As this is self-guided holiday you will not meet one of our representatives unless you have an issue. If you have booked an airport transfer and are delayed please contact our local representative as soon as possible to let them know. Know Before You Go! Important Things for You to Organise Before you Travel The UK Foreign Office publishes detailed up to date advice travelling to Spain here: They also provide detailed advice on travelling and living abroad on their website here: We strongly advise that you read the country travel advice. UK citizens can also register their trip details on the website and we would recommend this to you. The US State Department also publishes detailed travel advice on its website: Travel Insurance It is a condition of your contract with us that you must take out adequate travel insurance suitable before you travel to cover yourself for cancellation, curtailment, injury or illness during your holiday with Macs Adventure. We do not check insurance policies for suitability, but reserve the right to request a copy. You are responsible for indemnifying us in full in the event that we incur any losses or expenses arising out of your failure to take out adequate insurance cover. We do not sell travel insurance and suggest you purchase travel insurance in your country of residence.

7 6 Passport & Visas All nationalities require a full passport or ID card valid for at least three months after your intended departure from Spain. Citizens of countries in the European Union and the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association do not need a visa for Spain. Australians, US Citizens and Canadians do not need a visa as long as their stay is not for more than 90 days. For UK nationals travelling to Spain you will need to provide your relative airline with your passport details prior to your flight. Passport and visa requirements do change so although this information is supplied in good faith it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation. Language You are walking in rural Spain along the Camino and not many local people speak English. It is highly recommended to learn the basic Spanish before you set off. A phrase book will come in very handy when you are ordering or asking questions. Recommended Reading The Way of St James By Alison Raju (Published by Cicerone) Camino de Santiago The Way of St. James John Brierley (Published by Findhorn Press) We supply this book. The Road to Santiago The Pilgrim s Practical Guide Jose Maria Anguita Jaen Medical Passport If you are using medication, ask your doctor for a medical passport, which details your affliction and what medicines you need to use. This prevents possible trouble with customs. You need a special license to bring in medicines that count as controlled substances. Driving license and registration European driving licenses are valid in Spain. Non EU members must have an international driving licence together with their national driving licence. (This is also necessary when renting a car) If you come with your own car remember that vehicle liability insurance is mandatory, and bring the green card, which you will need if you are involved in an accident. Vaccinations For detailed advice on travel health in Spain visit the Fit For Travel Website:

8 7 Holiday Health Whilst walking in Spain you shouldn t be any more at risk of bad health than in your everyday life. The majority of walkers are not affected by serious health problems whilst on holiday. You should take the normal precautions of washing your hands regularly with and anti-bacterial wash, only drinking boiled, purified or bottled water, avoid unpeeled or unwashed salad, fruit and vegetables and looking after yourself generally. Heat related illness is the most common ailment affecting walkers in Spain. Take the necessary precautions including wearing a hat, sun cream and drinking lots of water. If you have any specific health concerns it is a very good idea to visit your GP prior to your holiday to discuss any specific concerns that you may have and ensure you have a sufficient supply of any prescriptions. In addition to your normal personal first aid kit I would recommend carrying: Anti-bacterial hand wash Sun block lip balm/sun block headache tablets such as ibuprofen cold/flu remedies such as paracetemol diarrhoea remedies such as Imodium Nausea remedies such as motilium Antiseptic cream/wipes for cuts. Should you need the services of a doctor or hospital whilst on holiday your accommodation provider will be able to make the arrangements. Currency, Money & Local Costs The local currency is the Euro. The best way to carry money is a combination of cash, pound sterling traveller s cheques and credit/debit card. You will need to pay for lunches and dinners, snacks, drinks, souvenirs and personal items whilst on holiday. Make sure that you change any money that you will need whilst on your walk and try and get small denominations. Telephone and time zone To reach Spain, dial +34. If you are using your personal mobile to phone within Spain you have to dial 0034 before the area coda and phone number. All area codes start with a 0 while all mobiles do not have a 0 in front, although they used to until some years ago. Spain is in the Central European time zone (GMT + 2Hrs).

9 8 Public holidays, opening hours and useful information Festivities. Spain has a lot of festivities and bank holidays (12 national ones and at least 4 regional and/or local ones) during which all banks, shops and government institutions are closed: 01/01,06/01, 01/05, 15/08, 12/10, 01/11, 06/12, 08/12, 25/12 and of course the Thursday, Friday and Sunday of Holy Week (Semana Santa; normally at the end of March/ beginning of April, depending on the Catholic calendar). Regional holidays by province are: 28th of February in Andalucía. In Balearic Islands the 1st of March and 26 December are 23rd April in Aragón and Castilla-Léon. 2nd May in Madrid. 17th May in Galicia. 30th May in Canary Islands. 31st May in Castilla-La Mancha. 9th June in La Rioja and Murcia. 8 th September in Asturias and Extremadura. 11th September in Catalunya. 15th September in Cantabria. 26th December in Catalunya. Easter Monday and Pentacost are also observed in Catalunya, Navarra, Pais Vasco and Valencia. Bank offices are open from 8 or 9 to 14.00hrs. You can cash cheques at the Caja Postal and at major post offices in towns, but it is generally easier to get your money at cash points (Cajeros Automaticos). Stamps: apart from the post office (Correos), stamps can be bought at tobacconists (estancos), which are kiosks or shops with a brown and yellow sign reading Tabacos. These have normal opening hours (whereas post offices usually open for a few hours in the morning). Shops: Open mornings from 9.00/10.00 to 13.30/14.00 and afternoons from 16.30/17.00 to 20.00/20.30 (large supermarkets usually open from 9 to 21.00). Most shops are closed on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. Restaurants are open from 13.00/13.30 to for lunch and from 20.30/21.00 to for dinner. Smaller museums and monuments have more or less the same timetable as shops, whereas major monuments open all day (from to 20.00). Drinking water. Water from the tap is always checked by sanitary authorities but in general tastes bad (due to high chlorine content). You can buy mineral water everywhere (shops, bars and restaurants; say that you need agua para llevar in order to get a plastic bottle). In the mountains there are lots of natural springs, where villagers prefer to get their drinking water although it is not checked by the government. In general you can rely on springs if the water runs freely and abundantly from a pipe. But your body may not be used to high concentration of some minerals. Voltage: 220 volt. European continental plugs. Loss of Personal Items If you lose something or have it stolen and you wish to claim for it from your insurance company when you return home, you must report it to the local police. The Police will ask you to fill out a form and give you a copy. The vast majority of insurance companies ask for this when you claim an item lost or stolen. If you lose your passport, this document will also allow you to leave the country, but you should also contact your embassy.

10 9 Responsible Tourism We operate adventures in some of the most spectacular landscapes and countries of the world and take responsible travel extremely seriously: We have designed this trip according to our M.A.C.S. Responsible Travel Policy, which is available in full from our website). You can help us whilst on holiday by following our M.A.C.S. Responsible Travel Policy. Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit o Leave only footprints and take only photographs. o Plan ahead and follow any local signs & advice. o Leave gates and property as you find them. o Protect plants, animals and water sources. o Consider other people. o Buy goods, services food and wine from local people, shops, bars and restaurants whilst on holiday, we do. o Greet and speak to locals in Italian, it is always appreciated. o Ask before taking pictures of people. o Recommend this holiday to your friends (if you have a good time) and the local economy will continue to benefit. Action & Advocacy o Encourage and educate other walkers and travellers about minimum impact and responsible travel. o Raise awareness amongst suppliers on environmentally sensitive practices. o Donate to the M.A.C.S fund on booking which we distribute to a range of chosen charities and projects. o Get involved with a charity promoting responsible travel and trekking such as Tourism Concern or the International Mountain Explorers Connection Carbon & Communities o Macs Adventure s office and operational policies minimise our carbon footprint through green business practices and we offset all our Carbon Emissions annually. You can offset the Carbon Cost of your flights here: o Walking Holidays are a form of travel that gives you a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local community you are visiting. Get the most from your adventure by taking the time to engage with the community you are visiting. o Our local partner and the suppliers we use are all local operated and owned wherever possible so your holiday has the maximum possible financial benefit to the local community Sensitive & Sustainable o Be sensitive to and respect local cultures, religion and customs. You are walking through a predominantly rural conservative area. o Spend your money with local suppliers so that the local economy and way of life continues to flourish for generations to come.

11 10 Information Pack, Route Notes & Maps Holiday Information Before you set off on your Camino walk we will post out your guidebook and your accommodation details to you. When you arrive in your first night s accommodation we will arrange our local partner inspain - Tee Travel to send your information pack to your first night s accommodation. The pack includes your detailed itinerary, maps, hotel vouchers, luggage labels and directions to the hotels. Weather & Climate The weather in Northern Spain is very varied, during the winter months (Nov Feb) some sections of the Camino can be covered in Snow and the path might be harder to follow, we usually recommend walking between March and October the best walking season. July and August can be extremely busy on the camino and very hot so we tend to tell people to avoid these months. Accommodation All the accommodation is handpicked and all the rooms have en-suite facilities. We use a mixture of Pensions, Hostels and Hotels, and use 3 star hotels in the larger cities (Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon and Santiago de Compostela). All offer a warm welcome to walkers with clean and comfortable rooms. Check in time: Your hosts need time to change over the rooms between guests so rooms are generally only available from mid-afternoon onwards. If you arrive earlier they will be happy to store your bags but your rooms may not be ready yet. Meals The price of your holiday includes breakfast each morning. The breakfast in Northern Spain is very basic and sometimes just consists of coffee and bread. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. You can buy lunch from the local supermarket at your overnight stop (bread, cheese, ham etc) or you can stop at many of the cafes en-route. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby restaurants and most places you will find a Menu del Dia (Pilgrims menu of the Day) which are great value for money and normally include a starter, bread, main course, sweet and half a bottle of local wine for between 8 and 12 euros. Baggage Transfer If you have booked the baggage transfer option then please use the Tee Travel labels in your information pack. Please limit your luggage to 1 piece per person, maximum weight 18k and leave your bags at reception each morning before 9am ready for collection. You will only need to carry your daily provisions with you in a day pack. Take plenty of water as well as a hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, warm jacket/jumper, camera, small first aid kit, lunch & snacks. If you are going to an area where there are no food provisions on the way, do your lunch shopping the day before.

12 11 Alternative Transport Arrangements If you are unable (or disinclined) to walk to your next overnight stop you can either take a train, bus or taxi to the next overnight. The local tourist information centre, your hotel or Tee Travel will be happy to provide details of public transport or taxis. Equipment You will find a detailed equipment list at the end of this document, which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack. Included in Your Holiday En-suite accommodation in handpicked hotels, country inns, and hostels including breakfast Guidebook, detailed route notes, info pack and maps for the group leader Emergency telephone support should you require it. Excluded from Your Holiday Transport to/from Spain Personal expenses such as lunch, dinner, snacks, wine tasting, drinks of any kind, phone and internet connection, etc. Travel insurance. Personal Equipment Personal items Baggage Transfer (this can be added as an option) Tips and gratuities Any item that has not been specifically mentioned in the program

13 12 Route & Itinerary DESCRIPTION The Camino de Santiago de Compostela (Way of St James) is a journey of the body, mind and spirit that millions of pilgrims have completed over thousands of years. More than just a simple walk what makes the Camino special are the fellow pilgrims you meet, the special places you visit, the stories you share and the challenges that you overcome. Our walking tours on the Camino Frances, the most popular Camino from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, allow you to get the most from your Camino. We pre-book all your accommodation in carefully selected hotels, inns and hostals which have private rooms and en suite bathrooms. So you can relax and enjoy the walk rather than rush to the next stop in the hope of securing a bed in an overcrowded dorm. A comprehensive guidebook is included in your information pack and daily door to door baggage transfer is available as an optional extra, so you can walk with just a day pack each day. GRADE This holiday is graded moderate overall and is perfect for regular walkers who enjoy long distance walking. The first section of the Camino from St Jean Pied De Port is the toughest as this is through the Pyrenees but with this walk the more you walk the easier it normally gets! NAVIGATION The Camino is waymarked by a yellow shell on a blue background. There are always yellow painted arrows to show you the way so it is very hard to get lost. We supply a guidebook which can be followed but the route is very easy to follow and there will be many other walkers on the path. Self Guided Holidays Self-guided walking requires you to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7 day service hotline in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.

14 13 Itinerary We offer the following itineraries on the Camino de Santiago, and your walk will either be one of these or be made up of a combination of a couple of the itineraries joined together. Your accommodation details sheet will list where you are staying each night so you should refer to that for more details. Getting to/from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port Detailed Travel Information By Air Coming from the UK, low cost airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet fly into either Biarritz or Bilbao. From Biarritz you can catch the airport bus to Bayonne, and then a train from here to St Jean you can view the timetable here - If you are coming from overseas, the easiest place to fly into is usually Paris and you can catch a train from here. From Bilbao, you can catch a bus to Pamplona - see and then get a bus from here to Roncesvalles see and you can get a taxi from here to St Jean Pied de Port. By Rail You can travel by train from Paris via Bayonne to St Jean-Pied-de-Port timetables for French trains can be viewed at Getting from Santiago de Compostela By Air Ryanair fly from London, Rome and Frankfurt to Santiago and cheap flights should be available on most major carriers if booked well in advance. By Rail There are also good train links from Santiago to Madrid. See the Renfe website for details - By Bus There are good bus connections from Santiago to other cities within Spain see for bus schedules. Transfers We can arrange taxi transfers and airport pick ups for every section of the walk, please contact us to get a quote for you.

15 14 Clothing Macs Adventure Walking Holidays Recommended Clothing and Equipment Having the correct personal equipment will make your walking holiday more enjoyable and comfortable. I hope that you find the following suggestions useful when considering what to take on your trip. They are based on my own experiences and I am sure that you will find other solutions will work equally well. Boots/Walking Shoes Keeping your feet happy and comfortable is essential. You have two choices when it comes to footwear. Traditionally boots were the only option but recent advances have meant walking shoes are becoming more popular. Whichever you choose ensure that they are comfortable and well worn in. Socks There is no point spending money on good boots or shoes and then not using the right socks. I would always recommend wearing just one pair of good quality walking socks. Again ask for advice in a specialist outdoor retailer. Take a minimum of two pairs on your trip and preferably three. Personally I swear by both Smartwool and Bridgedale. A great tip to prevent blisters is to coat your feet with Vaseline each morning then put on your socks, this stops rubbing and blisters appearing. Rucksack Your main bag will be transferred, but you still need a backpack to carry spare clothing, food and water. There are numerous models on the market, ideally yours should be litres, comfortable and have a waistband. Walking Poles Walking poles are becoming more popular. I use and recommend them. A pair is best but many walkers start with just one. Leki Makalu anti-shock poles are some of the best although there are numerous brands on the market. I generally walk in a loose fitting pair of comfortable walking trousers or shorts (zip-offs are great in the summer) and a comfortable fast drying shirt or T-shirt. This combined with a warm mid-layer (fleece) and a breathable waterproof jacket and trousers take care of most weather conditions. Important: A good sun hat which covers the back of your neck is essential in the summer. A waterproof jacket and trousers are highly recommended as it can rain at any time of year. Water carrier A large water bottle is essential. Keeping hydrated is a key part of enjoying your day on the trail. Hydration systems with a reservoir in your pack and a drinking tube are becoming more popular and do tend to ensure you drink regularly. Packing Checklist This refers to your needs during the day; don t forget comfortable shoes and clothes for the evenings as well as any medical and toiletry requirements. Essential Walking boots/shoes Suitable clothing including good walking socks Hat Waterproof jacket Water carrier / bottle Food and snacks Rucksack Guidebook & Maps (supplied) Blister treatment kit First aid kit Cash and credit cards Desirable Whistle, torch Walking poles Binoculars Camera (with spare batteries and film) Toilet tissue (biodegradable) Sun and wind protection Spare socks. Mobile phone Tee Travel (In Spain): Office