2024 Camino de Santiago (12 Day Trip)

Adventure Package 

After a thousand years of travellers crossing Spain to visit the sacred tomb of St James, the “Camino” or “way” has developed into one of the world’s most sought after walking treks. There are many aspects as travellers get to experience a set of first-class historical heritage sites, outstanding natural landscapes, and intangible heritage, the green majestic hills, the small hamlets and ancient buildings, cathedrals and to follow in the footsteps of this ancient trail steeped in history in northwestern Spain finally ending at Cape Finisterre.

The Camino, as it is known in Spain, still passes through the same villages, crosses the same rivers, visits the same chapels, churches, cathedrals and other monuments as did the path taken by our predecessors in centuries gone by. As in the past the importance of the trek continues to support the two way cultural exchange and dissemination of knowledge, it is not uncommon, to meet Swiss, German, Belgian, Irish, English or Dutch pilgrims, for example, who have set out from home to make the entire journey on foot

With Our Spirit, and our qualified Guides this journey becomes more than just a walk, it is an educational one full of informative historical knowledge of the towns and villages along the Camino, describing significant events, people and legends.

The Guide also provides up to date information about services (shops, restaurants, tourist information, internet, etc.) We have also accessed reliable accommodation that allows you to arrive, collect your bag and not have to worry about where to stay, kick back and enjoy the unique culture.

Our Spirt Guides have applied our experience, researched thoroughly and have developed and organised innovative ways to walk the French Way.  We have created and produced manageable sections to help ensure your success utilising our vast network of support staff. We are proud to say that our trek actually goes to the Cape of Finisterre, which for some is seen as the actual conclusion.

As part of our safety protocols we at all times have mobile and satellite phone coverage, Epirbs and tracking devices to allow your movements to be monitored at all times. The tracking device allows family back home to stay up to date with where you are on your adventure. Your Trekking Guide is also a qualified medic and has procedures in place should intervention be required.

At all times while on this adventure, our group is supported by our own dedicated Van support, which will transport your bags securely to each daily destination. Our support crew will also be available should you require a break from walking. This support van will also be available should you have a family member who wants to travel with you but does not want to walk.

What makes this adventure so special and a trip of a lifetime are the people you meet, the places you visit, the history, the stories you share and the challenges you overcome. This unique experience that inspires many, continues to do so even after the journey is over.

We now offer the opportunity to be part of one of our customised groups  - refer to Dates – BOOK NOW tab for our upcoming schedule.

Our Spirit's Camino adventure is led by one of our qualified Australian leaders and includes a pre-trek training program, accommodation, transfers and much more. Please refer to the tabs for details on our inclusions, exclusions and pricing for this adventure. 

Here's a promotional youtube video on the Camino, which will give you a sense of the journey ahead

Adventure Package Inclusions

 Our adventure package includes:

• 3 Month training and preparation program (refer to tab for details)
• Australian leadership (refer to tab for details)
  • Pre-trek briefing at the hotel followed by daily briefings
• Full vehicle support from Madrid to Santiago de Compostella
• Traditional traveller style accommodation (i.e. a mixture of twin share in hotels and dormitory style rooms in albergues and hostels)
• Breakfasts and Dinners
• Certificate of completion
• History reference booklet to take on the Camino and keep as a memento
• Subject to accessibility, GPS Spot tracking updates which enables family and friends to follow your journey along the Camino. 

Adventure Package Exclusions

The following personal items and expenses are not included in this adventure package. 

• Travel Expenses:
  • International airfares to arrive in Madrid and depart from Santiago
  • Airport/accommodation transfers
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Passport
  • Personal expenses including lunches, snacks and refreshments
• Trekking Equipment:
  • Day pack
  • Waterpack/bladder
  • Personal items:
    • trekking boots and premium trekking socks
    • appropriate clothing, footwear and hat
    • toiletries and towel
    • Basic personal first-aid kit, including pharmaceutical items

Note: a comprehensive equipment checklist is provided to participants, upon receipt of the deposit and prior to commencing the training program.

• Medical Expenses:
  • Pre trek preparation and associated medical costs (including, but not limited to obtaining medical clearance, required prior to commencing the training program)

Pricing

Our Spanish Camino adventure package is priced at $3500AUD. Please refer to the inclusions and exclusions tabs for full details. 

Accommodation Upgrades:

The following upgrades are available for travellers who prefer to have private accommodation for the entire journey rather than the dormitory style accommodation, which is included in the package price:  

• twin share room - a total surcharge of $120AUD per person is applied to the package price on the final invoice
• single room - a total surcharge of $560AUD is applied to the package price on the final invoice

​Twin share or Single accommodation upgrades can be specified under "special requests" on the booking form or by contacting us at least 6 weeks prior to your departure

Leadership

Our Camino leaders ensure participant safety and deliver an experiential journey based on history, reflection, perseverance and friendship by:

• Providing individual motivation and encouragement (including pre-trek training advice)
• Creating opportunities for team cohesion
• Presenting the most passionate and comprehensive historical briefings along the Camino
• Guiding participants to significant historical sites including monasteries, magnificent castles and religious statues from as far back as 40 A.D.
• Informing participants of cultural etiquette
• Recognising and rewarding individual achievements on completion (including certificate of completion)

History

The Camino is the crown jewel of Spanish walking trails. It is an adventure filled with amazing historical sites and wonderful architectural features. Over 12 days, we will walk approximately 200km of this Christian Pilgrimage. Throughout the Galacian region filled with grand rainforests and majestic waterways.

Our Spirit's adventure walk is the ultimate Camino experience. Guided by competent Australian leaders with expertise in trekking that have an unwavering passion for the Camino history and will show you many hidden treasures plus all of the main features along the way. It is about taking time out of your everyday life to reflect and get a new perspective, while walking in the tranquil beauty of Spain. This will be a trip of a lifetime.

Age is not a limitation on Our Spirit adventures and we have support for guests who need some extra assistance to complete the journey. We strongly believe, pre-trek Camino preparation is the key to your success. For this reason, participants commence their Camino bushwalking adventure with Our Spirit up to 3 months prior to departure with a comprehensive pre-trek training program including event specific exercise and nutritional advice with Wellbeing Solutions.

Contact us now for more information or to book a history presentation for your interested group.

Itinerary

Training & Preparation

Our Spirit have the best safety and success record of any adventure company. We attribute much of our unrivalled track record to our pre-trek training and preparation programs, which include:

• Camino specific 3 month exercise program and nutrition advice - designed and monitored by our team of qualified exercise physiologists
• Personal equipment and training advice
  • Quality trekking equipment available from our online shop (free delivery with orders over $100)
• Recommended training buskwalks throughout Australia
• Clear instructions, travel advice, supporting documentation and timely communication leading up to the event

Considerations

Our Spirit holds current public liability insurance and maintains comprehensive risk management procedures for all our adventures as part of our standard business practice. Our extreme adventures experience and our safety and success record is unrivalled by any other company, however there are still some things which you should take into consideration prior to booking.

• It is recommended that each person joining the party be physically prepared by the time of departure. An exercise program, including training walks and nutritional advice are included in the program.
• There are several sessions within the program that require training with full packs, (that is the backpack and all equipment you intend to use on the trek). By wearing or breaking in your hiking boots (aided by our specifically designed premium trekking socks), you will minimise the risk of blisters and unnecessary sweat problems if they can be addressed prior to commencing the trek. 

Booking Information

We recommend that you make your booking for this adventure at least 3 months prior to the departure date to ensure you have adequate time for the physical preparation that is required. Bookings generally close 1 month prior to departure when accommodation along the Camino is finalised.

During the booking process, you will be required to submit your contact details as well as personal information about your health, any conditions or prescribed medications you take; your current fitness levels (including your height, weight, activity) and your emergency contact person's details.

Additionally, you will be required to check all items on the terms and conditions section of the booking form. If you are under 18 years of age, you will also be required to enter the details of a consenting adult who will receive a copy of the form.

A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking with the final balance due 30 days prior to departure.

Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you an email with instructions and important information that you will need to prepare for this adventure. Alternatively, please let us know if you prefer to receive the preparatory documents on a USB stick and we will post them to you.

IMPORTANT: Exclusive group bookings and group discounts are available by negotiation. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

More Information

CONTACT US NOW if you would like more information about this adventure.

• Invite one of our highly qualified leaders to deliver a unique history presentation and insight into the Camino journey to your group
• Discuss your individual or group requirements
• Have your adventure specific questions answered by one of our experienced leaders.
• Request contact details for clients who have trekked with Our Spirit and are willing to discuss their experience with you.

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Dates

Exclusive group treks (minimum 10 participants), to suit your preferred travel dates are available on request.

6th Sept - 17th Sept, 2023

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