Frequently Asked Questions
 

• Can the itinerary be modified?
  Yes. If you would like to build in rest days that is possible (subject to availability of accommodation) but any changes to the itinerary must be done in advance before the hotels have been pre-paid two months prior to arrival.

• If I don't feel like walking can I ride with the luggage?
  Sorry - no. Luggage is transported from inn to inn by taxi or mini-van that is filled with luggage and may make multiple stops. They may not be licensed to carry passengers. If you don't feel like walking one day, your hotel can arrange a  taxi for you (at your expense).

• What if I have to quit due to illness or injury after only part of the walk is completed?
  We recommend you have Trip Interruption Insurance that would cover a refund and any additional transportation expenses incurred.

• What do I do if I cannot finish the daily walk?
  The best thing to do is to phone the tour host and ask for advice. If you are in a village there may be a local bus or the host may be able to get a taxi to pick you up (at your expense).  You will find that proprietors of cafes, bars and hostels along the way are sympathetic towards walkers and like to uphold the local tradition of helping pilgrims.  If you cannot reach a town or village because of injury or illness and need medical help you can phone Emergency Services. 

• .What is the accommodation like?
  You stay at comfortable, small inns located right on the Camino or just a short walk from the trail. You will have a room with a private bathroom.

• What do I need to carry with me each day?
  You will need a small knapsack to carry a rain jacket and pants (depending on the weather), water, maps, your personal documents,  snacks, cell-phone.

• Could I get lost?
  You will have detailed instructions but even without those it would be difficult to get lost. The Camino is well marked and there are many people along the way you can ask for directions if you are unsure.

• What sort of foot-wear will I need?
  Good, comfortable hiking boots that are well broken in.  It is very important not to get blisters on your feet. In case this happens you should have blister cushions in your first aid kit.

• How do I get my official Compostela certificate?
  You will be given a "Pilgrim's Passport" before your start. This can be stamped each day at hotels
  and presented at the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago.

• Can I drink the water?
  Bottled water is available to purchase at shops along the way.  We don't recommend drinking the tap water although many people do without any problem.

• What will the food be like?
  Breakfasts usually consist of coffee, juice, brioches or toast, cereal, milk, yoghurt, jam.
  Lunches can be purchased at small cafes or picnic ingredients can be bought at small shops. Many cafes offer a "Pilgrim Menu".
  Some nights dinners are included - usually where there is little choice of restaurants. If you are vegetarian or have special dietary needs you should let us know at the time of booking.  It is customary in Spain to eat dinner late. When you arrive at your hotel ask about the earliest time for dining.

• How do I get to Sarria to start the 6 day walk?
  If you fly to Santiago it is possible to have a taxi arranged to meet you and take you to Sarria. Cost for this is about 200 euros per taxi  (about a 90 minute drive).  There is local bus service departing from the Santiago bus station to Sarria five days a week (one bus per day).  It is easier to take a train from Madrid. There is one direct train a day from Madrid to Sarria. Journey time is 6 hours.
   
• How do I get to St Jean Pied de Port to start the 33 day walk?
  You could fly to Madrid then on to Pamplona and from there take a taxi to St Jean.
  If you fly to Paris and on to Biarritz you can then take a train to Bayonne and from there a bus to St Jean.
   
• Phone calls?
  It is mandatory that you carry a cell-phone that works in Spain.  Before you go, talk to your own cell-phone provider about a "roaming" package.  Or, on arrival, you can buy a local simcard and insert it into your phone. If you do this, you must let the local host know your new phone number so he can keep in touch.
  
  Why should I have a "pre-planned" itinerary?
  Many people try to walk the Camino with no advance reservations. Sometimes it is okay but it may lead to finding nowhere to stay after a long day of walking. Staying in hostels is free but you may find yourself lining up for cold showers after a night in a crowded dorm listening to strangers snoring .   If you have a pre-planned itinerary you can be sure of a private room, a hot shower and an English-speaking person to phone for advice and assistance.