23 Aug 2021

A Week on the Camino (self-guided)

PECM

Validity: 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2021

For over a thousand years, pilgrims have been walking the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James). Here’s your chance to follow the trails of medieval pilgrims bound for Santiago de Compostela and have all the details taken care of – all you need to do is pack your bags!

Peregrine

Walking

On foot

3

A reasonably good level of fitness is required to undertake this trip. You will be walking from 4-6-hours per day and the average walking stage is 22km (14 miles) per day. The Galician landscape is quite hilly so there will be some ups and downs but no hard ascents and descents, with approximately 150-500 metres of altitude change per day. The trail is a combination of rural (dirt) paths, stone footpaths, quieter country roads and some unavoidable main roads. To get the most out of your trip, we recommend undertaking some basic physical training beforehand. Packing List for cooler months During the cooler months (April/May & September/October), it's a good idea to take good protective overpants, jacket, waterproof hat and gloves, and to make sure boots are waterproof, as there is a slim chance that the walking could be a little wet or muddy. A backpack cover is also idea in case of rain.

Hotel Carrís Alfonso IX

Rua do Peregrino, 29

Sarria

27600

SPAIN

Phone: +34 982 530 005

The subdued rooms and suites feature wood floors, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minibars and desks. Room service is available.

Arrival transfer is complimentary on this tour. You will be met by your transfer driver who will be holding a board with your name or Peregrines's logo in the arrivals hall. In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able find the driver, please contact to the emergency (0034) 986 56 50 26 (24 hours). There are a few ways to access Sarria from different parts of Spain. The closest airports to Sarria are Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña. From Santiago: To get from Santiago de Compostela to Sarria, the bus company FREIRE (departing from the airport or city) travels to Lugo ( www.empresafreire.com ), the journey time is approx. 1 h 30 min and then MONBUS ( www.monbus.es ) travels from Lugo to Sarria (20 minutes) From A Coruña: To get from A Coruña to Sarria, there are four trains per day (two morning trains and two evening trains) and the train journey takes 2 hours. From Madrid: There is a direct overnight sleeper train which departs Madrid-Chamartin at 22.30hr every evening (except Saturday, where the train departs at 00.10) (www.renfe.es) The train journey takes 8 hours. Alternatively you can take ALSA bus from Madrid or Madrid Airport to Lugo (www.alsa.es) and from Lugo take the MONBUS to Sarria (www.monbus.es) which takes 20 minutes. From Barcelona: From Barcelona there are two direct trains to Sarria. One day train which departs at 09.30hr and one sleeper train which departs at 20.20hr. Both journeys take around 12 hours. (www.renfe.es) Alternatively you could take the bus with ALSA (www.alsa.es) to Lugo and then from Lugo to Sarria with the company MONBUS (http://www.monbus.es) (20 minutes) but this is quite a long journey so travelling from Madrid, Santiago or A Coruña is a better option. Hotel Carris Alfonso IX is in a walking distance from Sarria train station and main bus station.

Hotel Bonaval

Bonaval, 2-4

Santiago de Compostela

15703

SPAIN

Phone: +34 981 558 883

Fax: +34 981 574 633

If you are making your own way to the airport the hotel will be able to help book you an airport shuttle or taxi. Please ask at reception. Pre booked departure transfer to the airport: You will be collected at your accommodation 3 hours before your flight departure time. In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able find the driver, please contact the emergency phone number: (0034) 986 56 50 26 (24 hours).

FITNESS You'll need to be in good health and able to walk for a few hours, with some up-and-down, and on varied terrain, from well-defined paths to rocky trails. This is a self-guided tour and does not include the services of a tour guide. Date change amendment fee and deposit: please note that due to specifics of self-guided trip operations, once your booking is confirmed and you would wish to change the date of traveling, a booking amendment fee will be charged. Please also note the deposit from confirmed booking is not transferrable to any other trips. A single supplement is available on this trip with no exceptions. Please ask your agent for more details about pricing and availability. ARRIVAL TRANSFER An arrival transfer from the airport to the start point hotel is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flights times at least 2 weeks before your departure date. If you are planning to reach the destination by train or bus, please enquire the possibility of re-scheduling the transfer with your travel agent at the time of booking.

This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

PASSPORT You will need a valid passport to travel internationally. As a general rule, most countries require that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets exactly and contact us immediately if there are any errors. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time. It is important that you check your government's foreign travel advisories along with the consular website of the country or countries you are travelling to for the most up to date information specific to your nationality and circumstances. Please be aware that not all visa information found online from other sources may be valid while COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Visas can take several weeks to process, so make sure you research the requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for obtaining any necessary documents as well as the application and processing time. Your booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service or you can apply yourself directly through a consulate. COVID-19 Entry and Exit Requirements Below you will find general visa advice about the destinations on your trip. Due to constantly evolving COVID-19 requirements and restrictions, please refer to your government's foreign travel advice for the most up to date information.You may also refer to our travel alert page for more info https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/travel-alerts Make sure you are familiar with the current border measures and entry requirements as these are quite complex and changing frequently without notice. Please also ensure you have a travel insurance policy that covers your travels as well as medical or COVID-19 related expenses within the country. RETURN TRAVEL Please ensure you stay up to date with any current testing or quarantine requirements for returning to your home country or transiting through other destinations after the completion of your tour. We are able to help facilitate taking a COVID-19 test while on trip. Please ensure you have funds available to cover the cost of this test which will be payable directly to the testing site. Your Intrepid Tour Leader will provide more details at the group meeting as well as assist with booking appointments for all travellers who need to be tested. Visas are currently not required for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit Spain. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassy or consulate in their home country for up to date visa information.

Enjoy the freedom and independence of a self-guided journey without having to organise the finer details

Departing from Sarria, walk the last 100 km of the historic Camino de Santiago in just one week and earn your Compostela certificate. Don't forget to stamp your Pilgrim Passport twice a day!

Walk through typical Galician countryside, passing many quaint hamlets, original bridges, and of course the beautifully preserved hórreos(traditional granaries on stilts)

Casa Rectoral de Lestedo is a stylish feature stay hotel beautifully nestled in Galician countryside. Enjoy well deserved feast in in this gorgeous set-up after all day hike.

The glorious facade of the Cathedral de Santiago is one of many rewards for conquering this legendary route. Explore the marvels of the medieval old town at your own pace

This is a self-guided trip, with accommodation, route notes and a map provided. Your bags will be transported from one hotel to the next. While this affords you the freedom to go at your own pace, bear in mind there will be no group and no leader. Due to health and safety reasons, the minimum number of travellers on this trip is 2. Book with your friend or family member, as we are unable to match you with other solo travellers. You will need to be in good health and able to walk for hours at a time. There are some up-and-down sections, and the terrain varies from well-defined paths to rocky trails. Confidence in reading maps is essential. The maps provided are as accurate as possible and are checked regularly. On this trip you will have an opportunity to visit a numerous religious sites and this requires a level of modesty. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number, should you need it. In emergencies, the hotels are usually able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves (this may incur a charge).

This is a walking trip. All Peregrine travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with the style of travel and distances covered each day. Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or other members of their party, Peregrine reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. All breakfasts and most of the dinners on this self-guide trip are included, but you will have to pack your own lunches for the walking parts. Vegetarians might find the menu selection less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

CURRENCY Spain has now adopted the common currency of the European Union, the Euro (EUR). CASH The most convenient and cheapest way to acquire money in Europe is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat as they are often referred to. Check with your bank in advance concerning the suitability of your account / card overseas and any international fees that will be applied. You can withdraw local currencies easily at airports, major train stations and most city centres, but be sure to bring some extra emergency cash in a major currency that can be exchanged if the ATMs are not functioning. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Keep this in a safe place. Credit cards are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. We recommend you carry some cash to pay for restaurant bills and other services. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document). TIPPING On this trip, we have included gratuities for the essential services that you will receive as part of your tour package. Where applicable, this will cover tips to drivers, specialist local guides and restaurant staff for included meals. You may wish to put aside some money for your own tipping, such as when you are doing our own optional sightseeing or activity that involves local guides and/or drivers, when joining in optional meals or dining out on your own, or for porters, bellboys and other hotel staff, including room-cleaning staff. In these instances, we advise you to carry small notes of local currency each day to make tipping easier. The amounts can vary greatly according to destination. Tipping in Europe, although not compulsory, is a widespread practice. Tips for good service are appreciated, if not expected. The amount depends on your resources, tipping philosophy and the circumstance. In restaurants, look out for any service charges. Tipping is applicable only at restaurants that have waiters and waitresses. If you order your food at a counter, don't tip. At restaurants with table service menus usually state (at the bottom) if the service is included. If so you don't need to tip, although if you're pleased with the service you can round up a few euros. If the menu states that the service is not included, tip about 10% by rounding up or leaving the change from your bill. Typically, it's better to hand the cash to the waiter than to leave it on the table, particularly in busy places where the wrong party might pocket the change. In some places, you may want to tip in cash even if you pay with your credit card, otherwise your tip may never reach your waiter. When you're paying for taxis, round up to the next euro on the fare (maximum 10 percent). Use common sense! If you feel like you're being driven in circles or otherwise ripped off, skip the tip. Carry some change. If you stop at a public WC, you may have to tip the attendant anywhere from a bit of change to €1.50. If you're not sure whether (or how much) to tip for a service, ask your tour leader for advice. EMERGENCY FUNDS Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$500, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster, civil unrest, strike action or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route. BUDGET Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest EUR 250.00 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less.

Remember - the lighter you travel the better! A soft-sided duffel or sausage bag is the ideal form of luggage. It is recommended that you keep your luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option, but preferably one without a frame. Many hotels used in Europe do not have lifts, so you must be able to carry your own luggage. We operate trips in Europe in spring, summer and the start of autumn. Bear in mind that the weather will vary significantly from place to place. Remember that quality rain gear is essential for any destination - you’ll enjoy your holiday to the fullest if you’re prepared for all kinds of weather! Laundry facilities are available in some destinations.   Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday. * Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, Trip Notes * Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets * Spare passport photos * Money: cash/credit card/debit card * Money belt and small padlocks * Small first-aid kit * Daypack for use on day or overnight excursions * Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries) * Electrical adapter plug * Toiletries/roll of toilet paper/travel wipes * Insect repellent * Sunscreen, lip balm, sunhat and sunglasses * Swimwear * Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers) * Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required) * 2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain) * Refillable water bottle * Phrase book * Warm clothes/fleece - when travelling in cooler climates * Wind and waterproof jacket * Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good walking socks * Camera and spare film (or recharge for digital cameras) * Binoculars (optional) * Pocket knife (do not pack in carry-on luggage during flights) * Compass * Walking poles Note: If you are purchasing new footwear for your trip we recommend that you undertake some walking before-hand to ensure that they are comfortable and are the correct size. In any event we advise some preparatory walking before you commence your trip.

SUMMER Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. SHOULDER SEASON In contrast, weather in shoulder season can be unpredictable, and snow is not unheard of at higher altitudes. If you travel at the start or towards the end of the European season please pack accordingly with warm and/or waterproof clothes (preferably layers). The advantage of travelling during this time is that there are less tourists around. SPANISH SIESTA: Please note that shops, attractions, sights and businesses may be closed for up to 5 hours in the middle of the day for siesta time. This gives the locals time to escape the heat and spend time with their families, eat a large lunch or simply sleep through the most uncomfortable time of day. This means of course that people work later into the evening and dinner time can seem quite late: 9.30pm is not uncommon for family dinner time. One of the great things about our trips is that we encourage every traveller to spend time interacting with local people. In order to best be able to do this in Spain, we recommend that you try to do as the locals do - avoid the heat of the day, and stay out later at night.

Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a customer are strictly forbidden. Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption. The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips. By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact section of this Essential Trip Information. For additional Conditions of Carriage regarding COVID-19, see here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/conditions-carriage

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: https://www.peregrineadventures.com/feedback

Before you travel please download our pre-departure checklist to make sure you are fully prepared for your trip: http://www.peregrineadventures.com/pre-departure-travel-checklist

BOOKING ENQUIRIES / ISSUES For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at: www.peregrineadventures.com/contact-us CRISIS AND EMERGENCIES In case of a genuine crisis or emergency please contact our local ground representative on the number below: Peregrine's Local Operator: (+34) 986 56 50 26

Travelling responsibly is all about making good choices. It's about ensuring you have an incredible trip while also having a positive impact on the local environment, community and economy you're travelling in. How can you be a Responsible Traveller? See our tips below: - Choose to travel with a responsible travel company like us! We've already offset the main carbon emissions of your trip, so your footprint is already lighter. - Consider offsetting your flights when you book your trip/flights with us or your travel agent. - Bring a refillable water bottle and some water purification tablets (or a Steripen) to cut down on plastic bottle waste. - Be an animal-friendly traveller. Only go to venues that respect animals by allowing them to live normally in their natural environment. Steer clear of venues that use animals for entertainment or abnormal activities and/or keep animals in poor and unnatural conditions. - Eat at local restaurants, buy from regional artists and support social enterprises so you can contribute directly to locals and their economy. - Always be respectful of local customs and ask permission if you want to take a photo of someone. - Learn a few words of the local language and engage with the people around you. - Carry a cloth or re-usable bag so you can avoid plastic bags. - Give back by making a donation to a local project via The Intrepid Foundation. Share your thoughts with us by completing your feedback form after your trip. This helps us to continue to improve our commitment to responsible travel.

Help us change thousands of lives by creating meaningful work and supporting skills training in communities around the world. The Intrepid Foundation is the not-for-profit for Peregrine Adventures, a brand of the Intrepid Group, and works with local organisations around the world to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals and communities through sustainable travel experiences. With our travellers’ help, we’ve contributed more than AU $6 million to over 100 community organisations since 2002. Did you know that tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the global economy, making up 1 out of every 10 jobs? That’s why we support local projects that create meaningful jobs and give people the skills they need to work in the destinations we take you to. And it’s why we exist – to make it easy for travellers to give back to the communities and places they’ve been in an effective and meaningful way. Intrepid Group covers all administration costs, every cent goes directly to the projects. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your leader for information about the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

We have chosen our Peregrine accommodation to provide you with the high comfort, style and authentic feel of the place you are visiting. Expect pleasant accommodation with your own bathroom and heating/air conditioning where appropriate. Most of Peregrine accommodation has lifts or porters to help with your bags, 24 hour reception with English speaking staff and other amenities to make your stay a pleasure after a long day of walking and exploring. The exact style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. This is especially the case on this self-guided walking trip, where, in a busy summer months, lots of pilgrims are traveling on the same route to Santiago de Compostela. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means you may not be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store our luggage and explore your new destination. If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. TWIN SHARE BASIS Accommodation on this trip is on a twin share basis (unless noted otherwise in the day-to-day itinerary). A single supplement is available on this trip. Please check Important Notes section of this document for any exceptions to the single supplement. Casa Rectoral de Lestedo Enjoy a well-earned feast in Lestedo, staying in a gorgeous old building of original stonework with a modern touch.

This is a walking trip, so majority of your traveling will be done on foot. In places, you will be able to catch a taxi if you don’t wish to walk anymore; however, this cannot be pre-organised or guaranteed.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When on this trip, you won’t be permitted to join until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been provided to us. Please contact your Travel Consultant in order to provide all necessary insurance details.. If you have credit card insurance we will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.

Comfortable hotel (2 nights),Pensions (3 nights),Guesthouse (1 night),Feature Stay (1 night)