Who is this for? Why is this trip unique?

If you are someone who loves to marry adventure with intentional soul-work (play!), this trip will deliver.

Women and men of all ages (18 and older), who are able to walk an average of 25km/ day, want to experience the comradery of staying in pilgrim hostels, and enjoy being in the company of a small group of six people, should consider applying for this soul-full pilgrimage.

This trip plan is unique. It has been created with different types of pilgrims in mind. The flexibility includes:

• For those who like to travel with a bit of group support, and those who are interested in walking on their own.

• For those who want to walk a shorter distance of seven days, and for those who want to walk a much larger portion of the Camino, but like the idea of starting out with some support.

• For those who want to start at the very beginning of the famous Camino Frances in St. Jean Pied de Port, and those who want to walk the last portion into Santiago de Compostella.

• There are two trips to choose from:

  • Trip #1 : St. Jean Pied du Port to Logrono

    • July 11-July 20

    • 7 days of walking, 163km

  • Trip #2: O’Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostella

    • July 22 to July 31

    • 8 days of walking, 160km

Trip Itinerarys

Trip #1 : St. Jean Pied de Port to Logrono

• You will travel with you preferred itinerary and method of travel to Paris, France. Christa can make suggestions for you.

• Day 1, July 11 - Meet the group at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and travel by train to St. Jean Pied de Port (the official start of the Camino Frances)

• Day 2, July 12: Enjoy the historic village of St. Jean and recover from any jet-lag. Spend the day wandering the ancient streets, experiencing the history of this Basque landscape, and get yourself ready for the walking portion of the pilgrimage to begin.

• Day 3 - Day 9, July 13 to July 19 - Seven days of walking the Spanish countryside on the Camino to the city of Logrono. Each night we will stay in a pilgrim hostel (an Albergue), and enjoy a delicious meal while we debrief together, sharing stories and insights from our day.

• Day 10, July 20 - Say goodbye to the group. Depart Logrono, or continue walking on the Camino. Walk five more days to the stunning city of Burgos, or thirteen more to the city of Leon. This an exceptional way to sink deeper into the pilgrim life. (Most people say after walking seven days, they wished they could have kept going.) You can even walk all the way to Santiago de Compostella!

• Those who are ending their walk in Logrono can take an inexpensive, three-hour train ride to the lovely city of Bilbao where an excellent international airport can be found. Either continue your trip elsewhere in Europe, or fly home.

Trip #2: O’Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostella

• You will travel with you preferred itinerary and method of travel to Santiago de Compostella. Christa can make suggestions for you.

• Day 1, July 22: - Meet Christa in Santiago de Compostella, and travel in the afternoon by bus from Santiago to Pedrifita. We will enjoy our first night in a pilgrim’s hostel just 5 km from the official Camino route.

• Day 2, July 23: - We will ease ourselves into our pilgrimage today by walking 5km to O’Cebreiro, and enjoy the sights, sounds and stunning views of this mountain town.

• Day 3 - Day 9, July 24-30: Seven days of walking the Camino, enjoying the Spanish countryside from O’Cebrerio to Santiago de Compostella. Each night we will stay in a pilgrim hostel (an Albergue), and enjoy a delicious meal while we debrief together, sharing stories and insights from our day.

• Day 10: July 31 - Say goodbye to our group. Stay as many days as you’d like in Santiago, or consider walking on your own to the coast, to Finnisterre (the end of the earth) which is another 3-4 days of walking.

• You can make your arrangements or continue your journey in another part of Europe, or make your way home from Santiago’s international airport.

How much does this trip cost?

The trip cost is $1950.00 CAD (tax included)

Includes:

• Train/bus tickets to the start of the Camino. Either from Paris to St. Jean Pied de Port (Trip#1), or from Santiago to Pedrifita (Trip#2)

• 9 nights accommodation in pilgrim hostels (albergues)

• 9 evening dinner “pilgrim” meals (includes multi-course meals with incredible Spanish wine!)

• Pre & post trip “logistical suggestions” as you make your own personal travel arrangements to the starting point of the trip, and your return home

• “On-the-trail” logistical support

• Daily personal reflection guide and walking prompts to bring focus to your experience and help you listen to your soul

• Evening debrief discussion facilitated by Christa to help you get the most out of your pilgrimage

• Two, personal, one-hour coaching sessions with Christa, designed to support your Camino experience (both the logistics and the interior journey you are embarking on) . You can choose to use them both prior to the trip, or have one before and one after; whichever would serve your needs best. These will be done online over Zoom Meeting Platform

• Complete packing list (including “how to pack” video), gear advice, and support

• Walking-plan to help you physically prepare before the trip

• Comprehensive resources (including reading list, articles, poetry, history of the Camino, etc)

• One, one-hour online group conference call a few weeks before your trip to ensure the group is well prepared to travel together

• Fifteen-page Post Camino Workbook called, “The Pilgrimage Continues” to help you process your experience once you return home

• Personal Camino Pilgrim shell to place on your backpack.

Exclusions - The trip fees do not cover the following:

• All airfare. Christa can help you with logistical details as you consider and make your own flight plans.

• Personal taxi transfers to and from airports, train & bus stations (unless otherwise noted).

• Breakfast, lunches, or snacks (food is very affordable in Spain and these meals are on your own to reflect your own dietary needs and preferences while walking)

• Any additional tourist purchases or travel gear.

• Official Camino Passport. (every pilgrim must order one for $15. Christa will give you specific instructions.)

• Trip insurance. It is highly recommended that you purchase this on your own).

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in being a part of this special pilgrimage, please fill in the form below. A $250 non-refundable application fee is required to complete your application and reserve your spot.

*Upon submitting your form, Christa will be in touch with you to confirm your participation and give you payment instructions about your application fee.

Each trip is limited to 5 people and is a first-come-first serve basis.

PAYMENT DETAILS:

• $250 non-refundable application fee is due upon submitting your application.* (Christa reserves the right to cancel your spot at any time, and you will receive a full refund.)

• Payment Plan:

  • $850.00 due by February 1, 2020 (or date of registering if after February 1, 2020)

  • Remaining $850 due by April 15, 2020.

• If cancelling before March 1, 2020, 50% of amount paid is non-refundable. If cancelling between March 1 and May 1, 75% of amount paid is non-refundable. If cancelling after June 1 - you will only be returned $100 of your investment.

• *Please consider getting trip insurance as this trip is a very physical one. In the event you are injured and unable to proceed on this trip, you will want to have trip cancellation coverage.

HAVE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU APPLY?