Follow The Camino brochure

FRONT COVER

followthecamino.com

Camino de Santiago... Your Way. www.followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 1

05/03/2010 11:44:17

INSIDE FRONT COV

El Camino de Santiago The Way of St.James or St.James’ Way (Spanish name: El Camino de Santiago de Compostela), is the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in Northwestern Spain, where legend has it that the remains of the apostle, Saint James the Great, are buried. The Way of St.James has existed for over a thousand years and was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times. El Camino is considered to be one of three pilgrimages on which a plenary indulgence could be earned; the others of which are the Via Francigena to Rome and the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

There is no single route. ‘The Way’ can take one of any number of pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, however a few of the routes are considered main ones. During the Middle Ages, the route was highly travelled. However, the Black Plague, the Protestant Reformation and political unrest in 16th century Europe resulted in its decline. By the 1980s, only a few pilgrims arrived in Santiago annually.

However, since then the route has attracted a growing number of modernday pilgrims from around the globe. The route was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in October 1987 and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

www.followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 2

05/03/2010 11:44:19

PAGE 1

Our Background Follow The Camino specialise in holidays along the legendary Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Our staff have extensive walking and trekking experience along the many different routes of the Camino. We offer authentic holidays which are different to the usual beach or resort breaks. We provide our customers with a genuine chance to feel closer to nature, friends and family.

Our view is that a walking holiday is not only about walking – you can take the time to explore the essence of a region, the flavours and aromas, discover more about yourself, spend time with your family, bond with your friends, broaden your cultural awareness and get out in the fresh air. Our unique holidays take the hassle out of planning, researching and booking your accommodation, transfers, luggage transport and much more. And of course, all walking levels are catered for, so that through our walking grades, everybody can find their own challenge and the right fit.

Our team knows each trip intimately, each corner of each route, each hotel along the way. This is why we can customise our trips to your exact requirements and needs so that with Follow The Camino you can experience the Camino de Santiago... Your Way.

Our Spirit DiSCOVERy

Take the time to discover a region, be curious and open-minded towards other cultures

NATURE

Wander through unspoilt landscapes and wild terrains

RESPECT

Respect the local population and the environment

PlEASURE

Leave your daily routine behind and find yourself

SAFETy

Enjoy detailed walking notes on Self-Guided trips and Certified Guides on all Guided trips

AUTHENTiCiTy

Eat the best regional food, rest in traditional accommodation, feel the wind, taste the air, smell the aroma of adventure

These six words are not just concepts. They are what you will experience when taking any trip with Follow The Camino – a journey that is as important as the destination.

Safety always comes first, along with respect towards local people and customs, valuing relationships and conducting holidays in harmony with traditions and nature.

All of our trips have been designed to the highest standards, allowing you to experience the pleasure of safely exploring the most authentic landscapes with true respect for the environment. This is part of our ethic and we pride ourselves on this. info@followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 3

1

05/03/2010 11:44:19

PAGE 2

rOutE diSCOVErY Whichever of our routes you choose, your journey will take you through the most beautiful landscapes and panoramic viewpoints of the region. Our routes are selected based on walking interests and cultural features along the way.

HOtEL SELECtiOn We select hotels and accommodation based on their comfort, facilities and character.

LuggagE tranSfEr We believe that walking with a light pack provides you with a level of comfort that ensures you enjoy your walk. Every day, we take care of your luggage ensuring it is waiting for you at your next hotel after your walking day.

HOLidaY paCK Before your starting day, you will receive a holiday pack containing all the information about your trip, including walking notes describing the route on a ‘step-by-step’ basis, and the best available detailed maps.

piLgriM paSSpOrt Your Follow The Camino Passport/Credencial will be stamped at each stage of your journey, allowing you to gain the certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims on completing the Camino (min.100kms required).

SuppOrt BEfOrE and during Before your holiday, we provide you with a detailed list of items to bring and our team is available to answer any questions and queries you may have. During your trip, we can provide local assistance and there is an emergency phone number available 24/7.

2

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 4

05/03/2010 11:44:22

PAGE 3

PARIS

the Caminos Le Puy En Velay

Or

igin

al

Le贸n

LISBON

r thern

Fre

Bilbao

Wa y

n c h Wa y

Ro

A ra

gone

s

ute Toulouse

Jaca

la

Pla

ta

Salamanca

Via de

Po

r tug

ue s

e Wa y

Porto

No

Biarritz

Pu

Santiago

Santander

Le

F i n is t e r r e Wa y

Bordeaux

Oviedo

y

En g l i s h Wa y

MADRID

C谩ceres

Sevilla

info@followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 5

05/03/2010 11:44:22

PAGE 4

the french Way The French Way/Camino Frances is the most traditional of all the pilgrims’ ways to Santiago and the best known internationally. The route, which was established in the late 11th century, crosses the North of the iberian Peninsula, through the Basque Country, Navarra, la Rioja, Castilla y leon and Galicia regions of Spain.

Starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foothills of the French Pyrenees, the French Way runs through Northern Spain, from East to West, all the way to Santiago de Compostela, in the Northwestern corner of the country.

fr 1 – 5 daYS/4 nigHtS Starting from France, in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and finishing in Pamplona, famous for its Bull Run festival. At first it follows the ‘Camino Napoleon’ over the Roncesvalles Pass (1500m). Then, the Way goes across the Basque Country onto more gentle terrain.

fr 2 – 6 daYS/5 nigHtS From Pamplona to Logrono, the heart of the famous Rioja Wine region. An attractive walk in hilly Navarra, 12th-century castles, picturesque villages, and vineyards.

fr 3 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS From Logrono to medieval Burgos, hometown of “El Cid”, this section is slightly flatter than the previous.

It crosses the hilly province of Burgos, passing typical villages, vineyards and ruined castles.

fr 4 – 8 daYS/7 nigHtS From Burgos to Sahagun, town renowned for the unique architecture of its Roman churches.

The Camino begins in hilly Palencia and then reaches the vast Castilian Plateau (900m of altitude).

fr 5 – 5 daYS/4 nigHtS From Sahagun to Leon, one of the greatest cities in Spain. The Camino crosses the vast Castilian Plateau (900m) and passes through its wealthy villages.

fr 6 – 6 daYS/5 nigHtS From Leon to the mountain-hugging town of Ponferrada, built by the Templars in the 12th century.

The Camino starts on the central high plateau and goes across the untouched and eerie Leon Mountains.

fr 7 – 6 daYS/5 nigHtS From Ponferrada to Sarria, a bustling market town. The Camino crosses the magnificent O’Cebreiro Mountains, with rich Celtic roots, and winds down to a more gentle terrain.

fr 8 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS From Sarria to Santiago de Compostela the Camino crosses the hilly lands of Galicia. One of the most beautiful parts of the Camino, and of course the most rewarding as you actually end up in Santiago.

4

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 6

05/03/2010 11:44:25

PAGE 5

Oviedo Santander

Santiago

Biarritz

Bilbao FR8 FR7

León

FR1

FR6 FR5

FR4

FR3

Pau

Toulouse

FR2

Valladolid

MADRID

HigHLigHtS – frEnCH WaY:

• • • •

EXPlORE the most famous camino to Santiago FEEl the progression through the Spanish regions iNDUlGE yourself in the best comfort available TiME travel along over 1000 years of history info@followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 7

5

05/03/2010 11:44:28

PAGE 6

the Original Way The very first of the pilgrimage routes, as its current name indicates. This might very well have been the route taken by King Alphonse ii, the Chaste, from Oviedo, to the tomb of Saint James, during the first third of the 9th century. it is during this journey that King Alphonse ii confirmed for the first time that the remains unearthed in Santiago de Compostela belonged to the Apostle Saint James.

The Original Way remains a popular alternative, due particularly to the spiritual value of the magnificent collection of relics at the cathedral of San Salvador de Oviedo and basilica of lugo with its permanent exhibition of the Holy Sacrament.

Or 1 – 11 daYS/10 nigHtS From medieval Oviedo, this Camino was used in the 9th Century by the first devout pilgrims from the kingdom of Asturias. This is the most beautiful section of the Camino, across the lakes and deep valleys of the Cantabrian Mountains.

Or 2 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS From the walled city of Lugo, the Original Way catches up with the French Way in Melide and finishes in Santiago de Compostela. You will walk through heavily forested rural Galicia and witness the Roman influence on Spain’s roads and bridges.

HigHLigHtS – OriginaL WaY:

• • • • 6

DiSCOVER the bewitching Asturia Mountains WiTNESS the Spanish mountain wildlife and culture ViSiT the UNESCO world heritage sites in Oviedo and lugo EXPERiENCE the feeling of the first ever pilgrims on the Original Way

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 8

05/03/2010 11:44:35

PAGE 7

Oviedo Santiago

Santander

A Coruña

OR2

OR1

NO4

Bilbao NO3

NO2

Biarritz

NO1

León

HigHLigHtS – nOrtHErn WaY: MADRID

•

EXPlORE the wild coast of Northern Spain

•

DiSCOVER villages rich in tradition

•

STAy in wonderfully restored medieval towns

•

ViSiT UNESCO World Heritage sites in Oviedo

the northern Way The origins of the Pilgrim route to Santiago, which runs along the northern coast of Spain, date back to the early ninth century. Among the thousands of pilgrims who travelled to Santiago via the Northern Way, one figure who stands out is Saint Francis of Assisi in 1214.

This medieval coastal route passes through the cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao in the Basque Country, Santander in Cantabria and Oviedo in Asturias.

nO 1 – 8 daYS/7 nigHtS

From the beautiful town of San Sebastian to Bilbao, famous for its Guggenheim museum. Travel through the lush and mountainous landscape of the Basque coast & pass historic Gernika.

nO 2 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS

From Bilbao to Santander. This section boasts inviting beaches and impressive Rias (fjord-like inlets).

Enjoy the contrast of modern seaside towns & fishing villages where time seems to have stopped.

nO 3 – 8 daYS/7 nigHtS

From Santander to the pleasant seaside resort of Ribadesella. The mountains of the North provide a spectacular contrast with the charming and picturesque coastline.

nO 4 – 6 daYS/5 nigHtS

From Ribadesella to medieval Oviedo. The Camino leaves the coast at the foot of the looming Cantabrian Mountains to enter the more rural Asturias, with strong local traditions and sleepy villages. info@followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 9

7

05/03/2010 11:44:39

PAGE 8

the portuguese Way The Portuguese Way became very popular after the country gained its independence in the mid 12th century. From then until the present day, much of Portugal’s road network has seen the comings and goings of pilgrims heading from all over the country to their goal of Santiago de Compostela. Nowadays, some people claim the Portuguese Way offers one of the richest cultural and architectural heritages out of all existing Caminos.

The Portuguese way starts in lisbon and crosses lisboa, Alentejo and the Central and Northern regions. it then enters Spain in Tui to continue North through Galicia and towards Santiago de Compostela.

pO 1 – 6 daYS/5 nigHtS This section gives modern walkers a chance to discover Lisbon’s rich heritage, some of which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. This section closely follows the original medieval route, nowadays running through both modern urban areas and extensive cultivated countryside. Moreover, its mainly flat landscape all the way to Santarem makes it do-able for everyone.

pO 2 – 8 daYS/7 nigHtS From Santarem to Coimbra, this leg of the Camino offers nice scenery, and lots of shaded walks through woodlands. After a flat start, the route on this section becomes more undulated, running through the countryside and typical Portuguese rural villages.

pO 3 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS On this third section, the Camino stretches between Coimbra and the vibrant city of Porto, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The route taken by modern pilgrims closely follows an ancient Roman road and offers a rich historical heritage all the way to Porto.

8

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 10

05/03/2010 11:44:43

PAGE 9

Santiago

PO5

Vigo

PO4 Porto

PO3 PO2

HigHLigHtS – pOrtuguESE WaY:

PO1 LISBON

•

EXPlORE two countries, Portugal and Spain

•

EXPERiENCE a path taken since the 12th Century

•

FEEl the fresh air of the Atlantic Ocean

•

ViSiT the UNESCO World Heritage sites in lisbon and Porto

pO 4 – 8 daYS/7 nigHtS Starting in Porto’s UNESCO World Heritage city centre, this section is spread between two countries. As you approach the border with Spain, the landscape becomes greener and hillier and the section ends up in Tui, Galicia, Spain.

pO 5 – 8 daYS/7 nigHtS The final leg of the Portuguese Way starts in Tui (Spain) and crosses Galicia from South to North. It also stays close to the Atlantic coast until Pontevedra before heading East to reach the main destination of everyone walking on the Caminos: Santiago de Compostela!

info@followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 11

9

05/03/2010 11:44:45

PAGE 10

Le puy route The Via Piodensis or le Puy Route was taken for the first time in 950 AD when the archbishop of le Puy-en-Velay walked to the tomb of Saint James, opening the first non-Spanish route to Santiago. Along le Puy Route, modern walkers enjoy various incredible landscapes and a rich medieval architectural heritage as the Camino runs through some of the most typical rural French areas, crossing towns and cities full of history. le Puy Route begins in le Puy-en-Velay, a city set in a volcanic landscape, 130 kilometres South West of lyon, in France. it continues through South-western France to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the foothills of the Pyrenees, where this Camino joins up with the French Way.

pu 1 – 6 daYS/5 nigHtS

Starting in Le Puy-en-Velay, the Camino quickly dives into the volcanic yet romantic Massif Central. This is undoubtedly a perfect walking holiday for nature lovers, all the way to Aumont-Aubrac!

pu 2 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS

From Aumont-Aubrac to Conques, this leg of Le Puy Route often bewitches walkers, thanks to its variety of great undulating landscapes and old French villages full of charm.

pu 3 – 8 daYS/7 nigHtS

On this section, the Camino goes from Conques to Cahors. The route taken continues through the gentle hills of Aveyron and Lot departments, crossing well preserved old towns.

pu 4 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS

From Cahors to Lectoure, the Via Piodensis crosses both the Lot and Garonne Valleys.

It also gives a chance to anybody following this route to visit historical monuments in almost every stopover!

pu 5 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS

This section is stretched between Lectoure and Aire-sur-l’Adour, the gateway to the Landes department. The Camino passes through charming farmlands as the region is famous for its foie gras and Armagnac brandy.

pu 6 – 8 daYS/7 nigHtS

The final leg of Le Puy Route goes through Les Landes’ beautiful woodlands to the foothills of the Pyrenees mountain range. This section also runs through the French Basque Country before joining up with the French Way in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

10

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 12

05/03/2010 11:44:48

PAGE 11

Le Puy En Velay PU1

Bergerac Bordeaux Biarritz PU6

PU5

Pau

PU3

Lyon

PU2

PU4

Rodez

Toulouse Marseille Carcassone

HigHLigHtS – LE puY rOutE:

•

WiTNESS some of France’s most beautiful landscapes

•

WAlK on the path taken by the first non-Spanish pilgrims

• •

STAy in typical French villages ENJOy a high level of comfort and character

info@followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 13

11

05/03/2010 11:44:53

PAGE 12

Via de la plata The Via de la Plata is the longest of all Camino routes to Santiago de Compostela. it runs across the whole of Spain, from South to North, from the hot Andalusian plains to the green mountains of Galicia, from Arabian influenced buildings to traditional stone farmhouses, from Flamenco to Celtic folk dances! As a whole, this Camino offers most of Spain’s rich and mixed culture. Starting in Sevilla, Via de la Plata crosses Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla y léon and Galicia to reach the ultimate goal of all Camino walkers: Santiago de Compostela and its cathedral!

pL 1 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS

From beautiful Sevilla to Monesterio, the Camino runs through typically Andalusian dry and endless plains, home to the famous Corrida black bulls and land of olive and orange groves.

pL 2 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS

From Monasterio to Mélida, the Camino stretches through the South of Extremadura, a region of dry and sparsely populated farmlands where olive groves and wild flowers add patches of colours to the red earth landscape.

pL 3 – 6 daYS/5 nigHtS

On this section, the Camino heads North, through the Extremadura Province, a land of dry and gently hilly landscapes. Crop fields and vine plots comprise the landscape along the Way, from Mélida to Cáceres.

pL 4 – 6 daYS/5 nigHtS

Starting in Cáceres and continuing to reach Placensia, this section begins to become a little greener and more undulating. The Camino also crosses interesting villages rich in heritage.

pL 5 – 8 daYS/7 nigHtS

From Placensia to Salamanca, the Camino leaves Extremadura to enter the Province of Castilla y Leon.

It also crosses the Dueña Peak (1140 m), one of the highest points on the Via de la Plata route.

pL 6 – 5 daYS/4 nigHtS

This section stretches between Salamanca and Zamora, two cities with a beautiful Renaissance heritage. Here the Camino goes across flat cultivated lands and along endless red earth tracks.

HigHLigHtS – Via dE La pLata:

• • • • 12

EXPlORE Spain’s most diverse regional cultures REFUEl your mind with peaceful, beautiful landscapes TiME TRAVEl through over 2000 years of history iNDUlGE yourself in the best comfort available

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 14

05/03/2010 11:44:55

PAGE 13

Santiago

Vigo PL10

PL9

PL8

León

PL7 PL6 Salamanca

Valladolid

PL5

MADRID

PL4

Cáceres

PL3

PL2 PL1

Cordoba

Sevilla Malaga

pL 7 – 9 daYS/8 nigHtS

Starting in Zamora to arrive in Puebla de Sanabria, the Camino heads North through Castilla y Léon. The landscapes begin to change, switching from red earth farmlands to greener hills and woodlands.

pL 8 – 5 daYS/4 nigHtS

From Puebla de Sanabria to A Gudiña, the Camino enters Galicia. It offers amazing views as it goes through the Galician mountain range.

pL 9 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS

Going deeper into Galicia, this section begins in A Gudiña and reaches Ourense. It offers some of the most stunning views of the whole Via de la Plata route!

pL 10 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS

From Ourense, the Camino crosses the green hilly landscapes of Galicia. It gradually descends to reach the final destination of the Via de la Plata route: Santiago de Compostela! info@followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 15

13

05/03/2010 11:45:01

PAGE 14

HigHLigHtS – EngLiSH WaY:

the English Way The English Way was begun in the 12th century and, back then, many Pilgrims from Britain and ireland arrived in the coastal enclave of Ferrol and started walking their way South to Santiago. Nowadays, this unspoilt area of Spain becomes a popular destination for modern pilgrims who wish to enjoy a nice yet reasonable length walk to Santiago de Compostela.

•

EXPlORE the English enclave of Ferrol

•

GET your pilgrim certificate as you complete 100km+

•

RElAX at the beach of A Magdalena

•

PASS by many ancient The English Way covers hospitals, testimony of this a distance of 118km historical route from Ferrol to Santiago.

It starts following the rugged hilly coastline, then moving inland to lush, wooded countryside. It then continues south towards Galicia and Santiago de Compostela.

En 1 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS

the finisterre Way Reasons that have inspired pilgrims to keep walking to Cape Fisterra after reaching Santiago de Compostela are many, and they have given rise to the route known as Camino Fisterra. in ancient times, the Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) was the westernmost part of continental Europe, a mythical and symbolic place whose most extreme point was pervaded by the impressive mass of Cabo Fisterra (“Cape Finisterre”).

The Jacobean Way comes to an end in the city of Santiago however, many pilgrims decide to extend their journey to the “End of the World”. Passing remote hilly villages and finishing at the steep cliffs of Spain’s westernmost point: Cap Fisterra or Cap Finisterre (literally end of Earth)!

fi 1 – 6 daYS/5 nigHtS

HigHLigHtS – finiStErrE WaY:

14

•

EXPlORE the mythical ‘End of the World’

•

STAy at the light House

• •

WANDER along wild sea coasts MEET pilgrims who continue the adventure

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 16

05/03/2010 11:45:03

PAGE 15

EN A Coruña Santiago FI

Pau

Vigo

AR

Zaragoza

MADRID

the aragonese Way Claimed by some to be the original Roman road, this way was taken by pilgrims coming from east of Toulouse, including French and italian walkers. They then met up with other pilgrims walking along the French Way in Puente de la Reina. Nowadays, this well-preserved medieval town still remains an important point on the Camino.

The Aragonese Way encompasses HigHLigHtS – aragOnESE WaY: approximately 170km (100 miles) and travels through a variety of landscapes, from EXPlORE the beautiful mountain ranges to river valleys, for the most Aragon region part following the Aragon River.

• •

DiSCOVER the marvellous foothills of the Pyrenees

• •

WAlK along the Aragon River iNDUlGE yourself with a high level of comfort

The route starts at the foothills of the Pyrenees and reaches the Navarra Mountains to join the Camino Frances in Puente de la Reina in the former Kingdom of Navarra.

ar 1 – 7 daYS/6 nigHtS info@followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 17

15

05/03/2010 11:45:06

PAGE 16

Our Offerings & Commitment QuaLitY Our trips are organised by professionals and experienced certified guides. Level of difficulty and approximate timings are assessed on a real time basis, based on an average walker. fair priCES When it comes to your holiday, our prices are adjusted to our quality criteria.

We appreciate your business and we offer loyalty discounts for returning customers, as well as for those of you who plan your trip early. Last but not least, our prices also represent equitable pay for our staff and the local people who work for us on the ground.

CuStOMEr SErViCE We are ready to hear from you by phone, fax or email or by using our website, you can find your adventure and book it any time, any day. We customise every adventure and are committed to doing so because we believe every customer is unique.

Quality Time & Peace of Mind on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela

16

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 18

05/03/2010 11:45:07

PAGE 17

testimonials “Let me tell you that it was an amazing experience. Hotels and other arrangements were excellent. Food was extraordinary!” Algie Mannion, Ireland.

“When we arrived in Palace do Rei, the priest who stamped our ‘Credentials’ commented in broken English that they were the best he had seen in a very long time.” James Duffie, Ireland.

“It was the perfect arrangement for me as I was able to enjoy myself without having to worry about a place to sleep at night and carrying my luggage with me. As a Travel Agent and an explorer I would recommend you guys to all my clients and friends.” Vera Torres, UK. “We both wish to thank you for your organisation and support. We had a great holiday with everything made so easy. The walks were amazing and views stunning – we certainly will hope to do further walks.” Esther O’Callaghan & Ann Cassidy, Ireland.

“These holidays are very easy to book and are very well organised. All queries are dealt with promptly and pleasantly. The organisers go out of their way to be helpful, right down to calling just before the holiday to wish us well.” Lynn Cowlard, Australia.

“I was so sorry today that my holiday was at an end. I had a most enjoyable time and I thank Follow The Camino for a most professional service. The attention to detail was second to none.” Aidan Killen, Ireland.

info@followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 19

05/03/2010 11:45:07

PAGE 18

Walking grades EaSY

less than 5 hours walking on average per day, on a path or a trail, accessible to everybody.

Gentle terrain without steep climb or vertiginous mountains. Mostly coastal routes or hills.

This grade is suitable for elderly people or for families with children aged 6yrs+.

MOdEratE

Up to 7 hours walking on average per day, on a path or a trail, and up to 1000m ascent. Possibility of stages at altitude and/or steep climbs, with no technical difficulties. Distance up to 20km on average per day.

CHaLLEnging

Stages of walking can be more than 7 hours and more than 1000m ascent or over 20km distance. Paths can be technical at times and/or steep. Fitness levels must be adequate and previous walking experience is desirable.

18

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 20

05/03/2010 11:45:08

PAGE 19

preparation EaSY Try to walk a bit before going – just a few hours at the weekend should be sufficient.

For ‘Easy’ grades, the preparation before you go will enhance your experience, helping you to enjoy your holiday more. If you feel like being a bit competitive, walking for four or five hours, three or four times a month for two months before departure is recommended.

MOdEratE Make sure to maintain reasonable fitness for at least two months before departure. Go for a walk of six hours with some ascent every weekend, or practice your regular sport activity as usual.

CHaLLEnging For these trips, we recommend preparing every weekend for at least three months. Try to go for challenging walks with 1000m ascent at a good pace for more than six hours. If you practice an intense sport activity that develops fitness at least two or three hours a week, this should be adequate as your preparation.

Keeping fit is essential, especially in the weeks before departure.

info@followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 21

19

05/03/2010 11:45:09

PAGE 20

20

www.followthecamino.com

354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 22

05/03/2010 11:45:12

INSIDE BACK COVER

testimonials

Let us create your Camino experience today...

“Let me tell you that it was an amazing experience. Hotels and other arrangements were excellent. Food was extraordinary!” Algie Mannion, Ireland.

“When we arrived in Palace do Rei, the priest who stamped our ‘Credentials’ commented in broken English that they were the best he had seen in a very long time.” James Duffie, Ireland.

“It was the perfect arrangement for me as I was able to enjoy myself without having to worry about a place to sleep at night and carrying my luggage with me. As a Travel Agent and an explorer I would recommend you guys to all my clients and friends.” Vera Torres, UK. “We both wish to thank you for your organisation and support. We had a great holiday with everything made so easy. The walks were amazing and views stunning – we certainly will hope to do further walks.” Esther O’Callaghan & Ann Cassidy, Ireland.

“These holidays are very easy to book and are very well organised. All queries are dealt with promptly and pleasantly. The organisers go out of their way to be helpful, right down to calling just before the holiday to wish us well.” Lynn Cowlard, Australia.

“I was so sorry today that my holiday was at an end. I had a most enjoyable time and I thank Follow The Camino for a most professional service. The attention to detail was second to none.” Aidan Killen, Ireland.

info@followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 23

05/03/2010 11:45:12

BACK COVER

To plan your walking holiday along The Way of St.James...

Or contact us directly at: Head Office ROI +353 1 443 3972 UK/NI +44 20 8816 7328 USA +1 631 619 5049 fax email

+353 1 653 0717 info@followthecamino.com

GEC. Taylor’s Lane.

Dublin 8. Ireland.

Or contact us directly at: Head Office For our existing ROI +353 1 customers, 443 3972 please post your Camino +44 photos videos UK/NI 20 and 8816 7328on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Follow-The-Camino/88270193336 USA +1 631 619 5049 At the end of the year, the person who posted the most beautiful album fax 653 0717 will win +353 a free 1walking holiday on the Camino. email info@followthecamino.com GEC. Taylor’s Lane.

Dublin 8. Ireland.

followthecamino.com www.followthecamino.com 354_FTC_Brochure Update_A5_24pp_SP.indd 24

05/03/2010 11:45:15