"Do the Camino while we take care of everything else!"--miCamino Tour Company
If a pilgrim takes a Camino tour that includes a van or bus to transport backpacks--and the pilgrim, if desired--does it count as a true pilgrimage? THAT is today's question...
Let me start by explaining that in order to earn the Compostela--the certificate of completion--a pilgrim must provide proof of walking the last 100 Km of the Camino de Santiago. The city that marks this final stage is Sarria. And guess what? Sarria is chock-full of tour companies looking to assist pilgrims who want the Compostela, but not the hassle.
What could be easier? No need to weigh your backpack--in fact, you don't need to worry about a backpack! Just bring a suitcase. All provisions are provided, no stopping at village fountains to fill up your water bottle or stop in a tienda to buy a banana. No toilet paper to tote, either. Getting tired from you daily 6 mile walk? Whew! Hop in the van and ride a spell. Worried about where to sleep or how to find food? Fuhgeddaboudit...already planned, in the top-notch spots. And, thank god, you don't have to help another person with his blisters. Best of all: your guide explains everything, in perfect English, so you don't have to bother with the savage Spanish-speaking locals.
Sound like fun? Consider these options, remembering that my entire 8-week trip is over-budgeted for $3200 or 2400 Euros:
#1: This tour is designed to offer a great experience for pilgrims walking the last 100km of the Camino Frances, the busiest on the Camino de Santiago. Mandatory to get the Compostela. We include the best lodging, delicious gourmet meals, beautiful landscapes and an itinerary carefully organized to meet the needs of our customers and provide personalized service. 8 days, 7 nights: $2423 or 1800 Euros.
#2: Join pilgrims from around the world walking the last section of the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela. You will be walking through beautiful oak woodlands, fragrant eucalyptus forests and traditional Galician villages. This region of Spain is famous for its great seafood, its cheeses and its wines, and we will be tasting them all on this trip!
What´s included for 7 days, 6 nights--$1800 or 1300 Euros:
• 6 nights’ accommodation
• All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners, including wine
• Water and snacks along the way
• All baggage transport and van support if your legs need a break...
• Guided tour of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
• The Credencial or Pilgrim´s Passport
• Daily maps with all the information you will need for each day
• English and Spanish speaking guide/s.
#3: The crown jewel of Spanish walking trails, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela began as an act of faith as Europeans crossed Spain to visit the sacred tomb of Saint James. One thousand years later, the Camino continues to draw the spiritual as well as the traveler looking to enjoy the beauty of the green rolling hills and small hamlets of northwestern Spain's Galicia. 11 days/10 nights: $3600 or 2600 Euros
- Experience and expertise: Your 2 guides that accompany the tour are either Spanish or live in Spain year round. This is our home and we love to share it with you!
- La Compostela: Our itinerary qualifies you for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival to Santiago.
- Semi-independent tour: You choose! Walk alone with the assurance that we'll take care of you or enjoy the company of others & your knowledgeable guides.
- Van supported: No need to carry a heavy pack - let us do the lifting, while you do the walking.
- Unique accommodations: Charming restored manor homes that offer the best in hospitality, comfort, and location.
You probably won't be surprised to learn that most of these tours cater to Americans. "Our expert guides are very kind. You will feel safe and spoiled with them."
You also will not be surprised to learn that the pilgrims who have been walking for 3-4 weeks before reaching Sarria do not enjoy having to share the final phase of their journey with squeaky-clean Gringos. The term used is "Slackpackers."
Still, I ask the question: Is it up to us to judge how someone chooses to travel the Camino? Are those of us who walk the 500 miles more worthy of the Compostela? Are we less worthy than someone who starts out in Paris or Brussels? Do we get any slack if we sprain an ankle and have to take a bus for a day? Are we better pilgrims if we carry our own loads and wash our own clothes? Sleep in a crowded dorm versus a deluxe Parador? What if it's the only way your health will permit you to go?
Do you want to be a tourist...or a pilgrim? And if you are a pilgrim, should you judge others?
I know my answer. What's yours?
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