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Ultreya Tours Nailed It! - Ultreya Tours - Day Tours

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I can’t say enough great things about Ultreya Tours. We booked the Portuguese Way Self-Guided tour... read more

Our group of 8 walked the Camino Sanabres from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela. We loved the... read more

Ultreya Tours Nailed It!

My husband and I have wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago for several years. Life and COVID got in the way, and we could only recently do so. My husband is 80 years old and I am in my 70’s. Because of our ages, we decided it would be smart to contract with a tour agency specializing in the Camino to help us plan and execute our journey. Our 2 daughters accompanied us. We discovered and are beyond pleased with Ultreya Tours. Major factors involving us are 1) we are older; 2) we wanted to design a walk that would include the mileage we are comfortable walking (6 to 10 miles a day); 3) decent hotels with breakfast included; 4) luggage transfer to the next hotel; 5) the route we desired and specific dates we wanted to accomplish the Camino journey. We decided on the Portuguese Interior Way to include the Spiritual Variant. We gave Ultreya Tours our parameters and we were emailed the travel itinerary. It included the towns with the hotels where we would be staying, the mileage we would walk each day, and other detailed information. One daughter has Celiac disease requiring a gluten-free diet. Thanks to Ultreya, she was fully accommodated at every hotel. Ultreya nailed it! We have some thoughts on older people doing the Camino. We felt good that we had a reserved place to sleep each night. One time my husband (the 80-year-old) crashed—i.e. after three miles, he could not walk one more step. We were out in the middle of nowhere. Ultreya, having only coordinates, got a taxi to our location within 10 minutes, and drove him ahead to the next village and hotel. We had other glitches along the way that I am not sure we could have handled by ourselves. Ultreya handled them perfectly each and every time. Along the way, questions arose. Ultreya was responsive, professional, and followed our desires to a “T”. Looking back on our experience, we are glad that we did not try and set up everything ourselves. We are thankful that we had a local point of contact along the way to help us when situations arose. Each and every time, Ultreya Tours came through for us. We both strongly recommend Ultreya Tours for your Camino journey. They are beyond outstanding! Buen Camino!

I can’t say enough great things about Ultreya Tours. We booked the Portuguese Way Self-Guided tour for 4 people. We had Nelly add in a couple extra nights for us (an additional stop between Padron and Santiago) and then an extra night in Santiago. Our cost per person was €1035 which included separate rooms (one room for my wife and I and 1 room for our 2 teenage daughters) in luxury accommodations in 3 and 4-star properties, breakfast and 3-course dinner every day/night and luggage transfer between properties. To say everything was seamless is an understatement. Everything from the directions provided on our daily vouchers, check-in/check-out procedures, meal reservation times, meals, luggage transfers were flawless. All of the hotels that Ultreya booked for us were phenomenal but one in particular in Caldas de Reis (a placed named Torre do Rio) is quite possibly the nicest most luxurious property my wife and I have ever stayed in and that’s saying a lot! We couldn’t be more pleased with the level of detail that Nelly provided, but her professionalism and ability to put together such an amazing journey is worth noting. We were thoroughly impressed not only with the tour itself, but with the value of the trip. We definitely felt we got our money’s worth and often times, wondered how she was able to put this together and stay within the budget. We would definitely have her organize for us another Camino from a different direction in the future. I highly recommend Ultreya Tours, 5-Star Service!

Our group of 8 walked the Camino Sanabres from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela. We loved the Camino Sanabres experience with Ultreya tours. The extra touches in the welcome packs, vetting the guest houses, dinner at Nova and the massage at Hotel Spa Norat Torre do Deza were terrific. We really appreciated responsiveness of Nellie & Ultreya tours when we needed assistance. My 83 year old mother loved the charm of the places that we stayed and walking through the beautiful parts of Spain that we normally wouldn’t see. I personally appreciated Nellie’s patience with all of my questions and her understanding and assistance with planning this Camino for my group. She even made it easy to get the Compostelas at the end. Overall, this was a wonderful experience for both seasoned and new pilgrims. The walks were scenic (little asphalt walking). The guest houses were charming and the food homemade. Everyone along the Camino was very hospitable and kind.

Nellie and the Ultreya team put together a tour that personally met our needs. From getting picked up in SDC and transferred to Lugo, the food and accommodation were excellent. The final highlight was for our party of 6 to enjoy the Parador for a few nights before departing. They really know their stuff and would use them again.

There is a lot of controversy on the Camino as to whether to use a booking company or not. For various reasons, I decided on using one. When I went to research the company I wanted to use, I ultimately settled on Ultreya for various reasons. First, they are located in Santiago and so they know the region well and have relationships with their vendors. Second, I liked everything I read about them. Finally, they were very responsive to my inquiry and answered all of my questions immediately. I walked the Camino from St Jean Pied de Port, France to Santiago/Finisterre Spain in 7 weeks and during that time, there was not one problem or issue. Each accommodation expected me and had my room ready. My luggage arrived every single day (that is a perfect score!). Every time I had a question, it was answered within about an hours time. There were times I needed transfers and these went off without a problem. I was so happy that I could really enjoy my days and take in the entire experience without worrying about accommodations! On the very last day, I decided to make a change to my plan and Nellie was able to quickly accommodate me so that I could make this happen. They delivered everything they said they would. There was not a single issue, problem or glitch. Please feel free to message me should you have any questions about their service! This kind of pilgrimage is life changing for many...and for me I think it would not have had such an impact without the support of Ultreya. Ultreya did not ask me to leave this review, I asked if I could leave one because I am so grateful for their support and services!

In April, we did the self-guided Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago in 6 days of walking. We had such an amazing experience throughout our journey. Nellie was amazing and supported us quickly with such professionalism and reliability. As soon as we arrived at the Santiago airport and got picked up by our driver, we were treated so well and he also gave us a lot of cultural and historical information on the region as he drove us to to Sarria. Nellie responded to our request for help immediately especially when we were having problems with our phones. We were very impressed with all the hotels especially the farm houses that exceeded our expectations!” Of all the places that we have stayed these places were the best! We were delighted on how clean the guest homes and hotels were. All the breakfasts were delicious and plentiful. I would definitely recommend Ultreya Tours to everyone who is interested in a self guided Camino Trip in Spain. It was one of the best experiences we had every had abroad.

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Ultreya Tours - Day Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Ultreya Tours

Self-guided.

Home » Ultreya Tours

Ultreya Tours is based in Santiago de Compostela (Spain), the final destination for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. They specialize in personalized luxury walking, cycling and horse-riding tours for groups and solo travelers on the Camino de Santiago. They don’t cover all routes but they do cover French Way from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Portuguese Way Interior and Coastal from Porto, and Sanabrés Way from Ourense and Camino to Finisterre. Ultreya also offers day excursions including church tours, yoga and luxury trains.

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Ultreya’s site provides a lot of information but it’s not easy to find. The best info can be found in the footer by scrolling down and selecting Frequently Asked Questions or Services. Clicking Caminos in the top menu will give you the details about their trip options. It’s clunky, however, as you have to scroll through a long page of options while clicking on individual categories. We would love to see them add a search feature with filters, that way you could search multiple options at one time.

Things to like about Ultreya Tours

• Provides different comfort levels for lodging (basic/comfort/luxury)
• Award-winning company recognized as one of the premier luxury operators for the Camino de Santiago
• Consistent 5-star reviews online
• Spells out their strict standards for lodging (see Services), including sustainability and employee-friendly practices
• Lets you customize what meals are included and allows for dietary restrictions
• Provides airport transfers (additional fee)

Route Types

• Inn to inn hiking

Destinations include

Great choice for.

Camino pilgrims who don’t want to feel like poor pilgrims and want guaranteed comfort and good dining experiences

Established in 2012

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Camino de Santiago Guided Tours

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

In Ultreia we design pilgrimages on the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain. We are a family owned Iberian company, focused 0n giving the most warm welcome possible to those who honor us with their visit and share with us such a meaninful moment of their life! We’ll introduce you to the rich and fantastic thousand year old history of these ancient countries through the special accommodations chosen, filled with history and meaning; the wine and food of each region, allowing you to taste its terroir and learn what this ground is made of and the legacy of those who worked hard to keep it alive; we are also commited to provide – throughout your intire time with us – impeccable service, exceptional quality and steadfast professionalism and organization that will provide you all the assurance needed to focus in the main purpose of this experience: You! Come and share these ancient paths with us!

Guided Pilgrimages

12 days and 12 nights - 181 km or 112 miles €4.500

Lisboa - Porto - Viana do Castelo - Caminha - Vigo - Pontevedra - Padrón - Santiago

Google Maps Itinerary

12 days and 12 nights - 178 km or 111 miles €4.500

Lisboa - Porto - Ponte de Lima - Valença - Padrón - Pontevedra - Santiago

12 days and 12 nights - 200 km or 125 miles €4.500

Madrid - S. Jean Pied d' Port - Pamplona - Burgos - Astorga - León - Iron Cross - Santiago

12 days and 12 nights - 160 km or 100 miles €4.500

San Sebastian – Bilbao – Santander – Sto. Toríbio de Liébana – Covadonga – Oviedo – Santiago

EASTER CAMINO

14 days and 14 nights - 190 km or 120 miles €5.000

Madrid – Salamanca – Ciudad Rodrigo – Trancoso – Lamego – Braga - Viana do Castelo - Vigo - Armenteira - Milladoiro - Santiago

THE PATH OF KINDNESS

12 days and 12 nights - 167 km or 104 miles €4.500

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Ultreya Tours

Ultreya, Suseya, Santiago de Compostela era una llamada medieval que significaba “más lejos, más alto hacia Santiago” utilizada por los peregrinos de la misma manera que hoy en día el “Buen Camino”. Por eso, como nuestro nombre lo proclama, Ultreya Tours, la Agencia de Viajes del Camino, te llevará más lejos en tu viaje por el Camino de Santiago.

Con sede en el corazón de Santiago de Compostela, junto a la Catedral, siempre estamos cerca y disponibles las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana, mientras recorre el Camino de Santiago a pie, en bicicleta o a caballo, para que podamos garantizar hasta el último detalle: alojamiento, comidas, traslados de equipaje, camioneta de apoyo, guía, escala, excursiones de un día y otras actividades: cumpla con sus más altas expectativas y podamos crear el Camino que está buscando.

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Rough In Planning Support

• Thread starter TorontoGMan
• Start date Thursday at 6:41 PM

TorontoGMan

• Thursday at 6:41 PM

Greetings all! So I'm a "proper planning prevents poor performance", kinda guy. I was able to make a loose schedule for my Camino Frances last year that worked extremely well, and allowed me to complete the Camino within the time I had.... If I can assist any who are trying to complete their first Camino, please reach out! Note I can ONLY assist with your travels on the Camino Frances , as that is all I've completed thus far! Blessings and Ultreia!! Gary UPDATE I've gone ahead and added my 35 day calendar from 2023 here in the hope of its usefulness! UPDATE #2 - this year my budget is 50€ per day.  

Attachments

Forever Pilgrim

• Thursday at 7:31 PM

The best plan is to not have a plan. Carpe diem. Live in the now and enjoy each day. "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans". John Lennon.  

• Thursday at 7:46 PM

alexwalker said: The best plan is to not have a plan. Carpe diem. Live in the now and enjoy each day. Click to expand...

• Thursday at 7:51 PM

trecile said: When you are spending over $1000 to travel from N America to Europe, it's a good idea to have at least a loose plan so that you allow yourself enough days to accomplish what you want to accomplish. Click to expand...

• Thursday at 8:02 PM

alexwalker said: If economy is an issue, set and book your arrival and return dates, and in between those, take it as it comes. Click to expand...

• Thursday at 8:03 PM

Walked the Camino Francés for SSD UK 2023

• Thursday at 8:29 PM

C clearly said: There is something a bit ironic about insisting that another person's plan should consist of no plan. Click to expand...

• Thursday at 9:03 PM

Tincatinker

Veteran member.

• Thursday at 9:06 PM

Camino Walker

• Thursday at 9:20 PM

Annette london

• Thursday at 10:37 PM

alexwalker said: There is something a bit ironic, and sad, that one's life should be lived according to a plan and not to spontanuity. Click to expand...

• Friday at 4:56 AM
• Know how long to allow for my Camino, so I can book flights! (most important reason)
• Add is rest days and short days 'just in case'.
• Look over the route for any 'problem' areas such as a couple of long VdlP days that cannot be shortened. (so I can have a Plan B)
• Review what's along the route in terms of must see and must stay places. (Like Father Don Blas' Donativo on the VdlP)
• I finished 3 days ahead of the plan.
• Stayed in lots of towns / villages I had not planned to stay in.
• Friday at 5:13 AM

Robo said: Only $1,000 for a ticket? I wish.......... try flying from Australia or NZ. Click to expand...

• Friday at 5:18 AM

trecile said: I was going to write "thousands of dollars," but there are people (especially who live in the Eastern US) who can find tickets that are close to $1000. From the west coast $1500 round trip is fairly common. Also $1000 USD is around $1500 AUS. Click to expand...

• Friday at 7:11 AM

The thing with a plan is that you don´t have to keep to it.  

• Friday at 8:52 AM

Active Member

• Friday at 9:32 AM

Camino tortuga

• Friday at 11:06 AM

Robo said: But a rough plan in mind helped. Click to expand...

• Friday at 11:53 AM

I would always plan my pack contents. When we walked I came on here, communicated with a couple of people, booked a room in SJPdP, ‘phoned Orisson, and then we winged it, stopping when we felt like it. There were far fewer albergues then but we managed to avoid most of the ‘stages’. I agree that a vague structure gives the freedom to deviate within it; this might provide the sweet spot between planning to the last detail and pure spontaneity.  

valjohnson2

• Friday at 12:12 PM

TorontoGMan said: Greetings all! So I'm a "proper planning prevents poor performance", kinda guy. I was able to make a loose schedule for my Camino Frances last year that worked extremely well, and allowed me to complete the Camino within the time I had.... If I can assist any who are trying to complete their first Camino, please reach out! Note I can ONLY assist with your travels on the Camino Frances , as that is all I've completed thus far! Blessings and Ultreia!! Gary Click to expand...

• Friday at 1:08 PM

valjohnson2 said: Hey Gary! I’ve been planning my Camino since last august-almost time! I fly into Madrid at 9am on 22nd. I haven’t purchased train ticket yet, I do have renfe app, because I’m not sure how long it will take me to get to the train station location where I get one to pamplona. I do have a reservation that night in pamplona since only one bus a day goes to St Jean. I have reserved in st Jean also for the 23rd. Is it confusing at airport to get to train? I am traveling for the 1st time out of the country, alone, and no very little Spanish. Any advice would be helpful! I have other questions also but won’t bombard you! Val Click to expand...

Ensuitepilgrim

• Friday at 2:18 PM
• Friday at 2:31 PM

I thoroughly enjoy planning,booking and researching all our Caminos ( I lead a group - no fees,friends!). I have discovered so much about seemingly inconsequential hamlets on the Caminos,which add both interest and appreciation of where we are sauntering. We are of a certain vintage and use the Correos for luggage and Booking.com in the main . We don’t use albergues, yes we can afford not to. Please don’t tell me what I’m missing,cooking pasta in a crowded kitchen, or queueing for the loo - been there, done that - we still meet fellow Pelegrinos en route, sharing stories,experience and so on. We know roughly what our daily mileage is and plan accordingly and act pragmatically when needed. It’s our Camino and it is Buen;as I hope everyone’s is…  

Gerard Griffin

• Friday at 2:58 PM

• Friday at 3:25 PM

I have roughly 50% of my Camino planned at this point, the rest will be handled en route. Oh, and my round trip tickets cost less than $900 US (from Texas) this year!  

• Friday at 3:26 PM

• Friday at 3:33 PM

alexwalker said: The best plan is to not have a plan Click to expand...

Tincatinker said: I’m always disappointed when I read posts asking “which bits to skip so I can do the “whole” Camino”. Does no one do grammar anymore? And I’m also equally disappointed when I see people posting “the” perfect Camino with luggage transport company, Albergue and souvenir opportunities covered off. Click to expand...

Camino Chrissy

• Friday at 4:01 PM

DBart said: What no one has said so far is that is a very nice offer and an openness to deal with the anxiety felt by many first time pilgrims. Thank you for the support Click to expand...

• Friday at 4:21 PM

Then there's Lao Tzu, always worth a listen, who said "The Way that is the way is not the Way". Expect the inconcievable and plan accordingly.  

• Friday at 5:19 PM

lt56ny said: I feel strongly both ways regarding what Alex and trefile have written. I have no real plan when I go on the Camino. But I do plan getting to my starting point and getting home. Once I start walking. I also love planning my Camino and then tossing my plans on the garbage knowing once I start who knows what will happen. Click to expand...

A quote by Arabian

• Friday at 5:22 PM

valjohnson2 said: Any advice would be helpful! I have other questions also but won’t bombard you Click to expand...

Gringazolana

• Friday at 5:28 PM

• Friday at 6:23 PM

alexwalker said: If economy is an issue, set and book your arrival and return dates, and in between those, take it as it comes. Life is so full of dates and obligations. Walk the Camino and be free, for once. It may be a revelation. Click to expand...

MichelleElynHogan

• Friday at 6:39 PM

Not sure there is any reason for conflict on this thread. I mean, even some Admins are adding abrasion to the conversation. There are as many ways to walk a Camino as there are people who actually walk it. Peace be to All. Happy Easter.  

Tandem Graham

E ultreia e suseia, deus adjuva nos.

• Friday at 6:45 PM

mattythedog

• Friday at 7:43 PM

TorontoGMan said: Greetings all! So I'm a "proper planning prevents poor performance", kinda guy. I was able to make a loose schedule for my Camino Frances last year that worked extremely well, and allowed me to complete the Camino within the time I had.... If I can assist any who are trying to complete their first Camino, please reach out! Note I can ONLY assist with your travels on the Camino Frances , as that is all I've completed thus far! Blessings and Ultreia!! Gary UPDATE I've gone ahead and added my 35 day calendar from 2023 here in the hope of its usefulness! UPDATE #2 - this year my budget is 50€ per day. Click to expand...

• Friday at 8:09 PM
• Friday at 8:15 PM
• Friday at 8:23 PM

CWBuff said: Trying to secure flights in July for my TMB is 'netting me' about $2,400.00 R/T Click to expand...

• Friday at 8:26 PM

CWBuff said: I pine for days wehn I flew from East Coast for $500.00 R/T (yes non-stop to boot) Click to expand...

• Friday at 8:34 PM

hey @Camino Chrissy - unfortunately 1 person 1st flight EWR--> GVA. Non-Stop Main Cabin Economy (1 carry on & 1 check-in) usual "steerage" seat no special perks 2nd flight - GVA --> DUB (2 hr layover) --> PHL Same cabin Economy on 2nd leg we splurged for PLUS seats (wider and more leg room) for add'l $127 each Like I said I think closedness to July 4th is not helping. In addition when I travel with my wife I am mindful of overall times etc. She's not too keen on flying (although admittedly got a lot better since I've met her initially) so I do try non-stop flights and mid-morning departures (she's ok with red-eyes gogin to Europe) When I travel solo I'm slightly flexible but I probably wont do 2 stops (esp if I have check-in).  

• Friday at 8:40 PM

C clearly said: I remember (dimly) those days, too. The main difference is that the $500 was 10% of my annual gross income as a working 21-year-old. I cannot believe how cheap air travel is these days, even if you pay for checked bags and a reserved seat.! Click to expand...

• Friday at 8:42 PM

TorontoGMan said: UPDATE I've gone ahead and added my 35 day calendar from 2023 here in the hope of its usefulness! Click to expand...

David Tallan

• Friday at 10:31 PM
• Friday at 10:36 PM

David Tallan said: But having made plans has enabled me to experience things that have been some of my best memories, that could never have occurred had I not undertaken some planning. Click to expand...

• Yesterday at 5:35 AM

SarahTheKiwi

• Yesterday at 1:47 PM

It is $4,000 for me, from NZ including travel insurance. I've planned my accommodation up to and including Pamplona. As this is my first Camino I have no idea how far I will walk every day. Other than SJPDP to Pamplona being planned, all I know is that I start in SJPDP on 25 April and I leave Madrid airport on 3 June. I wish I could plan it all out (I'm a planner by nature), but I'm kind of enjoying the challenge of releasing the planning and seeing how it goes.  

• Yesterday at 2:47 PM

Robo said: I think my planning might be a bit 'Over the Top' at times, but I enjoy it I hid a few columns to make it fit..... View attachment 166967 Click to expand...

• Yesterday at 2:53 PM

SarahTheKiwi said: It is $4,000 for me, from NZ including travel insurance. I've planned my accommodation up to and including Pamplona. As this is my first Camino I have no idea how far I will walk every day. Other than SJPDP to Pamplona being planned, all I know is that I start in SJPDP on 25 April and I leave Madrid airport on 3 June. I wish I could plan it all out (I'm a planner by nature), but I'm kind of enjoying the challenge of releasing the planning and seeing how it goes. Click to expand...

• Yesterday at 2:55 PM

TorontoGMan said: This is fantastic! LoL!! Poor performance averted Robo!! Hahahhahah! Ultreia!! Click to expand...

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Finding Yourself Along The Camino De Santiago De Compostela

4.07min read

Published 10 December 2014

Rory Gibson

You've seen the movie, 'The Way', and you're thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, the ancient pilgrimage trail featured in the film. But you're not sure – is it really all it's cracked up to be?

I'll tell you what I tell everyone else who asks me about the Camino – it is simply one of the greatest travel experiences on the planet. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. It doesn't cost a fortune. In fact, to maximise your pilgrimage experience you need to minimise your expenses. The cheapest way of doing 'The Way' is to walk, carry your own stuff, eat the local food and stay in the pilgrim hostels.

Sure, you can pay people to carry your pack and you can stay in nice hotels, catch the odd bus and eat in flash restaurants when you get to the big towns. It will still be a great experience, but there's a certain satisfaction in doing it the minimalist way as the earliest pilgrims did a thousand years ago.

2. You can do it alone. Women walking solo need harbour no fears. Pilgrims are treated with respect and everyone along the trail watches out for you. Within a week you'll have made so many new friends you'll wonder why you were ever so hesitant.

3. Being religious is not a requirement. While it started life as a kind of Haj for Catholics, the Camino is as much a cultural immersion as a spiritual one.

4. There are very few holidays where you can eat and drink as much as you want every day and finish fitter and leaner than when you started. This alone makes it a stellar attraction!

5. It will change your life. Not many people come away from this 800 kilometre trek without a new plan for the rest of their days. Five weeks of walking offers plenty of time for self examination and goal setting.

I could go on. There are so many elements that make the Camino such a premium experience, even when compared to some of the other famous treks like the Annapurna Circuit and the Appalachian Trail.

About the people

For me it was about people – those from my past as well as fellow pilgrims I met along 'The Way'. Sometimes you find yourself walking without another living thing discernible for as far as the eye can see. It's when you are by yourself, in the heat or in the rain, feet aching in the wheat fields of the Meseta or trudging up a mountain on a track fit only for goats, that you find you have tears rolling down your face or you are laughing out loud, because of a memory.

More on Spain:

Spain Or Portugal – Which Would You Choose?

El Camino De Santiago: What Will You Uncover?

Paved with triumphs and sorrows

The Camino is paved with the triumphs and sorrows of countless thousands of people seeking meaning, redemption and understanding. Memorial plaques dotted along 'The Way' remind us that some only found death. Most people have a very personal reason for doing this and, as the kilometres unfold, they tell you their stories.

There was Ulysses, the Spanish logistics expert who works for Médecins Sans Frontières. He was power-walking over the Pyrenees to blow off steam after some tough times at refugee camps in Darfur and Turkey.

I walked for a while with Leon, a massive Russian who blew a knee early on but wouldn't give up. He worked in public relations for the Moscow city government. He quit his job after trying to explain to his four-year-old son what he did for a living. His boy listened to him outlining what a spin doctor does and summarised what he had heard. "So, you make up stories about Moscow?" It instantly killed Leon's ambition to get to the Kremlin.

Siobhan was lucky to be alive. She survived a murderous home invasion in London during which her flatmate was stabbed to death and she had come close to the same fate. She was walking the Camino to work out why she had been spared and what she was going to do with her second chance at life. Last I saw of her she was sitting on a bench wincing from shin splints. "I have a high pain threshold," she said, when I showed concern.

There was Dave from Limerick, heartbroken that one of the freckles on his young wife's face turned out to be a melanoma which has made him a single dad.

And then there was Wally, from Tasmania, at 48 one of the world's oldest cystic fibrosis sufferers. He just kept walking, his lungs trying to drown him. If my blisters hurt I thought of him.

Plenty of laughs too

It's not all tears and soul-searching though. There are plenty of laughs, like the night I invaded the French. When walking the Camino, most people stay in hostels called albergues, where for about ten bucks a night you get a bed and use of a shared bathroom.

People are crammed in like commuters on a Japanese subway and none of these joints would pass about 1,000 Australian health, fire and safety laws. Imagine a place with rooms about the size of a kid's bedroom with four to six bunk beds in them, filled with adults of both genders who you don't know and who have all been guzzling cheap red wine before bed. I learnt more about the human respiratory and digestive systems in those five weeks on the trail than I needed to know.

One night I was on a top bunk reading a book on my iPad and drifted off to sleep. About 2.30am I must have rolled over and it crashed to the floor, waking everyone up in that room, which was bad enough. I retrieved the iPad and went to the bathroom to check it. All good, still worked.

It was so dark I had to find my way back by feeling along the wall counting the door handles until I found what I thought was the right one. I went in and proceeded to haul myself up into the bunk. Trouble was, there was no ladder, which meant you had to throw an arm over the top like a grappling hook and find something to grip. But instead of a sheet, I grabbed the wedding tackle of what turned out to be a French man in a room full of French people. Amid much hollering, someone switched on a light and there I was wearing only jocks and carrying an iPad, looking for all money like a near-naked burglar.

The French are an excitable people generally, but this bunch went ballistic. They were making such a racket that they couldn't hear me apologising as I backed out of their room using the iPad to protect my modesty. Every time I ran into one of them on the trail over the next few days I would be greeted with dark Gallic mutterings and suspicious looks. C'est la vie.

The Camino offers so many pleasures and some pain, but also an incredible sense of achievement. I'm going to do it again, so see you on the path.

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Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

63 moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Golden Ring of Russia

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Best of Russia

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

Highlights of Russia

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

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Moscow reviews & ratings, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

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ULTREYA TOURS BLOG

The blog about the Santiago de Compostela & the Way of Saint James

Category: Camino de Santiago

Articles and news about the Way of Saint James, the Christian Pilgrimage in Northern Spain to the resting place of the Apostle Saint James

You are beautiful, you are the biggest gift!

It’s valentine’s day 2021 so we’d like to talk about love, on the camino de santiago. did you fall in love or back into love on the camino share your camino love stories below.

I meet the love of my life, Emilio, in Santiago de Compostela, 6 years and a week ago and we couldn’t be happier together.

We had clients asking us for ideas on how to propose at the end of their Camino (in Finisterre or the Obradoiro Square); help on how to get married on the Way ; meeting on the Camino, changing their plans to walk together and returning to the Camino together months later ; celebrating their honeymoon or a special anniversary on the Camino… ( and by the way, we absolutely love getting these types of requests and having a small part in your love story)

But many forget that before you can love someone else, you need to love yourself. Many walk the Camino in Holy Years like this year and the next, to obtain plenary indulgeance from the Church but I also believe taking time off for yourself, to introspect while you are walking, see the good in people, reunit with your beliefs, is a very powerful therapy and the occasion to forgive yourself and fall back into love with yourself.

You are beautiful, you are the biggest gift! (these were messages found near the Iron Cross in Foncebadon)

HAPPY SAN VALENTINE’S DAY TO YOU ALL!

Love from Santiago, Nellie

Review: If You Stand Here: A Pilgrim’s Tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela by Anne Born

Want to learn about the cathedral santiago de compostela in galicia, the final resting place of the apostle saint james and the end of the camino de santiago.

It is the largest Romanesque Cathedral in #Spain. 94 m long with a transept of 63 m, a maximum height of 32 m and construction of the building started in 1075. But although this is useful information, the importance of this building is not in these details. What interests Anne Born @nilesite in her new book If you stand here… is the stories of those who were lucky enough to stand in this great Cathedral.

Anne will guide you through the Nave, the Cloister, the different squares and even the rooftop, telling you what events took place at the very spot you are standing and which historical figure were involved. And there were many, from the Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon, to Cosimo de Medici III, to Eva Perón, Cary Grant, Frederico Garcia Lorca…

She mentions this about Georgiana Goddard King’s own guidebook of the Cathedral, but this is also true with If you stand here… “you will feel like as if she were in fact present beside you, guiding you by the hand, as she would with a friend.”

Reading this book, we not only learned about the building but the History of Santiago de Compostela and to a greater extend Spain and Europe.

If you want to learn about what it feels to follow her footstep go to tumbleweedpilgrim.com/2021/01/12/a-new-tour-of-the-cathedral-for-pilgrims/

Birdwatching in Galicia

Galicia, in North-Western Spain is renown for its culture, traditions, gastronomy and for being the final destination of the Camino de Santiago but it is also an excellent choice for those who are looking for bird watching holidays.

The unspoilt landscape and rich wildlife of Galicia makes it perfect destination to observe in particular migratory seabirds and cliffbirds like raptors.

We found a wonderful local partner we trust to show you the best birdwatching spots in the region of Galicia and ensure you have a wonderful nature experience.