Follow the ancient pilgrimage route to the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, which houses the tomb of the Apostle St. James. We cover 260 km of the Spanish portion of this spectacular trail, visiting ancient churches and quaint mountain villages along the way. The Pilgrim's Way Active 2008 GPE 8 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Europe Spain Spain Spain Culture/History, Trekking/Hiking 15 5 2 Arrive in Leon at any time. Begin trekking from Astorga, a short bus ride away from Leon. Over the next few days pass through the towns of Rabanal del Camino, Ponferrada and Villafranca del Bierzo, spending nights in quaint family inns and guesthouses typical of these Spanish villages. Day 5 is a relaxed, easy walk to Las Herrerías. Leave early to arrive in time for siesta. Continuing along the "pilgrim's way", visit the quaint village of Viduedo and traverse the mountain pass of O Cebreiro (1109m) where you officially cross into Galician territory. Days are filled with stunning scenery as you pass Christian temples, rural scenery and cross dramatic mountain passes along the way. After Portomarin, the path gets a bit physical with many upward slopes. The region of Palas de Rey, once of great importance during the Middle Ages, rewards us with breathtaking views and mountainous landscapes that are synonymous with this part of northern Spain. Day 11 is much easier, with only a few light upward slopes. The last leg of our pilgrimage takes you from Palas de Rey, through Arzua, and on to the end of our journey, Santiago de Compostela. Sit back and celebrate your journey. On Day 13, aim to leave early to get to Santiago in time for the pilgrim’s mass. Arrival day, no activities planned.

While the full pilgrimage route covers most of northern Spain and into France, we begin our journey in the town of Leon, covering a roughly 260 km of the Spanish portion of the trail. The origins of the city of Leon go back to the year 68 AD when the Roman Legion Septima Gemina, the legion formed by the Emperor Galba with men from the Iberian settlements, was quartered here at the confluence of the rivers Bernesga and Torio to hold back the advance of the Cantabrian and Asturian highlanders. During the reign of Ordono II it became the most important city in Christian Spain. After being sacked by Almanzor it was rebuilt by Alfonso V, and was enlarged during the 11C. According to the chronicles of pilgrims who were heading for Santiago de Compostela, Leon was a city that was 'full of all happiness' and, consequently, a place of growing trade. In fact it was, for according to the 'Pilgrims' Guidebook' that was the Codex Calixtinus, it marked the eighth stage on the journey.

Leon itself lies on a fertile plain surrounded by woods, orchards and meadows, and has a population of over 120,000 inhabitants. Within the two cities it encapsulates, (i.e. the old medieval part and the modern one that stretches alongside the river), there is an extraordinary historical and artistic heritage. The Roman and medieval walls in between help to highlight the beautiful contrast between the old quarter and the squares, known as the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza del Mercado, and the avenues, modern buildings, parks and gardens that lie to the west. The three most characteristic monuments that stand out for their great artistic value in Leon are the Cathedral, the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro and the Convent of San Marcos.

Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour

A short bus ride brings us to the town of Astorga, where we start our trek with a gradual uphill climb. Enjoy the mountain scenery and spectacular views as we pass through quaint villages on our way to Rabanal del Camino, our stop for the night. We plan on walking about 20 km today.

The town of Rabanal del Camino is made up of massive stone houses, and served as a bastion of the Ponferrada Templars to protect those travelling to the Bierzo. Rabanal also housed (in the House of the Four Corners) Phillip the Second in his pilgrimage to Santiago. During the Middle Ages, several hospitals and churches existed giving pilgrims the opportunity to recover and regroup before continuing on their travels. Before entering the town is the hermitage of Vera Cruz, followed by the hermitage of San Jose and the San Gregorio Hospital. In the high part of the town is the parochial church of Santa Maria, one of the few examples of Roman architecture that can be found in this area.

Steadily walking, pass through mountain villages of Foncebadon, La Cruz de Hierro, and El Acebo, before reaching our night stop of Ponferrada. A trail of ups and downs, we trek about 30 km today before arriving at our destination. Explore the town and enlighten yourself with the fascinating history of the region.

Ponferrada is the last the great city (60,000 inhabitants) before arriving at Santiago. During the Roman occupation their gold mines were famous throughout the empire. In 1082, the wooden bridge on the Sil River was strengthened with iron, an abundant material, giving name Pons Ferrata to the city. The Castle of the Templars is a magnificent testament to the importance of the city to this order of monk-soldiers. It is one of the most beautiful examples of military architecture in Spain, and has become a Mecca for lovers of the Templars and their rites of initiation. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Oak is of Renaissance gothic transition. Other valuable monuments are the Convent of the Concepcionistas and the City council. Visit the church near Ponferrada mozárabe of Santiago de Peñalba, a jewel of the pre-Romanesque Spanish architecture. At it is a major city, Ponferrada offers everything a traveller might need.

Continuing on from Ponferrada, our day of trekking is mostly flat as we continue through the mountains. The scenery is fantastic here as we pass through more little villages and rolling meadows. After about 20 km we arrive at our overnight stop of Villafranca del Bierzo. Enjoy a well-deserved rest day on day 5 in this lovely little town.

Villafranca del Bierzo originated as a stop for travelling merchants; by the 12th century half of the population was comprised of foreigners. As soon as you enter this lovely little town, you are met by the Santiago cathedral, a Roman temple with a magnificent doorway and façade. The Spanish pope Calixto III granted the sick and lame that passed through this door the same blessings as those pilgrims that complete the entire journey to Santiago. The main road, Agua, crosses the entire town in which you will find several palaces as well as a convent. The Convent of the Anunciada of 1606 was erected over the old Hospital of San Roque, where tradition says that San Francisco de Assisi stayed. Villafranca also has a beautiful main plaza and a French-style boulevard. There are plenty of stores and commercial amenities here.

Head out again early this morning into the mountains, following the Camino. Today is challenging as we conquer mountain passes and high trails, but the views are incredibly rewarding with peaks and valleys in all directions. We also pass the pre-Roman temple of Santa Maria la Real, which venerates the patron saint of the region and was an important stop for pilgrims across the ages. We hike about 28 km today before arriving at O Cebreiro, where we spend the night.

O Cebreiro is a village of stone buildings, most likely from pre-Roman origins, and serves as the portal to the Galicia region from the province of Lugo. This is another of the mythical places along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, and this places is surrounded by tradition and history. The scenery is beautiful here, and the town is another important stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago. We will pass by the simple pre-Roman temple of Santa Maria la Real, in which there is a beautiful Byzantine image of Santa Maria la Real from the 12th century, the patron saint of the region. As well as the old buildings and history of the area, there is also an Ethnographic Museum in town.
Another challenging day, trek along mountain trails between 800 and 1300 metres and enjoy the amazing scenery. Again pass through small villages where we can take a breather and replenish our supplies before returning to the rolling green hills. Our stop at the end of the day will be the medieval city of Sarria, another important stop along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. We will hike about 35 km on Day 7. Take a rest day, explore the city and enjoy the city’s rich history on day 8.

Sarria, a small medieval mountain city of about 12,000 inhabitants, is a major centre of services on the French Route in Galicia. The old part of the city is filled with beautiful old buildings and has a castle from the 14th century. The cathedral of Santa Marina, constructed in a modern style, has a tall steeple on its chapel tower. The old part of the city is wonderful and can be seen easily on foot before heading downtown to the newer part of the city, where the majority of the commerce and merchants are located. Sarria has all the amenities for the weary pilgrim.

Today we head out again into the hills for an easier day of walking, covering about 20 km over the course of the day. We pass through many lovely towns along the way and may choose to have a picnic in places such as Barbadelo, Renta or Ferreiros. We spend the night in the riverside city of Portomarin.

Portomarin sits in a beautiful setting on the shores of the Miño River and has about 2200 inhabitants. The old city is formed of two neighbourhoods, San Nicolas and San Pedro, with the new city having only been constructed in 1960. Portomarin served an important post throughout the Middle Ages, as it has a huge bridge over the river as well as an hospital. The impressive cathedral/fortress is San Nicolas, and was constructed by the horseman-monks of the San Juan of Jerusalem Order in the 12th century. This was then taken apart stone-by-stone and reconstructed in the main plaza where it now sits. It is extremely significant in the history of this region, and stands now as an interesting example of pre-Roman architecture. The cathedral of San Pedro was also taken apart and reconstructed after being moved from the outskirts of town. The Chapel of the Virgin is another interesting architectural site as it is constructed on top of an old medieval bridge.

Our walk continues on from Portomarin as we leave early in the morning on Day 10. Today’s walk is a mix of ups and downs and again the scenery is fantastic. We walk about 24 km to the town of Palas de Rey where we will spend another rest day on Day 11. This entire area was very important in the middle ages and has a rich history.

The history of Palas de Rey is made up of a mixture of cultures and times. It is a growing town of about 5000 inhabitants and has long served as a meeting point for pilgrims who would regroup together before tackling the last leg of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The church of San Tirso has a beautiful romantic-era doorway and façade, and is the only vestige that remains of the towns past. However, the artistic wealth remains, in the forms of other churches of the city, as well as the castles of Pambre and Felpos. Palas de Rey has plenty to offer the pilgrim in its numerous shops and cafes.

Walking through the lush green valleys of Galicia, we continue our pilgrimage westwards. Covering about 28 km today, we will again pass through many lovely villages and towns along the way, offering us ample opportunity for rest stops and time to pick up any needed supplies. We will eventually arrive at Arzua, where we spend the night.

In the old part of the town of Arzua lie the ruins of the old Convent of Magdalena, constructed in the 14th century, which served as a lodging for poor pilgrims traveling towards Santiago de Compostela. Very close by is the large modern cathedral, which houses images of St. John the Apostle. This is still an essential stop for pilgrims and is a small, modern town of about 6000 inhabitants.

Enjoy a full day of walking through spectacular scenery towards our night stop in the remote community of Pedrouzo. Mostly upward slopes today.

Day 13 - almost there! Leave early in order to reach Santiago de Compostela in time for the pilgrim's mass. Later, explore this fascinating city and sip some wine in a café to celebrate the incredible journey that you have accomplished over the past 2 weeks. Upon reaching our goal, the pilgrimage is not complete until we visit the cathedral on the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro, which houses the supposed tomb of St. James the Apostle. It is widely believed that his remains were buried here in the 1st century AD; from then onwards he became the patron saint of the Christian Crusades. It is this place that has attracted pilgrims from all over the world and is the final night stop of our tour. We include a city tour in order to fully experience and understand the cultural and historical significance of this amazing city.

Coming into Santiago de Compostela by foot, one’s first glimpse of the city is its baroque, pointed towers. You’ve made it! The region’s capital city, Santiago is a large city of almost 90,0000 inhabitants that combines both the old and the new. Because of its history and the flocks of pilgrims constantly arriving Santiago, the city has acquired much religious and romantic significance over the years. Happy pilgrims that have made the journey will discover a city of flagstones darkened by humidity and the passing of time. The old city is full of narrow cobblestone streets, with beautiful architecture on all sides. The main cathedral in the Plaza Obradoiro symbolizes the culmination of the pilgrimage in its entirety. According to legend it houses the remains of St. John the Apostle.

Accommodation Small family-run inns (14 nts). Brief Highlights Leon, Rabanal del Camino, Ponferrada, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Sarria, Portomarin, Palas de Rey, Arzua, Santiago de Compostela. Brochure Notes Night stops may vary depending on weather conditions, daily group progress and availability. Departure Departs monthly (May-Oct) DepEnd Sun-Sun Group Leader G.A.P Adventures leader throughout. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Included Highlights - 2 weeks of trekking along the Pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela
- City tour of Santiago de Compostela
Local Payment EUR250 Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow EUR400 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details Meals Included No meals included. Min Pax 8 Recommendation Interested in extending your active holiday in Spain? Try our Catalonia Walking Adventure ESCW or Catalonia by Bike ESCB. StartFinish Leon to Santiago de Compostela Testimonial "Great holiday. The food and wine were a treat and the tour leader knew all the best places to go. I felt that I was able to re-connect with nature once again - loose all the stress of working in London." - Paul Conway travelled on The Pilgrim's Way Transport Walking, local bus. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Follow the ancient pilgrimage route to the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, which houses the tomb of the Apostle St. James. We cover 260 km of the Spanish portion of this spectacular trail, visiting ancient churches and quaint mountain villages along the way. Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera, reading/writing material, cover or plastic bags for backpacks
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- Sport sandals/flip flops
- Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Sun hat
- Personal clothing for mild to hot weather and comfortable hiking clothes, remember to pack light, laundromat are available in some cities if needed.
- at least 2 pairs of good walking socks is crucial (socks can make such a difference!)
- Warm sweater
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Flashlight
- Safety pins to hang wet clothes off of your bag to dry along the walk
- Sleeping bag (if travelling in Sep.-Oct)
- First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Bug repellent with DEET, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax Usually included in international air ticket, check with your air travel agent. Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. The group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Follow the ancient pilgrimage route to the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, which houses the tomb of the Apostle St. James. Hike 260 km of the Spanish portion of this spectacular trail (locally known as Camino de Santiago), visiting ancient churches and quaint mountain villages along the way. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures local office (Spain)
Local Emergency Cell Phone: +34 627 357 664

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Instructions Hostal Libredon/Barbantes
Plaza Fonseca
+34 981 576 520, Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description This G.A.P Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Important Notes Please note that after the short bus ride on Day 2, this trip is a trekking trip from start to finish. Passengers are required to carry their own packs and there are no support vehicles!

Please note night stops may vary depending on weather conditions and daily group progress. Flexibility is important.

Be prepared to hike an average of 6 to 10 hrs per day, approx. 20-25 km per day, with some shorter and longer days along the way.

LUGGAGE FORWARDING OPTION: if travelling with extra luggage from previous trips or continuing on around Spain, you have the option of forwarding extra luggage to Santiago from Leon for a reasonable fee (approx. 10-30 EUR depending on total weight). Please inquire with Tour Leader on Day 1. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel HOSTAL SAN MARTINPlaza Torres de Omaña24003 LeonTEL : (+34) 987 87 51 87FAX : (+34) 987 87 52 49 Joining Instructions Our hotel is located in the downtown area of Leon, north of the major landmark of Palacio de los Guzmanes on Calle de Ancha.

A taxi from Leon Airport to downtown costs approx. 15EUR but it is also possible to take a bus. Both the bus and train stations are at walking distance to the hotel (approx. 15mins across the Rio Bernesga).

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during when no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. The Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This amount is a portion of the price of the trip and the final payment for your tour. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our costs savings on to you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for local payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an 'average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers over the age of 70, or travellers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical and culture shock ratings in this dossier for more information.

Please note that all passengers, regardless of age traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Western Europe. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of euros, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person, in Euro amounts.

Leon:
Museum entries €2 - €5
Pantheon Real €3
Museo de Leon €2

Palas de Rey:
Personalized “Camino de Santiago” ID card (for the photo you are dressed up in a Pilgrim's hat) €6

Santiago de Compostela:
Museo do Pobo Gallego - free
Cathedral entrances - free
Museum of Modern Art - free
Pilgrimage Museum - €3

Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security 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. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from €5-20 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €20-25 per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy 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. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Always keep an eye on your belongings especially in major cities, bus and train terminals. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2008 - December 31st 2008. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos Want to see your photos and/or stories in print or on the web? Then enter our "Great G.A.P Adventures Photo Story Contest". Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/contests/photo-story-contest to upload your photo stories! There are travel and camera prizes worth more than $5000 available to be won! If you prefer to submit slide film or photos instead of digital entries online, just make sure they are clearly marked with your name and contact details on each and the place where it was taken. Unfortunately, we are unable to return any entries. Send mailed entries to "Photo Editor" at our head office.
What to Take Remember to pack lightly and wisely! A lightweight sleeping bag might be needed, at times you may be staying in very basic hostels with little bedding. Alternatively, bring a sleeping bag liner to save space in your luggage.

Do not forget to pack a medical kit with extra Band-Aids. Blister kits are also available, and are a good idea to have with you. Please remember to bring and wear footwear that you know is comfortable and will not give you blisters. This is not a trip to break in new boots or shoes on. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.