Lourdes, Fátima & the Way of St. James 13 days / Religious Heritage Tours
About This Experience
Spiritual, legendary and steeped in mystery—travel to the remote villages and vibrant cities of France and Spain that have lured Christian pilgrims since the dawn of the Middle Ages. Walk the well-paved route to Santiago de Compostela, final resting grounds for St. James, Spain’s patron saint. Stand in the fields where visions are said to have appeared. Explore the churches and cathedrals in the heart of Paris. And soak up the incredible seaside cultures in San Sebastian, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
11 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 5 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims
Stepping inside cathedrals that have become icons
The spiritual legacy & energy at Lourdes
It’s your chance to discover the last secret of Fátima
San Sebastian’s many Michelin-starred restaurants
Santiago de Compostela—the icon of Christian Spain
Overnight Flight1 night
Paris2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Day3
Eiffel to Arc de Triomphe, walk under, over and along the city’s icons
Breakfast
This morning, discover the City of Light on a guided sightseeing tour. You’ll marvel at landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde, Saint Sulpice and much more. The afternoon is free to explore Paris at your leisure. This evening, consider joining our Evening in Paris optional excursion, including dinner and a nighttime cruise down the Seine.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Lourdes2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Sacred, historic and outright stunning, uncover Paris’ famed churches
Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning to continue discovering Paris, or opt to explore the sanctuaries of two of the city’s most historically and spiritually significant churches—the Cathedral of Notre Dame and Sacré Coeur. After free time for lunch, travel via the highspeed TGV train through the French countryside to Lourdes, France’s premier Christian pilgrimage site.
Optional Excursions
Churches of Paris $69* pp
Explore the stories behind two of Paris' most famous churches. First, take a tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island on the Seine. Notre-Dame is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris, and one of the most prominent examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Next, journey to the Montmarte district and take the funicular up the hill to take a guided tour of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a unique example of Romano-Byzantine architecture. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking and must be reserved 20 days prior to departure.
Day5
Holy visions and healing grottoes draw millions here, year after year
Breakfast, Dinner
Basilica, Grotto of Massabielle
After a free morning, join a guided sightseeing tour of Lourdes, a sleepy mountain town that was transformed into one of the most visited religious sites in the world. In 1858, a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have visions of the Virgin Mary in the Grotto of Massabielle. During the 18 apparitions, the Virgin is said to have told Bernadette that the people should make a pilgrimage to the Grotto for healing. Ever since, Lourdes has been a destinaiton for the sick and infirm. During your tour, you’ll visit the Basilica and the Grotto of Massabielle. Join your group for an included dinner this evening.
San Sebastian2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Day7
Move from playas to pinxtos bars, as you explore the best of the Basque
Breakfast
A professional local guide leads this morning’s orientation to San Sebastian, a town bordered by green mountains and roaring ocean. Pass by Playa de la Concha and through the town’s old quarter. Isabel II spent her vacations here. While in the Old Town, notice the numbers on the balconies above. These used to be ringside seats for bullfights. This afternoon is free at your leisure.
Burgos1 night - hotel info
Day8
This sky-high gothic cathedral took more than 300 years to complete
Breakfast
Burgos Cathedral
This morning, transfer to Burgos for a guided city tour. The highlight of the tour is the enormous Gothic cathedral near the center of town. Begun by King Ferdinand III of Castile in 1221 on the site of a former Romanesque church, construction was halted for more than 200 years, until the cathedral was ultimately completed in 1567. During your guided tour of the city, you’ll experience the cathedral’s beauty and the flamboyant architecture of some of its chapels. You’ll also see the tombs of El Cid and his wife, buried in the cathedral in 1919.
Santiago de Compostela2 nights - hotel info
Day9
Guided by the stars or by GPS, pilgrims have flocked here for ages
Breakfast
Today, transfer overland to Santiago de Compostela, the destination of medieval pilgrims. Tonight, join our optional Traditional Galician Dinner.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Galician Dinner $79* pp
For a true taste of Galicia, sit down to a succulent dinner at a local restaurant in Santiago de Compostela. Savor the freshest seafood and meat specialties Spain has to offer as you choose from a variety of menu options. As you dine, enjoy some of the region's finest wines including Ribiero, Godello or Albariño. At the end of the meal, observe the preparation ritual of queimada, a drink of distilled spirits blended with herbs, fruits and spices.
Day10
Stroll ancient streets, paved by Christians since the Middle Ages
Breakfast
St. James Cathedral
On this morning’s walking tour, an expert local guide introduces you to the historic features of Santiago de Compostela, which ranked as Christendom’s third most important pilgrimage site (after Jerusalem and Rome) during the Middle Ages. Stroll along the ancient city’s narrow streets, viewing the twin-spired cathedral, the Praza do Obradoiro, the 9th-century monastery and the 17th-century fountain in the center of the Praza das Praterias. Explore the town on your own this afternoon or join an optional riverboat cruise along the Rias Baixas.
Optional Excursions
Rías Baixas Cruise $75* pp
Travel to the tiny fishing town of O Grove for a cruise of the Rías Baixas, the coastal inlets and estuaries of western Galicia. On a cruise through the town's harbor, you'll discover this region's maritime heritage. Seafood lovers will rejoice on this cruise you'll be treated to all-you-can-eat local mussels while you're onboard. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.
Fátima1 night - hotel info
Day11
Here, three revelations were spoken of, but one has yet to be unveiled
Breakfast, Dinner
Basilica of Our Lady of Fátima
Travel to Fátima, where you’ll embark on a tour of this famed Catholic site once you arrive. Fátima is where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared six times to three shepherd children, Lucy, Francisco and Jacinta, between May 13 and October 13, 1917. On today’s tour, you’ll explore the sanctuary and grotto and find out about the three Secrets of Fatima—the ones that have been revealed, that is. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Lisbon1 night - hotel info
Day12
It will be tough deciding what you loved more: the service or scenery
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, make your way to Lisbon, Portugal’s seafaring capital city. After arriving, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the city on your own. Later this evening, cap off your experience at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
About This Experience
Spiritual, legendary and steeped in mystery—travel to the remote villages and vibrant cities of France and Spain that have lured Christian pilgrims since the dawn of the Middle Ages. Walk the well-paved route to Santiago de Compostela, final resting grounds for St. James, Spain’s patron saint. Stand in the fields where visions are said to have appeared. Explore the churches and cathedrals in the heart of Paris. And soak up the incredible seaside cultures in San Sebastian, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
11 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 5 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims
Stepping inside cathedrals that have become icons
The spiritual legacy & energy at Lourdes
It’s your chance to discover the last secret of Fátima
San Sebastian’s many Michelin-starred restaurants
Santiago de Compostela—the icon of Christian Spain
Overnight Flight1 night
Paris2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Day3
Eiffel to Arc de Triomphe, walk under, over and along the city’s icons
Breakfast
This morning, discover the City of Light on a guided sightseeing tour. You’ll marvel at landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde, Saint Sulpice Church and much more. The afternoon is free to explore Paris at your leisure. This evening, consider joining our Evening in Paris optional excursion, including dinner and a nighttime cruise down the Seine.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Lourdes2 nights - hotel info
Day4
Sacred, historic and outright stunning, uncover Paris’ famed churches
Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning to continue discovering Paris, or opt to explore the sanctuaries of two of the city’s most historically and spiritually significant churches—the Cathedral of Notre Dame and Sacré Coeur. After free time for lunch, travel via the high-speed TGV train through the French countryside to Lourdes, France’s premier Christian pilgrimage site.
Optional Excursions
Churches of Paris $69* pp
Explore the stories behind two of Paris' most famous churches. First, take a tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island on the Seine. Notre-Dame is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris, and one of the most prominent examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Next, journey to the Montmarte district and take the funicular up the hill to take a guided tour of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a unique example of Romano-Byzantine architecture. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking and must be reserved 20 days prior to departure.
Day5
Holy visions and healing grottoes draw millions here, year after year
Breakfast, Dinner
Basilica, Grotto of Massabielle
After a free morning, join a guided sightseeing tour of Lourdes, a sleepy mountain town that was transformed into one of the most visited religious sites in the world. In 1858, a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have visions of the Virgin Mary in the Grotto of Massabielle. During the 18 apparitions, the Virgin is said to have told Bernadette that the people should make a pilgrimage to the Grotto for healing. Ever since, Lourdes has been a destinaiton for the sick and infirm. During your tour, you’ll visit the Basilica and the Grotto of Massabielle. Join your group for an included dinner this evening.
San Sebastian2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Day7
Move from playas to pinxtos bars, as you explore the best of the Basque
Breakfast
A professional local guide leads this morning’s orientation to San Sebastian, a town bordered by green mountains and roaring ocean. Pass by Playa de la Concha and through the town’s old quarter. Isabel II spent her vacations here. While in the Old Town, notice the numbers on the balconies above. These used to be ringside seats for bullfights. This afternoon is free at your leisure.
Burgos1 night - hotel info
Day8
This sky-high gothic cathedral took more than 300 years to complete
Breakfast
Burgos Cathedral
This morning, transfer to Burgos for a guided city tour. The highlight of the tour is the enormous Gothic cathedral near the center of town. Begun by King Ferdinand III of Castile in 1221 on the site of a former Romanesque church, construction was halted for more than 200 years, until the cathedral was ultimately completed in 1567. During your guided tour of the city, you’ll experience the cathedral’s beauty and the flamboyant architecture of some of its chapels. You’ll also see the tombs of El Cid and his wife, buried in the cathedral in 1919.
Santiago de Compostela2 nights - hotel info
Day9
Guided by the stars or by GPS, pilgrims have flocked here for ages
Breakfast
Today, transfer overland to Santiago de Compostela, the destination of medieval pilgrims. Tonight, join our optional Traditional Galician Dinner.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Galician Dinner $79* pp
For a true taste of Galicia, sit down to a succulent dinner at a local restaurant in Santiago de Compostela. Savor the freshest seafood and meat specialties Spain has to offer as you choose from a variety of menu options. As you dine, enjoy some of the region's finest wines including Ribiero, Godello or Albariño. At the end of the meal, observe the preparation ritual of queimada, a drink of distilled spirits blended with herbs, fruits and spices.
Day10
Stroll ancient streets, paved by Christians since the Middle Ages
Breakfast
St. James Cathedral
On this morning’s walking tour, an expert local guide introduces you to the historic features of Santiago de Compostela, which ranked as Christendom’s third most important pilgrimage site (after Jerusalem and Rome) during the Middle Ages. Stroll along the ancient city’s narrow streets, viewing the twin-spired cathedral, the Praza do Obradoiro, the 9th-century monastery and the 17th-century fountain in the center of the Praza das Praterias. Explore the town on your own this afternoon or join an optional riverboat cruise along the Rias Baixas.
Optional Excursions
Rías Baixas Cruise $75* pp
Travel to the tiny fishing town of O Grove for a cruise of the Rías Baixas, the coastal inlets and estuaries of western Galicia. On a cruise through the town's harbor, you'll discover this region's maritime heritage. Seafood lovers will rejoice on this cruise you'll be treated to all-you-can-eat local mussels while you're onboard. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.
Fátima1 night - hotel info
Day11
Here, three revelations were spoken of, but one has yet to be unveiled
Breakfast, Dinner
Basilica of Our Lady of Fátima
Travel to Fátima, where you’ll embark on a tour of this famed Catholic site once you arrive. Fátima is where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared six times to three shepherd children, Lucy, Francisco and Jacinta, between May 13 and October 13, 1917. On today’s tour, you’ll explore the sanctuary and grotto and find out about the three Secrets of Fatima—the ones that have been revealed, that is. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Lisbon1 night - hotel info
Day12
Let your mind drift away as the sounds of fado fill the room
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, transfer to Lisbon. A local guide will lead a tour of the highlights of the Portuguese capital, including Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower and the Maritime Monument. The tour includes a walk around the Alfama District, the city’s oldest section, which is packed with elaborate churches and lively Fado bars. In the evening, share a farewell dinner with your travel companions.
Extend Your Stay
Add Paris $299*
Paris—the city of life, love and light. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the mysterious Mona Lisa, from the bustling Champs Elysées to the winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find romance, history and beauty. Browse boutiques, stroll manicured parks, take a seat at a sidewalk cafe and watch the sun set over the Seine.
Overnight Flight1 night - hotel info
Paris2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Le Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle originates in Paris
Breakfast, Dinner
After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a shuttle service will provide your transfer to your hotel (details will be sent to you prior to your departure). Upon arrival, you can set out to discover the City of Light, taking your own sweet time to wander the vibrant neighborhoods, shop the markets, investigate the museums and sit at the cafes.
Day3
Get lost among the Louvre’s centuries-spanning masterpieces
Breakfast
Spend another day exploring Paris on your own. Or get the inside scoop on the city’s most famous art museum by joining an optional excursion to the Louvre & the Tuileries Garden. Take a stroll through the centuries-old public garden, followed by a guided tour of one of the world’s largest art museums, featuring a mind-boggling collection of paintings, sculpture and antiquities. Take a peak at the Mona Lisa, but don’t miss the chance to investigate the other amazing Renaissance paintings. This afternoon choose to visit Versailles on an optional excursion.
Optional Excursions
The Louvre & Tuileries Garden $85* pp
The extravagant Tuileries Garden is located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Each section of the Garden has something to offer, including majestic statues, glimmering fountains and intricate pathways. Next, make your way over to the Louvre, considered one of the world’s largest art museums. With more than 8 million visitors each year, it is also the world’s most visited museum. Once you arrive, join a museum guide for a detailed tour. You’ll find some famous, familiar pieces such as the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading the People. After the tour, feel free to explore on your own—your all-day ticket allows you to reenter the museum at any time during the day. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Optional Excursions
Versailles $99* pp
The reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards for decadence among the crowned heads of Europe. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France and the envy of royalty worldwide. On this excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 45 days prior to departure.
Passport & Visa
This tour includes the following countries: France, Spain and Portugal. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your particular entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to France, Spain and Portugal. However, it is always advisable to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates.
Cuisine
One of the pleasures of traveling is experiencing the delightful variety of local cuisine. Throughout France, you’ll find endless opportunities to sample wonderful food at every price range. For the most casual snack or picnic, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, patés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread and fruit. Mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from the cafés. On the restaurant scene, the prix fixe option is popular, offering a three- or four-course set menu for a good price. Spain boasts a wide array of local specialties such as the typical dish of chicken, seafood and saffron rice known as paella. Dinner is less hearty than lunch and is served quite late—from 9 p.m. until midnight. Portuguese cooking relies heavily on seafood: dishes made with shrimp, octopus, lobster and cod are especially delicious. Portugal is also well-known for its breads and other baked goods as well as savory sausages. You might wish to sample local vintages of port wine, one of the nation’s most popular exports.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Flights arrive in Paris and depart from Lisbon. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a shuttle service will provide your transfer to your hotel (details will be sent to you prior to your departure). Included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. In your free time, most locations are best accessed on foot.
Clothing & Packing Tips
The countries on this itinerary tend to be cool and often damp at certain times of year. Loose-fitting, layered clothing that can accommodate varying temperatures will probably be most comfortable. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Currency
The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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Trip of a Lifetime
This trip was magnificent. I was able to combine my lifetime dream to go to Paris, France with my desire to visit holy shrines,visit cathedrals and experience a pilgrimage. Three countries in one : France, Spain, and Portugal. I could not ask for more!!!!
Lourdes, Fatima, and the Way of St. James
One of the highlights of the trip was having a priest from our parish with us. We had daily Mass and this made my pilgrimage really feel like a pilgrimage. I loved the trip! My only suggestions would be that I needed another day in Fatima and another day in Lisbon. This was a trip of a lifetime for me!
Wonderful time in France, Spain, and Portugal
Fabulous! Ranks up there at the top!
Truly Inspirational
Experiencing Lourdes was truly an awesome experience! The beauty of the surroundings, people we met, and the joy and peace in this city made it the highlight of a wonderful Religious Heritage trip
Great Trip for the Times
While "The Way of St. James" was properly advertised, we enjoyed all the unadvertised, unplanned events the most. Upon our arrival in Lourdes France it was just after VE Day and there were military units from all over Europe in town. We learned that this is a tradition since WW II. The purpose being for reconciliation between the French and German troops and it has grown through the years. Another real treat were the tapas bars in San Sebastion. Another highlight of the trip for us was seeing the incense burner swinging high above the crowd in the Cathedral of St. James.
Meets the expectations
This tour was just as billed. The hotels were all of good quality and comfortable. They exceeded expectation by being larger bedrooms and larger bathrooms than are typical in Europe. The local guides were average to exceptional.(Lourdes guide and Burgos guide were exceptional.) Our group was too large (40) for many of the walking tours. Too many people strung out over a couple of blocks. There needs to be at least one full day in Lisbon, not just the offer of an extended stay. The Gallatian dinner was exceptional. The harbor cruise to see the Spanish Atlantic coast and the mussle farming beds was well worth the afternoon; but the stop at the vineyard on the return to Santiego was a disappointment and could have been deleted. (Wine was only of average quality. No one purchased any.) The tour needs one less day in Paris, and one more day in Lisbon; or, consider starting the tour in Lisbon and ending in Paris, with the offer of an extension in Paris. The buses were of acceptable quality and space, except for the bus that met us in Lourdes and took us to San Sebastian, Burgos, and Santiego de Compostela. It had no leg room or restroom. For a six hour bus ride (Burgos to Santiego) this is unacceptable.
Suggestions for the Future
Should have advised prior to the trip that all excursions were cancelled due to lack of interest. Very disappointing. Should be sure arrivals are met at the airport - even though flights are delayed. Need to allow much more time between flights when going through Customs - my flight was delayed in SFO so came in late. Cutoms in Frankfurt took a very long time and had no time to reach the flight to Paris.
Nice to have a Pilgrimage Tour run by a Secular Co
We had always wanted to go to Lourdes and Fatima, but all of the other tours we found were very religious (led by priests, daily masses, etc.). This tour enabled us to visit these sites but customize to our individual level of spirituality (which in our group ranged from people who had no interest in religious services whatsoever to people who took the baths at Lourdes, and in between). Some of the days on the bus are very long (as is the nature of a multicountry tour), but overall the pace was good. For those of us who are still working people, it was nice to actually have a vacation and get a chance for a decent night's sleep, with our daily tours beginning at 8:30 or 9 a.m. We have requested that GoAhead alter the itinerary to include a couple of hours stopping in Porto (since you drive right past it) - thereby eliminating the option excursion there (which no one in our group did because it's too many hours on the bus). We hope they will one day substitute an option excursion to the monasteries/convents surrounding Fatima, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites (Tomar, Batalha and Albacoca). We were able to do Tomar independently on a city bus (takes about 50 minutes), and it was the highlight of our trip. The hotels were all very good quality and well-situation. The bus used in Spain wasn't very comfortable (we were a small group and each were able to have our own seat, otherwise this would have been grueling). We (a couple in our early 40s) traveled with my parents (in their early 80s) and found that the pace worked for everyone. They had time to rest when they needed to, and we had plenty of free time to explore more actively on our own.
Pilgrimage
The Way of St. James tour was memorable, particular made so by our Tour Director Fernando and the various tour guides in all the cities we stopped. In particular I loved all the stops we made along the way, however, could have done without Paris. I have been there several times before and even though the city is gorgeous, Parisians are stand-offish and tolerate us because we continue to help their tourism. Americans and Germans are not their favorites!!~!~ I do not recommend this tour to anyone that has physical limitations. There is a lot of walking and stair climbing involved. My recommendation would be to start this tour somewhere besides Paris.
good & bad trip
Tour director was superb, hotel accommodations were excellent (although some dinners included were just fair), but the bad part was the arrival at airport - we had to wait for the one picking us up & when she finally got there, asked us to wait for a few more minutes to look for another passenger. When we started to complain, that was the only time she took us down & out of the airport & left us there waiting again, not knowing what we should wait for or do. Then after minutes of waiting, finally a driver approached us but instead of being able to take all 16 of us, 6 of us were left behind since we all wouldn't fit in the van provided for. We waited for another long time, & it was only when one of our group members approached a driver of a van (who made calls to Go Ahead Tours) that we were finally able to leave to go to our hotel. This is not our first travel & so this kind of service is unheard of.
