Hiking with a group

[vindikas]

I hiked the Camino last Summer and found the experience absolutely amazing. I am thinking of taking my high school choir to Camino in June-July 2011 and hike just a portion of it (Leon-Santiago) and sing in the churches on the way. With 30 teenagers in tow I would need to pre-book the hostels. I do not want to go through a tour company where they,for big money, would book you in hotels and transport the backpacks for you. I know that municipal hostels will not accept reservations. How can I create an authentic experience for them without taking any risks with accommodation? Any thoughts?

[grayland]

How big a group?
My first thought is that July in a Holy Year will be very crowded.
There are a number of private albergues along the way that will take reservations but it would be difficult to gather up the telephone numbers in advance.

[vindikas]

The group would be 30-40 people. We are planning for 2011 (I don't think it is the holy year) so I hope we will be ok. I would like for them to sing in the churches on the way (mini-concerts in the evenings).

[grayland]

Hmmm....30to 40 people would be a pretty big load for most villages.
Hopefully, someone will have an idea.

[Sil]

You can order a book called Guia oficial de Hoteles y Campings del Camino de Santiago from any Turespana Office - or oder one from Spain free of charge: E-mail: manuel.jurado@tourspain.es

Or, you could contact the Camino Travel Centre in Santiago who do not charge for booking accommodation as they get a commission from the establishments where they book. Airline Tickets to and from the Camino de Santiago de Compostela

Many churches along the camino are closed during the day. It might be worthwile contacting the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago to let them know when you coming. They may be able to send you a list of parish contacts so that you'll know when certain churches are open. Also visit the Archdiocese website and click on Servicios for different parish contacts. Archidicesis de Santiago de Compostela

Good luck!

Good luck!