Pilgrim at Heart in collaboratoion with EF Go Ahead Tours
Join a small group tour to experience travel across the world. Each year we will offer anew tour opportunity. As a travel coordinator for Go Ahead tours, I invite you to join and bring friends you know or come ready to meet new friends on one of our journeys.
If you are interested in a particular tour destination, you are welcome to contact me about scheduling a requested tour.
The Learn More link will soon have information about the tour to France in 2025.
Pilgrim at Heart also leads tours through EF Go Ahead Tours.
This year, a group tour to the Greek Islands has been fully booked for Sept. 2024.
Next year there is an option to join a EF tour coordinated by Pilgrim at Heart to Paris, Normandy, Brittany and the Loire valley in October 2025! You are welcome to inquire about availability for this trip.
FAQs
What is the group size for a Pilgrim at Heart pilgrimage?
Pilgrim at Heart offers journeys for small groups of travelers. Sponsored tours may have 8-15 people participating. If you would like to ask for a specific tour to be provided or for a private tour for your group, please inquire! Tours offered in collaboration with EF Go Ahead tours may have 20-35 travelers depending on the tour location. For these tours, the group may be all people from Pilgrim at Heart or may be a part of a tour offered with other travelers.
I am interested in completing a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and wondered if I need to train for this?
It helps to have some practice hikes before the pilgrimage begins. Walking outside in the same clothing and footwear you plan to wear gives you a sense of the best choices of apparel. You will want to feel comfortable walking over different types of terrain. Please check the Pilgrim at Heart Blog pages for more help with training for pilgrimage.
How much distance is covered in general each day on the Camino de Santiago?
The distances for Pilgrim at Heart are 8-16 miles per day determined by the level of difficulty of a hike and the proximity to towns with accommodations. On occasion there may not be hotel availability in a smaller town; in this case we would be transported to our next walking destination and our luggage would be transported there for two nights. Some pilgrims appreciate knowing that they will have no wait to check in at the second day in a hotel and that they can unpack a bit more before having to move forward.
What type of equipment do you recommend for hiking?
Hiking boots or trail shoes are recommended. Many pilgrims use hiking poles to help with uneven terrain or rainy days. You will need a day pack to carry water, a snack, rain gear, and your personal items such as wallet, phone, and passport. You might want a small first aid kit, sunscreen, and bug spray depending on the weather. A suggested pack list is provided once you have signed up for a pilgrimage or group travel as this depends upon time of year and route chosen.
What time of year is best for travel on the Camino de Santiago in Spain?
Late spring, early or late summer, and early fall are generally the best times to walk on the Camino de Santiago. The feast day of St. James on July 25th is the most crowded time in Santiago de Compostela. Other celebrations and holy days are celebrated throughout the year. Winter and early spring can be cold and rainy, with strong winds and occasional snow and sleet. While this time of year has its challenges, some pilgrims appreciate the quieter time with more solitude for reflection.
What time of year is best for travel to Iona, Scotland?
Scotland has moderate to cool temperatures most of the year with best weather in late spring, summer, and early fall. Winter has overcast skies with much rain, wind, and occasional snow. For Iona, there is less travel in the winter and hotels, restaurants, and shops close from the end of October to the beginning of March. Ferries run less frequently to the island during this time and the small convenience grocery is the only store that remains open.
How much luggage should I bring for my pilgrimage?
Pack light when planning your pilgrimage. Choose items comfortable for walking and layers of clothing to adjust for the temperature. Plan for one suitcase and a carry-on backpack or bag for the plane. Checking a suitcase is helpful to not have to manage your luggage while traveling. If you choose to check a bag, be sure to have some basic necessities and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is delayed.
What happens if I forget something?
For all of our destinations, you will be able to purchase any necessary items that you might have forgotten when you arrive. This includes toiletries, clothing, and other necessities. Know that you will need to bring a converter or adapter for any electronic devices you will be bringing. The outlets in Scotland (Great Britain) differ from those in Spain (Europe) and will not work with our plugs on devices from the U.S.. without an adapter.
Are the pilgrimage trips offered by Pilgrim at Heart religious in nature?
There is no expectation regarding religious or spiritual beliefs for Pilgrim at Heart. Pilgrimages occur in places with religious history with a focus on spirituality, nature, and connection with a variety of people and places. Many of our destinations have a Celtic history that dates back to pre-Roman times. Travelers with Pilgrim at Heart may be of any faith tradition or have no religious practices or beliefs.
Is there a way to get to know other travelers before a Pilgrim at Heart trip?
Once you have registered for a pilgrimage, you will be invited to join other pilgrims signed up for your trip in monthly zoom meetings. This will be a time to ask questions and for travelers to meet one another before the trip. An agenda will be provided before each meeting for you to know what the topics will be and what to expect from our time on zoom. These meetings usually last for 1-1/2 hrs depending on the number of participants and topics for our meeting.
What is the terrain like in Iona, Scotland?
Iona is a small island that has grassy areas with rolling hills, sand beaches, rocky cliffs and wind-swept shore areas. There is just one road that traverses the island, however there are many paths and open fields that pilgrims are welcome to explore. As rain could be in the forecast during your stay, be sure to bring all-weather shoes or boots comfortable for hiking if you plan to join in the walks around Iona.
How do I plan my travel for a Pilgrim at Heart international destination?
You will be booking your own airfare allowing time to arrive at our location on the first day of our pilgrimage. Travel from the U.S. is overnight to locations in Europe and Scotland. This would require you to leave one day early. You are welcome to spend additional time traveling before or after one of our tours. You are welcome to request help with your travel plans from Pilgrim at Heart once you have booked a pilgrimage.
How do I manage my luggage on the Camino de Santiago?
One suitcase per person is transported by our outfitter each day of walking on the Camino de Santiago. The luggage is brought from one hotel lobby to the next. You will need to bring your suitcase from the hotel lobby to your room and to return it to the lobby the day we are leaving. Some hotels offer an elevator while others may have stairs without an elevator. Please pack only what you can carry yourself.
For the Camino de Santiago you will only need to carry a small backpack on the walking days. As you will be able to purchase lunch on the Camino, the most important and heaviest item you will be carrying in your daypack will be your water. No large backpacks are needed.
Where will we be staying in Oban and Iona, Scotland?
Our accommodations in Oban and on Iona are small hotels with unique Scottish charm near the sea at both places. All hotel rooms have private baths and breakfast provided.
What are the accommodations like in Spain and on the Camino de Santiago?
We will be staying in some larger hotels in larger towns such as Santiago de Compostela. Mostly we will be in small hotels while on the Camino de Santiago whether on the French Way or the Portuguese Way. While accommodations are usually in small towns along the Camino, occasionally we may stay at a manor house located in the countryside. If a location is off the Camino path, a shuttle van will transport us to the accommodation for that evening and return us to the trail the next day.
All hotel rooms have private baths