This year’s exciting Fundraising Trek will be an exploration into the beautiful and historical north-west region of Spain.  A trip to the Camino Santiago de Compostela, also known as the "Way of St. James" which is one of the most famous pilgrimage walks in the world.

This particular 8 day trek from Sarria to the World Heritage city of Santiago, is the perfect trip for solo adventurers or groups of friends. The 111km trek will be led by experienced tour guide, Michael Grainger.

By, taking part in this trek you will be supporting people living with sight loss or autism achieve greater independence and an improved quality of life. What's more is that you'll experience one of the world's most historical journeys and your effort will be recognised through a special certificate ("Compostela") issed to you by the famous Cathedral's Pilgrims Office.

The cost per participant is €1,950. This includes the trip costs (€750) and the minimum fundraising target (€1,250)

The trip cost includes:

• Return flights from Dublin to Sanitago de Compostela
• All internal transfers including luggage transport during the trek
• Accommodation includes bed, breakfast and dinner
• Fully guided tour and historical notes for each section of the walk

Itinerary

Day 1 ~ Sarria

Your first night will be spent in Sarria. After settling in and relaxing, you will meet at a riverside cafe where you will meet your fellow participants and be issued with your very own Pilgrim's Passport which you will get stamped along the Camino and at the Cathedral at the end of your journey in order to receive your "Compostela

Day 2 ~ Sarria - Portomarin, 23.4km (220m ascent)

After travelling through narrow streets and over the remains of an original Roman bridge towards wide open spaces, quiet country roads and forests, you will stop for lunch in a little hamlet at Ferreiros. The walk will end at Portormarin, where you will stay the night.

Day 3 ~ Portomarin - Palas de Rei, 22.4km (340m ascent)

You will begin your walk from the church square of San Nicholas in Portomarin and cross over the river on a narrow foot bridge, making your way along paths and farmland before you arrive at your first coffee break, 6 km away. You will continue to walk a further 9km until you stop for lunch and then on a final 7km to Palas de Rei, where you will spend your night.

Day 4 ~ Palas de Rei - Arzua, 27km

You will walk through stunning oak and pine forests as you cross from the province of Lugo to La Coruna. You will stop at Melide for lunch, before heading on for Arzua for a well earned drink in the town square, where you will await for a bus to arrive to bring you back to Melide where you will stay the night.

Day 5 ~ Arzua - Rua, 18km (40m decent)

You will walk through various landscapes of pine and eucalyptus forest paths, wide open spaces and quiet country roads. Watching the markers you will be able to count down the distance yet to travel to Santiago. You will stop with your fellow travellers for a late lunch at a busy roadside cafe, and after a further 40mins walk you will reach your final resting place before entering Santiago the following day.

Day 6 ~ Rua - Santiago, 19km (100m ascent)

This is a significant day on your journey along the pilgrim route to Santiago. The city is quite big and the change of terrain is reflected as you approach the suburbs of your final destination. You will pass through Labacolla, where tradition has it that pilgrims washed themselves before entering the city. You will come to Monte de Gozo (Mound of Joy) and then begin your final 5km walk into the city, finally arriving at Praza do Obradoiro, where the Cathedral of Santiago stands. You will be free to explore the city of Santiago and its hospitality on this evening.

Day 7 ~ Free Day in Santiago

A day of pure luxury; no packing or unpacking bags. One of the days highlights will be to go along to the Cathedral with other pilgrims, walkers and visitors for mid-day Mass, and perhaps have the opportunity to witness the giant Botafumeiro in full swing.

If you listen carefully before the actual Mass begins, you will hear "Grupo Irlanda" being called out from the altar as each group of walkers who completed walk is acknowledged. If you would like some reflection time after your week's journey, there are endless sights to see around the city, and parks to visit. You will share one final meal with your new found friends and travelling companions before heading for the airport and home on the afternoon of day 8.

If you know someone who might be interested in taking part in our organised fundraising break away please contact Bernadette Healy on 1850 506 300 or email fundraising@guidedogs.ie to book your place.

You will be sent an information pack with details of the trip, your fundraising target and ideas on how to reach the target. Our Fundraising Team are here to support your efforts for this trip of a lifetime!