Travel Experiences
Announcing Our Next Spring 2025 International Trip
You are invited to join us for either an 8- or 32-day journey.
8-day Journey*: May 12-19, 2025
32-day Journey*: April 18-May 19, 2025
*An optional additional day will be added to each of the two packages to account for jet lag.
The additional day will cost is $200 if you choose to add it on for either package.
We are so excited to share some details about our next International Trip to Camino de Santiago. This is the Portugal Route to Santiago, Spain. Join us for a transformative journey on the Camino de Santiago, an ancient trail with a rich history dating back to the 9th century. This scenic route has been walked by kings, queens, popes, and presidents. Over a week or month, immerse yourself in the culture, history, and stunning landscapes of this unique pilgrimage.
WHY THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO?
The Camino de Santiago, or "Way of St. James," is an ancient pilgrimage route stretching across Europe. Following the Milky Way west to Cape Fisterra, the trail culminates in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James were discovered in the 9th century. This path, rich in heritage and tradition, offers a unique opportunity for self-exploration and empowerment.
PREPARATION & TRAINING:
This trip requires all participants to prepare for the journey; prepare your body for the hike, prepare your mind for changing, and prepare yourself to incorporate what you have learned thus far in your “normal” life.
When walking the Camino de Santiago, it is highly recommended that students ‘practice’ or do some training before the trip. On the Camino they will be walking an average of 20 to 25kms each day, every day, so it is important to get used to a full day on the go and also comfortable with their walking gear, particularly their backpack and shoes. An easy training plan would be going on a long walk (10kms or more if possible) at least once a week, starting at least 4-6 weeks before their Camino trip and 2-3 times per week the last two weeks prior to the trip. The more training, the better.
Experience Highlights:
- Cultural Immersion: Discover the rich history, architecture, and traditions of the Camino.
- Physical Challenge: Hike 20-25 kms daily, experiencing the physical and mental benefits of this transformative journey.
- Community Bonding: Forge lifelong friendships with fellow students through shared experiences.
- Pilgrim Passport: Collect stamps along the route and receive a 'Compostela' certificate in Santiago.
COSTS:
- $1,025 double occupancy per person/$1,275 single occupancy for the 8-day trip
- $3,695 double occupancy per person/$4,995 single occupancy for the 32-day trip
These prices include:
- Transportation from Porto to Baiona (8-day tour).
- Accommodations.
- Luggage transport (1 piece max. 20kg per person).
- English-speaking guide (for 8-day trip only).
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner while on trek.
- Camino pilgrim passport.
The trip cost does not include:
- Airfare to Lisbon (32-day) Porto (8-day). We have access to a travel agent that can help setup flights if needed.
- Airfare from Santiago de Compostela to Home.
- Pilgrims will be responsible for their own water and should plan to bring money for incidentals, souvenirs, snacks, etc.
Registration deadline is Friday, October 25, 2024
We have limited spots. If you have questions, please email April Sandoval at
Previous Travel Experiences
Our students had a wonderful time in South Africa. Students were able to see rhinos, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and zebras at the Zulu Nyala Preserve. They also explored the history of the apartheid by visiting Nelson Mandela’s home and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
Students and parents met in the Mediterranean sun to explore the historic wonders and natural beauty of Spain and Italy. On this 12-day excursion, we visited Madrid, Barcelona, Rome and the Tuscany region, which included Florence, Lucca, and Pisa. We examined the intertwined histories and experienced the architecture, art and cuisine of Italy and Spain. From the Prado and Park Güell to the Roman Colleseum, CMASAS students explored perspectives on these pillars of Europe.
CMASAS students got to know the charm, tradition, and beauty of Cuba. In Havana, Cuba’s capital city, we discussed the region’s conservation efforts, educational resources, and national identity with locals. We then journeyed east to Cienfuegos to discover Cuba’s culture firsthand with a trip to an art studio as well as music and dance performances. We visited the Pay of Pigs, an old sugar cane plantation, and rode a steam engine train, as well as played baseball with the locals. We also viewed the re-enactment of Fortaleza, which is part of Cuba’s propaganda machine.