God is Within Us

A Pilgrimage to El Camino de Santiago

May 26 - June 4, 2024

About

Join Bishop Kelly High School on a 100km pilgrimage along the historic Camino, where we’ll journey through the Basque Region through San Sebastian, Zarazuz, Loyola, and Santiago de Compostela. Over the 10-20 miles you’ll traverse daily, you’ll take in the picturesque Spanish countryside, reflect with your fellow pilgrims, and spend peaceful moments in God’s presence. And like the countless pilgrims that have walked these same paths before you, you’ll encounter Christ in a way that will change you forever.

Students can apply now! Please complete your application by May 17th, 2023 to receive priority consideration. Pilgrims will be invited to register after May 24th. If you have questions about the application process, please email Dr. Anthony Paz at apaz@bk.org.

Trip Details

Group Type & Size

Bishop Kelly High School Family & Friends, 24-45 pilgrims

Length

10 days, 9 nights

Accommodations

Simple

Cost

As low as

$4,335

Deposit:

$500

What's Included

Professional, licensed tour guide(s)
Custom booklet for each pilgrim
Catholic Chaplain
Daily Mass
All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
Simple accommodations
Breakfast and dinner daily
Transportation on private motor coach

Itinerary

May 26
Depart U.S.
  • Depart U.S. (flights not yet included in the package)
May 27
Bilbao, San Sebastian
  •  Arrive in Bilbao, travel to San Sebastian
  • Check into hotel and celebrate Mass (pending availability)
  • Overnight in San Sebastian
  • Accommodations: Hotel Anoeta or similar
  • Meals included: Dinner
May 28
San Sebastian, Zarauz
  •  Begin walking, San Sebastian to Zarauz (20.3 km, ~ 12.6 miles)
  • Possibility to celebrate Mass
  • Overnight in Zarauz
  • Accommodations: Hotel Alameda or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
May 29
Zarauz, Deba
  •  Hike from Zarauz to Deba (22 km, ~ 13.7 miles)
  • Possibility to celebrate Mass
  • Overnight in Deba
  • Accommodations: Hotel Arbe and Penison Zumardi or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
May 30
Deba, Markina
  •  Hike from Deba to Markina (24.3 km, ~ 15.1 miles)
  • Possibility to celebrate Mass
  • Overnight in Markina
  • Accommodations: Hotel Antsotegi and Penison Txomin Ostatua or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
May 31
Markina, Gernika, Loyola
  •  Hike from Markina to Loyola (25 km, ~ 15.5 miles)
  • Possibility to celebrate Mass
  • Transfer to Loyola (about 1 hr)
  • Overnight in Loyola
  • Accommodations: Cel Arrupe or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
June 1
Loyola, A Rua
  •  Guided visit to the Loyola sanctuary
  • San Sebastian de Soreasu, Basilica Loyola, and Santa Casa
  • Possibility to celebrate Mass in the Conversion Chapel of the Sanctuary Loyola (pending availability)
  • Transfer to A Rua (about 8-9 hrs)
  • Overnight in A Rua
  • Accommodations: Hotel O Pino or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
June 2
A Rua, Santiago de Compostela
  • Hike from A Rua to Santiago de Compostela (22 km, ~ 13.7 miles)
  • Possibility to celebrate Mass along the way
  • Overnight in Santiago de Compostela
  • Accommodations: Hotel Gelmirez or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
June 3
Santiago de Compostela
  • Discover Santiago de Compostela, including guided visit in the Old Quarter and the Cathedral
  • Attend the Pilgrim Mass or celebrate a private Mass in the Cathedral (pending availability)
  • Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Santiago de Compostela
  • Accommodations: Hotel Gelmirez or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
June 4
Departure
  • Depart Santiago de Compostela with transfer to Santiago airport (flights not yet included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Led by

Group LeaderGroup Leader
Dr. Anthony Paz
Theology Department Chair, Bishop Kelly High School

Dr. Anthony Paz is Bishop Kelly’s Theology Department chair. He has made pilgrimages throughout Greece and Italy and various spots in the US. Walking the Camino de Santiago has been a dream since he was a sophomore in high school. He speaks a little Spanish (could be better) and is married into Boise’s Basque community (AncestryDNA also revealed he’s 6% Basque!). St. Ignatius of Loyola has been a patron of his for years and he is excited to combine so many of his passions into this student pilgrimage.

Gina Shanahan
Spanish Teacher, Bishop Kelly High School

Hello y ¡hola! I am Gina Shanahan. I have been teaching Spanish at Bishop Kelly since the fall of 2011. I lived in Madrid (Spain) for nearly 3 years while completing my masters degree at St. Louis University Madrid and I have wanted to do some of the Camino de Santiago for a long time. I have visited some of the areas we will be walking through, so when Dr. Paz started to organize the trip I was very much on board! We teach about the Camino in Spanish 3, so I can’t wait to experience part of it with students. I grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and went to Gonzaga University for my undergraduate degree. I am married to our Activities/Athletics Director, Tom Shanahan. We have two children – Aislinn (5) and John Patrick (2.5). In my free time I like to spend time outside with my children, exercise, and read.

Pricing

As low as

$4,335

Package Cost (without savings)

$4,535

Trip Savings

Early bird (first 10 pilgrims to register)
Save $200/person

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$772/person
Travel protection
Quote available after registrations*

“As low as” price includes savings for early bird registration.
Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare.
The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

*For more information and to purchase travel protection, please review the information in the “Additional Information” section below. Premiums are based on trip costs per person and optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage is available (see plan terms and benefits).

Rates assume a minimum of 24 full-paying pilgrims.

 

  • Roundtrip airfare (optional add-on)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Gratuities for guide(s), driver(s), and meals
  • Meals while traveling, as well as all lunches and drinks at meals
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel insurance with Cancel for Any Reason Coverage (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Want help arranging your flights?

Simple Accommodations
Lodging options along the Camino trail are very limited. Verso Ministries secures the best accommodations available, many of which are quaint, family-owned pilgrim houses with lots of history, character, and charm. All properties are vetted by our team and include private restrooms.

  • San Sebastian: Hotel 3* Anoeta or similar
  • Zarauz: Hotel 2* Alameda or similar
  • Deba: Hotel 3* Arbe and Penison Zumardi or similar
  • Markina: Hotel 2* Antsotegi and Penison Txomin Ostatua or similar
  • Loyola: Cel Arrupe or similar
  • A Rua: Hotel 1* O Pino or similar
  • Santiago de Compostelo: Hotel 3* Gelmirez or similar

 

Optional Travel Protection – Travel Insured Student Group Deluxe Plan

  • To help protect your investment of travel and to help protect yourself while you are away, consider purchasing travel protection from Travel Insured International. An A+ Best Company, these protection plans include pre-departure benefits such as Trip Cancellation and post-departure benefits such as Accident & Sickness Medical, Baggage/Baggage Delay, Evacuation, Missed Connection, Trip Delay and Trip Interruption. In addition, plans include 24/7 Emergency Assistance Services that are provided by an independent organization, and not by United States Fire Insurance Company or Travel Insured International. Travel Relaxed, Travel Secure, Travel Insured.
  • Below is a link that will allow you to purchase the Student Deluxe Group Travel Protection Plan for your trip. Rates are based on overall trip cost and not age. You will need to enter the cost of your full trip cost and make your purchase prior to final trip payment on the Student Deluxe Plan in order to qualify for the pre-existing medical condition waiver. For questions on the plan, coverage or procedures, please contact the Group Support Desk at Travel Insured 844‑440‑8113.
  • Click here to get a quote and purchase the Student Deluxe Group Travel Protection Plan for your trip.
  • Click here to download and print the Plan Document.
    • Residents of Montana, New York, Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Armed Forces Americas, Armed Forces Europe, Armed Forces Pacific, Oregon, Illinois, New Hampshire, Missouri and Washington must receive a state-specific Plan Document. Please contact us if you need a state-specific Plan Document.

 

Arranging your own flights? Designated arrival and departures times

  • Designated times will be announced once Group Flight has been secured so pilgrims arrive/departire at or before the Group Flight times.
  • If you elect to arrive/depart at times different than those listed here, private transfers (fee will apply) can be arranged on your behalf.

 

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times at the airport, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396

 

Arriving early or staying late? Pre-stay and post-stay options

No extension offered for this departure.

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
Final balance due 120 days prior to departure – Final balance

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Final package price is estimated. Pricing is based on currency exchange rates as of April 2023. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates may impact final pricing. If you have any questions about pricing and when final pricing decisions will be communicated, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

 

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to Verso Ministries in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims and fees will be charged per person per booking.

Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here.

  • Within 2 weeks of deposit: Free Cancellation*
  • 91 days or more from departure: Deposit is retained
  • 90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

*To qualify for free cancellation within 2 weeks of deposit, deposit must be made 180 days or more prior to departure.

Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted.

FAQ

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Not only does registering guarantee you a spot on the pilgrimage before the departure fills up, but if you are one of the first 20 pilgrims to register you will receive the early bird discount. Also, there is no risk for 14-days after you register should you then have to cancel (must register 180 days or more prior to departure). So let’s say you register for a pilgrimage, but then realize you can no longer attend, as long as you cancel your pilgrimage within 14-days of registering and registered more than 180 days prior to the departure, then we will fully refund your deposit no questions asked. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest. Plus, the sooner you register the sooner your journey begins. Register today!

There is no risk! Your deposit will be fully refunded as long as you cancel within 14-days of registering and you have registered more than 180 days or more prior to departure. With no risk, why wait? Get registered today!

Registration closes when the pilgrimage reaches the maximum number of pilgrims. If the pilgrimage is filled when you register, you will be added to our waiting list, and contacted in the event that space on the pilgrimage becomes available. Don’t miss your chance, register now and begin your journey.

We highly recommend that all pilgrims buy travel protection. Travel protection is not only for peace of mind, but helps protect you and those you are traveling with from unforeseen emergencies, which always seem to happen at the worst possible time. In the event of emergencies, both before and during your travels, as well other circumstances, like travel delay, lost baggage, missed connection(s), and much more, travel protection can help. Upon registration you will receive a travel protection quotation. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call the issuing company. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396. We are happy to help!

Including optional add-ons with your pilgrimage can really add to your experience whether it is one of the optional extension or arranging an extra night stay beforehand so you are rested when the pilgrimage begins. If you would to add on any optional arrangements, as listed above, please email us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.

A pilgrimage, at its simplest, is a trip of faith. Which means a pilgrimage can be anything from a walk around your city to an encounter of Jesus in the Holy Land. For Catholics, it’s a trip of faith that people have been taking for hundreds or even thousands of years, many times in the same exact places you can visit today. It’s an opportunity to experience the spots God has made his presence known most in time and space, whether that’s where Jesus walked, where Mary appeared, or where the saints have lived and worked.

At Verso, we believe in crafting pilgrimages that offer you a view of God’s world and his work in it that you can’t get anywhere else. We believe everything from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims are ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all. We also believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, it’s how you prepare from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. Which means it’s our intention to shepherd you through the entire process — before, during, and after — so you can have the best, most transformative experience possible. We’re not just travel experts, we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. Our goal is to make sure you’re physically, logistically, and spiritually ready for your pilgrimage. You’ll receive essential emails that will walk you through the process and give you ways to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. A pre-trip webinar will make sure you are in touch with the Verso leader of the trip, can get trip-specific info, and can ask questions. We’ll send you a pilgrim kit that contains a comprehensive booklet for your trip along with some Verso swag (such as a bag, pen, and sticker) that you can bring along with you on your pilgrimage. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email if you have any questions or special needs.

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Activity Level

Easy
This trip’s activity level is easy. It’s recommended that travelers be in good health to enjoy this itinerary and be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include half or full-day itineraries with 1-3 hours of leisurely walking per day on smooth or slightly inclined terrain. The pace is more relaxed, with opportunities to rest throughout the day.

Moderate
This trip’s activity level is moderate. Travelers must be in good health and be in good physical condition to enjoy this itinerary. Travelers must be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries of 3-5 hours of walking at a normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and hills. The pace is faster and more demanding, with some breaks throughout the day.

Difficult
This trip’s activity level is difficult. Travelers must be in good health and physically fit to enjoy this itinerary. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries with up to 5-7 hours of walking at normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and steep hills. The pace is vigorous and demanding, with little down time each day.

Accommodation Level

Simple
For the duration of your trip, enjoy a range of lodging accommodations — from quaint guesthouses to simple-styled hotels. Discover a newfound appreciation for each of these locations which often have a unique character of their own. With your private bathroom and sleeping quarters, these locations will provide you with a clean, comfortable, and cozy place to settle into during your journey.

Standard
Venues at this level will provide you with the best accommodations at a reasonable cost. Not only will you have access to modern amenities and services, but special care is taken to ensure hotels are located in close proximity to the area’s local attractions. Expect your stay at this level to provide you with an added feeling of comfortability and convenience as you experience your pilgrimage.

Premium
Your stay at the premium level will ensure that your travel involves the opportunity to experience some of the most unique and luxurious stays that a destination has to offer. You’ll find that traveling at this level will afford you the opportunity to optimize your experience at each spot. From fine dining to scenic views, anticipate that your pilgrimage will provide you with breathtaking experiences no other location could provide.

How will I know what my stay will be like?
Each of our pilgrimage locations come with their own unique accommodations. From simple to luxurious, you can know that the care and satisfaction of each pilgrim is our greatest priority. While specific amenities will vary, we are sure that each of these handpicked locations will leave you rested, rejuvenated, and ready for each day.