Production Supporters

In October 2011, 17 pilgrims embarked on a 10-day walking tour of the Camino, sponsored by Judy Colaneri and Spanish Steps. This fundraiser was quite a success! The new pilgrims, hailing from different parts of the globe from California to South Africa, enjoyed morning meditations and spiritual exercises to get the most out of their Camino and walked more than they thought they ever could!

A Special Thanks to our 10-day Camino Tour contributors. If you are planning a trip to Spain, please consider supporting these organizations that truly embody the spirit of The Camino.

Gold Shell Supporters

Judy & Spanish Steps

The time and leadership donated by Judy Colaneri of Spanish Steps made the tour a success. With years of experience taking groups along the Camino de Santiago, walking tours exploring Spain, France and Italy as well as customized yoga and hiking trips, Judy’s expertise along the walk provided the group with irreplaceable knowledge and guidance throughout the journey.

Judy also runs a wonderful B&B in Asturias, Fuentes de Lucia, that is gorgeous, has great food, a yoga studio and great hiking right out the front door.

Pedro & Gomserbus

With our safety and comfort always a priority, Pedro of Gomserbus ensured that everyone’s individual transportation needs were accommodated throughout the trip. With new buses and extensive knowledge of how to maneuver Spanish roads, Gomserbus is the perfect transportation partner for groups of all sizes, ages and nationalities.

Sienna Reynaga

With a background in marketing and event organization, Sienna served as a liaison between our Portland Office and Spain throughout the planning period. Based in Santiago de Compostela enabled Sienna to work with local restaurant and hotel partners to ensure each phase of the tour was perfectly planned and executed.

Sally Bentley

Back to Santiago for the first time since shooting the Documentary, Senior Producer Sally Bentley served as a tour leader and administrator ensuring that all business aspects of the trip were meticulously taken care of, each tour participant was perfectly cared for on and off the trail and each fundraising event went off without a hitch.

A Painza (Arzua)

Maria Jose at A Painza became our home away from home when we were in Galicia. She donated all the rooms for not just one but two nights for all our pilgrims and us guides as well! We were able to stay in five of her seven distinct houses each complete with a living room and kitchen. Most of the rooms had their own bathrooms an everyone loved spending a few days here.

Hotel Monumental San Francisco (Santiago)

We couldn’t imagine a better way to end our trip than to stay at the four-star Hotel Monumental located only steps away from the Cathedral. Originally a 18th century Franciscan Convent, this hotel brings modern luxury together with classic architecture of the period. The hotel that was also our home away from home during our shoot generously donated our final night. The beauty of the property was only outdone by the impeccable service.

Silver Shell Supporters

Hotel Spa Ciudad de Astorga

Located right in the middle of quaint Astoria, the Hotel Spa Ciudad de Astorga offers a luxurious stay moments from both the Cathedral and Gaudi museum. The management team generously donated both our rooms and event space for our stop there. We enjoyed exploring the town before being treated to an extensive Spanish dinner and our first fundraising/screening of the tour.

El Paraiso del Bierzo (Herrerias de Valcarce)

With one of our favorite views of the trip, we couldn’t resist exploring every inch of the four-star El Paraiso del Bierzo in order to catch a glimpse of each of their beautifully decorated double and single rooms. We split our group in two this night and all enjoyed intimate dinner conversation over a meal that was put together with love just for our participants to get a great sampling of what the region had to offer.

Hoteles Carris – Alfonso IX (Sarria)

Carris Hoteles, a name synonymous with quality in Galicia, generously donated rooms during our stay in Sarría and celebration of hitting the 100km mark. Alfonso IX also played host to our packed Sarria fundraising/screening that included many members of the local community with an interest in the film. Additionally, Carris donated a few more rooms in Santiago at their new property, Casa de la Troya, a modern delight in the middle of the Zona Vieja for some of our special guests who joined us at the conclusion of our trip.

Pazo de Sedor (Arzua)

The perfect stop a few steps off the Camino Frances is the quaint Pazo de Sedor that offers some of the comforts of home while on the trail and generously donated rooms to the tour. With meals and everything prepared in-house, once you step through the door of this Pazo you will be content throughout your stay here.

Casa Rectoral de Lestedo (Palas de Rei)

This house was designed to offer something different to its guests by blending the most traditional with a modern touch. Our tour participants were excited to be able to stop right on the Camino at this gorgeous renovated rural house near Palas de Rei.

Bronze Shell Supporters

Hotel Paris Leon (Leon)

Paris Leon offered a great start to what would evolve to be a trip of a lifetime for our participants. Located in the midst of bustling Leon, the hotel offered our group a great introduction to Spain as we adjusted to our hiking boots and got acquainted with each other.

Dinner at Casa Elisa (Santiago de Comopostela)

Our final night in Santiago was an 8-course masterpiece of literally some of the finest food found in Galicia. Chef and Owner, Pepe, generously donated this meal in order to ensure that our group was left with an unforgettable final impression of the best of the region. The night was topped off by a Quemada (recital of local spell) by Candlelight that created memories to last a lifetime.

Lunch at Hotel San Miguel Gastronomico (Santiago)

Our pilgrims were once again treated in our final lunch together in Santiago. The new Hotel San Miguel Gastronomico provided the perfect backdrop on our final rainy day in Galicia and donated a lunch that allowed us to bring together both our tour participants and local supporters as we celebrated the documentary and success of the trip.

Pousada de Portomarín (Portomarín)

A popular stop for groups, we were pleased that the Pousada de Portomarin donated a portion of our rooms during our Friday night in Portomarin. Our group enjoyed views of sunset over the ancient ruins of Portomarin from the sparkling terrace and comfortable accommodations.

Casa de Tepa (Astorga)

With only ten rooms, the Casa de Tepa wasn’t able to accommodate our complete group, but they generously donated rooms for a few pilgrims who were treated to a night in this literal oasis in the middle of Astorga. With Napoleon on their list of famous guests, Casa de Tepa is a true gem.

El Capricho de Josana (Herrerias de Valcarce)

Only a few steps away from the heart of Vega de Valcarce and literally on the Camino is this beautiful center of rural tourism. With a special rate just for our group, half of our pilgrims enjoyed a home-cooked meal inside this immaculately decorated little paradise.

Mirador Restaurant in Portomarin

We literally feasted at the Mirador as we tasted some of Galicia’s most well known meat and seafood options. Our vegetarians were even provided with some of the best culinary options of the trip that featured fruits and vegetables from the land.

We are grateful to the following organizations for their help with the screenings during the tour.

Screening hosted by Joan Alcala & Bar Café Mandala (Arzua)

We were overwhelmed by the support and press coverage that our Arzua event generated, most of which was thanks to Joan Alcala and his generous donation of space at the Bar Café Mandala.

Screening hosted by Hotel AC Palacio del Carmen (Santiago)

With one of the most beautiful screening spaces in Santiago, the Hotel AC Palacio del Carmen donated space and refreshments to our over 100 guests in attendance for our Santiago screening. Pilgrims, supporters of the film and our group mixed to celebrate a milestone achieved with the trip.

Sarria Association of Pilgrims

The success of the Sarria fundraiser was made possible by the enthusiastic support of the local pilgrim association (Jorge and Leña!) who made sure that both the local community and pilgrims in town for the night were in attendance at this full event.

Paloma y Leña Albergue

Paloma and Leña not only offered their generous support as we planned and put together the tour , but they also were critical in making sure the word got out about our event. Friends of the Documentary since our shoot, their Albergue is a must-see stop when in Sarria.

We are grateful to Carlos Mencos at who promoted the screenings and Walking the Camino every step of the way through his comprensive Camino website, www.jacobeo.net.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to both Juan Frisuelos and Malu Edigo who were our in-Spain publicity team. They worked tirelessly to promote the screenings and do everything they could to make the tour a success.

Special thanks to Maria Asunción Arias Arias and Tracy Saunders for their wonderful assistance along the way.

Camino Tour Supporters 2013

In June of 2013, we celebrated the week before our European Premiere of the film in collaboration with Carpe Diem of Galicia for another successful Fundraising Tour. We started where we finished on our last walk together in Santiago de Compostela, and this time walked on the lesser-known path of the Camino Finisterre-Muxia. We had some returning pilgrims of our 2011 tour, as well as three new pilgrims who quickly picked up the walking spirit of the group. Each of these special ladies also donated generously to the film, and their support is immensely appreciated.

A Special Thanks goes out to all our Tour contributors. If you are planning on walking the Camino Finisterre-Muxía, each of these places and people along the way will not only make your trip even more incredible, but you will be treated to an authentic taste of the true Galicía beyond the borders of Santiago and along the Costa de Morte.

Gold Shell Supporters

Carpe Diem Galicia

Led by Sienna Reynaga and Iván Leis, Carpe Diem spearheaded this year’s tour and provided us with local expertise not only of the Camino, but also with the Gastronomy and Culture of the region. Dedicated to the organization and marketing of events and organizations, like our tour, Carpe Diem provided a first-class experience and continues to be dedicated to sharing the beauty of Galicia with the world.

Sally Bentley

Serving as the liaison between the tour planning and the Walking the Camino headquarters, Sally once again played an integral role in the tour’s administration. Providing both business expertise and a special commitment to “Pilgrim Care”, Sally was critical in making the tour a success.

Casa de Bola

Built in 1830, you feel like you have walked in the house of Galician royalty, in this meticulously renovated home. On the outskirts of Negreira, this “casa rural” provides a private oasis perfect for relaxation and enjoying the Galician country side. If you end your walk in Negreira, Jesús the homeowner will personally come to pick you up from the middle of town to drive the few kilometers to this destination perfect for individuals and small groups.

Casa Gasamáns

On the other side of Negreira, this wonderful property is more than 100 years old, yet wonderfully updated for every comfort. Bordered by native forest on one side and the River Tambre on the other, the property of Casa Gasamans features accommodation for as many as 23 guests, gardens, swimming pool, and lounge areas. With one of the owner’s also a trained Chef, we were also fortunate enough to have one of our meals at Casa Gasamáns where the food was as divine as this destination.

Cabanas de Lires

Located 14km from both Finisterre and Muxía, the Cabañas de Lires not only provide a perfect middle point for the final chapter of this route, but also a great central point for any part of the Camino Finisterre-Muxía. Ines and Braulio (and the entire family) play perfect hosts at these three cabins and neighboring Casa Jesús that are surrounded by trees, gardens, and a pool for post-walking relax time. If you plan ahead, Grandma is on hand to provide a home-cooked dinner experience, which we took advantage of with a traditional Galician BBQ and Octopus feast! It also looks like the perfect place to bring a family for a little rural holiday a short jump away from Santiago.

Casa de Trillo

Distinguished as the first establishment in the region with a “Q for Quality”, Casa de Trillo combines comfort with luxury. With traceable history back to 1558, this was indeed our oldest spot we stayed in, but again, you would never know with the perfectly restored accomdations. Our hosts, Jesús and Rosa, were so gracious and the food was amazing as they are also a member of Slow Food, the eco-gastronomic organization. Our elaborate dinners were matched by equally as delicious breakfast spreads. If you are celebrating your final ending of the Camino, you couldn’t pick a better spot than with the Trillos.

Albergue San Jose

While we only got to tour and enjoy coffee at the like-new Albergue San Jose in Negreira, the Albergue’s owner and Camino aficionado, Perry Vieito generously provided our transportation for the week. He patiently waited for us as we walked and ferried our luggage from spot to spot, as he does for pilgrims staying at the “San Jose”. A perfect resting place for both pilgrims seeking a traditional albergue experience, or for those in need of a private room, the Albergue is a great way to stay in the center of Negreira and enjoy pilgrim life. Like to fish? Perry, who became truly one of the group, might even show you some good fishing spots…

Hotel Monumental San Francisco (Santiago)

Once again the Hotel San Francisco played an integral role in the success of our second fundraising tour. This time, we started and ended our journey at the hotel as the Hotel is the perfect first and last impression of Santiago de Compostela. With a breakfast to die for and perfect access to the Cathedral, this hotel is our official home away from home in Santiago!

Whether you walk on your own or in a group, the Camino always inspires the spirit of collaboration. Our trip was no exception and only with the generosity of these individuals and businesses was the trip a true success. Special thanks to Chef Marcelo Negreira of Ponte Maceira Restaurante, Beatriz Herraez of A Casa de Suarez, Ismael Romaris of Paspartú Copistería Papelería, José Luis Teofilo of Teofilo Comunicaión,Casa de Troya – Carrís Hoteles, and the Ayuntamiento de Negreira. The spirit of the Camino is alive and well on the Camino Finisterre Muxía.