Testimonials
Sonas Travel is a new school tour company, but the ground has been prepared for it by the work of Camino Groups.
Going on these testimonials from schools in 2018, here’s what you can expect from your Sonas booking:
“I couldn’t recommend Camino Groups highly enough”
“Camino Groups organised our Trek Camino for the first time in 2018 and from day one, nothing was too much to ask, every single request was facilitated with enthusiasm and expertise. I couldn’t recommend Camino Groups highly enough in terms of value, participant experience and professionalism.”
Caroline Flynn, Peter McVerry Trust, 2018 and 2019 - Charity fundraiser
“We had an incredible time”
“We had an incredible time – due, in no small part, to the fact that you had arranged everything so wonderfully for us. It all went to plan and the transport, hostels, hotel and guides you had set up for us were all excellent! Many thanks, once again, for all your invaluable help.”
Tina Powell, leader with a group of girl scouts, August 2019.
“Can’t recommend Camino Groups enough”
“Deciding to walk the Camino was a very big decision for me, choosing Camino Group was the best! For a personable, professional and value for money experience, I really believe they can’t be beaten.”
Michelle Tierney, Offaly. Guided Group.
“One of the best weeks of our lives”
Orlaith, Student, Castletroy College.
“Probably be the best tour guide in the world!”
Gary and Janet Fineran, Roscommon. Guided group.
"We had a fantastic time and the accommodation was excellent”
“Just a short note to thank you for all you did in arranging our trip to the Portuguese Camino. We had a fantastic time and the accommodation was excellent. Everything went as planned and that was due in no short measure to all of the planning that you put into the trip. We are extremely grateful to you for all your efforts. The level of service you provided was exceptional and went well beyond what could have been reasonably expected.”
Keenan and Odhran – Portuguese Camino, September 2019, in collaboration with Mullingar Travel
“No hesitation in recommending Eoin and Camino Groups”
Deirdre Rafter, Kildare. Group booking.
"We were all delighted with our trip”
“We were all delighted with our trip, the accommodation was excellent and we had no trouble at all with the bag transfers. When talking to people en-route it seems like we got great value for money and therefore we could not recommend Eoin Garvey and his Camino Groups highly enough. We are all talking about going back again next year!”
Maggie Maher. Group booking.
“Eoin was so knowledgeable and welcoming”
“I wasn’t even travelling with Camino Groups but by good luck we were in sync with our travel plans. Eoin was so knowledgeable and welcoming that we felt part of the group by the end of the week – next time we may go with him for the craic!”
Geraldine Burton. Guided group (added on!).
"I was completely satisfied”
“My local travel agent recommended Camino Groups to me – they organised every part of my Camino trip for me and I was completely satisfied with their service.”
Liam Feehan, Offaly – in collaboration with Keller Travel, Ballinasloe.
“Thanks Eoin for organising an excellent Camino experience”
“Thanks Eoin for organising an excellent Camino experience. No hesitation in recommending Camino Groups – we will definitely be travelling with your company again!”
Bernie and Anne, Mayo. Individual booking.
"Top class holiday… everything was top class”
“Top class holiday… everything was top class…we really enjoyed it! If we go again, it will be with you and I’ll be recommending you to other people!”
Thomas Gleeson, Tipperary. Individual booking.
“Had a great time doing the Camino and enjoyed every minute”
“Had a great time doing the Camino and enjoyed every minute. Trip of a lifetime. We booked the trip with Eoin in Camino Groups and all the accommodation and itinerary was spot on.”
Ann Dennehy, Kerry. Individual booking.
“An experience that no one will forget”
Moate Community School travelled to the Camino in February 2020 – the last school to get out to Galicia before Covid restrictions put a temporary halt to proceedings. Roll on the next schools in 2021/22! Here’s a quick look at their first day’s walking from Sarria to Portomarín, it’s better than any testimonial!
“What was at first anticipated to be a gruelling physical and mental challenge for all involved, turned out to be an unforgettable experience and one that no one will forget. Tired, feet dotted with blisters, the group felt an overwhelming sense of achievement of what they had accomplished, one that they will look back on with great pride.”
Stephen, organising teacher, Moate Community School.
(The most recent Camino Groups school tour – from February 2020, just home before Covid restrictions kicked in!)
“The highlight of transition year”
“It proved to be the highlight of transition year for many of the students – very positive written and oral reviews.
This was the first year that we used a travel agent as part of our planning for the Camino. From the moment our group leader made contact with Eoin in Camino Groups, he knew we were dealing with someone who knew our annual route from Triacastela to Santiago really well. Discussions re accommodation were fruitful and Eoin’s advice and choice of albergues worked very well overall. Also, the change of hotel, and the reasoning behind the change, suggested for Santiago seemed to help the group get more out of their last day than previous groups booked with a different company.
During the planning process, all emails, requests and issues re change of personnel were answered and dealt with promptly and efficiently. Overall, our group were delighted with their experience of Camino 2016. It is our hope to work with Eoin and Camino Groups for 2017.”
Owen, Organising teacher, Blackrock College, Dublin.
(Testimonial from 2016, the first year of Camino Groups school tours. The school has re-booked every year since.)
“Has sent a huge positive vibe around the whole school”
“The best, has sent a huge positive vibe around the whole school. Students will be getting up to speak about it at the graduation ceremonies. It has been unbelievable the effect that this trip has had on our students and the positivity they have brought back with them! We already want to look at booking for next year.”
Virginia, Organising teacher, Confey College, Leixlip.
(The school re-booked with Camino Groups on the back of their Camino experience.)
“It is unlike any other school tour”
“In my opinion it is a wonderful experience for students. It is unlike any other school tour, students are talking about the enriching experiences they had, how they have bonded as a group and how they got to know other students better. Our group had an amazing experience, one that they will never forget!”
As this was our first TY Camino tour I was a little apprehensive, there was no need, Camino Groups were efficient, patient and extremely professional. We had a fantastic experience, the trip was organised extremely well and there was very little for me to do! I would definitely recommend Camino Groups as the company to use for a Camino Tour. Thank you!”
Vivienne Naughton, Organising teacher, Teresian School, Dublin.
(Testimonial from 2016 – the school has re-booked every year since.)
“Totally different and all the better for it”
“Totally different. And all the better for it. It’s a unique experience. And experience is the key word. There are so many different elements to this tour that you just can’t get on an orthodox trip to Paris or Barcelona. The challenge is part of it. Culturally, spiritually, physically- you are challenged and rewarded.”
Declan, Organising teacher, Fingal College, Swords.
(The school re-booked based on their experience.)
“A wonderful way to experience rural Spain”
“The girls so enjoyed the experience despite the few that had blisters. They enjoyed having the independence of leading the walks, having the challenge every day and more importantly the sense of achievement each afternoon. The students loved the chats with others en route, of all walks and ages, and hearing their stories. Of course, all others were very interested when they saw a long group of 25 female teenagers walking together.
The positive feedback I have been getting from parents that I’ve met over the past 10 days has been resounding. We all have good memories of the week. It’s hard to think it’s over – thank you very much for making the experience of organising the trip so easy.
The Camino School Tour is a wonderful way to experience Spain, the rural Spain, away from the beaten track, giving all involved a sense of responsibility, ownership, independence, guided freedom, challenge and achievement every day they walk, developing new friendships with other students and teachers in the group and seeing and tasting the local cuisine. A truly wonderful way to experience Spain, hands on.”
Aishling Murphy, Organising teacher. Loreto College, Letterkenny.
(Another school that booked the following year based on the success of their Camino trip.)
