Two early 60 females beginning a plan to walk part of this pilgrimage trail in May 2008 - starting around Leon. Can anyone recommend a company that would arrange accomodation and luggage transfer each day?
Thanks - any other tips most appreciated

I don't know if this would be what you ahve in mind. I have been considering a company Spanish Steps, www.spanishsteps.com (this was used by a poster , Marigross, a couple of years ago. She wrote a very detailed report about it).

Another one is Fresco Tours:

www.frescotours.com

geosand,
Saranjan also specializes in the Camino.
www.saranjan.com

I seem to recall that those who 'do' the Camino with a vehicle backup (such as luggage transfer) aren't entitled to receive the Compostela (pilgrim's certificate) on completion at Santiago, or even to own a pilgrim's passport (credencial) which needs to be stamped daily to confirm your pilgrimage. There may be exceptions if there's a medical condition or disability that prevents you from carrying your own luggage - you need to explore this through a pilgrimage organisation/association in your own country. For UK, it's http://www.csj.org.uk/
If you just want to do the Camino without getting your certificate (Compostela or certificado), then this doesn't affect you.

The requirement for the certificate is for the "pilgrim" to walk the last 100km. These tour companies apparently build that requirement into their tours.

You might like to check: www.hfholidays.co.uk, they do offer the service.

As laverendrye says,
Yes, to receive the pilgrim's certificate, one must walk the final 100 km. and most companies do build that into their services, as it's very important for their clients.

Wow! I would love to do that!

Yes, my query wasn't about walking the last 100 km (which I knew about), but whether using a vehicle-backup (such as luggage transfer) disqualifies you from getting your Compostela/certificado.
I have looked at some of the tour companies' websites and they all include backup transport - does this mean you only carry your daypack, and is this allowed by church authorities? I have read that they are getting stricter with their requirements to separate genuine pilgrims from mere tourists.

During the two last years, I have two friends who made this trek.

One started in France near Lyon and forced to stop within 100 kms of the goal. The guy started to have serious back problems and couldn't continue. This couple walked 1,400 kms of their pilgrimage of 1,500 kms. I'm not sure if the certificate was issued.

The other person doing this trip started from the French border and completed 800 kms. She's a 66 years old Scottish woman. She cut her weight to the least amount of possible and still have to carry about 20 kilos on her back. She had feet and ankle problems since the walk. She still hopes to do this again. She managed to talk people to sponser her walk and the money was sent to a small village in Africa-young kids have aids in that village.

I help by being a sponser.

Blackduff

Alec,

As far as I know, based on correspondence with these companies and their testimonials on their websites, you will get your Compostela certficate if you walk the last 100 kms ( even with the support van).

In my case, I would like to do it even if they don't give me the Compostela . What can I say, I'm spoiled and don't want to carry the weight on my back! LOL!

cruiseluv,
I know the co-owner of Saranjan (we work with them), and she indicates the same. Marigross's wonderful report of her walk with Spanish Steps makes me want to do it some day as well!

Thank you all for the suggestions. The research continues. can someone give me the link to marigross's report. i can't seem to find it when I search. Thanks again

geosand,
Here's the link to Mari's report-

http://tinyurl.com/32wsaz

Maribel,

I went to the Saranjan website. Unless I'm not reading it right, what they offer is to do custom tours. I am sure that's a wonderful option, but obviously much more expensive. Do you know if they have group dates which I am not finding in their website?

Have you thought of organizing a group? I am sure you would do a marvelous job!