[Gocamino] Advice Needed

[Kimberly Wright]

Good Evening Fellow Camino's!

I am in the final planning stages and had some questions before I book our flight, bus and hotel, etc.  My 15 year old daughter and I are leaving the US on June 6th.  We will be flying into Madrid, taking a bus (I presume) and then walking 10 days to Santiago.  From there we will take a flight to Paris and stay a couple of days before we head home.

Here are my questions:

1.  Is Astorga the best 10-day out from Santiago starting place?

2.  Is taking the bus from Madrid airport to Astorga my only and best option for getting there?

3.  Do I need to pre-book the bus ride from the airport to Astorga or can I purchase it when I arrive (I'm reluctant to purchase ahead of time because of the possibility of flight delays and then missing our bus)

4.  Where do you recommend staying in Santiago...we would love our own room and warm shower...

5.  How long does it take to get to the airport in Santiago from the Cathedral?

That's all my questions for now...any answers and other recommendations would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Kimberly