2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 11 nights accommodation
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 11 Breakfasts

12 Days£2270GBP

Overview

Trip Code: CXS

Trip highlights


  • Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
  • Walk the last 115km of the Camino at a relaxed pace and qualify for the pilgrims certificate
  • Reach Santiago on foot and experience the famous pilgrims mass
  • Tastings of local specialties
  • Visit to Fisterra and guided walks in Sarria and Santiago
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow walkers

A hike along the Camino in northern Spain is one of the world's great walking experiences. This trip provides the perfect option for those wanting a guided walk along the last stage of the pilgrimage route at a relaxed pace of between 10 to 18km per day. Completing the final 115kms to Santiago means you are eligible to receive the official Compostela certificate. Along the walk you'll gain an appreciation of the historic significance of the trail while reflecting on the meditative role that walking offers. The gates of Galicia lead to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James. Interwoven through the itinerary are opportunities to extend your camino experience with honey and cheese tasting, guided visits to churches and a visit to the spiritual conclusion of the camino at Fisterra on the Atlantic coast. Enjoy the camaraderie of a small group and local guide and at night stay in atmospheric towns in a selection of comfortable hotels and guesthouses where the local flavours are introduced by your hosts.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Sarria

Finishing Point:

Santiago de Compostela


Make your own way to the joining hotel in Sarria. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. It was a major medieval centre for pilgrims, and the ancient atmosphere can still be felt in the Old Quarter. We can assist with an arrival transfer from Santiago on request (please ask for our rates), also a pre-tour night in Sarria if you'd like to arrive early. Meet with your guide and group for your first evening meal together.

Meals:  D

On our first day on the trail we will walk along rural path or “correidoiras” under oak trees and small villages like Lavandeira or Ferreiros until we reach Morgade. From here we will transfer back to Sarria and our hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour in Sarria to discover this city, gateway of the Camino de Santiago in Galicia. Distance 13km/8mi

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast we will transfer back to Morgade to recommence walking. The trail today will lead us through hamlets and areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands. We'll see our first “horreos”, raised grain silos typical of the region. It's a relatively easy walk until a steep descent leads us across the River Miño, where ruins of the old town of Portomarin rest under the water. In Portomarin we will visit the Church of San Nicolás, moved here and rebuilt stone by stone. Dinner and overnight in Portomarin. The cafe-lined main square is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink. Distance 9km/5.7mi

Meals:  B,D

On today's route we will first ascend to Castromaior through brooms which have a lovely fragrance., then pass by charming hamlets and calvaries. We will visit the ruins of the Castro and continue to the Sierra de Ligonde before reaching Ventas de Narón. Here we will visit the the Romanesque church Vilar de Donas then transfer to our accommodation. Distance 12.5km/7.8mi

Meals:  B,D

We will transfer back to Ventas de Naron to continue our Camino. Today we will gradually descend through the villages of Eirexe and Ligonde to the town of Palas de Rei. This afternoon we can enjoy a tasting of Arzúa-Ulloa local cheese. Afterwards we will transfer to our accommodation. Distance 10km/6.25mi

Meals:  B,D

This morning we will transfer back to Palas de Rei to commence our walk to Melide, one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the walk. We'll walk along beautiful rural roads and over medieval bridges, discovering small hamlets and rural architecture. The French Way and Camino Primitivo trails meet in Melide. We recommend trying the local speciality, ‘Pulpa a feira’ (octopus), which is usually served boiled with red pepper and paprika. Distance 12km/7.5mi

Meals:  B,D

On this stage we will continue through an agricultural landscape to Arzúa. The terrain is easier today, leading through forests full of Eucalyptus trees. After Castaneda the trail dips to Ribadiso da Baixo before leading to Arzua, which we'll reach after crossing the beautiful River Iso, one of the most special spots on the Way. The French Way and Camino Norte trails meet in Arzua, which is in the province of La Coruña. Today, we will visit a museum of honey and have a tasting. Distance 14km/8.7mi

Meals:  B,D

Today is an easy walk with a few small hills to Salceda. Before heading off we suggest savouring the delicate cheese of Designation of Origin Arzúa-Ulloa and stamping your credential in the Church of Santiago de Arzúa. Distance 11.2km/7mi

Meals:  B,D

Green hills will be our traveling companions today as we make our way to the town of Rúa. You will also find hermitages such as Santa Irene. After bypassing the town of Pedrouzo, we will climb through Amenal and drop down to the small town of Lavacolla, also known for its airport servicing the region. Distance 18km/11.25mi

Meals:  B,D

From Lavacolla we will ascend to Monte do Gozo, passing many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges. It's an increasingly populated countryside. From here you will have your first view of the Santiago Cathedral's towers. It's now just 4 km to Compostela, which we'll reach through the beautiful streets of the old town. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. With free time on arrival in Santiago there is plenty to see and do, or you can simply relax and celebrate your arrival. Distance 10km/6.25mi

Meals:  B

Enjoy a group trip to Fisterra on the Atlantic Ocean to discover this special spot on the Camino. Free time for lunch. This afternoon there will be a guided walking tour to discover the old town in Santiago and tonight, a special farewell dinner.

Meals:  B,D

The trip concludes in Santiago after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Santiago, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 11 breakfasts, 10 dinners (beverages and coffee included) - breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will usually consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 11 nights in comfortable hotels and charming guesthouses on a twin share basis with en suite facilities
  • English speaking guide throughout
  • Luggage transfers - max 1 piece per person, max weight 20kg. A charge applies for excess luggage
  • Guided walks in Sarria and Santiago
  • Cheese tasting Arzúa-Ulloa, visits to San Nicolas and Vilar de Donas churches and museum of honey
  • Private transfers listed as included: day 2, 3, 5, 6 & day 11 (Fisterra visit)
  • Pilgrim's Passport

  • Travel to Sarria and from Santiago
  • Meals and drinks not listed as included (lunches, and dinner in Santiago on day 10)
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees unless specified as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip or shorten a stage
  • Optional private transfers available - on arrival Santiago airport (SCQ) to Sarria, and on departure from the hotel to the airport. Please ask for our rates
  • Optional extra nights pre- and post- tour - available on request, please ask for our rates
  • Tips
  • Excess luggage
  • Local hotel taxes, where applicable
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

This is a guided walk with daily stages between 9 and 18km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Not only for seniors!


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season supplement applies for the 21 May departure.

Priceper person from

£2270GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£42
  • Single Supplement - low seasonGBP£460
  • Single Supplement - high seasonGBP£520
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks

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