3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 9 nights in a combination of charming hotels and Paradors
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 9 Breakfasts

10 Days£2120GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: CPI

Trip highlights

  • Experiencing the historical significance of the pilgrim trail, one of the world's great walking experiences
  • Staying in charming hotels, manor houses and paradors for maximum comfort
  • Reaching the fabled Santiago de Compostela cathedral on foot
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of hikers and pilgrims along the trail

Following the well worn Camino trail in northern Spain is one of the world's great walking experiences. This trip provides the perfect option for those who want to experience the trail and stay in a mix of charming hotels and Paradors along the way, often in historic buildings updated inside for maximum comfort. As you are walking more than 100kms, you are eligible to receive the official Compostela certificate. Along the walk, gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the trail while reflecting on the meditative role that walking offers the pilgrim. Passing through mixed landscapes, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos. The gates of Galicia lead on to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Villafranca del Bierzo

Finishing Point:

Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary

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Make your way to Villafranca del Bierzo and check into the Parador, your base for 2 nights. The Parador has great views of the northwest of the region of El Bierzo and to the south of the Ancares mountain range. Villafranca is the last important town in Leon towards Santiago and has a rich monumental heritage. Its old centre has been declared Property of Cultural Interest. Enjoy exploring the main square (Plaza Mayor), City Hall, calle del Agua (Water Street) and the arch where it ends, the convent of Agustinas Recoletas, and other palaces, or relaxing at the parador.

Meals:  D

This morning at 8.30am you will be transferred to Herrerías to start your Camino. You will walk via La Faba to Laguna de Castilla, where you will find a wonderful example of a functional Galician 'palloza'. This traditional structure has stone walls with a conical, slanting roof and is a typical dwelling of this region. Continue through the scrub land to reach O Cebreiro (at 1330m) where you will meet your 4pm transfer to take you back to Villafranca for your overnight stay. Distance 8km/5mi

Meals:  B,D

A morning transfer (8.30am) takes you back to O Cebreiro to continue your walk. Early morning mists give way to ethereal hilltops that look like floating islands and along the way you will encounter amazing views in every direction. In Hospital de la Condesa take the time to visit the Iglesia San Juan with its unusual stone roofed belfry and the cross of Santiago. Pass through the village of Triacastela on your way to Samos for your late afternoon transfer to Monforte de Lemos. Distance 30km/18.6mi Optional excursion: You have the option to add a day to the trip and take a tour of the Ribeira Sacra including wine tasting lunch, cellar visit, catamaran journey on the river and vineyard experience. This is a full day excursion. It must be requested at the time of booking and the excursion supplement plus an extra night in Monforte apply.

Meals:  B,D

At 8.30am a transfer will take you back to Samos to commence today's walk. Samos has as its centrepiece an enormous monastery founded in the sixth century, The Monastery of St Julian, an active Benedictine monastery. From here you will pass through Sarria and on to Barbadelo, following a winding path between the river and railway to cross a stream. Climb up through ancient woodlands to meet your 4pm transfer back to Monforte. Distance 17.5km/10.8mi

Meals:  B,D

Transfer to Barbadelo this morning (at 8.30am) to continue your walk. You are now experiencing rural Galicia at its best following a well-worn path along granite stepping stones and narrow laneways to stay above the flood prone area below. Gently climb to Ferreiros and Vilacha before descending steeply to the bridge spanning the Miño river. Overnight in Portomarin. The Belesar reservoir on the river Miño flooded the old village of Portomarín in 1963. Its main historic buildings were rescued stone by stone: the Romanesque church of San Pedro, the church fortress of San Nicolás and some medieval palaces, and relocated to the new town. The usual accommodation here, a pazo, was partially relocated to its current spot at this time due to the flooding. Distance 16.5km/10.2mi

Meals:  B,D

Today you will find varied terrain on your journey to Palas de Rei. You will commence with a climb up a woodland path to then make numerous crossings over the main road. If you have time, take an optional detour from Portos to Vilar de Donas where you will find the Church of San Salvador, constructed in the middle of the 12 century. After another gentle climb around the side of Rosary Heights you will descend to Palas de Rei. Afternoon transfer to Vilamaior and your accommodation. Distance 25km/15.5mi

Meals:  B,D

Transfer at 8.30am to Palas de Rei to commence your walk. The terrain becomes easier today as you walk through the villages of Casanova and Leboreiro past eucalyptus trees. There are many places along the way to stop for coffee and lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and Melide. Continue to your comfortable lodging in Arzua in the province of La Coruña. Distance 29.5km/18.3mi

Meals:  B,D

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walk is lovely, passing large green fields and rural landscapes. Meet your transfer at 4pm to take you to your overnight accommodation. Distance 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B,D

You are transferred back to Rua at 8.30am this morning to commence your walk. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Walk into the city - the Parador is adjacent to the cathedral. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela, there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Distance 20km/12.4mi

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 9 breakfasts, 8 dinners (no dinner in Santiago): Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will 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.
  • 9 nights in paradors, pazos (manor houses) and charming hotels on a twinshare basis
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Transfers as noted on days 2 - 9
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency Hotline

  • Travel to Villafranca del Bierzo and from Santiago
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature
  • An optional full day excursion in Ribeira Sacra is available at Monforte (where you stay on days 3 & 4) - must be requested at time of booking and an extra night in Monforte is required. Note does not operate on a Wednesday. Details of the day trip: 11.30am Pick up from your hotel, transfer to Ribeira Sacra for a cellar visit and wine tasting followed by a 3-course lunch with drinks included, then a boat trip on the Sil river. Transfer back to the hotel in the early evening (5pm). Inclusions: Private transport (Mercedes type), guided activities only in the wine cellar and during the boat trip. Minimum of 2 people. A supplement applies for the tour and transfers plus the extra night at Monforte - please ask our consultants for details.

Accommodation

Comfortable hotels

The accommodation on this trip is a mix of charming hotels and Paradors. Paradors are hotels often within historic buildings, with updated interiors designed for comfort. They provide a cultural insight to Spain's' rich history. Stay in paradors in Villafranca, Monforte de Lemos and Santiago, and on other nights in comfortable manor houses, charming hotels and 'pazos'.

Suitability

moderate

3

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 8 and 30km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. 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.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 1 Nov

Notes

Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking)
Note:
Departures in winter are likely to experience wetter and colder conditions than at other times with snow possible. Winter can be a magical time to experience the Camino with fewer people and more local encounters, but the walking day is shorter. In addition, towns are quieter with some shops and restaurants closed, and hotel closures are possible which may require a change in overnight towns.

Priceper person from

£2120GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - daily departures 15 April to 31 OctoberGBP£50
  • Optional Ribeira Sacra excursion pp, incl wine tasting, lunch, boat trip (daily except Wed. Full day trip. Transfers & extra night Monforte required, additional cost applies)GBP£80
  • Transfers for optional Ribeira Sacra excursion (1-8 pax, return)GBP£110
  • Single SupplementGBP£540
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£930
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. 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.

There are many bars and cafes at various points along the trail where you can stop and fill up on a slice of Spanish Tortilla, or a bocadillo. These spots will also have facilities you can use if you're buying something, and will often be happy to refill your water bottle.

Card is accepted is most places, but please be aware that some individual bars or cafes may be cash only. You will also find along the way some special stamps offered for donations - it is worthwhile having some coins handy for these.

In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.

We are able to cater for gluten free diets, however at times, choices are limited. Breakfasts served at the hotels are generally continental style and we suggest bringing your own gluten free breads or cereals. We also recommend bringing your own snacks. Generally in Europe it is quite easy to purchase gluten free foods from supermarkets and shops, but can be harder in restaurants.

This trip can be booked from 1 February to 15 November. The summer months tend to be busy months on the Camino Trail and the weather can be quite hot. In our experience starting the trip in late April or May, or from September to early October, is the best time to travel. The trail is less busy and the weather is cooler. Galicia experiences rain year round.

The Pilgrim's Passport or 'Credencial' is included on this trip and you will receive one locally. The Pilgrim's Passport makes a great souvenir and way to track your walk. You can ask to have your Pilgrim's Passport stamped at churches, your hotels and many other places along the route.

The Compostela is a certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago and you must walk at least the last 100km into Santiago to receive it. This trip does cover more than the minimum distance, so you will be able to receive your Compostela at the end of the walk. To show that you have walked the last 100km you will need to have at least 2 stamps per day in your Pilgrim's Passport.

The Camino Trail is exceptionally well waymarked, with yellow arrows and markers used frequently throughout the route. It is nearly impossible to get lost on this walk.

It is possible to book an extra night at any of the hotels we use which would allow you to have a rest day. However, this does need to be advised at the time of booking.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks