OVERVIEW

Walk the final stage of the Camino de Santiago in a more relaxed style (compared to the 8 day trip).  For centuries, millions of pilgrims have been drawn to the experience of joining walkers from across the globe to complete the Camino, a pilgrimage unlike any other. The last 100km of the Camino is one of the most popular, and for good reason! The walk starts in the Galician town of Sarria, and you can collect your Camino passport once you arrive in Santiago de Compostela.

Highlights

  • Hike the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago and collect your coveted Compostela (pilgrim's certificate)
  • Discover ancient churches and medieval towns that have welcomed Camino trekkers for centuries
  • Walk alongside fellow pilgrims, enjoying the spirituality aspect of the Camino
  • Visit the Church of El Salvador, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago
  • Hop between tapas bars, sampling typical Galician dishes
  • Enjoy the thrill of walking into Santiago's Plaza de Obradoiro and to the steps of the impressive Baroque cathedral
  • A day to explore and enjoy the stunning city of Santiago de Compostela at your leisure

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Easy to Moderate

Grade 2 - Easy to Moderate

Some uphill sections and occasional steps. Walks are generally shorter and walking experience is not required.

PRICE FROM
$ 1495

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 545

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9

DAY 1
Arrive Sarria

The bustling Galician town of Sarria marks the start of the final Camino stage to Santiago de Compostela. Beyond its modern centre, seek out the historic streets where you can visit the 13th-century O’Salvador gothic church and the medieval fortress of Sarria. Later on, collect your pilgrim passport and try out typical tapas dishes of pimientos de padrón (fried peppers) and pulpo a feira (octopus cooked in olive oil and paprika).

Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX

DAY 2
Walk to Portomarin

Begin the day by walking through a woodland of ancient oak, birch and chestnut forests before joining the official Camino trail. Marked by the famous scallop shell waymarks of this world-renowned route, stroll alongside fellow pilgrims as the trail undulates across grazing pastures and farm tracks, passing through tiny hamlets where you see many traditional ‘horreos’ granaries. Descend into Portomarin via the Mino Reservoir, the former site of Portomarin town.

Walk: 23km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pousada de Portomarin

DAY 3
Walk to Palas de Rei

The day begins with a steady climb through pine forests, cornfields, and meadows. Today’s high point is Sierra Ligonde (720m). Here you can make a small detour to the 14th-century Romanesque church of El Salvador at Vilar de Donas, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago. The last gentle climb of the day passes through age-old villages and descends into the village of Palas de Rei (Palace of the Kings), where you will spend tonight.

Walk: 26km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Beilde

DAY 4
Walk to Melide

Today is an easy day of walking as you only have to walk 15 km to the ancient town of Melide, famous for the classic Galician dish of ‘Pulpo a Galega’ (octopus). This is where the Primitivo Camino joins the Camino Frances, and the town has an authentic atmosphere with walkers taking the time here to rest and enjoy the smorgasbord of culinary offerings in Melide. Enjoy!

Walk: 14km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Melide

DAY 5
Walk to Arzua

Another easy day today on secluded trails through woodlands and into a region dotted with medieval castles, churches and ancient settlements. After Melide, you will soon reach the classic Camino village of San Xulian with its tiny 12th-century church. The trail continues to climb, crossing Porto de Boi and through the villages of Campanilla and Leboreiro, where you can visit a 13th-century Romanesque church.

Walk: 15km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Teodora

DAY 6
Walk to Rua

The penultimate day of walking weaves its way towards Santiago across farmland and woodland. The trail heads through several villages, including Cortobe and Fondevila, which have seemingly stood still since the Middle Ages. A gentle ascent leads up to the 18th-century hilltop chapel of Santa Irene (named after a Christian martyr). The last few km of today’s route follows a shaded trail through eucalyptus woods before arriving in the lively town of Rua.

Walk: 17km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel O’Pina

DAY 7
Walk to Santiago de Compostela

Today, the Camino leads you into the heart of Santiago de Compostela to the majestic cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. Leaving Rua, rural trails give way to an urban environment as fellow walkers begin to converge for the last leg of this historic route. As you pass through Lavacolla, before crossing the stream, tradition would usually see pilgrims bathe and purify themselves in preparation for their arrival to Santiago. The final stretch to Santiago heads into the magnificent historic centre where you can present your pilgrim passport and receive your ‘Compostela’ certificate. With 2 nights in Santiago, you can relax and recharge your legs this afternoon before exploring this UNESCO-listed city tomorrow.

Walk: 23km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago

Spend 2 nights in Hotel Lux, only a few minutes walk from the historic centre. Within easy reach of local bars and restaurants, you can spend the evenings sampling local lobster and octopus dishes. Rooms have their own bathroom, comfortable beds and wifi.

DAY 8
Rest day in Santiago de Compostela

A day to rest and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of this world-famous city. You can return to Plaza de Obradoiro and the Cathedral built in honour of Saint James and depending on the day, you may even be able to attend mass. For some, the journey continues onto Finisterre, which in Roman times was thought to be the end of the world. After another 4 days of walking, many pilgrims continued to the coast to bathe after their long journeys. Nowadays, the additional days of walking add a closing chapter to your Camino experience. If you wish to add Finisterre on to your experience, this can easily be done for you. Just let us know at the time of booking.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago

DAY 9
Onward Travel

Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of the plaza before heading off on your journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 8 nights accommodation and 8 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and typically, in the style of the Camino, accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route it is usual for similar accommodations to be used other than that listed.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.

Dining
You will be provided with 8 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant which serves regional dishes, using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, they can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally, a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • Night 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6

  • NIGHT 7 & 8

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This tour is available from the start of March through November. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.

THE WALKING

The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.

You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.

A moderate active lifestyle makes walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use for your own device.

WEATHER

The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Sarria and finishes in Santiago. The best way to reach Sarria is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport.

The most straightforward way to reach Sarria is from Santiago, it is around a 2hr 30min train or bus journey changing once in Ourense. If you would prefer a private transfer we can always arrange these for you.

From Madrid, it is around a 7-hour journey from the main Chamartin train station and around an 8-hour journey from Bilbao Station

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $1495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $545
  • 1 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $1545

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $565

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Sharee Potter

    26 April, 2024 at 10:19 AM
    5

    Highly recommend! It was a well organised tour, great accommodation and excellent communication along the way. It saves us hours of planning.

FAQS

Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?

Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.

Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

Q: Can my children walk with me?

We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.

Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Q: Can we reduce the days walked?

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 8 days and 7 nights.

Q: Can we extend the days walked?

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 38 days or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.

SIMILAR TRIPS

CAMINO PRIMITIVO – THE ORIGINAL WAY – 11 Days

Self-guided

Camino Primitivo – the original way. Walk the first stage of the Primitivo from Oviedo to Lugo in the footsteps of pilgrims along the oldest Camino de Santiago route.

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CAMINO PRIMITIVO – THE ORIGINAL WAY – 11 Days

BACK
What's Included
  • Ten nights accommodation in rooms with ensuites
  • Ten breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers each day so you can walk with a light pack
  • Comprehensive walk and route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Walk the world-famous Primitivo Camino from Oviedo to Lugo
  • Explore the rich cultures of Galicia and Asturia in Northern Spain
  • Walk the Camino but enjoy the benefit of having time to walk by yourself if you wish.

Camino Frances Stage 1: St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono – 9 Days

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Complete the first stage of the historic Camino Frances in 9 days, walking from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Logrono, Spain’s northeast.

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Camino Frances Stage 1: St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono – 9 Days

BACK
What's Included
  • 8 nights of accommodation & 8 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers as described
  • Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
  • Begin the journey of walking the full Camino Frances route from St Jean to Logrono
  • Hike 171km across the French Pyrenees into the Basque country
  • Visit the 16th-century town of Pamplona, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway
  • Discover ancient villages and medieval churches

Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant – 9 Days

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Portuguese and Spanish countryside and the boat trip on the Ría de Arousa. – an ancient pilgrim walking trail from Valenca to Santiago de Compostela.

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Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant – 9 Days

BACK
What's Included
  • Walk 128km of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (way of St James)from Porto all the way to Santiago de Compostela
  • 8 nights accommodation in 2 to 3 star character filled hotels (an upgrade to 4 star and better accommodation is available.)
  • Boat trip La Translatio
  • Breakfast on every day of the walk
  • On the ground support from local representatives
  • Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the best tapas plus a lot more)
  • All luggage transfers
  • Take advantage of nearly 30 years of experience in organising self-guided walking holidays

Portuguese Camino de Santiago – 14 Days

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Blend beaches, countryside and historical towns on an ancient pilgrim walking trail from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.

Self-guided 14 Days From $1955 Moderate to Challenging What's Included

Portuguese Camino de Santiago – 14 Days

BACK
What's Included
  • Walk the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (way of St James)from Porto all the way to Santiago de Compostela
  • 13 night’s accommodation in 2 to 3 star character filled hotels (an upgrade to 4 star and better accommodation is available.)
  • Breakfast on every day of the walk
  • On the ground support from local representatives
  • Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the best tapas plus a lot more)
  • Total walking distance of 230km, a real challenge
  • All transport on and off the track including luggage transfers
  • Take advantage of nearly 30 years experience in organising self-guided walking holidays
Overview

OVERVIEW

Walk the final stage of the Camino de Santiago in a more relaxed style (compared to the 8 day trip).  For centuries, millions of pilgrims have been drawn to the experience of joining walkers from across the globe to complete the Camino, a pilgrimage unlike any other. The last 100km of the Camino is one of the most popular, and for good reason! The walk starts in the Galician town of Sarria, and you can collect your Camino passport once you arrive in Santiago de Compostela.

Highlights

  • Hike the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago and collect your coveted Compostela (pilgrim's certificate)
  • Discover ancient churches and medieval towns that have welcomed Camino trekkers for centuries
  • Walk alongside fellow pilgrims, enjoying the spirituality aspect of the Camino
  • Visit the Church of El Salvador, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago
  • Hop between tapas bars, sampling typical Galician dishes
  • Enjoy the thrill of walking into Santiago's Plaza de Obradoiro and to the steps of the impressive Baroque cathedral
  • A day to explore and enjoy the stunning city of Santiago de Compostela at your leisure

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Easy to Moderate

Grade 2 - Easy to Moderate

Some uphill sections and occasional steps. Walks are generally shorter and walking experience is not required.

PRICE FROM
$ 1495

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 545

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9

DAY 1
Arrive Sarria

The bustling Galician town of Sarria marks the start of the final Camino stage to Santiago de Compostela. Beyond its modern centre, seek out the historic streets where you can visit the 13th-century O’Salvador gothic church and the medieval fortress of Sarria. Later on, collect your pilgrim passport and try out typical tapas dishes of pimientos de padrón (fried peppers) and pulpo a feira (octopus cooked in olive oil and paprika).

Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX

DAY 2
Walk to Portomarin

Begin the day by walking through a woodland of ancient oak, birch and chestnut forests before joining the official Camino trail. Marked by the famous scallop shell waymarks of this world-renowned route, stroll alongside fellow pilgrims as the trail undulates across grazing pastures and farm tracks, passing through tiny hamlets where you see many traditional ‘horreos’ granaries. Descend into Portomarin via the Mino Reservoir, the former site of Portomarin town.

Walk: 23km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pousada de Portomarin

DAY 3
Walk to Palas de Rei

The day begins with a steady climb through pine forests, cornfields, and meadows. Today’s high point is Sierra Ligonde (720m). Here you can make a small detour to the 14th-century Romanesque church of El Salvador at Vilar de Donas, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago. The last gentle climb of the day passes through age-old villages and descends into the village of Palas de Rei (Palace of the Kings), where you will spend tonight.

Walk: 26km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Beilde

DAY 4
Walk to Melide

Today is an easy day of walking as you only have to walk 15 km to the ancient town of Melide, famous for the classic Galician dish of ‘Pulpo a Galega’ (octopus). This is where the Primitivo Camino joins the Camino Frances, and the town has an authentic atmosphere with walkers taking the time here to rest and enjoy the smorgasbord of culinary offerings in Melide. Enjoy!

Walk: 14km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Melide

DAY 5
Walk to Arzua

Another easy day today on secluded trails through woodlands and into a region dotted with medieval castles, churches and ancient settlements. After Melide, you will soon reach the classic Camino village of San Xulian with its tiny 12th-century church. The trail continues to climb, crossing Porto de Boi and through the villages of Campanilla and Leboreiro, where you can visit a 13th-century Romanesque church.

Walk: 15km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Teodora

DAY 6
Walk to Rua

The penultimate day of walking weaves its way towards Santiago across farmland and woodland. The trail heads through several villages, including Cortobe and Fondevila, which have seemingly stood still since the Middle Ages. A gentle ascent leads up to the 18th-century hilltop chapel of Santa Irene (named after a Christian martyr). The last few km of today’s route follows a shaded trail through eucalyptus woods before arriving in the lively town of Rua.

Walk: 17km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel O’Pina

DAY 7
Walk to Santiago de Compostela

Today, the Camino leads you into the heart of Santiago de Compostela to the majestic cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. Leaving Rua, rural trails give way to an urban environment as fellow walkers begin to converge for the last leg of this historic route. As you pass through Lavacolla, before crossing the stream, tradition would usually see pilgrims bathe and purify themselves in preparation for their arrival to Santiago. The final stretch to Santiago heads into the magnificent historic centre where you can present your pilgrim passport and receive your ‘Compostela’ certificate. With 2 nights in Santiago, you can relax and recharge your legs this afternoon before exploring this UNESCO-listed city tomorrow.

Walk: 23km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago

Spend 2 nights in Hotel Lux, only a few minutes walk from the historic centre. Within easy reach of local bars and restaurants, you can spend the evenings sampling local lobster and octopus dishes. Rooms have their own bathroom, comfortable beds and wifi.

DAY 8
Rest day in Santiago de Compostela

A day to rest and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of this world-famous city. You can return to Plaza de Obradoiro and the Cathedral built in honour of Saint James and depending on the day, you may even be able to attend mass. For some, the journey continues onto Finisterre, which in Roman times was thought to be the end of the world. After another 4 days of walking, many pilgrims continued to the coast to bathe after their long journeys. Nowadays, the additional days of walking add a closing chapter to your Camino experience. If you wish to add Finisterre on to your experience, this can easily be done for you. Just let us know at the time of booking.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago

DAY 9
Onward Travel

Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of the plaza before heading off on your journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 8 nights accommodation and 8 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and typically, in the style of the Camino, accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route it is usual for similar accommodations to be used other than that listed.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.

Dining
You will be provided with 8 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant which serves regional dishes, using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, they can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally, a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • Night 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6

  • NIGHT 7 & 8

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This tour is available from the start of March through November. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.

THE WALKING

The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.

You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.

A moderate active lifestyle makes walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use for your own device.

WEATHER

The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Sarria and finishes in Santiago. The best way to reach Sarria is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport.

The most straightforward way to reach Sarria is from Santiago, it is around a 2hr 30min train or bus journey changing once in Ourense. If you would prefer a private transfer we can always arrange these for you.

From Madrid, it is around a 7-hour journey from the main Chamartin train station and around an 8-hour journey from Bilbao Station

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $1495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $545
  • 1 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $1545

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $565
Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Sharee Potter

    26 April, 2024 at 10:19 AM
    5

    Highly recommend! It was a well organised tour, great accommodation and excellent communication along the way. It saves us hours of planning.

Faqs

FAQS

Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?

Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.

Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

Q: Can my children walk with me?

We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.

Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Q: Can we reduce the days walked?

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 8 days and 7 nights.

Q: Can we extend the days walked?

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 38 days or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.

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