Overview
Follow Spain’s most celebrated pilgrimage route
The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is one of the world’s oldest pilgrim
routes; travellers have made their way across northern Spain to Santiago on
‘The Way of St James’ for over 1000 years. The route is marked by the symbol
of the scallop shell, typically found on the Galician shores, and a
long-standing tradition is to obtain the compostela, a certificate of
accomplishment given to pilgrims upon completing the way; gained by walking
at least 100km of the route, which we will do on this trip.
Highlights
* Follow one of the world’s oldest pilgrim routes
* Explore romanesque cathedrals, mediaeval monasteries and unspoiled rural
scenery
* Collect stamps for your pilgrim’s passport along the way
* The historic Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to La Corua; transfer to Samos.
The group flight will arrive in La Corua early in the evening then there is
a group transfer to Samos. The main briefing will take place this evening.
Day 2
To Sarria walking through ancient oak forests and quaint villages.
After breakfast, we start our first walkin one of the most unspoilt
sections of the Camino. We walk through the Galician countryside, populated
by a number of traditional agricultural villages and visit the town of Samos.
We will pass by one of the oldest monasteries in Spain and get the chance to
see a lovely old chapel from the ninth century. We will then continue through
ancient oak forests to the town of Sarria.
Day 3
Walk through the rolling hills of the Galician countryside to Portomarin.
We continue walking up and down the hills of Galicia to the town of
Portomarin, which was rebuilt on a hilltop from its original location in the
River Minos valley. This was done to escape flooding when a reservoir was
constructed in 1962. The old church was moved, stone by stone, to its current
location.
Day 4
Uphill to the village of Ventas de Naron and on to Palas de Rei.
We start with a steady ascent to the village of Ventas de Naron, where the
terrain levels out. Along the way to Palas de Rei there are plenty of
cafeswhere we can enjoy a break. Palas de Rei marks the half-way point of
our trek and we spend the night in a hotel, where we can really feel the
spirit of the Camino since many walkers stop here.
Considering the length of the walk please note that a taxi can be arranged to
allow opting out from a section, if needed.
Day 5
Walk to the town of Melide, renowned for its octopus with potatoes dish, and
on to Arzua, famous for its cheeses.
We begin our longest day’s walking along a very picturesque stretch of the
Camino, as we cross several Roman bridges and walk past mediaeval churches.
For lunch we stop in the small town of Melide, renowned for its delicious
octopus with potatoes and end our day in Arzua, famous for its cheeses.
Considering the length of the walk please note that a taxi can be arranged to
allow opting out from a section, if needed.
Day 6
Meet many more pilgrims on the final section to Pedrouzo.
Todays walk to the village ofPedrouzo involves a number of short ascents
and descents through woods, fruit fields and eucalyptus. As Santiago draws
ever closer, more pilgrims will cross our path, adding to the anticipation of
reaching our goal, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Day 7
Walk to Santiago de Compostela.
Our final days walk sees us climbing up to the famous Monte do Gozo, where
pilgrims traditionally took in their first views of the towers of the
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. As part of the centuries-old tradition,
we make our way through the citys streets and crowds to Plaza del
Obradoiro, dominated by the impressive Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela,
where we can observe a mass service that may include the impressive
Botafumeiro incense swinging, although it cannot be guaranteed.
Day 8
Free day in Santiago de Compostela.
Free day to explore the historic city of Santiago at your own pace. There are
plenty of things to do; you can visit the spectacular cathedral and stroll
around the narrow streets of the World Heritage-listed Old Town with its
diverse architecture. Alternatively, you can visit the museum of Galician
Life, home to interesting exhibits of Galician traditions and art. You can
also join a day excursion to Cape Finisterre, which was believed to be the
end of the known world in Roman times. The Cape is also the final destination
for many pilgrims on the way of St. James.*
*
Day 9
Transfer to La Coruna; fly to London
Transfer to La Coruna; fly to London
