Day 1 Santiago to Cacabelos
In the early afternoon, we meet the group in Santiago de Compostela; We hop in the van and drive east following the Camino de Santiago. We stretch our legs a bit and do a short walk around Villafranca where we register as Peregrinos and obtain the credencial before we set off the next day. Before dinner, we meet as a group for our Orientation Meeting to discuss our week ahead on the Camino de Santiago Tour!Sleep: Cacabelos
Day 2 Cacabelos to Herrerias
Our first full day of walking through the beautifully fresh valley of the Valcarce where we get to see our first glimpses of the beautiful verdant scenic Galician countryside! After breakfast we travel through Villafranca de Bierzo one of the most picturesque villages along the Camino, embraced on both sides by mountains and the confluence of the Burbia and Valcarce Rivers. In it's hey day Villafraca housed 8 monasteries and as many hospitals but today it boasts accommodation and fine wines. The path follows the roads to the scenic village of Herrerias which sits at the foot of the rise to O’CebreiroSleep: Herrerias / Walking: 20km
Day 3 Ancares National Park
Os Ancares in Galicia is a succession of densely forested, charming valleys and arched crests that joins both León and Galicia. This is picturesque rural countryside connecting small charming villages through the range. This region is under the jurisdiction of a National Park which not protects rare fauna and flora but also a dying way of life in its 27 remote mountain hamlets, with their traditional Celtic architecture and pollozas. Today we not only have chance to tour this scenic valley but after having morning tea at Peurto do Portela, we walk rambling a winding scenic path to the Castle Doire and descend for a well earned lunch in one of the scenic hamletsSleep: Herrerias / Walking: 8km
Day 4 Herrerias to O’Cebreiro
Pilgrims who made it as far as Villafranca had to gird heir loins for one last trial in the climb to Puerto Pedrafita in the Sierra de Ancares – the boundary between Leon and Galicia. This is Galicia at its wildest, driest and bleakest, abundant with wild blooms in the spring. The Camino rarely coincides with any highway from here to Santiago. The path ascends relentlessly to Pedrafita and thence to a quaint picturesque village Cebreiro. After lunch we hop in the van and descend to our accommodation for the evening.Sleep: Herrerias / Walking: 10km
Day 5: O’Cebreiro to Triacastela
After breakfast we return to Cebreiro where the day starts with a steady climb to the Alto do Poio, the highest point of the Camino de Santiago in Galicia. After a well earned café con leche (coffee), we start our decent down to the town of Triacastela, named after the 3 castles that once stood watch over the village. This is s beautiful walk through mountain meadows, chestnut groves and tiny hamlets. On completion, we hop in the van to shuttle to our accommodations for the evening.Sleep: Vilavella / Walking: 22km
Day 6: Triacastela to Sarria
The day of the difficult decision! What to do? The Camino de Santiago has 2 paths to reach Sarria - take the path through San Xil and enjoy the beautiful views from atop the ridge or visit the ancient monastery of Samos along the river valley? Traditionally, pilgrims would have to choose one or the other. We, however, get to do both! By day we walk along the hills of San Xil, and in the evening we'll take the van to visit one of Spain's oldest monasteries! Sleep: Samos / Walking: 18km
Day 7: Sarria to Portomarin
Leaving Sarria, we should take in the views from atop of the city and keep an eye out for the ruins of Celtic castors hiding in the vegetation along the Camino de Santiago. On our way to Portomarin, we walk by the 100km marker, a milestone (or km stone!) for the millions of pilgrims who have traversed this same spot during the last millennium. As we approach Portomarin, we see the 12th-century Church of San Juan, an interesting fortified church that stands guard over the banks of the River Miño.Sleep: Samos / Walking: 22km
Day 8: Portomarin to Lestedo
We start our day with a gentle climb out of the river valley and pass through typical Galician villages, decorated with their raised corncribs and the occasional carved granite cross that marks the way to Santiago. Continuing west, we walk through the first of many eucalyptus forests along the Camino de Santiago and work our way just beyond Palis Del Rei to Lestedo. We've finished on our longest days, and what better way to reward ourselves than a glass of Galicia's light Albariño white wine! Sleep: Lestedo / Walking: 20km
Day 9: Lestedo to Melide
Following the now very familiar yellow arrows, we ramble up and down gentle rolling hills along quiet footpaths. Little has changed in this quiet corner of Spain, and the peaceful rural environment of local farmers tending to their lazy cattle in stone houses accompanies us back to another time. We quickly arrive back to the present in the bustling market town of Melide, where tender octopus, pulpo, is still boiled in large copper kettles on the street. If we take our time we can find the cross which marks the geographic centre of Galicia at the Church of Sanctus Spiritus. Sleep: Lestedo / Walking: 20km
Day 10: Melide to Arzua
Half way to our destination, we leave Melide and on small country roads we wind our way across the Galician countryside. Along the way, our journey is filled with tiny churches dating back to the 12th and 14th-century dedicated to Santiago and Santa Maria. Once in Arzua, we should take advantage to try some of the famous local cow cheese or perhaps a bit of empanada, a light crusty pastry filled with either beef or tuna.Sleep: O Pino / Walking: 14km
Day 11: Arzua to Arca
Today we continue to enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Galician countryside and charming atmosphere of tiny 3-house villages. Get a feel for the people and greet a local villager with a “Buenos dias” or “Hola”. You'll see how these quiet and reserved people quickly wish you well on your journey to Santiago. On this trek, you are no longer a tourist but a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago! Almost there...Sleep: O Pino / Walking: 19km
Day 12: Arca to Santiago
13 days, 190 kilometres, and we have arrived to Santiago de Compostela. Congratulations! You are going to love this magical city filled with fantastic monuments and with a lively buzz from the international pilgrims and university students that fill its medieval streets. After performing the traditional pilgrim rituals in the Cathedral, we head to our hotel and get ready for our evening celebratory dinner!Sleep: Santiago / Walking: 21km
Day 13: Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast, our local guide Andres who grew up in the town, gives us a closer look at the amazing Cathedral that has seen so many transformations since the original chapel built in the 9th-century. After the tour of the Cathedral and the Midday Mass, we will break for lunch and then Andres will guide through the amazing city.
Day 14: Santiago de Compostela to the Airport
Today we have a leisurely breakfast and prepare ourselves for our departure to the airport and beyond and our last chance to wish each other “buen camino”.The Compostelana & the Camino de Santiago Tour
This itinerary gives you the opportunity to walk the last 100KM into Santiago. This is a requirement needed to request the compostela, the certificate granted by the church of Santiago upon the completion of the pilgrimage. It is not mandatory, however, to walk 100km (60 miles) to participate in this adventure. As with all our trips, your walk is accompanied by a support van and shorter walk options are available on a daily basis.