CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Sarria. Portomarin. Palas Do Rei. Melide . Arzua . Amenal . Santiago de Compostela
If you’re looking to take on your own pilgrimage – along a route filled with beautiful countryside and rustic villages of Northern Spain – start here, at the Camino de Santiago. On this eight-day trip, complete the last 60 miles of the pilgrimage route to Santiago and receive a "compostela" at the finish to prove your accomplishment. Refuel with tasty Spanish food and take the time to stop and smell the flowers – it’s active but at a slower, more picturesque pace.
from $1099
per person sharing
8
days
PRICE INCLUDES:
Backpack transportation (you carry a small backpack only)
7 nights hotel accommodation
7 breakfasts
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NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare; tipping; meals unless noted otherwise, personal expenses
GRACE NOTES:
Giveback: Planeterra
ITINERARY:
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DEPARTURES: April through October
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Day 1: Arrive Sarria
Arrive at any time.
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your guide will review the details of your journey.
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Day 2: Portomarin
Start hiking from Sarria to PortomarÃn, covering about 14 miles in 8 hours. Pass through many lovely towns along the way and choose to have a picnic in places such as Barbadelo, Renta or Ferreiros. Spend the night in the riverside city of Portomarin. (B)
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Accommodation: Hotel Villajardin
Day 3: Palas de Rei
Get those walking shoes back on! Leave Portomarin behind in the early light of the morning to make the most of the day. This stretch is a mix of ups and downs through beautiful scenery. The entire area has a rich history, especially during the Middle Ages.
Today's walk is about 13 miles and takes about 6 hours. (B)
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Accommodation: Complejo la Cabana
Day 4: Melide
Head west and continue the pilgrimage, passing through the lush green valleys of Galicia. Covering about 9 miles in 4 or so hours, the day again passes through many lovely villages and towns along the way, offering ample opportunity for rest stops and time to pick up any needed supplies before arriving in Melide. (B)
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Accommodation: El Chiquitin
Day 5: Arzua
Leaving Melide, the Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Next is the scenic medieval village of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa. The walk today will take about 4 hours and cover 9 miles. In Arzúa, visit the churches of Santa MarÃa and A Magdalena. (B)
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Accommodation: Albergue Turistica Salceda
Day 6: Rua
Walk through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams most of the day. The chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago, is worth a visit. Arrive at the lovely hamlet of Rúa. The rest of the route to Amenal is along a mix of good and calm country roads and forest tracks. Walking time is around 6 hours, and distance is 11 miles. (B)
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Accommodation: Albergue Turistica
Day 7: Santiago de Compostela
Leave early in order to reach Santiago de Compostela in time for the pilgrim's mass. Walk the last part of the pilgrimage, about 13 miles, and enjoy the scenery before the baroque, painted towers of the cathedral come into view. Later, explore this fascinating city and sip some wine in a café to celebrate the incredible journey. Upon reaching our goal, the pilgrimage is not complete without a visit to the cathedral on the magnificent Plaza do Obradoiro, which houses the supposed tomb of St. James the Apostle.
Tonight celebrate your achievement with an optional victory dinner at a local restaurant. Relax and have fun. (B)
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Accommodation: Tafona Peregrino
Day 8: Depart Santiago de Compostela
Depart at any time. (B)