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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 8 Breakfasts

Price

$850USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CIM

Trip highlights


  • Walk along the newest official route to Santiago and qualify for the pilgrims certificate
  • Enjoy the relative solitude of a less trodden trail
  • Discover the Ribeira Sacra region with its impressive vineyards
  • Reach Santiago on foot and experience the famous pilgrims mass

The Camino de Invierno was recognised as an official Camino trail in 2016, making it the newest route to Santiago. However there is nothing new about this route, having been used for centuries particularly in winter by pilgrims keen to avoid the mountains of O Cebreiro. The route takes walkers through outstanding scenery along an ancient Roman road which follows the Sil River Valley as it meanders into Galicia. Passing through the Ribeira Sacra region is a highlight, being an important wine growing area with carefully planted vineyards hugging the steep mountainside above the river. An option to hang up your boots for the day and visit a wine cellar and enjoy a tasting lunch and catamaran trip is well worth it. Other highlights of the route include the solitude a less walked trail offers. This 135km (or 123km) route ensures you are eligible for the official Compostela certificate of completion, which is issued by the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago de Compostela. Your entry into Santiago is from a different and more picturesque part of the city than other routes whilst the satisfaction and sense of joy on completing the route is still shared by other pilgrims on arrival at the cathedral.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Arrive Monforte de Lemos, gateway to the Ribeira Sacra (sacred riverside), an important wine growing region. Monforte has a number of sights including a castle, compact historic quarter and plenty of reminders of ancient times. There is the option to upgrade your accommodation to stay in the Parador, a highly recommended experience. Optional pre-tour excursion: add an extra night and take a tour of the Ribeira Sacra including wine tasting lunch, cellar visit, catamaran journey on the river and vineyard experience. This must be requested at the time of booking. Supplement and extra night rate apply.

Meals:  B

A long and at times quite challenging walk today to begin your Camino. However, there is an option to shorten the stage with a morning transfer to Piñeiro (12km/ 15 minutes - supplement applies, must be pre-booked. If you choose this option, you will still qualify for your Compostela if you cover the last 100km on foot to Santiago.) The route takes you through pretty countryside, then down through the woods to Belesar. It is around here that represents the marker for 100km from Santiago. After crossing the river, a fairly steep ascent takes you up to the town of Chantada. (29 or 17km/18 or 10.5mi, +780m/2560ft

Meals:  B

A pleasant walk today through rural landcapes and forests to Rodeiro. From here a transfer takes you back to Chantada or a rural house for overnight accommodation. (26km/16mi, +650m/2130ft)

Meals:  B

Morning transfer back to Rodeiro and continue along the Camino trail to Lalín. Here the route joins the Sanabrés Way and the Vía de la Plata, a route originating in Seville in southern Spain. (22km/13.5mi, +190m/625ft)

Meals:  B

More pilgrims may join you on your walk today as you approach the last few days to Santiago. You will come across the bridge Ponte Taboada built in 912 and surrounded by natural beauty. There's a mixture of dirt trails and some tarmac to follow before you arrive in Bendeira. (23km/14mi)

Meals:  B

Today's walk is quite varied, including numerous small ascents and descents and a particularly steep one before reaching another old bridge, Ponte Ulla. There will be some unavoidable tarmac walking today but with hardly any traffic before you arrive in Galegos. (17km/10.5mi, +180m/590ft

Meals:  B

Today's trail will lead you into Santiago de Compostela. It starts with a steep ascent to a charming chapel before leading along country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day is always a special one, as you continue downhill to the city. On arrival in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. (18km/11 mi+250m/820ft)

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you’d like to add an extra night, please ask our office for details. It is also possible to add a day trip to Fisterra on the Atlantic coast.

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

  • 7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities (optional upgrades available: to parador in Monforte, superior hotel or parador in Santiago - supplement applies)
  • Route notes/guidebook and maps, GPS tracks also available (device/smartphone required)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Transfers on day 3 & 4
  • Pilgrim's Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Monforte 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. Optional transfer available on day 2 to shorten the stage by 12 km: morning transfer from Monforte to Piñeiro (takes approx 15mins, you will still qualify for the Compostela as the remainder distance is greater than 100km) - supplement applies
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Option: 6 dinner package (not in Santiago) - supplement applies
  • Accommodation upgrade to Parador in Monforte (supplement applies)
  • Accommodation to superior hotel or Parador in Santiago (supplement applies)
  • Optional pre-tour Wine excursion in Ribeira Sacra: Pick up hotel-wine cellar visit with tasting-lunch (drinks included)-catamaran trip 1 h-18.00 h arrive hotel (timetable can change depending on the catamaran trip). Private transport is included (Mercedes type). Guided activities only in the wine cellar and during the catamaran trip, minimum of 2 people - supplement applies. Extra night Monforte required, rate varies dependent on room and accommodation type.
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation


Grading

moderate  

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 17 and 29km 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 31 Oct

Notes

Note:
Departures in November 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, hotel closures are possible which may require a change in overnight towns.

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Priceper person from

$850USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Optional transfer day 2 Monforte de Lemos-Piñeiro (11km)USD$34
  • Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - daily departures 15 April to 31 OctoberUSD$80
  • Optional Ribeira Sacra excursion - Transfer cost (1-8 pax)USD$140
  • Optional 6 dinner package supplementUSD$160
  • Optional Ribeira Sacra excursion pp (lunch, wine tasting, boat trip) - extra night Monforte & return transfers required - additional cost applies. daily except WedUSD$170
  • Single supplementUSD$320
  • Solo traveller supplementUSD$410
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

The closest airport is Santiago de Compostela, from the airport you need to take a bus to Sarria (with one change). Some people prefer not to fly into Santiago de Compostela and instead choose to fly into Madrid. From Madrid you can take the train to Sarria, the journey takes approximately 6 hours.

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 starts in Sarria which is 110km from Santiago, 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

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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