Camino de Invierno - Monforte to Santiago

Name: Camino de Invierno - Monforte to Santiago
Brand: UTracks
SKU: CIM
Rating: 5.00 (2 reviews)

Rural scenes of San Pedro de Líncora on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

Walking in the Ribeira Sacra wine growing region of Galicia | Andreas Holland

Discover ancient gold mines on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way)

Castle in Ponferrada is a feature while cycling or walking along the camino in Spain | Andrew Bain

The spectacular Mirador Cabo do Mundo on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

Serra Enciña da Lastra on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

The charming village of Belesar on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

The Las Médulas as seen on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

Rural scenes of San Pedro de Líncora on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

Walking in the Ribeira Sacra wine growing region of Galicia | Andreas Holland

Discover ancient gold mines on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way)

Castle in Ponferrada is a feature while cycling or walking along the camino in Spain | Andrew Bain

The spectacular Mirador Cabo do Mundo on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

Serra Enciña da Lastra on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

The charming village of Belesar on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

The Las Médulas as seen on the Camino de Invierno (Winter Way). | Adolfo Enríquez

25 Trails We're Excited ForView List

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

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Monforte de Lemos

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. Be sure to try its prestigious wines and visit one of the wineries that, just a few kilometres away, are located in a privileged position on the slopes of the impressive Sil canyon. There is the option to upgrade accommodation to stay in the Parador, a highly recommended experience. Optional pre-tour excursion available: stay an extra night and take a tour of the Ribeira Sacra including cellar visit and wine tasting, lunch and catamaran journey on the river Sil. This must be requested at the time of booking. Day trip, transfers and extra night Monforte required - extra costs apply.

Meals: B

Day 2
Walk via Piñeiro to Chantada (8hrs or 5.5hrs with optional transfer)

A long and at times quite challenging walk to begin your Camino, or you can shorten (by 11km/6.9mi) with an optional transfer to Piñeiro - supplement applies, must be pre-booked. You will still qualify for your Compostela if you cover the last 100km on foot to Santiago. This area has a high concentration of Romanesque art, and a good example of this is the church of San Paio de Diomondi. The walk continues through pretty countryside, then down through the woods to Belesar, on the banks of the Miño river. It is around here that marks 100km from Santiago. The landscape is dominated by terraces that descend to the bottom of the valley. You can explore the surroundings by boat or simply enjoy the views before heading to Chantada along the Codos de Belesar, an ancient Roman road. Walking: 27 or 16km/16.9 or 10mi, +780m/2560ft

Meals: B

Day 3
Walk to Rodeiro, transfer back to Chantada (8hrs)

Today is marked by a steep climb to Monte Faro, at 1187m it's one of the highest peaks of the group of ranges known as the Dorsal Gallega. At the summit is the Ermita Nosa Señora do Faro, a seventeenth-century hermitage built on top of the remains of older temples, and from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the four Galician provinces. The last stretch of this stage is downhill, giving you fantastic views of a mountain landscape as you approach the province of Pontevedra. The town of Rodeiro / A Feira (River) is the end of today's walk. From this point a transfer will take you back to Chantada for overnight. Walking: 24km/15mi, +650m/2130ft

Meals: B

Day 4
Return to Rodeiro and continue on foot to Lalín (6-7hrs)

In the morning, transfer back to Rodeiro to continue your Camino to Lalín. Walking between small rural villages, meadows and abundant native vegetation you eventually cross the Arnego River. The end of the stage leads to the ancient Condado del Deza, and the last few kilometres are a slight descent to Lalín, the capital of a region renowned for its gastronomy and where Galician stew reigns supreme. The Cocido festival in February each year is one of the quintessential gastronomic fairs in inland Galicia. Walking: 24km/15mi, +190m/625ft

Meals: B

Day 5
Walk to Bandeira (6-7hrs)

Today the trail leads you towards A Laxe, where the Winter route converges with the the Vía de la Plata. The trail usually becomes busier as you approach the last few days to Santiago. Follow small rural paths or "corredoiras" passing by country houses, old manor houses and medieval bridges including Ponte Taboada, built in 912. You can make a small detour along the way to see the Fervenza do Toxa, a river waterfall, one of Galicia's highest. The typical landscapes of rural, inland Galicia will take you to Bandeira and your accommodation. Walking: 23km/14mi, +225m/738ft

Meals: B

Day 6
Walk to Ponte Ulla/Vedra (4-5hrs)

Today you will walk continuously downhill between crops, landscapes with thick vegetation and meadows to the heart of the Ull River where it flows towards the Arousa Estuary and announces your arrival in the province of A Coruña. Once you see the striking image of the old railway viaduct, you will cross the old Ulla bridge, giving way to a marked climb along narrow paths and leafy forests. We recommend taking a short detour to the Gundián viewpoint , where you can enjoy spectacular views of the valley. Your day ends at Vedra near Ponte Ulla. Walking: 19km/11.9mi, +180m/590ft

Meals: B

Day 7
The final stage to Santiago (4.5hrs)

The last day of the walk is always special. Today starts with a steep ascent to a charming chapel before leading along country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. On reaching the Sar road you will soon have your first sighting of the cathedral towers, to welcome you to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. On arrival in Santiago there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Walking: 16km/10mi, +250m/820ft

Meals: B

Day 8
Trip concludes in Santiago

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

What's included

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)
Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Transfers on day 3 & 4
Pilgrim's Passport
Emergency hotline

What's not included

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
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Optional 6 dinner package (not in Santiago) - supplement applies
Optional transfer day 2: Monforte to Piñeiro (approx 11km/15mins, you will still qualify for the Compostela as you will walk more than 100km) - supplement applies
Optional pre-tour excursion available, Ribeira Sacra experience: wine cellar visit and tasting, lunch at a local restaurant (3 courses incl drinks) & boat trip on the Sil River. Private return transfers (Mercedes type): morning pickup from the hotel, late afternoon depart to hotel (approx 1hr transfer time). 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.
Accommodation option: upgrade to Parador in Monforte - supplement applies
Accommodation to superior hotel or Parador in Santiago - supplement applies
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Comfortable hotels

During the trip you will stay in a collection of hand picked accommodation ranging from quality hotels, farmhouse B&Bs and guesthouses. Location is one of the key factors, with clean mainly spacious rooms, ensuite facilities, helpful staff and a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Generally our meals will be taken at the hotel and this is another key factor in our selection process.

Grading

moderate

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 16 and 27km 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:

Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking)

Note:

Departures out of the main season may 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 to shorten (Monforte-Piñeiro, 11km)USD$34
Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - daily departures 15 April to 31 OctoberUSD$80
Optional Ribeira Sacra excursion pp, incl wine tasting, lunch, boat trip (daily except Wed. Full day trip. Transfers & extra night Monforte required, additional cost applies)USD$100
Transfers for optional Ribeira Sacra excursion (1-8 pax, return)USD$140
Optional 6 dinner package supplementUSD$160
Single supplementUSD$320
Solo traveller supplementUSD$410

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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?How fit do I need to be?

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.

?How far in advance do I need to book?

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.

?What is the nearest airport?

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.

?I am Coeliac. Are you able to cater for my dietary requirements?

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.

?When is the best time to do the trip?

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.

?Will I receive the Pilgrim's Passport?

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.

?Will I qualify to receive the Compostela?

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.

?I've never done a self guided tour, will I get lost?

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.

?Can I add rest days?

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.

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