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Duration
11 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 10 nights in 2-4 star hotels and comfortable guesthouses
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 10 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$1590 USD

$1450 USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CSX

Trip highlights


  • Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
  • Walk the last 115km of the Camino at a relaxed pace and qualify for the pilgrims certificate
  • Reach Santiago on foot and experience the famous pilgrims mass
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

A hike along the Camino in northern Spain is one of the world's great walking experiences. This trip provides the perfect option for those who want to walk the last stage of the pilgrimage route at a relaxed pace of between 10 to 18km per day and stay in upgraded accommodations. Completing the final 115kms to Santiago means you are eligible to receive the official Compostela certificate. Along the walk, gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the trail while reflecting on the meditative role that walking offers the pilgrim. Passing through mixed landscapes, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos. The gates of Galicia lead on to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your own way to the first hotel in Sarria. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. It was a major medieval centre for pilgrims, and the ancient atmosphere can still be felt in the Old Quarter. We can assist with extra nights in Sarria and/or a transfer from Santiago airport to the joining hotel - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  D

We recommend before leaving Sarria that you take the time to visit the Monastery of Magdalena with its church and cloister. Today you will walk through lovely tree-lined paths, roads and gravel tracks, enroute to Morgade. On the way you will pass through many small hamlets. This afternoon you will be transferred back to the hotel in Sarria for another overnight stay. Ascent: +260m/853ft

Meals:  B,D

Today you will be transferred back to Morgade to continue walking. On your way to Portomarin you will pass through many hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos. A relatively easy walk until your descent, crossing the dam of Portomarin where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town for your accommodation. Portomarin has a lovely main cafe and bar-filled square to enjoy an aperitif and the old church has an interesting history. Ascent: +50m/164ft. Descent: -385m/1263ft.

Meals:  B,D

Today's route takes you through the brooms which have a magnificent fragrance. Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Over this stage you will pass through Ventas de Naron where you can fill your water bottles, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa and Lameiros to Ligonde where you will find a church dedicated to St James. Emperor Charles V stayed in this modest village on the 24th of March 1520. In the afternoon you will be transferred to your hotel in Lestedo. Ascent: +420m/1378ft.

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast you will transfer back to Ligonde to continue walking. Today you will walk on a quiet country road, passing a 17th Century Wayside Cross en route. Continue through Palas de Rei and other small villages until you arrive at the hamlet of Coto. Ascent: +50m/164ft. Descent: -270m/886ft.

Meals:  B,D

Today you will walk through Melide, which is one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Compostela Trail. We recommend trying the local speciality of ‘Pulpa a feira’ (octopus), usually served boiled and cooked with red pepper and paprika. Continue on foot to Castaneda and your hotel. Ascent: +20m/65ft. Descent: -120m/394ft.

Meals:  B,D

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through forests of Eucalyptus trees. There are many villages along the way to stop for lunch. You will walk through Arzúa in the province of La Coruña, before continuing to Salceda where there is a transfer to your hotel in Lavacolla. Ascent: +120m/393ft. Descent: -370m/1214ft.

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast a transfer will return you to Salceda to continue walking. The scenery today is lovely, as you pass more Eucalyptus trees, large green fields and rural landscapes. Overnight again in Lavacolla. Ascent: +100m/328ft. Descent: -300m/984ft.

Meals:  B,D

The last day on the trail is always special. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges - all have a story to tell. You'll follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. Continue downhill to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. There is plenty to see and do, or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Ascent: +70m/230ft. Descent: -110m/360ft.

Meals:  B

Today you a free to enjoy the many cultural and gastronomic delights that Santiago has to offer. You may wish to take in the noon Pilgrims Mass at the Cathedral or visit Fisterra (see details below).

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 10 breakfasts, 8 dinners - breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 10 nights in 2-4 star hotels and comfortable guesthouses, and a standard hotel in Santiago. Optional upgrade to 4 star hotel in Santiago - supplement applies
  • Information pack including route notes per room booked
  • 2024: Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Transfers as noted in the itinerary
  • Visitor tax
  • Pilgrim's Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Sarria and from Santiago
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Guide - this is a self guided tour
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers not noted as included
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess luggage
  • A private transfer from Santiago airport or A Coruna airport to Sarria is available on request
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

introductory to moderate  

The walking is graded introductory to moderate (2). Daily walks are between 10 and 18km 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

Notes

DN1
The accommodations are 3-4 star on this itinerary - with limited hotel options of this standard, transfers are necessary.This does not affect your ability to receive a Compostela certificate as long as the minimum 100km are completed. For more simple accommodations on the main trail not requiring transfers see trip code CSC.
DN2
Departures from November to February 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.
DN3
Subject to availability over the Xmas and New Year period

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1450  USD

Options & Supplements*
  • excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$90
  • Single SupplementUSD$460
  • Single Traveller SurchargeUSD$620
*Prices listed are per person

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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Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks
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