Graham 2022 Camino

Pilgrims walking on the Camino in Spain | @timcharody

Walking along the Camino de Santiago trail in Galicia | @timcharody

Spider web on the Camino | @timcharody

Sculptures on the church in Melide on the Camino near Santiago | @timcharody

Pilgrims hiking through small village on the Camino | @timcharody

Try Galicia's famous Arzua cheese on the Camino tour in Spain | @timcharody

Duration

10 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

9 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs

Meals

8 Dinners
9 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

Overview

Trip Code: SOG6869

Trip highlights

Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
Walk the last 115km of the Camino to the tomb of St James in Santiago and qualify for the pilgrims certificate
Reach Santiago on foot and experience the famous pilgrims mass
Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

This stage of the famous Camino pilgrimage route offer the chance for time starved travellers to walk the final 115kms into Santiago and gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the route. To be eligible for the official Compostela certificate of completion, which is issued by the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago de Compostela, walkers must walk at least 100kms of the iconic pilgrim route. Walking 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

moderate

More info about grading system

Share trip:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Email

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive To Villafranca Del Bierzo

Make your own way to the first hotel in Villafranca Del Bierzo then set out to explore the area and it's rich monumental heritage. The region of Bierzo is situated in a low lying area whose agreeable climate allows for the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables. Overnight Villafranca Del Bierzo

Meals: D

Day 2
Walk to O Cebreiro (8hrs, 28km/17.4mi)

This day in the El Bierzo area is one of the most beautiful and can be challenging. The route passes through woodlands of chestnuts, conifers, oaks, heather and bracken. You will pass through the narrow valley of the River Valcarce before tackling the challenging ascent of O Cebreiro (1300m/4265ft), situated between the ranges of Los Ancares and La Sierra do Courel. Overnight O Cebreiro

Meals: B,D

Day 3
To Samos

The day begins with an ascent through the pine covered slopes of Monte Poso e Areas before joining the track in the direction of Linares. You will walk through forested areas before arriving at Padornelo where you can fill your water bottles at the fountain. After the village of Fonfria the trail passes through birch forest which takes you to Biduedo, from where you descend to Triacastela. Continue on to Samos where you can visit its impressive monastery, one of the oldest in Spain.

Meals: B,D

Day 4
To Sarria

A shorter day today to allow you ample time to visit the monastery. Continue in the afternoon towards Sarria. You will not pass through any other villages so pack some snacks. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Walk through the hills of Galicia to Portomarin (6 hrs, 22km/13.7mi)

We recommend before leaving town that you take the time to visit the Church of the Convent of La Magdalena. Over the “Meseta lucense”, the Lugo Plateau, 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.

Meals: B,D

Day 6
Through the brooms to Palais de Rei

The 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, Lameiros and Ligonde where will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here in the modest village of Ligonde, on the 24th of March 1520.

Meals: B,D

Day 7
Walk to Arzua

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino and Lebereiro and past Eucalyptus trees. You will be able to stop at one of many villages for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and onto Arzúa in the province of La Coruña.

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Continue to Rua

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes.

Meals: B,D

Day 9
Arrive to Santiago

Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. 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 the journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town.

Meals: B

Day 10
Trip Concludes Santiago de Compostela

Trip concludes after breakfast

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

9 breakfasts, 8 dinners (no dinner in Santiago): 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.
9 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
Information pack including route notes & guidebook per room booked
Luggage transfer (1 bag of 20kg max pp - additional bags and excess weight will attract a surcharge)
Visitor tax
Emergency hotline
Pilgrim's Passport

What's not included

Travel to Villafranca del Bierzo and from Santiago
Drinks and lunches
Items of a personal nature
Entrance fees
Guide - this is a self guided tour
Transfers
Travel insurance - mandatory
excess baggage charges - please advise us if you will have more than one bag weighing a max of 20kgs as extra charges will apply for additional pieces of luggage. Please do not tie smaller bags onto your main luggage as we only include one bag and they will be charged as an extra bag. Charges will be higher if not paid when final balance for your trip is due.
Accommodation upgrade to superior hotel in Arzua (supplement applies)
Accommodation to superior hotel or Parador in Santiago (supplement applies)

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 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.

Departure dates

Daily

Notes

Base Price

Surcharge

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

$USD

Options & Supplements*

luggage transferUSD$100

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all | Collapse all

?How fit do I need to be?

?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.

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.