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

09:00 Depart Santiago The journey from Santiago takes us firstly past the Ponte Maceira, an important bridge 17km from Santiago which pilgrims cross on the Camino Marítimo before reaching the city. We continue north west to Muxía, a fishing village on the Costa da Morte, or Coast of Death, so named for the number of shipwrecks that occurred on its rocky coastline. Continuing to Cape Fisterra, there will be time to take a look at the lighthouse which was strategically placed to protect the ships from this dangerous coast. The cape has considerable spiritual meaning as it was viewed in early times as the end of the world, where the sun set and the darkness began. Pilgrims walking the Camino traditionally burned their clothes here before returning home. The nearby Fisterra fishing village is an ideal place to have a wander and enjoy lunch at leisure. Next stop is Ézaro where we can visit the waterfall before driving on to Carnota with its impressive hórreo, a Barrocan style granary built in 1768, the largest one in the world. Ría de Muros and the town of Muros is our final stop. Here we can view the estuary of the Tambre River and surrounding beaches where so much history can be found. Our day ends with a return to Santiago completing our Galician coastal loop. 18:30 Arrive Santiago

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals:  B