Walking the Camino de Santiago
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of Spain, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour takes you from the historic city of Leon to the spiritual end-point of the Camino de Santiago. Along the way, you'll visit magnificent cathedrals, ancient Romanesque churches, traditional villages, and bustling market towns. You'll also traverse beautiful countryside, climb through fragrant oak woods, and cross rushing streams. Each day ends with a comfortable stay in a historic hotel or beautifully restored rectory, offering a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity. This tour is not just a trip; it's a journey of discovery, filled with unforgettable experiences and encounters.
Included
Route notes
Standard Madrid to León rail ticket
All breakfasts and 7 dinners are included. Dinners are either taken at the hotel, or left open, where there is a good choice of restaurants.
You'll stay in a diverse range of properties including converted watermills, stylish farmhouses and a restored parish house - all of them packed with period features. Please feel free to ask us for more detail about where you'll stay. Room Upgrades:Room upgrades may be available on request for a supplement on the final night; prices start from an additional £10 per person per night (based on 2 people sharing) – please enquire at the time of booking for further details and prices. Upgrades available at select hotels only (not for the entire duration of the tour). All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Destinations
LeónMap
Attractions
Penas de Rodas
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Basilica of San Isidoro
As Duas Marias
convent of San Marcos
Mirador de OrellánDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Leon
- León - Arrival day
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Welcome to Leon, a city steeped in history. Upon arrival, check into your historic hotel located in the heart of the city. With numerous restaurants and tapas bars at your doorstep, you're free to choose where to dine tonight. Rest well in your comfortable hotel (or similar) for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Leon and Transfer to Molinaseca
- León
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- Basilica of San Isidoro
- convent of San Marcos
- Mirador de Orellán
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Start your day with a guided tour of Leon's magnificent Gothic Cathedral, often referred to as the 'House of Light'. Next, visit the Basilica of San Isidoro, a significant Romanesque church and the resting place of Leon's medieval monarchs. After receiving your pilgrim's passport, we'll transfer you to Cruz de Ferro, the highest point on the Camino. From here, follow the Camino downhill through fragrant pines to the beautiful village of Molinaseca. Choose between a shorter or longer walk, depending on your preference. Rest for the night in a comfortable hotel (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to O Cebreiro
Day 3: Journey to O Cebreiro
- Mirador de Orellán
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After a short transfer, ascend the Rio Valcarce valley into moody oak woods filled with lichen and early purple orchid. Your destination is O Cebreiro, an 11th-century village nestled in the heart of the Cordillera Cantabrica. Enjoy a perfect sunset and panoramic views over four ranges of hills from the viewpoint above the village. Wander along the narrow, cobbled streets, past traditional thatched houses known as pallozas, before retiring to your comfortable hotel (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: From O Cebreiro to Sarria
Day 4: From O Cebreiro to Sarria
After a short transfer, we'll drop you off at Triacastela. As the Camino winds between heather-clad villages, you'll hear the bells of the Monastery of Samos ringing in the distance. Upon reaching Sarria, Galicia's antiques capital, you'll be whisked away to a charming country rectory run by Javier and Raquel. This elegant accommodation, complete with a chapel and al fresco dining patio area, will be your home for the night (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Sarria to Portomarin
Day 5: Sarria to Portomarin
Today, a Roman bridge leads you out of Sarria and up the Celerio Valley. Traverse the hamlets of the southern flank of the Sierra del Paramo before descending into Portomarin. This village was once drowned by the Belesar Reservoir, and some of its remains still shimmer beneath the water's surface. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel (or similar) in this unique location.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Portomarin
Day 6: Exploring Portomarin
Begin your day with a visit to Portomarin's church. Then, follow the Torres stream, passing between cornfields adorned with ox-eye daisies. Stamp your Pilgrim Passport in country churches dedicated to the Order of St James before arriving at your beautifully restored rectory for the night (or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: Portomarin to Palas de Rei
Day 7: Portomarin to Palas de Rei
- Penas de Rodas
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Today, country lanes lead you past fortified farmhouses into the hillside town of Palas de Rei, or Palace of the King. As you enter the province of A Coruna, you'll pass typical Galician granaries and narrow streets where chickens scamper freely. Enjoy views east to the Montes del Vacaloura before settling in for the night at your comfortable hotel (or similar).
Day 8 – Day 8: Palas de Rei to Arzua
Day 8: Palas de Rei to Arzua
- As Duas Marias
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Your first stop today is Melide, a bustling country town where tavernas are filled with locals enjoying Galician seafood. Visit the Romanesque church to admire the frescoes before continuing to Arzua. Here, lanes lined with bright yellow celandine lead you to your elegant manor house (or similar) for the night, surrounded by tranquil countryside just outside the town.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Arzua
Day 9: Exploring Arzua
Today, explore Arzua's colonnaded streets before venturing into open country. Watch local farmers in berets tending their vines and building haystacks with pitchforks. The route rises and falls through river valleys, crossing rushing streams. In the evening, marvel at the breathtaking converted water mill, where original machinery has been turned into spectacular period features. Rest for the night in this unique accommodation (or similar).
Day 10 – Day 10: Arzua to Santiago
Day 10: Arzua to Santiago
The excitement builds as you set off towards Monte do Gozo, where pilgrims of old caught their first glimpse of the spires of Santiago. Upon reaching Santiago's historic centre, you'll be greeted with congratulations as you join the steady stream of pilgrims reaching their journey's end. Collect your certificate from the Pilgrim Office if you wish, before checking into our historic hotel (or similar) near the old marketplace, a vibrant riot of colour.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Santiago
Day 11: Departure from Santiago
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
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Spend your final day enjoying Santiago and its magnificent cathedral. Take a leisurely stroll through the old streets, lined with Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings. When you're ready, take a taxi to the airport (pay locally, approximately 15 euros). Alternatively, you could extend your stay to further explore this beautiful historic city.
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