Walking the Camino de Santiago

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).

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.