Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

Walk the last 62 miles of the French Way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. A great experience, good food and wine, discovering local customs, meeting fellow pilgrims and enjoying the unique atmosphere of it all. For many, the essence of the Camino de Santiago is about enjoying the journey and not reaching the destination.

Package Includes:

• International, round-trip airfare and airport taxes from New York to Santiago de Compostela (other departure cities also available directly through Key Tours)
• 7 Nights accommodation at selected hotels, guesthouses and local inns or upgrade to 4-star hotels and boutique guesthouses.
• Daily breakfast
• Private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Sarria
• Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece per person up to 20 kilos/44 pounds)
• Pilgrim’s passport & credentials
• Tips and maps
• 24/7 local telephone assistance
• Hotel service charges and local taxes

Not Included

• Fees for obtaining a current, valid passport
• Visa and border crossing fees
• Personal expenses
• Optional tours and excursions
• Gratuities

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: USA 
Santiago de Compostela Enjoy a relaxing overnight via Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

Day 2: Santiago de Compostela to Sarria 
Upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Sarria is the main town between Ponferrada and Santiago de Compostela. The Romanesque Church of Our Saviour, with its Gothic façade, and the convent of Magdalena are well worth a visit, as are the Rua Maior main street and the ancient medieval castle tower.

Day 3: Sarria to Portomarin -  (14ml 6h – difficulty 1/3) 
Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods through pretty villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo (580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The village of Ferreiros is also on route. When you arrive in Portomarin, you can chill out at one of the numerous outdoor cafés in the main square. (B)

Day 4: Portomarin to Palas de Rei - (16ml 6h15 – difficulty 2/3)
The day starts by crossing over the Belesar dam footbridge, followed by a gradual climb ending in the village of Ligonde. This stage runs mainly along andaderos (paths), next to the road, or in some cases along paved trails. There are many signs indicating that we are on a pilgrim route, including the famous "cruceiros" (crucifixes). Check out the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas (1.2ml detour off the Camino). (B)

Day 5: Palas de Rei to Melide - (9ml 3.5h – difficulty 1/3)
Today you will move into the province of Corunna crossing San Xulian, Pontecampana, Casanova, Coto and Leboreiro before reaching Melide famous for its Galician style Octapus. (B)

Day 6: Melide to Arzua -  (8.7ml 3.5h – difficulty 1/3)
This morning you will join pilgrims coming from Oviedo following the North route. Continue through Carballal to Ponte das Penas reaching Ribadiso and Arzua. (B)

Day 7: Arzua to Rua - (12ml 5h – difficulty 1/3)
Today’s route is a nice and easy walk over gentle slopes and through woodland, alternating with stretches near the road, which we will have to cross on occasions, before ending in Rua (500 m before the village of Pedrouzo). Don't miss the beautiful sculpture of Saint James the Pilgrim in the Church of the same name in Boente. (B)

Day 8: Rue to Santiago de Compostela - (14ml 5h30 – difficulty 1/3)
The route today is flat, except for the climb to San Marcos, from Lavacolla, passing Monte do Gozo and down to Santiago de Compostela. The entire city of Santiago de Compostela is magical, but especially its Cathedral, which deserves a special visit. (B)

Day 9: Santiago de Compostela 
Return After breakfast make your own way to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend extending your stay in Santiago de Compostela at a small extra cost. (B)

Optional Accomodation Upgrade:

• Charming 4-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes with en-suite accommodation, on a bed and breakfast basis.
  • EXTRA COST = $200 per person
• Important Note: All hotels along the Camino route are small family run properties and the exact names will be advised at the time of booking.

Optional Extras:  

• Extra nights in Madrid from $100 per person
• Pre-night stay in Sarria from $60 per person
• Post night in Santiago de Compostela from $60 per person
• 7 traditional dinners including local wines $150 per person
• Departure transfer to Santiago de Compostela airport $20 per person