Day 1, Monday � Depart London
Check-in at Dublin airport for your direct Raynair flight to Santiago de Compostela. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lugo where you will stay in the 4 star Hotel Mercure Lugo for 4 nights. After check-in we enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Day 2, Tuesday - Sarria to Portomarin
Walk 23km approx. 6hrs
After breakfast, depart your hotel with your guide and transfer to Sarria to begin your walk. The journey starts at the edge of the old town, passing the historic Monastery of La Magdalena. Here, the group will have the option to attend Mass before embarking on the final 100 kilometers of the Camino. As you pass the local cemetery, you'll cross the ancient "Ponte Aspera" bridge, leading into a peaceful walk through picturesque villages along serene country roads, shaded by majestic oak trees. Further along the route, you'll encounter the ruins of the Monastery of Santa Mar�a de Loyo, the original site of the Order of St. James. The path then takes you into the charming town of Portomar�n, crossing the Mi�o River via a modern bridge, where you may catch a glimpse of the original village below. Upon entering the town, ascend the Escalinata de Nuestra Se�ora de las Nieves, a quaint chapel perched atop a staircase. Take a moment to relax and refresh in the town square before being picked up by the coach for your return to the hotel.
Selection of shorter walks - Sarria to Peruscallo 8km | Mercadoiro to Portomarin 5km
Day 3, Wednesday � Portomarin to Palas de Rei
Walk 24km approx. 6hrs 30mins
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before boarding the coach back to Portomar�n. From there, set off across the Belesar Reservoir and around Monte San Antonio toward Ventas de Nar�n, passing through the charming villages of Gonzar and Castromaior, where you can visit a small Romanesque church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. As you cross the Sierra de Ligonde along the Dorsal Galega (Galician Ridge), you'll enter the fertile farming region of Ulloa. Descend through oak groves and peaceful meadows, where the first eucalyptus trees will come into sight. After passing through Brea, you'll ascend Alto do Rosario, a traditional stop for pilgrims to pray. On clear days, this spot offers views of Monte Pico Sacro, the mountain that watches over Santiago de Compostela. Your journey continues into the town of Palas de Rei, where your walk concludes. Take some time to relax and explore the area before your coach arrives to bring you back to the hotel.
Selection of shorter walks - Portomarin to Gonzar 7.7km | Gonzar to Hospital de la Cruz 2km | A Brea to Palas de Rei 5km
Day 4, Thursday � Palas de Rei to Arzua
Walk 29km approx. 7hrs 30mins
After breakfast, depart your hotel and take the coach to Palas de Rei to begin the day�s journey. From Palas de Rei, descend towards San Xuli�n, crossing the peaceful Ruxian River. Continue walking through the village of Casanova and several traditional Galician hamlets. You'll soon arrive at the R�o Seco, crossing the ancient Magdalena Bridge to reach Disecabo, followed by the medieval Puente Velha that spans the R�o Furelos. Your next stop is the bustling town of Melide. From there, the path winds through tranquil forest tracks, meadows, and cornfields, passing through the villages of Boente and Rivadiso. Finally, you�ll arrive in Arz�a, where your coach will be waiting to return you to the hotel for a well-earned rest.
Selection of shorter walks - Palas de Rei to O Cota 7km | Melide to Boente 5km or/and Boente to Ribadiso da Boente 8km
Day 5, Friday � Arzua to O Pedrouzo
Walk 22km approx. 5hrs 30mins
After packing up and leaving Lugo, we board the coach for Ribadiso da Baixo, where our walk for the day begins. Leave your bags behind and set out on this beautifully shaded section of the Camino, passing through charming villages and hamlets such as Cortobe, Ferreiros, and Santa Irene. The path leads you over tranquil streams, through peaceful woods, and along quiet country roads, offering a serene and scenic journey. As you reach O Pedrouzo, the coach will be waiting to transfer you to the centrally located Hotel San Lorenzo in Santiago de Compostela. Upon arrival, you'll be reunited with your luggage and check in for a comfortable three-night stay.
Selection of shorter walks - Ribadiso da Baixo to Salceda 11km | Santa Irene to O Pedrouzo 4km
Day 6, Saturday � O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Walk 20km approx. 5hrs
After breakfast, take the coach back to O Pedrouzo and continue your journey on foot, passing through Amenal and near Santiago Airport on your way to Lavacolla. Here, you have the opportunity to follow the ancient tradition of washing in the river, symbolically cleansing yourself in preparation for your arrival in the Holy City. The walk then leads to Monte do Gozo, the "Mount of Joy," where, like countless pilgrims before you, you'll catch your first glimpse of the majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Pause here to enjoy lunch and reflect on your journey before setting off to complete the final stretch. Arriving at the iconic Obradoiro Square, take a moment to savor the sense of accomplishment as you witness the newly restored Cathedral in all its glory. From here, begin earning the Jubilee by visiting the Tomb of the Apostle within the cathedral. Afterward, collect your official Camino Passport, the Credencial del Peregrino, and your certificate of completion from your guide, marking the culmination of your pilgrimage.
Selection of shorter walks - O Pedrouzo to Lavacolla 10km | San Marcos to the Cathedral in Santiago 6km
Day 7, Sunday � Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast, head to the Cathedral for the noon Pilgrims' Mass, a special moment to reflect on your journey. Take time to visit the Tomb of St. James once more, marvel at the stunning architecture of the Cathedral, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. Afterwards, explore the charming, narrow cobbled streets of Santiago de Compostela and indulge in the local Galician cuisine at your leisure. In the evening, return to the nearby hotel for a farewell dinner with the group to end the day.
Day 8, Monday � Day of Departure
After breakfast in the hotel we take the day for some free time around the city. Where you can take the time for one last venture into the Cathedral�s Square Spend the rest of the morning exploring the many restaurants shops and cafes before our transfer to the airport for our flight home.
For those who do not wish to walk the full route, a selection of short walks (between 2.5km and 11km) will be available for each walk day. This can allow those who might not be able for the full exertion to get a good feel for the Camino.
bIt is advised that people wishing to partake in this walking pilgrimage consult their doctor on their fitness to take part before booking. Each walk day will consist of 5 - 8 hrs of moderately difficult walking with uneven and rough terrain in parts.
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