Camino de Santiago

Walking the Camino is an incredibly memorable and unique experience. A positive energy and warm sense of community can be felt all along the Camino, allowing you to meet like-minded people and build new friendships

The history in the Galician region is perhaps the most interesting in all of Spain.  Known as the seventh Celtic nation, it is home to ancient relics, pagan folklore, and a colourful living history unlike anywhere else. Galician’s are proud of their Celtic routes, and along the trail, you may be surprised to see Celtic symbols or hear the sound of traditional Galician gaita (bagpipes).

The Romans also left quite a mark on the region, having official claimed Galicia as a part of the Roman Empire in 218AD. They left behind stunningly preserved landmarks like bridges, towers, walls, and aqueducts. Of course, walking the Camino itself is like taking a step through time, as you weave in and out of medieval hamlets past centuries-old churches and farmhouses.

Price: On Application

Duration12 Nights/13 Days

Trek Ratings: Activity 3&4 / Conditions 2 / Accommodation 2 / Training/Preparation 4

Best SeasonApril, May, June, July, September

Country Visited: Spain

Trip Start: Madrid

Trip EndsSantiago De Compostela

Trip Route: Madrid-Santiago De Compostela –Ponferrada-Villafranca-Laguna De Castilla-TriacastelaSarria-Portomarin-Palas De Rei-ArzuaRua-Santiago De Compostela

Trip Style: Guided Trekking

Activity Per Day: Approximately 6 – 7 hr walking

Day 01 Pre-Trek  Arrival Madrid. Overnight at Hostel
Day 02 Flight OR train Madrid to Santiago. Transfer to Ponferrada
Day 03 Trek from Ponderrada – Villafranca Del Bierzo. 23.2Kms 5 hours 45min. Overnight at Albergue de la Piedra.
Day 04 Trek from Villafranca Del Bierzo – O Cebreiro. 27.6Kms 7hours. Overnight at La Escuela.
Day 05 Trek from Laguna De Castilla –Triacastela. 23.8Km 6 hours. Overnight at Albergue del Oribio.
Day 06 Trek from Triacastela – Sarria. 18.7Kms  4 hours 45mins. Overnight at Alma del Camino.
Day 07 Trek from Sarria – Portomarin. 22.4Kms  5 hours 40mins. Overnight at Albergue Ferramenteiro.
Day 08 Trek from Portomarin – Palas De Rei. 24.7Kms 6 hours 15mins. Overnight at Albergue Castro.
Day 09 Trek from Palas De Rei – Arzua. 28.9Kms 7 hours 35mins. Overnight at Don Quijote.
Day 10 Trek from Arzua – Rua. 18.1Kms 4 hours 50mins. Overnight at Albergue Cruceiro de Pedrouzo.
Day 11 Trek from Rua – Santiago De Compostela. 21Kms 5 hours 20mins. Overnight at Roots & Boots 
Day 12 Post-Trek  Depart Santiago from Santiago Airport.

Day 01 Arrival – Arrive in Madrid & overnight at hostel.

Hostel
Breakfast Included

Day 02 Travel to Santiago by flight.
Travel by road (2.5 hours) to Ponferrada and relax before enjoying dinner and getting an early night to be fresh to start the walk the following morning.

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included

Day 03 Trek: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo 22km
Transfer from Madrid to Ponferrada via SantiagoToday you will cross the region of Bierzo, a sunken plain nestled within a ring of mountains. It is a fertile land, whose agreeable climate allows the cultivation of many types of fruit and vegetables. In Villafranca, don’t miss the garden of the “Iglesia de Santiago”

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included. Lunch available for purchase along the way from cafes and small shops

Day 04 Villafranca del Bierzo  to  O Cebreiro 30km
Prepare for a challenging day with an ascent of 1000m. You will pass through the narrow valley of the river Valcace before tackling the ascent of O Cebreiro. Situated between the ranges of “Los Ancares” and “La Sierra do Courel”, this stage involves a steep climb in the course of only a few kilometers.

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included. Lunch available for purchase along the way from cafes and small shops

Day 05 Trek: Cebreiro  to Triacastela 21km
From O Cebreiro the trail passes through the “Sierra de Ranadoiro” (Ranadoiro Mountains) and, after crossing the Alto doPoio, it descends into the valley to the village of Triacastela.

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included. Lunch available for purchase along the way from cafes and small shops

Day 06 Triacastela  to  Sarria 19km
Of the two Camino options, the “San Xil” Camino offers scenery that will uplift your spirits and encourage you on your way. It has many “Corredoiras” (narrow forest routes) with paved pathways that cut through typical Galician oak woods. If you wish to visit Samos, you will pass through the narrow valley of the river Ouribio, mostly following the road.

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included. Lunch available for purchase along the way from cafes and small shops

Day 07 Sarria to Portomarín 22km
Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods and pretty villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo (580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The next significant village is Ferreiros. When you arrive inPortomarin (550m) you can relax on one of the numerous terraces of the main plaza.

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included. Lunch available for purchase along the way from cafes and small shops

Day 08 Portomarín to Palas de Rei 25km
From the village, the Camino crosses the river Minho and climbs steadily uphill. On your way, you’ll be crossing Gonzarand passing the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior. The calm of the Galician Cemetery in Ligonde on a sunny day is a rest in itself. In Eirexe, the Romanesque portal of the church is a beauty, featuring a sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as a statue of Santiago de Peregrino. You will then arrive in Palas de Rei (565m).

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included. Lunch available for purchase along the way from cafes and small shops

Day 09 Palas de Rei to Arzua 29km
Today, the Camino continues slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. AtMelide (454m), stop in one of the many restaurants to try some local specialities. Later today, the Camino will follow a forest track and cross several streams bringing you to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Then, you’ll encounter the medieval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzua (389m). This small town has two churches that you can visit, Santa María and La Magdalena. e.

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included. Lunch available for purchase along the way from cafes and small shops

Day 10 Arzua to Rua-O Pino 18km

This shaded section of the Camino will pass through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua-O Pino is on a quiet country road. Rua (310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included. Lunch available for purchase along the way from cafes and small shops

Day 11 Rua-O Pino to Santiago de Compostela 20km
You’re nearly there! The next stage will be Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The tall eucalyptus trees line your way to Monte del Gozo (368m), or Mount of Joy. From here, you can see your goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city (264m, population 80,000) you’ll be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close. Marvel at the architecture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual mecca.

Hostel
Breakfast and Dinner Included. Lunch available for purchase along the way from cafes and small shops

Day 12 Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

Breakfast Included.

NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimise its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

‘Standard’ Package Inclusions – can be modified on request

Trek Inclusions – PRE-TREK
1x night accommodation in Hostel
Transfer from Hostel to Santiago by flight or train
Transfer from Santiago to Ponferrada by private bus
Dinner & breakfast in Ponferrada

Trek Inclusions – Camino de Santiago
All meals as indicated in ‘Detailed Itinerary’
Wilderness First Aid qualified and highly experienced Australian Tour Leader/s – Guaranteed*
9 x nights in hostel-style accommodation during trek
Luggage transfers
24-hour emergency support network
Detailed Risk Management Plan
All ground travel arrangements (where required)
FREE Adventure School Treks quick-dry Walking Shirt
FREE Adventure School Treks Camp Polo Shirt
FREE Adventure School Treks Certificate of Completion
FREE Training Walks in Victoria, Queensland & South Australia
Public Liability Insurance

Cost Does not Include

International and Australian domestic airfares & airport departure tax
Passport & Visa costs
Travel insurance [mandatory]
All items of a personal nature, including trekking equipment
Meals other than those specified on itinerary
Personal expenditure
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Price Includes’ section.

Recommended Equipment

We will provide a full equipment list on receiving your booking. Your most important items are your boots and your day pack.

Your Boots
Although you can stagger the purchase of much of your equipment, taking advantage of sales and special offers, we recommend that you buy good quality boots sooner rather than later. No matter how much training you do, if your feet aren’t happy, the rest of you won’t be either.

Ensure that you are correctly fitted and take plenty of time on boot selection. You have a wide range of choice, however the main decision you will make is whether to buy synthetic or leather – both have advantages and disadvantages.

Synthetic boots are lighter and will dry more quickly. Leather boots will stay dry longer, but will also take longer to dry once they are wet. They will be harder wearing and last longer than synthetic boots. You should take advice from your supplier.

The most important thing is that you need to break your foots in.
A blister on a training walk in Australia is far less of a problem to you than when trekking. Get on top of this before you leave for your trek!
As important is your sock selection. There is no right or wrong here – you need to discover for yourself what sort of socks suit you. Again, try them out during your training before you leave. Problems in Australia are generally simple ones – equipment can be changed here quite easily!

Day Pack
This should also have a good quality hip belt as, even with lighter weights, you may experience discomfort on your shoulders without one. All packs should have a pack cover large enough to protect the pack in the rain.

We recommend at least 30 litres in volume. You will typically use this pack to carry:
– Water & Electrolytes
– Snacks
– Personal first aid
– Poncho or light rain jacket
– Sunscreen
– Disinfectant hand wash
– Camera

Information

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