Guided Camino Frances

Upon arriving in Sarria, you’ll join your group and then have a chance to explore the town. Originally a Celtic town, Sarria was an ancient hub for traveling pilgrims. If you pay close attention, you can still feel the history of the place in the atmosphere as you walk down the picturesque streets of the old quarter. After getting your first stamp in the Pilgrim’s passport, it’s time for a group dinner so you can get to know your fellow travelers.

You’ll begin your pilgrimage on the Camino Frances by following your guide through the Galician hills. Passing through forests and rural countryside, you’ll come to Portomarín, a town situated above the River Miño. If you’d been around before 1962, you’d notice the town isn’t in the same place it used to be. That’s because at that time, a reservoir was built in the river which would leave the old town location underwater. So the residents actually relocated the entire town. The church even used the exact same stones, hauling them one at a time and reconstructing it in the new location. When you look at the church, you’ll find it’s a great example of a fortress church, complete with battlements and guard towers. This was normal at the time as the church served to protect travelers on the Camino de Santiago from highwaymen.

Today’s walk begins as you head uphill to a village called Ventas de Narón. You can take a breather at the town and continue from there over less strenuous terrain. You’ll have a plethora of scenic stops to rest at along the way as you journey toward the half-way point of the journey. You won’t be walking alone, so enjoy the company of other pilgrims and picnic at your leisure. Once you arrive in Palas de Rei, you can sense the true vibe of the Camino as you’ll be among many fellow travelers also staying there.

You’ll enjoy this lovely portion of the Camino as you trek across roman bridges and a few rivers. Revel in the woodland atmosphere as you continue on your way to Melide, a town known for its Galician-style cooked octopus. This is also the stretch of road where pilgrims traveling from Oviedo way join the main French Way.

As your guided hiking pilgrimage continues, you’ll pass through a forested land of rolling hills, walking through several villages to get to Arzúa. This is the last big town before you enter Santiago, so you’ll want to explore. Especially when you find out about their famous local cheese. Yum!

As you journey closer, you’ll be joining increasing numbers of pilgrims. This phase of your trip will be on shaded paths through a eucalyptus forest, so take your time to enjoy the scenery and share the excitement of your fellow pilgrims as you near Santiago de Compostela.

Today you’ll reach your final destination on this guided hiking tour and pilgrimage. Hike through forested countryside to Monte do Gozo, where you’ll catch your first glimpses of the towering Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You only have another five kilometers to go until you reach the Plaza del Obradoiro, traditional celebratory location of arriving pilgrims. When you reach it, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning Cathedral facade, ancient stone buildings, and the town hall. Once you’ve completed your pilgrimage, you’ll receive your Compostelana – a Latin certificate showing you completed the pilgrimage. Tonight you’ll join your fellow pilgrims for a special seafood dinner and explore the city of Santiago.

After breakfast the tour is over and you’re free to explore further or book additional nights in Santiago.