Camino de Santiago Trek
9 Days Starting in Samos and ending in Santiago de Compostela
Visiting: Spain
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TSO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is one of the world's oldest pilgrim routes; travellers have made their way across northern Spain to Santiago on 'The Way of St James' for over 1,000 years. The route is marked by the symbol of the scallop shell, typically found on the Galician shores, and a long-standing tradition is to obtain the ‘compostela’, a certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims upon completing the way; gained by walking at least 100km of the route, which we will do on this trip.
Highlights
Itinerary
The group flight will arrive in La Coruña early in the evening then there is
a group transfer to Samos. The main briefing will take place this evening.
Day 2
After breakfast, we start our first walk in one of the most unspoilt
sections of the Camino. We walk through the Galician countryside, populated
by a number of traditional agricultural villages and visit the town of Samos.
We will pass by one of the oldest monasteries in Spain and get the chance to
see a lovely old chapel from the ninth century. We will then continue through
ancient oak forests to the town of Sarria.
Day 3
We continue walking up and down the hills of Galicia to the town of
Portomarin, which was rebuilt on a hilltop from its original location in the
River Mino’s valley. This was done to escape flooding when a reservoir was
constructed in 1962. The old church was moved, stone by stone, to its current
location.
Day 4
We start with a steady ascent to the village of Ventas de Naron, where the
terrain levels out. Along the way to Palas de Rei there are plenty of
cafes where we can enjoy a break. Palas de Rei marks the half-way point of
our trek and we spend the night in a hotel, where we can really feel the
spirit of the ‘Camino’ since many walkers stop here.
Considering the length of the walk please note that a taxi can be arranged to
allow opting out from a section, if needed.
Day 5
We begin our longest day's walking along a very picturesque stretch of the
Camino, as we cross several Roman bridges and walk past mediaeval churches.
For lunch we stop in the small town of Melide, renowned for its delicious
octopus with potatoes and end our day in Arzua, famous for its cheeses.
Considering the length of the walk please note that a taxi can be arranged to
allow opting out from a section, if needed.
Day 6
Today’s walk to the village of Pedrouzo involves a number of short ascents
and descents through woods, fruit fields and eucalyptus. As Santiago draws
ever closer, more pilgrims will cross our path, adding to the anticipation of
reaching our goal, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Day 7
Our final day’s walk sees us climbing up to the famous Monte do Gozo, where
pilgrims traditionally took in their first views of the towers of the
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. As part of the centuries-old tradition,
we make our way through the city’s streets and crowds to Plaza del
Obradoiro, dominated by the impressive Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela,
where we can observe a mass service that may include the impressive
“Botafumeiro” incense swinging, although it cannot be guaranteed.
Day 8
Free day to explore the historic city of Santiago at your own pace. There are
plenty of things to do; you can visit the spectacular cathedral and stroll
around the narrow streets of the World Heritage-listed Old Town with its
diverse architecture. Alternatively, you can visit the museum of Galician
Life, home to interesting exhibits of Galician traditions and art. You can
also join a day excursion to Cape Finisterre, which was believed to be the
end of the known world in Roman times. The Cape is also the final destination
for many pilgrims on the way of St. James.*
*
Day 9
Transfer to La Coruña; fly to London
What's Included
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Transfers for group flights
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All breakfasts
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All accommodation
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Fully Guided
What's Not Included
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Single supplement
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Travel insurance
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Visas & vaccinations
Accommodation
You will spend eight nights in one and two-star standard hotels and pensions. All rooms feature en suite facilities and most offer free wifi. A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement on request.
Due to the increased popularity of the Camino de Santiago and demand for accommodation, there may be some departures where groups are split between two hotels in some locations during the trip. All hotels used will be of a similar standard and quality throughout.
Food
All breakfasts are included.
Breakfasts in Spain usually consist of coffee with milk, toast with ham,
olive oil, tomatoes, cheese and butter and jam. Bakery items such as
pastries, fruit and juice are also popular. During this trip you can expect
different variations of breakfast at the hotels and pensions we stay at but
they will all include at least some of the standard breakfast items that are
popular in Spain.
The land in north Spain is rich and produces almost everything one might want
to eat from fish and seafood to good quality meat, vegetables and fruit. Your
leader will recommend good places to eat. Sometimes it will be tapas, sharing
some “raciones” as a group and sometimes you will be able to choose from
the menu.
In the Camino de Santiago restaurants and bars offer a set menu called the
“Menu del Pergrino” and offer 5 starters, 5 mains and dessert, coffee and
drink for about EUR 10-15. If you feel daring you can try the Octopus
“Pulpo a la Feira” that Spaniards consider a delicacy and is well cooked
and served sliced with paprika, olive oil and sea salt. Sometimes it is also
served with “grelos" (boiled sliced potatoes).
Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually
taken between 20:00hrs and 21.30hrs.
Please be aware that meat and fish are staple food in Northern Spain.
Vegetarians can be catered for, as are other dietary requirements although
there may not be the same choice or variety as you have at home and please be
prepared to be flexible. Please advise us upon booking.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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