Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Name: Trekking the Camino de Santiago
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (42 reviews)

9 Days Excluding Flights From

9 Days from

£ 1495

4.7/5 from

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Moderate & Challenging

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Group Size :

6 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TSO

Carbon Footprint :

12kg CO2e per person per day

Walk the classic trail across northern Spain, embracing the pilgrim spirit and earning your Compostela certificate

Join friendly pilgrims and trekkers in Galicia for the quintessential Camino de Santiago experience. Walk the best-known route, the Camino Frances, following the historic trail to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, said to be the burial site of James the Great, one of Jesus’s 12 apostles. Along the way, our tour leader provides expert insight into the history and culture of the region, while luggage transfers between our nightly stops make the journey even more peace-inducing. The longest-lasting memory, however, may well be the friends you make along the way – the communal spirit of El Camino is infectious and unforgettable.

Highlights

Hike one of the oldest pilgrim routes in the world
Collect stamps for your Pilgrim's Passport along the way
Receive your Compostela certificate – without waiting in the lengthy lines!
Spend a full free day exploring Santiago de Compostela, the magical capital of Galicia

Key Information

Accommodation: 8 Classic nights (hotels)
Six walking days with luggage transferred
Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Countries visited: Spain

What's Included

All breakfasts
All accommodation
All luggage transfers and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

6 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Day 2

14 km / 8.7 miles

Day 3

23 km / 14.3 miles

Day 4

25 km / 15.5 miles

Day 5

30 km / 18.6 miles

Day 6

19 km / 11.8 miles

Day 7

20 km / 12.4 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

TSO - Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Samos Santiago de Compostela

We begin the adventure in Samos, a classic start point for many Camino pilgrims. We have a welcome briefing this evening, then free time to rest or explore. Most groups head to the Monastery of San Xian de Samos to collect their Pilgrim Passport (Credencial), a significant moment that confirms your pilgrim status.

On El Camino, the passport is stamped at the accommodations, and you can collect more stamps at churches and even some cafes. We need to present the passport to the Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela to receive our Compostela certificate.

Alternatively, if you’d like a little time to settle into the trip, speak to us about booking hotel nights before our adventure begins.

Accommodation: Hotel A Veiga (or similar)

Our pilgrimage begins in style: with a short detour to walk around the Monasterio de San Julian de Samos, one of the oldest monasteries in Spain. We then take one of the most unspoiled sections of the trail, walking through Galician countryside populated by traditional agricultural villages.

We continue through ancient oak forests to the town of Sarria, another popular start point for El Camino, as it’s almost exactly 62mi (100km) from Santiago de Compostela – the shortest distance you can walk and still earn a Compostela.

Accommodation: Hotel Duerming Villa de Sarria (or similar)

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Ascent: 443ft (135m); Descent: 787ft (240m); Activity hours: 4

Meals included: Breakfast

Leaving Sarria, we take a mostly rural route today, walking up and down the hills of Galicia, and through a picturesque oak grove, to the town of Portomarin. Our destination, which was originally located in the River Mino valley, was rebuilt on a hilltop to escape flooding when a reservoir was constructed in 1962. As we cross the modern bridge to enter Portomarin, we may be able to see an older bridge beneath it, depending on where the water level sits.

Accommodation: Hotel Villajardín (or similar)

Distance covered: 14mi (23km)

Ascent: 1,526ft (465m); Descent: 1,608ft (490m); Activity hours: 7

Meals included: Breakfast

We start with a steady ascent to the village of Ventas de Naron, where the terrain levels out. Before the top of the climb though, we can visit the ruins of an Iron Age fort at Castromaior, one of the best preserved in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.

It’s then on to Palas de Rei, though there are plenty of cafes en route where we can enjoy a break. Palas de Rei marks the halfway point of our trek and we spend the night in a hotel, where we can really feel the Camino spirit, since many walkers stop here.

Accommodation: Hotel Alda Palas de Rei (or similar)

Distance covered: 16mi (25km)

Ascent: 1,788ft (545m); Descent: 1,198ft (365m); Activity hours: 7

Meals included: Breakfast

We begin our longest day with a walk along a picturesque stretch, crossing several Roman bridges and walking past medieval churches. As we continue, we cross the Lugo-A Coruña border and see ancient horreos (granaries), a rectangular construction seen across rural Galicia.

For lunch, we stop in the small town of Melide, renowned for its delicious octopus with potatoes. You may notice an increase in pilgrims, as two other strands of El Camino meet here: the Northern and Primitivo.

After lunch, we continue to Arzua, well-known for its cheeses. Along the way, we pass through picturesque landscapes and the riverside village of Ribadiso. The 12^th-century bridge here is the oldest in the region.

Accommodation: Hotel Arzua (or similar)

Distance covered: 19mi (30km)

Ascent: 1,837ft (560m); Descent: 2,346ft (715m); Activity hours: 8

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s relatively short walk to the village of Pedrouzo – considered among the most picturesque on our journey – involves several short ascents and descents through woods, fruit fields and eucalyptus. As Santiago draws ever closer, more pilgrims cross our path, adding to the anticipation of reaching our goal: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Accommodation: Pension Platas (or similar)

Distance covered: 12mi (19km)

Ascent: 1,050ft (320m); Descent: 1,362ft (415m); Activity hours: 7

Meals included: Breakfast

Our final day’s walk sees us climbing up to Monte do Gozo, where pilgrims traditionally first saw the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. As part of the centuries-old tradition, we make our way through the city streets and crowds to Plaza del Obradoiro. The square is dominated by the cathedral, making a spectacular culmination to our trek – take a moment or two to congratulate each other on completing El Camino! We can observe a mass service that may include the impressive Botafumeiro incense swinging, although it cannot be guaranteed.

To save time, our tour leader can gather the Pilgrim Passports and collect everyone’s Compostela certificates – allowing the group to avoid the often-lengthy lines at the office and spend more time reflecting on the journey together.

Accommodation: Hotel Avenida (or similar)

Distance covered: 12mi (20km)

Ascent: 984ft (300m); Descent: 1,115ft (340m); Activity hours: 7

Meals included: Breakfast

Rather than dashing straight home after our pilgrimage, we have a free day to explore the historic city. There are plenty of things to do: visit the spectacular cathedral and stroll around the narrow streets of the World Heritage-listed Old Town with its diverse architecture.

Alternatively, visit the museum of Galician Life, home to interesting exhibits on 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 Ancient Roman times. The Cape is also the final destination for many pilgrims on El Camino.

Accommodation: Hotel Avenida (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

The trip ends this morning after breakfast. Say your final goodbyes and start your return journey home, one Compostela heavier.

If you’d prefer to explore the town a little longer, speak to us about booking extra nights in the holy town of Santiago de Compostela, there are plenty more pilgrims to meet!

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Route: The terrain and path type varies and includes paved tracks, forest trails and gravel. The walks are not technically difficult, although there are some steep ascents and descents, so a good fitness level is required.

Distances: Some days are long and you are expected to walk six days in a row. We recommend comfortable shoes and bringing several types (boots, running shoes, strap sandals) as this allows you to alternate. On days 4 and 5, the longest of the week, you can opt out of a section by arranging a taxi through your tour leader.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel A Veiga, Avenida Compostela, 61, 27620 Samos, Lugo
Phone: +34 982 54 60 52
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There is a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: La Coruña (LCG)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 1hr 30min to two hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer 

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way 

It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs €180.  If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Samos
Location end: Santiago de Compostela

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included. A typical breakfast in Spain might consist of coffee with milk, toast with ham, olive oil, tomatoes, cheese and butter and jam. Bakery items, fruit and juice are also popular. Expect different variations of breakfast at our chosen hotels and pensions, but they all include at least some of the standard breakfast items popular in Spain.

On El Camino, restaurants and bars offer a set menu called the Menu del Pergerino, which offers a choice of five starters, five mains and dessert, coffee and drink for about €12-€15. You can also try the delicacy pulpo a la feira, which is sliced octopus 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 8pm and 9.30pm.

Vegetarians can be catered for, as can other dietary requirements, although there may not be the same choice or variety as you have at home. Please advise us upon booking.

Weather

April and October: Expect temperatures around 5C-15C (40F-60F) with a high chance of rain showers, though it could also be partly cloudy and more temperate.

May and September: Temperatures tend to be warmer. Expect a combination of sun, showers and clouds.

TRIP

TSO - Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels and pensions

We spend eight nights in two- and three-star hotels and pensions. All rooms feature private bathroom facilities and most offer free wifi.

The accommodations typically used can be found in the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the standout stays.

Samos: Hotel A Veiga (night 1)

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Begin the trip at this 15-room hotel, which has a rustic bar – the perfect spot to gather with new friends and discuss the adventures ahead. The rooms themselves are clean and unfussy, plus there’s a restaurant serving an ever-changing menu.

Santiago de Compostela: Hotel Avenida (nights 7-8)

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Make the most of your time in the capital of Galicia with a stay at Hotel Avenida, which is ideally located in the old town. The city highlights are on the doorstep (the cathedral is just a 10-minute walk away) and the rooms are modest yet cosy.

Worth knowing

There may be some departures where groups are split between two hotels in some locations. All hotels used are of a similar standard throughout.
A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement on request.

TRIP

TSO - Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Train. Bring rain clothes. Be prepared to walk in less-than-ideal conditions for multiple days in a row - 15,16,17 miles. For American walkers, expect hotels to be modest in room size, restaurant offerings, and less service-oriented than US customs. All clean and adequate; not a problem, just an observation.

Jackie Dollimore

Reviewed May 2024

Survey feedback

Overall trip was a great experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Santiago cathedral was breathtaking

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvard Simenes was excellent. I lost my luggage, Al supported me and came with me to purchase some walking gear.

Katherine Dellow

Reviewed May 2024

Amazing Experience

Well organised and planned trip. Group size was only 7 but the smaller group was better. Scenery and sights were fantastic. Our guide had very good knowledge and took us to great restaurants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro Jimenez, was brilliant. He was extremely knowledgeable, passionate about travelling, good fun and looked after us so well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Adventure Begins Here

Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

4.7/5 from

9 Days Excluding Flights From

9 Days from

£ 1495

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Walk the classic trail across northern Spain, embracing the pilgrim spirit and earning your Compostela certificate

6 Days of Walking & Trekking

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Itinerary

Samos Santiago de Compostela

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

Passport

Visa

Spain

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Hotels and pensions

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Kristen Whitla

Javier Ramirez Elsel

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

A special experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great trip overall

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

WONDERFUL GUIDE/Gratifying, beautiful, challenging experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Survey feedback

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing Experience

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Camino de Santiago Trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fabulous Trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Camino de Santiago Trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Amazing Trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

You may also like

Portuguese Camino Highlights Walk

Coastal Walks of Catalunya

The Adventure Begins Here

Trekking the Camino de Santiago