- 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
Trekking the Camino de Santiago
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:
CAD 2845
CAD 2845
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9 Days
Excluding Flights From
9 Days
from
Incl. taxes
Excl. flights
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
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
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
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026
Sunday Sunday
26 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2845 CAD 2845 Book with CAD 711 deposit Book with CAD 711 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026
Sunday Sunday
03 May 2026 03 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2845 CAD 2845 Book with CAD 711 deposit Book with CAD 711 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
02 May 2026 02 May 2026
Sunday Sunday
10 May 2026 10 May 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2845 Book with CAD 711 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 May 2026 09 May 2026
Sunday Sunday
17 May 2026 17 May 2026
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2845 CAD 2845
Optional Single Supplement
+CAD 618
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
16 May 2026 16 May 2026
Sunday Sunday
24 May 2026 24 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price CAD 3035 CAD 3035 Book with CAD 758 deposit Book with CAD 758 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 May 2026 30 May 2026
Sunday Sunday
07 Jun 2026 07 Jun 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2845 CAD 2845 Book with CAD 711 deposit Book with CAD 711 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026
Sunday Sunday
30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2845 CAD 2845 Book with CAD 711 deposit Book with CAD 711 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 2026
Sunday Sunday
13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2845 CAD 2845 Book with CAD 711 deposit Book with CAD 711 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026
Sunday Sunday
04 Oct 2026 04 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2845 CAD 2845 Book with CAD 711 deposit Book with CAD 711 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 2026
Sunday Sunday
11 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price CAD 3035 CAD 3035 Book with CAD 758 deposit Book with CAD 758 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 618
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
17 Apr 2027 17 Apr 2027
Sunday Sunday
25 Apr 2027 25 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
24 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027
Sunday Sunday
02 May 2027 02 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
01 May 2027 01 May 2027
Sunday Sunday
09 May 2027 09 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
08 May 2027 08 May 2027
Sunday Sunday
16 May 2027 16 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
15 May 2027 15 May 2027
Sunday Sunday
23 May 2027 23 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
29 May 2027 29 May 2027
Sunday Sunday
06 Jun 2027 06 Jun 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Aug 2027 21 Aug 2027
Sunday Sunday
29 Aug 2027 29 Aug 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Sep 2027 04 Sep 2027
Sunday Sunday
12 Sep 2027 12 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027
Sunday Sunday
26 Sep 2027 26 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 2027
Sunday Sunday
03 Oct 2027 03 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
02 Oct 2027 02 Oct 2027
Sunday Sunday
10 Oct 2027 10 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 2027
Sunday Sunday
17 Oct 2027 17 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price CAD 2995 Book with CAD 748 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 770
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Samos Santiago de Compostela
Fly to La Coruña; transfer to Samos
The group flight arrives in La Coruña early in the evening then there is a group transfer to Samos. We have a welcome briefing, 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.
Accommodation: Hotel A Veiga (or similar)
Start Samos
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)
To Sarria, walking through ancient oak forests and quaint villages
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)
Walk through the hills of the Galician countryside to Portomarin
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)
To the village of Ventas de Naron; continue to Palas de Rei
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)
Walk to the town of Melide, renowned for its octopus with potato dish; continue to Arzua
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 12th-century bridge here is the oldest in the region.
Accommodation: Hotel Arzua (or similar)
Meet many more pilgrims on the final section to Pedrouzo
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)
Walk to Santiago de Compostela
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)
Free day in Santiago de Compostela
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)
End Santiago de Compostela
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!
Transfer to La Coruña; fly to London
Transfer to La Coruña; fly to London
Essential Info
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
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.
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)
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)
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 Experts
Kristen Whitla
Travel Copywriter
Javier Ramirez Elsel
Expert Leader: Spain
Reviews
Add your own reviewGreat trip overall
This was a lovely weeks hiking and we were lucky to have great weather for all of our hiking days (October). It was great to start in Samos to ‘tune in’ a bit to the more busy sections of the path and having a day at the end in Santiago is essential. The distances are sometimes long, but navigation is so easy as it is so well signed, which enabled people to go at their own pace with regular meeting points for a cafe con leche. Before booking, we debated guided v unguided as it is so easy to follow but opted to go with the minimal faff option, which was good. The route was interesting and prettier than I expected, but possibly not for those who prefer more remote hiking environments and solitude.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving in Santiago at the end of a great trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mireia was a great guide - organised, knowledgeable and fun.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Consider other flight options. The group connecting flights were tight and so stressful - we had to run between terminals on the return due to a minor delay on the first (meanwhile there was a direct Vueling flight to Gatwick at almost the same time). Having 4 flights when 2 would doesn't sit well with the environmental goals? Be prepared for people on the route. Often this added to the atmosphere, but sometimes very large groups of school children could be noisy - save a bit of energy to put a spurt on and get past them and it wasn't too bad. Be prepared to queue at popular cafes and toilets.
WONDERFUL GUIDE/Gratifying, beautiful, challenging experience
The trek from Samos to Santiago de Compostela was an immersion into Galician landscape with beautiful scenery and welcoming people/stops. The early May departure meant weather was mild (routine rain expected), crowds limited, and spring blooms in full force. Our group was a joy and Aitor, our guide, was world-class. He is skilled at maintaining morale, providing specific coaching on physical skills, and has valuable connections to local providers.
Most Inspirational Moment
Entire group completing trek - specifically, the long day (19 miles) was tough as heat was rising and hills present at end of the day. Despite some physical challenges, we all persisted and maintained positive outlooks.
Thoughts on Group Leader
EXCEPTIONAL. Aitor's local expertise, deep knowledge as a guide/trekker, and skills facilitating the group were extremely valuable. I would follow him anywhere. He made each group member feel comfortable, was both informative, facilitative, patient when needed, and simply lovely.
Advice for Potential Travellers
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.
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.
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
Switch off from everything & enjoy every moment. Listen to the advice your guide gives you on what to wear to work with the weather conditions. Always good to have a second pair of shoes or boots. Blister prevention is key.
Camino de Santiago Trek
Very good.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walks in countryside.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good, helpful, knowledgeable and created good atmosphere.
Following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims
From start to finish, the trip was organised very well by our friendly expert guide Javier Ramirez. Each day, we’d have a short briefing where he explained what the terrain would be like, what stops we were making and notable highlights you’d encounter on the walk. He also kept us right when it came to collecting our pilgrim stamps en route – as you need a certain amount to receive your pilgrim certificate at the end in Santiago. Every stage in the route was enchanting, we’d make pitstops at rustic farmhouses for traditional Galician homemade fare and fluffy Santiago cake – the perfect treat after a couple of hours walking. We also got the opportunity to taste the famous Galician tapas including fresh octopus and scallops with caramelised onions – they were especially delicious. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, walking through sleepy villages, hushed oak forests and past babbling brooks. Even though this region is famous for its rain – it didn’t rain on us once, so I’d recommend booking to go in May! It was wonderful to see this part of Spain and walk sections of one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Although I’m not religious, it was a really moving experience, especially seeing the Botafumeiro swinging at the Pilgrim Mass in Santiago’s famous cathedral. I’d love to go back and do a different route with Exodus in the future. Thank you, Javier, for being such a wonderful guide, and for showing us Modus Vivendi, the oldest bar in Galicia!
Most Inspirational Moment
The pilgrim mass in the Cathedral de Compostela on the evening we arrived was particularly spectacular. We saw the Botafumeiro swinging, which is apparently a very rare and special occurrence. Everyone was completely silent and absorbed in the moment, couples were hugging each other and pilgrims were smiling at one another, it was a very moving moment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Javier couldn't have done more for the group. He translated menus, gave us day-by-bay breakdowns of what the terrain would be like, recommended places to visit in Santiago, and even took us to one of the oldest bars in Galicia, Modus Vivendi, for a drink after the trek was over! His enthusiasm and upbeat demeanor really helped those who were struggling during the trip, so everyone made it to the finishing line.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take it slow, it's not a race and don't forget to stop in the beautiful churches along the way. Look out for farm life too, like little goats and cows, chat to the locals as these are the moments of the trip you'll remember.
Fabulous Trek
I enjoyed a fabulous trek doing the Camino de Santiago in September. Our leader Aitor was excellent and very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient guide. We were fortunate also in enjoying great weather too. The scenery and villages along the way were beautiful. To anyone thinking of doing this trek I would say go ahead! The camardarie from other pilgrims/trekkers along the way was an absolute inspiration too.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the square in Santiago, the Cathedral is awe inspiring and the mass very moving. I also enjoyed the many cafes and rest stops along the way where there was always a great welcome and tempting treats.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was very approachable, nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the route and great fun to walk with. I can't recommend him highly enough, he is a real credit to your organisation.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of photos and blister plasters!!
Camino de Santiago Trek
Such a good trek. Wonderful scenery in a beautiful area of Spain, walking at a good pace to the finish line at Santiago cathedral.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing all the different people along the way and then making it all the way to Santiago cathedral finally.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Aitor was so good, keeping an eye on everyone in the group, making sure we were all ok from the slowest to the fastest. Nothing was too much trouble. His knowledge of the history and area was spot on. Absolutely faultless.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go prepared. It is not the most challenging of walks but it is a walk of distance over back to back days, you need to be up for that physically and psychologically.
Amazing Trek
A GREAT experience, amazing scenery and good group size. The standard of the hotels varied a bit in style, breakfasts and facilities, but most were fine, clean and comfortable. The Group Leader was very informative throughout and adapted well to my deafness supporting me and making sure I was aware of all instructions e.g., setting off times etc. The Group Leader also found some good places for the stops each day and some lunches and evening meals were lovely. The weather was good which was a bonus for us all! The pace some days was tough with steep inclines and descends, so I walked with sticks which were a great help. I would suggest that training is essential for this trek and a pair of worn in footwear. The only downside was Air Europa the airline for the 4 flights. They lost my case on the way home and then when it arrived 2 days later it was damaged. They also did not honour the prebooked and paid for seats on the aeroplane.
Most Inspirational Moment
Going to the Finistère on our free day "The end of the World!!" It felt like a good way to end a wonderful adventure....
Thoughts on Group Leader
The Group Leader was patient and informative. Nothing was too much trouble and he made sure I was awake every day as there were no telephones in the rooms for a morning call and being deaf, I did not hear my mobile alarm. He worked hard to make me feel included in the group and was very supportive to anyone in the group that needed it.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't pack too much! Do your training beforehand. Wear in your footwear. Have a decent backpack that fits well. Be prepared for all weathers. Take a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water each day.
Camiño Santiago
What an unexpected and adventure to wander along the Camiño in Northwest Spain through beautiful verdant countryside. Incredibly green and glorious oak and eucalyptus woodland. Gorgeous routes through small farms with cafes and restaurants for frequent rests and marvelous conversations with people from all over the world. A totally uplifting experience. Time at the end of journey to visit the coastline and to explore Santiago. Wonderful food and both a physical challenge and restful too.
Most Inspirational Moment
To walk out in the morning with bird song, and mists till the sun broke through.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alfonso gave attention to all of us. Personal and physical support. A really kind and helpful man who loves his job.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Change your footwear and socks frequently. Don’t worry if you walk slowly. Take your time. You will make it.
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Trekking the Camino de Santiago
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Excl. flights