Itinerary Expand all Fly to La Coruña; transfer to Samos. 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 1 Start Samos. The trip will start tonight in our hotel in Samos. The main briefing will take place this evening, then there is free time for you to rest or explore Samos as you like. Day 2 To Sarria walking through ancient oak forests and quaint villages. 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Walk through the rolling hills of the Galician countryside to Portomarin. 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Uphill to the village of Ventas de Naron and on to Palas de Rei. 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Walk to the town of Melide, renowned for its octopus with potatoes dish, and on to Arzua, famous for its cheeses. We begin our longest day's walking along a very picturesque stretch of the Camino, as we cross several Roman bridges and walk past medieval 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Meet many more pilgrims on the final section to Pedrouzo. 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Walk to Santiago de Compostela. 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Free day in Santiago de Compostela. 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 End Santiago de Compostela. The trip ends this morning after breakfast in Santiago de Compostela. Meals included: Breakfast Transfer to La Coruña; fly to London Transfer to La Coruña; fly to London Meals included: Breakfast
Spain No visa required for British passport holders. For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
Hotels & Pensions You will spend 8 nights in 2 and 3-star standard hotels and pensions. All rooms feature en suite facilities and most offer free Wi-Fi. A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement on request. Please be advised that due to the increased popularity of the Camino de Santiago and demand for accommodation, there may be some departures where groups are split between 2 hotels in some locations during the trip. All hotels used will be of a similar standard and quality throughout.
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Reviewed May 2019 Fiona Hodge Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek 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. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? To walk out in the morning with bird song, and mists till the sun broke through. What did you think of your group leader? Alfonso gave attention to all of us. Personal and physical support. A really kind and helpful man who loves his job. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Change your footwear and socks frequently. Don’t worry if you walk slowly. Take your time. You will make it.
Reviewed May 2019 Geoff Waters Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek Camino - Samos to Santiago A great experience, walking the last 100 km of the Camino Frances. Great scenery, good basic hotels with friendly staff and lovely authentic food. You can't beat a three course 'menu del dia' with bread and wine or water for only 10 euro. I walked with a group of 16 and we really enjoyed each others company. It rained for two of the six days but that didn't affect the mood. Longest days walk was 18 miles but with coffee and lunch stops it didn't seem that far. Last two nights in Santiago allowed us to unwind and really enjoy the old city What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Arriving in Santiago with the rest of the group and standing in the square in front of the cathedral, congratulating each other on our achievement. Meeting up again with other pilgrims we had met on the trail, some of them had done the whole walk from St Jean in France. Lighting a candle in the cathedral and quietly reflecting on the trip What did you think of your group leader? Alvaro was an excellent group leader. His daily briefings after breakfast told us what to expect that day and where the best coffee and lunch stops were. He was very knowledgeable about the history and architecture on the route, and made sure everybody enjoyed the experience to the full. He was always positive and professional and ready to help with advice and information. He also has a wicked sense of humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't wear heavy walking boots, good walking shoes are more suitable. Invest in some good walking socks. The route is undulating not steep on minor roads and tracks and is easy walking if you are reasonably fit. I am 70 and had no problems at all with the walking or my feet. Is there anything else you would like to add? Very impressed with the logistics of the whole trip. Airport transfers, hotels and daily luggage transfer were very well organised by Exodus and the whole trip went smoothly allowing all of us to enjoy the walking and scenery. Would recommend Exodus to anybody wanting to experience the Camino. I have really caught the Camino bug now and am planning to do the whole 500 miles of the Camino Frances next year.
Reviewed November 2018 Eirian Gooch Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek Yes I can! We walked the final 127 kms of the Camino from Samos to Santiago de Compostela. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Day four was our longest walk and I had doubts about my ability to complete it. Despite torrential rain I walked all 33 kms. Fellow walkers kept me going. What did you think of your group leader? Alvaro was brilliant! He made a little sketch of each day's route. We photographed it and I found it very helpful. He was there for those who needed more support and always good fun. His advice on blister-free walking was invaluable. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Slather your feet in vaseline. Enjoy the sights.
Reviewed October 2018 Clare Phillips Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek Feedback This was a super experience altogether, from start to finish, with Exodus having thought of everything. The hotels were great, the arrangements brilliant, the guide, Jose, was amazing, thoughtful, supportive, hardworking, well organised: he made it possible for the team (we 13) to be able to concentrate on the task in hand: getting to Compostela on foot. A great bonus, too, was the way we 13 strangers got on together and helped each other. We spent such a lot of time together in a shared endeavour and it was such a great success, that we are planning to meet again in 2019. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? This was when we (all 13 of us only one Catholic among us) went together to the Pigrims' Mass in the Cathedral at Compostela, when the Botafumeiro swung into action and, at the same time, the cathedral organ crashed magnificently into music. We had really arrived and the pain was worth it!! What did you think of your group leader? Brilliant, fantastic, see above Summary question: 10 out of 10. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do this holiday/trek - it's great. Highly recommended. Is there anything else you would like to add? A mention here of your staff Alice and Paula at your HQ. When I got a knee injury immediately before the start of the journey and was distraught and fearing that I would have to cancel, they were sympathetic and kind, while, at the same time, explaining clearly my options. I'm so glad that with the help of my GP and supportive friends here at home, it was poss to go and qualify for my Compostela at the end. Many thanks, Clare
Reviewed October 2018 Ignatia Evans Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek Wonderful trip Thank you to Exodus and Cumbres for making my Camino such a wonderful experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were quite a few moments of gentle chats and encouragement which will stay with me and the genuine sharing of the elation and excitement when arriving at the Cathedral. What did you think of your group leader? We were extremely lucky having Alberto as our guide. He is a great leader and excellent co-ordinator. He was always pleased to share his extensive knowledge of the beautiful Galician region, its culture and history. His happy disposition and gentle sense of humour were extra bonuses. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read and take onboard all your trip notes beforehand, try and follow your exercise plan in preparation. Then ... enjoy... Is there anything else you would like to add? I would certainly like to use Exodus again.
Reviewed May 2018 Gillian Martin Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek Footsore but happy A brilliant trip, well organised and most enjoyable What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Realising we’d actually made it to the cathedral in Santiago What did you think of your group leader? Jose was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable and full f information. He was also very caring, looking after the group members who had blisters and encouraging those that needed it. It was a pleasure having him guide us. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure to take photos at the beginning, especially of the marker stone at the start of the trek, as you will regret it later if you haven’t. They give you a bit of an impetus as you progress knowing how far you’ve come and the distance left to do. Is there anything else you would like to add? Had never used walking poles before but actually bought some and they were really useful
Reviewed May 2018 Lydia Hammond Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek Wonderful Galicia This was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. I was invited by a best friend and whilst i wasn't sure I could do the whole walk, coming from couch potato status, I made it with the help of our wonderful guide Jose, the support of my friend and everyone in the group. The Galician countryside is just beautiful and we were blessed with some lovely weather in May, mostly blue skies and sunshine but not too hot. Most of the walk is through beautiful woods and the scents of the countryside even from farmyard to Eucalyptus trees was wonderful. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were several moments along the trip which were amazing but I really enjoyed the lovely little town of Portomarin, dinnner at O Mirador restaurant and the views of the reservoir below. What did you think of your group leader? Jose was just amazing. He was full of energy, always smiling and really took care of us all on the trip. I can't imagine we were an easy group to manage as we had different paces and abilities but Jose always knew where we were and kept us in check. He was also very kind and caring looking after our blisters to make sure we made it to the end! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are going to bring a book, just bring the one. You are pretty tired each evening and after dinner most nights, it was straight to bed! Bring two pairs of walking socks for each day so you can change them and keep your feet dry. Is there anything else you would like to add? Just an amazing experience overall and one that I will never forget! Thank you fellow pilgrims - Buen Camino!
Reviewed May 2018 Roger Haydon Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek FUN TREK Exodus makes your experience virtually worry free. You don’t need to wonder about schedules, meals, hotels, baggage transport, and flights. You get to concentrate on a beautiful walk through farmland and beautiful countryside. You get a paper “passport” to get stamped alone the way. It shows you did the hike and gets you a certificate at the end. A fun souvenir to own. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walk through beautiful farm country and interesting old towns and cities. What did you think of your group leader? Jose was very good at communicating what to expect each day. He really kept the trek worry free for the group. On the trail he sped up or slowed down to keep us together enough to have all stops and meals together. All of the stops were at great places for coffee and food and we put tables together so we could visit. Jose made a point of interacting with all of us. He had excellent advice on how to avoid blisters and offered first aid if people developed them. Having Jose with us allowed us to enjoy the Camino concentrate on the trek. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do an honest self evaluation of your walking skills. Then take time to get to the point that you are able to walk for a few hours and go a long distance. This trek was not a marathon race, but you cover a lot of ground. The days are usually a pattern like : breakfast, walk about 2-3 hours, break, walk about 2-3 hours, lunch, walk about 2-3 hours, break, walk an hour or so, check into hotel with a group dinner scheduled for later. It is a full day that is so interesting and picturesque that is goes by quickly. If you read the blogs they tell you to bring certain kinds of gear. Take it with a grain of salt. Decide what you really need to trek miles per day. Dress for the weather. In May I wore merino wool longjohns, poly tee shirt, Gore Tex pants and jacket, Keen walking shoes. I bought a huge rain parka on the trail. I was warm and dry. I did not carry a pack or knapsack. I had a fanny pack with cash, ID, and small water bottle. I would not recommend bringing poles unless you usually need them to walk. Shoes are the most important thing. Make sure you have shoes you can walk in for hours. I walk 8-10 miles most days. So I know my shoes are broken in and they fit. When you train for the trip trip you will be able to break in new shoes. I only used one pair of walking shoes and never unpacked the second pair. So one good pair of hiking shoes was enough for me. Off the trail I used lightweight slip-ons. In May we had fairly cool weather with rain a few times and lots of sunshine. Walking was usually in the shaded countryside with some mud. It was nice because we did not have extreme weather. Is there anything else you would like to add? The group blended well and people were fun to be around on the trek. While hiking you can easily take time to speed up or slow down to engage people, either from your group or trekking on their own, in conversation. You meet interesting people. Our guide, Jose, knew the countryside and was full of interesting and historical facts. The trail allows horses, so expect “mud!” Some people bring dogs, most were nice. Bicycles are allowed and most did not signal that they wanted to pass you. You really appreciate the good bikers who give you a verbal heads up and do not just buzz through your group.
Reviewed May 2018 John Ratcliffe Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek We Had Fun On The Camino I thoroughly enjoyed walking in rural Galicia (whatever the weather), and the company of our international group. It was good fun and we had a great time. Thanks to Jose for looking after us so well and also to Exodus for the logistical arrangements. Walking the Camino is such a unique experience and one which I would recommend particularly when you belong to a group who you can easily walk and socialise with. Glad I went. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? On top of the steps leading into Portomarin, the group raised their poles/sticks and formed an impromptu “Guard of Honour” for Jose. He was touched by the tribute and it confirmed to me that we had all well and truly bonded as a group. What did you think of your group leader? Jose Manuel Garcia. In addition to above, I would like to add that Jose is very experienced and knowledgeable about the Camino (he’s done it for 7 years!). He also puts in a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure things run smoothly e.g. tables were reserved or lunch was ready when we arrived. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Use your baggage allowance to take spare footwear and clothing. Recommend wearing well broken in walking boots or trail shoes. Walking continuously in trainers can lead to blisters especially when the weather is hot or is wet underneath.
Reviewed October 2017 NT NT Trip: Camino de Santiago Trek El Camino trek This trip will give you a taste of the Camino. I would encourage you to slow down and experience the Camino as a peregrino, rather than race to the lunch stop or the hotel at the end of the day with your head down. Lift your head up, enjoy the views, talk to the other walkers. Enjoy the Camino. Wear running shoes or trainers rather than walking boots. Expect blisters. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking with and sharing the Camino experience What did you think of your group leader? Fine Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Slow down, participate and enjoy the Camino experience Wear trainers not boots Pack your compeeds
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