Taste of the Camino
The last 100 kilometers
A pilgrim undertakes this journey across Northern Spain to follow the footsteps of monarchs, noblemen, writers and poets, and to journey with so many other pilgrims from all over the world. Our adventure along the Camino de Santiago, Europes legendary pilgrimage takes us through the the Spanish countryside, showing us its people, its food, its past and present until we reach Santiago de Compostela the final destination of the adventure.
Average miles per day: 16.3
Route Description: Varying terrain, narrow paths
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Limited to 14 people
Fully Van Supported
A Taste of the Camino
Tour dates see Tour calendar
8 days/7 nights
Tour details: Arrive Leon, Depart Santiago
What’s included: All breakfasts, “brown bag lunch” each day, snacks and water.
You should Know:
There are a few good climbs on this journey, but the van is always nearby, with water, snacks and a ride should the need arise! So don’t let the mileage or kilometers scare you!
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in the beautiful city of León, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom. You will be greeted by your Spain Adventures specialists and after a welcome lunch and brief presentation, the adventure begins. This afternoon you will visit the Cathedral of León and San Isidoro. It is here where we stop to pick-up our Pilgrim’s Credenciales in which you will collect the stamps that will mark your journey along the Camino. This afternoon we shuttle to El Bierzo, near Galicia. From this point, walking an average of 27 kms kms each day, (16 miles) you are assured the Compostela.
Day 2
Our walk begins in the Bierzo and we make our way up to O’Cebreiro a beautiful little hamlet of Celtic houses and a church which houses the Chalice of the Miracle that dates back to the 14th century. The afternoon is yours to explore O’Cebreiro. The scenery today will take your breath away.
Today’s walk: 13.2 kms 8.2 miles
Day 3 Cebreiro to Sarria
There are two long days on our journey and today is one of them. Starting today we will walk several full stages of the Camino. We attempt to keep this journey as authentic as possible, but our van is never far behind should the need arise. Rolling hills, winding roads a pleasant walk. Today’s walk 38.5 kms 16- 23 miles
Day 4 Sarria to Portomarin
Our destination Portomarín, a town rebuilt stone by stone exactly as it was in 993A.D. Today the roads will take us through lush green forests and primitive farms still worked as they were a thousand years ago. Tonight we dine with our friend and host Mario and watch wide-eyed as he offers his special quiemada a tradition of Galicia, which conjures up tales of witches and spirits. Today’s walk: 21.5 kms 13 miles
Day 5 Portomarin to Palas de Rei
Our journey to Palas del Rei is marked by cruceiros and many historical remnants along the way. This area is one of the most important to art historians throughout the world because of its’ abundance of Romanesque architecture. A small detour takes us to Vilar de Donas where we visit the tombs of the Knights of Santiago. When we arrive in Palas de Rei, our shuttle awaits to take us to our accommodations for this evening, a traditional, magical, pazo owned by the same family for 300 years. Our hosts Elena and her mother are incredible chefs and attention to detail is evident everywhere. Prepare to dine as Kings and Queens. Today’s walk: 23.9 kms 14.8 miles
Day 6 Arzua-Santiago
An exciting day awaits us as we awaken with the knowledge that today we begin our final walk to reach our destination. Walking through eucalyptus forests we ascend the Monte de Gozo where, from the top of the mountain we see Santiago de Compostela. We enter the city and continue to follow the familiar yellow arrows that have guided us for many days until we see the cathedral before us. A guided visit with our art historian and the afternoon is yours to explore the many ruas of this beautiful city. Today’s walk: 38.4 kms 16-23 miles
Day 7 Santiago
The day is yours to enjoy this city, visit the many museums, shop the silver shops, or just relax. Tonight we meet for our farewell dinner and our celebration of a journey you’ll remember, we hope, always!
Day 8
Departures
