Camino de Santiago Trek
Camino de Santiago Trek
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
Day 1 : 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.
Accommodation: Hotel A Veiga (or similar)
Day 2 : To Sarria, Walking Through Ancient Oak Forests And Quaint Villages
Meals Included: Breakfast
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)
Day 3 : Walk Through The Hills Of The Galician Countryside To Portomarin
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)
Day 4 : To The Village Of Ventas De Naron; Continue To Palas De Rei
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)
Day 5 : Walk To The Town Of Melide, Renowned For Its Octopus With Potato Dish; Continue To Arzua
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 12th-century bridge here is the oldest in the region.
Accommodation: Hotel Arzua (or similar)
Day 6 : Meet Many More Pilgrims On The Final Section To Pedrouzo
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)
Day 7 : Walk To Santiago De Compostela
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)
Day 8 : Free Day In Santiago De Compostela
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)
Day 9 : End Santiago De Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends this morning after breakfast. Say your final goodbyes and start your return journey home, one Compostela heavier.
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
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.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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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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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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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 flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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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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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
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.