Camino - Pilgrims and Paradors

4.3Based on

Carbon neutral

10 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

15 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Castile y León & La Rioja, Spain

Ends

Santiago De Compostela, Spain

Highlights

Experiencing the historical significance of the pilgrim trail, one of the world's great walking experiences

Staying in charming hotels, manor houses and paradors for maximum comfort

Reaching the fabled Santiago de Compostela cathedral on foot

Enjoying the camaraderie of hikers and pilgrims along the trail

Itinerary

Step into the heart of Spain's legendary Camino de Santiago with the "Camino - Pilgrims and Paradors" tour, designed for experienced travelers and seniors seeking both adventure and comfort. This 10-day self-guided trekking package takes you from Castile y León & La Rioja to the spiritual city of Santiago de Compostela, weaving through Palas De Rei and five other captivating destinations.

What makes this walking journey stand out is the unique blend of classic pilgrimage and upscale accommodations. Each evening, rest in a curated selection of charming hotels and historic Paradors—many set in beautifully restored heritage buildings offering modern comforts. As you trek over 100 kilometers, you'll not only earn the coveted Compostela certificate, but also absorb centuries of history, passing ancient crosses, statues, and weathered grain silos that echo the footsteps of countless pilgrims before you.

The trail itself is renowned as one of the world’s great walking experiences, traversing mixed landscapes from rustic villages to the green gates of Galicia. Along the way, take time for reflection and savor the meditative rhythm that defines the Camino. The camaraderie you’ll encounter, whether among fellow walkers or locals, adds a layer of warmth and authenticity to your adventure.

Finishing at the iconic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, believed to house the tomb of St. James, brings a sense of accomplishment and spiritual resonance. This tour package is ideal for those who appreciate meaningful travel, combining moderate daily treks with the indulgence of stylish, comfortable stays. The unique selling point is undoubtedly the opportunity to experience the Camino in elevated style, blending cultural immersion with the luxury of Paradors—making each day’s journey as rewarding as the destination itself.

day 1 - Arrive Villafranca del Bierzo

Make your way to Villafranca del Bierzo and check into the Parador, your base for 2 nights. The Parador has great views of the northwest of the region of El Bierzo and to the south of the Ancares mountain range. Villafranca is the last important town in Leon towards Santiago and has a rich monumental heritage. Its old centre has been declared Property of Cultural Interest. Enjoy exploring the main square (Plaza Mayor), City Hall, calle del Agua (Water Street) and the arch where it ends, the convent of Agustinas Recoletas, and other palaces, or relaxing at the parador.

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Transfer to Herrerías and walk to O Cebreiro (5-6hrs), transfer back to Villafranca

This morning at 8.30am you will be transferred to Herrerías to start your Camino. You will walk via La Faba to Laguna de Castilla, where you will find a wonderful example of a functional Galician 'palloza'. This traditional structure has stone walls with a conical, slanting roof and is a typical dwelling of this region. Continue through the scrub land to reach O Cebreiro (at 1330m) where you will meet your 4pm transfer to take you back to Villafranca for your overnight stay.

Distance 8km/5mi

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 3 - Enter Galicia and walk to Samos (6-7hrs), transfer to Monforte de Lemos

A morning transfer (8.30am) takes you back to O Cebreiro to continue your walk. Early morning mists give way to ethereal hilltops that look like floating islands and along the way you will encounter amazing views in every direction. In Hospital de la Condesa take the time to visit the Iglesia San Juan with its unusual stone roofed belfry and the cross of Santiago. Pass through the village of Triacastela on your way to Samos for your late afternoon transfer to Monforte de Lemos.

Distance 30km/18.6mi

Optional excursion:

You have the option to add a day to the trip and take a tour of the Ribeira Sacra including wine tasting lunch, cellar visit, catamaran journey on the river and vineyard experience. This is a full day excursion. It must be requested at the time of booking and the excursion supplement plus an extra night in Monforte apply.

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 4 - Transfer to Samos and walk via Sarria to Barbadelo (5hrs), transfer to Monforte

At 8.30am a transfer will take you back to Samos to commence today's walk. Samos has as its centrepiece an enormous monastery founded in the sixth century, The Monastery of St Julian, an active Benedictine monastery. From here you will pass through Sarria and on to Barbadelo, following a winding path between the river and railway to cross a stream. Climb up through ancient woodlands to meet your 4pm transfer back to Monforte.

Distance 17.5km/10.8mi

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 5 - Walk through the hills of Galicia to Portomarin (5-6hrs)

Transfer to Barbadelo this morning (at 8.30am) to continue your walk. You are now experiencing rural Galicia at its best following a well-worn path along granite stepping stones and narrow laneways to stay above the flood prone area below. Gently climb to Ferreiros and Vilacha before descending steeply to the bridge spanning the Miño river. Overnight in Portomarin. The Belesar reservoir on the river Miño flooded the old village of Portomarín in 1963. Its main historic buildings were rescued stone by stone: the Romanesque church of San Pedro, the church fortress of San Nicolás and some medieval palaces, and relocated to the new town. The usual accommodation here, a pazo, was partially relocated to its current spot at this time due to the flooding.

Distance 17km/10.6mi

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 6 - Walk to Palas de Rei, transfer to Vilamaior (6.5hrs)

Today you will find varied terrain on your journey to Palas de Rei. You will commence with a climb up a woodland path to then make numerous crossings over the main road. If you have time, take an optional detour from Portos to Vilar de Donas where you will find the Church of San Salvador, constructed in the middle of the 12 century. After another gentle climb around the side of Rosary Heights you will descend to Palas de Rei. Afternoon transfer to Vilamaior and your accommodation.

Distance 25km/15.5mi

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 7 - Continue to Arzua (6-7hrs)

Transfer at 8.30am to Palas de Rei to commence your walk. The terrain becomes easier today as you walk through the villages of Casanova and Leboreiro past eucalyptus trees. There are many places along the way to stop for coffee and lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and Melide. Continue to your comfortable lodging in Arzua in the province of La Coruña.

Distance 29.5km/18.3mi

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 8 - Walk from Arzua to Rua, transfer to Pazo Andreade (5-6hrs)

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walk is lovely, passing large green fields and rural landscapes. Meet your transfer at 4pm to take you to your overnight accommodation.

Distance 18km/11.2mi

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 9 - Transfer to Rua, walk to Santiago (6hrs)

You are transferred back to Rua at 8.30am this morning to commence your walk. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Walk into the city - the Parador is adjacent to the cathedral. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela, there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town.

Distance 20km/12.4mi

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - Trip concludes

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Meals

9 breakfasts, 8 dinners (no dinner in Santiago): Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.

Others

9 nights in paradors, pazos (manor houses) and charming hotels on a twinshare basisDigital information pack with route notes, maps & GPXLuggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excessTransfers as noted on days 2 - 9Pilgrim PassportEmergency Hotline

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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4.3

based on 3 reviews

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