Camino Sanabrés to Santiago Tour with 2 Reviews by Utracks

7 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

Ourense, Spain

Ends

Santiago De Compostela, Spain

Highlights

Walk ancient Roman tracks through shady woods and gorgeous green scenery

Relax and revitalise in the mineral waters of Ourense

Encounter the huge Oseira Monastery, still run by Trappist monks

Experience a range of regional Galician foods, from farm fresh country stews to moreish blistered peppers

Arrive in the spiritual city of Santiago de Compostela and pay your respects at the Praza de Obradoiro

Itinerary

Trace the footsteps of ancient traders and pilgrims on the "Camino Sanabrés to Santiago," a self-guided 7-day walking trip through Spain’s tranquil Galician countryside. This route, perfect for experienced travelers and seniors, offers a moderate trekking experience that weaves together natural beauty and centuries-old history.

Beginning in the historic city of Ourense—famed for its lively tapas scene and soothing thermal springs—you’ll journey through quiet hamlets, oak and chestnut forests, and rolling hills. Along the way, visit impressive landmarks like the Trappist monastery in Oseira and savor authentic local delicacies, from Cea’s artisanal bread to the monks’ herbal ‘Eucaliptine’ liquor.

As you approach Santiago de Compostela, each step is steeped in cultural resonance. The Sanabrés Way predates even Christian pilgrims, with origins tracing back to Celt, Phoenician, and Roman traders. Evidence of their passage is found in the hospices, temples, and monasteries that dot the route, perfectly complementing the lush landscape.

Upon arrival in Santiago, claim your official Compostela certificate and celebrate your accomplishment with Galician cuisine and reflections on your journey. The unique selling point of this walking tour is its immersive blend of ancient heritage and serene natural settings, all experienced at a comfortable and thoughtful pace. For those who appreciate meaningful exploration off the beaten track, this tour package promises both discovery and tranquility.

day 1 - Arrive Ourense, the city of 'burgas' (thermal springs)

Arrive in Ourense and check into your hotel. If you have time this afternoon visit the cathedral or wander around the cobbled streets of the old town. Ourense is known as the 'city of burgas' - burgas being thermal springs. Discover the tradition of the thermal baths that has been in the city from its very origin.

day 2 - Follow a trail through typical Galician countryside to Cea (7-8hrs)

On leaving town this morning there's a steep ascent of 375m, then continue through typical Galician countryside along quiet lanes and gravel roads through woods and rural hamlets. Whilst hiking up and down today you will not encounter another major ascent until the last 2 kms, as you approach your cosy, rural hotel in or close to San Cristoval de Cea. Your hosts will arrange a transfer to a nearby restaurant for dinner and prepare a self-service breakfast for you in the morning which will include the famous artisan bread from Cea.

Distance: 20 or 22.5km/12.4 or 14mi, +650 or 720m/2130 or 2630ft, - 350m/1150ft (depending on your accommodation).

*You have the option of travelling with your luggage to Sartedigos, to avoid the first 5km of ascent as you leave town, shortening the walking by 1-2 hrs.

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 3 - Visit the Cisterian monastery in Oseira enroute to A Gouxa (6-7hrs)

Today is a long but rewarding stage through vast hills and scarcely populated countryside that culminates with a visit to Santa Maria la Real de Osiera, a Cistercian monastery dating from the 12th Century. Inside there are beautiful pieces of Gothic art to be admired. The splendor years of the monastery lasted until the 14th century, when its importance started declining. In the 20th century however there was a revival that brought it back to life and to this day, more than a dozen monks live here producing an elaborate herbal liquor - Eucaliptine.

From the monastery you will make a steep climb before descending along quiet tarmac lanes and dirt roads, passing through hamlets. At the end of the day you will be collected from the bar at A Gouxa and transferred to your comfortable rural accommodation in Casarellos, with garden and swimming pool.

Distance: 16 or 18.5km/10 or 11.5mi (depending on where you stayed on Day 2) +600 or 675m/1970 or 2210ft, -370m/1210ft

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 4 - Walk along rural roads to Taboada (5-7hrs)

After the previous days of steep climbs you can enjoy a relatively easy day today, walking mainly downhill along quiet lanes south of the highway AP-53 that you will need to cross once. There are no shops along the way but you will find a conveniently located bar/restaurant at the halfway point near the train station at Lalin. You will love the last section of your hike today where you come across the bridge Ponte Taboada built in 912 and surrounded by natural beauty. Your hosts will collect you from a nearby cafe and take you to your overnight accommodation, a classic Galician manor house from the early 18th century with a pool and garden. Distance: 20.5km/12.7mi +450m/1475ft, -700m/2300ft

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

day 5 - Walk from Silleda to Vedra (7-8hrs)

Your host will transfer you to the village of Silleda this morning, where you can do some shopping before setting out on another long day. Today's walk is quite varied, including numerous small ascents and descents and a particularly steep one before reaching another old bridge, Ponte Ulla. There will be some unavoidable tarmac walking today, but with hardly any traffic. Continue uphill another 2.5km to reach Vedra, or take a taxi if you wish to avoid this last section. Overnight Vedra.

Distance: 19.3 or 21.8km/12mi or 13.5mi, +300 or 475m/985ft or 1560ft, -700m/2460ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Last stage to Santiago (6-7hrs)

Today's trail will lead you into Santiago de Compostela. It starts with a steep ascent to a charming chapel before leading along country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day is always a special one, as you continue downhill to the city. On arrival in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town.

Distance: 19.2km/11.9mi, +580m/1902ft, -520m/1706ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Trip concludes

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We recommend staying an extra day in Santiago as there are many things to do in this fabulous city.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

6 nights in charming and authentic hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

Meals

6 breakfasts, 3 dinners: 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

Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and guidebook per room bookedLuggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excessTransfers as described (days 3, 4 & 5)Emergency hotlinePilgrim's passport

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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