Trekking the Camino de Santiago

This was a lovely weeks hiking and we were lucky to have great weather for all of our hiking days (October). It was great to start in Samos to 'tune in' a bit to the more busy sections of the path and having a day at the end in Santiago is essential. The distances are sometimes long, but navigation is so easy as it is so well signed, which enabled people to go at their own pace with regular meeting points for a cafe con leche. Before booking, we debated guided v unguided as it is so easy to follow but opted to go with the minimal faff option, which was good. The route was interesting and prettier than I expected, but possibly not for those who prefer more remote hiking environments and solitude.

The trek from Samos to Santiago de Compostela was an immersion into Galician landscape with beautiful scenery and welcoming people/stops. The early May departure meant weather was mild (routine rain expected), crowds limited, and spring blooms in full force. Our group was a joy and Aitor, our guide, was world-class. He is skilled at maintaining morale, providing specific coaching on physical skills, and has valuable connections to local providers.

Overall trip was a great experience

Well organised and planned trip. Group size was only 7 but the smaller group was better. Scenery and sights were fantastic. Our guide had very good knowledge and took us to great restaurants.

Very good.

From start to finish, the trip was organised very well by our friendly expert guide Javier Ramirez. Each day, we'd have a short briefing where he explained what the terrain would be like, what stops we were making and notable highlights you'd encounter on the walk. He also kept us right when it came to collecting our pilgrim stamps en route - as you need a certain amount to receive your pilgrim certificate at the end in Santiago. Every stage in the route was enchanting, we'd make pitstops at rustic farmhouses for traditional Galician homemade fare and fluffy Santiago cake - the perfect treat after a couple of hours walking. We also got the opportunity to taste the famous Galician tapas including fresh octopus and scallops with caramelised onions - they were especially delicious. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, walking through sleepy villages, hushed oak forests and past babbling brooks. Even though this region is famous for its rain - it didn't rain on us once, so I'd recommend booking to go in May! It was wonderful to see this part of Spain and walk sections of one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Although I'm not religious, it was a really moving experience, especially seeing the Botafumeiro swinging at the Pilgrim Mass in Santiago's famous cathedral. I'd love to go back and do a different route with Exodus in the future. Thank you, Javier, for being such a wonderful guide, and for showing us Modus Vivendi, the oldest bar in Galicia!

I enjoyed a fabulous trek doing the Camino de Santiago in September. Our leader Aitor was excellent and very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient guide. We were fortunate also in enjoying great weather too. The scenery and villages along the way were beautiful. To anyone thinking of doing this trek I would say go ahead! The camardarie from other pilgrims/trekkers along the way was an absolute inspiration too.

Such a good trek. Wonderful scenery in a beautiful area of Spain, walking at a good pace to the finish line at Santiago cathedral.

A GREAT experience, amazing scenery and good group size. The standard of the hotels varied a bit in style, breakfasts and facilities, but most were fine, clean and comfortable. The Group Leader was very informative throughout and adapted well to my deafness supporting me and making sure I was aware of all instructions e.g., setting off times etc. The Group Leader also found some good places for the stops each day and some lunches and evening meals were lovely. The weather was good which was a bonus for us all! The pace some days was tough with steep inclines and descends, so I walked with sticks which were a great help. I would suggest that training is essential for this trek and a pair of worn in footwear. The only downside was Air Europa the airline for the 4 flights. They lost my case on the way home and then when it arrived 2 days later it was damaged. They also did not honour the prebooked and paid for seats on the aeroplane.

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.

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

We walked the final 127 kms of the Camino from Samos to Santiago de Compostela.

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.

Thank you to Exodus and Cumbres for making my Camino such a wonderful experience.

A brilliant trip, well organised and most enjoyable

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.

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.

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.

Having read a couple of books, with regards to the Camino, and being keen walkers my wife and I thought it would be a great challenge and the opportunity to move away from the more traditional summer holiday. We didn't know what to expect but can honestly say it was a fantastic experience. Everything was extremely well organised, from the flights, transfer, our daily accommodation and meals where necessary. The daily distance wasn't too bad as it is split between morning and afternoon with plenty additional stops on the route, if required. Our group of 16, travelled at different paces and that worked very well. We'd often meet up along the road and exchange different experiences of the day. The overall route, is relatively easy, with only a few hills, here and there and three larger ones towards the end. Accommodation, on the route was extremely good. It varied from a log cabin type to a room that had four double beds! Meals were very good and look out for the Pilgrims Menu - 10 euros and plenty of wine.

The walk was quite an achievement for me and, as I am close to 70 years old, I'm glad I have experienced it. The travel arrangements by Exodus were good, though I would have preferred to arrive at the start in Samos much earlier than 2.30am! All the hotels were modest and clean and comfortable for our overnight stays. As a group we ate dinner together which was nice, with our guide often suggesting suitable venues. So all in all a wonderful experience.