The Camino, a Walking Journey for the Soul
The Camino, a Walking Journey for the Soul
The Camino, a Walking Journey for the Soul
11 Days
Visiting: Madrid, Spain, Sarria, Portomarín, Reitoral de Lestedo, Melide, Arzúa, O Amenal, Santiago de Compostela, Fisterra, Muxía, Europe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
5390-2025
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3128
$2815 (USD)
Operator discount: -$313
Tour Overview
The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back to the 9th Century, when the tomb of the evangelical apostle St. James was discovered in what is today Santiago de Compostela. Since then, pilgrims from all over the world have walked St. James' Way, originally seeking forgiveness for their sins, and nowadays often just to spend time on a journey of personal growth. This is a challenging experience as it involves a significant physical effort as you walk through forests and along busy roads for many miles each day for a total of approximately 71 miles. Your rewards will be intangible, but priceless: an opportunity to enjoy nature, meditate, search for answers, and challenge your limits, discover beautiful rural areas of northern Spain, and make friends with whom you’ll have shared one of the most significant experiences of your life. At the end of your journey, relax on an excursion by coach to Finisterre and Muxia and a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela. You will receive the Compostela Certificate upon completion of the entire route on foot.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Madrid,Spain
Location: Madrid, Spain
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel and, if you have time, start exploring this bustling city on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Later, meet your tour companions during the included welcome dinner at your hotel. Your Tour Director will explain the dos and don’ts of the walk and give you some important advice.
Day 2: Madrid,Sarria
Location: Madrid, Sarria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to the train station to board the train to Sarria (you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage). On arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure, or spend free time to see the early-Gothic Church of O Salvador on the Main Street, the 13th- century Convent of the Magdalena at the outskirts of the old town, or enjoy a drink with your fellow pilgrims on the river walk next to the hotel. Today’s distance (by train): 313mi / 504 km
Day 3: Sarria,Portomarin
Location: Sarria, Portomarín
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 23 km/14.3 mi – Average 6 hrs – Difficulty 3/3). This is the real start of the journey. May every step be a thought on peace and an extension of loving kindness. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak forest and through pretty villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. You will also pass through the village of Ferreiros. On arrival in PortomarÃn, relax at one of the many outdoor cafes in the main square.
Day 4: Portomarin,Lestedo
Location: Portomarín, Reitoral de Lestedo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 20 km/12.5 mi – Average 4.5 hrs – Difficulty 2/3. Let your mind wander and the feet follow. Begin the day by crossing over the Belesar dam footbridge, then start a gradual climb to the village of Ligonde. This stage mainly runs along andanderos (paths) next to the road or, in some cases, along paved trails. There are many signs indicating the pilgrim route, including the famous cruceiros (crucifixes). Check out the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas (2 km/1.2 mi detour off the Camino). Overnight in Lestedo.
Day 5: Lestedo,Melide
Location: Reitoral de Lestedo, Melide
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 18 km/11.2 mi – Average 4 hrs – Difficulty 2/3. Keep an open mind and heart, let go of expectations, and enjoy the feeling of freedom along this ancient pilgrim path. The Camino takes you into the province of Coruña, with its fine eucalyptus and pine expanses, and numerous medieval bridges, such as the ones in Leboreiro and Furelos. Melide is an obligatory stop for food lovers; the best-known local delicacy here is octopus.
Day 6: Melide,Arzua
Location: Melide, Arzúa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 14 km/8.7 mi – Average 3.30 hrs – Difficulty 2/3. The Camino can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Today’s landscapes are similar to the previous day’s, with some idyllic locations such as the Camino in Ribadiso da Baixo near Arzúa. Arzúa is where the modern town with its bars, restaurants and the Church of St James overshadow the Medieval center.
Day 7: Arzua,Amenal
Location: Arzúa, O Amenal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 25 km/15.5 mi – Average 6 hrs–Difficulty 2/3. Finding the courage to face our fears and stepping outside our comfort zone can lead us to self-discovery. The route today is a nice and leisurely walk over gentle slopes and through woodland, combined with some stretches along the road, which you will have to cross on occasions.
Day 8: Amenal,Santiago De Compostela
Location: O Amenal, Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 15 km/9.5 mi – Average 4 hrs – Difficulty 2/3. Our experiences and encounters are waymarks to the inner path. This is the last stage of your Camino de Santiago. Today, distance will not matter. There is a climb to San Marcos, from Lavacolla, passing Monte do Gozo before descending to Santiago de Compostela. Congratulations, you made it! If you have walked all stages of the Camino, you will receive your Pilgrim Certificate. Give thanks by attending the [M] Pilgrim Mass in the magnificent Cathedral.
Day 9: Santiago De Compostela,Finisterre,Muxia,Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela, Fisterra, Muxía, Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have reached your goal; now reach the end of the world. Complete the experience with a morning excursion by coach to the stunning Cape Finisterre peninsula, on the Atlantic Ocean, believed in Roman times to be the end of the world. Stop in Muxia, a small town on the coast, and visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Boat. This very scenic region not only offers wild beauty, but also delicious seafood and interesting legends. Return to Santiago in the early afternoon and meet your Local Guide for a guided walking sightseeing tour of the magical old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today's Distance by coach: 117 mi / 187 km
Day 10: Santiago De Compostela,Madrid
Location: Santiago de Compostela, Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take the spiritual growth and appreciation for simple things back home with you. This is your most important souvenir of the Camino. Today we transfer to the Santiago train station to catch a train to Madrid (you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage). Your Tour Director will be at hand for any assistance or suggestions on how to spend the last night in the Spanish capital. Today’s Distance by train: 373 mi / 600 km
Day 11: Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily, 8 dinners
Notes
Small groups (maximum 20) This tour is largely completed on foot, requiring a good level of physical fitness, and some physical training prior to departure is highly recommended. This itinerary is not accessible by wheelchair or other ambulatory devices due to some uneven and unpaved paths. If unable to complete any of the stages on foot, transportation by taxi will be arranged at an extra cost. One piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20 kg/44 lbs will be transported daily during the walk from the lobby of your overnight hotel to the next overnight hotel. You will need to pack a backpack containing essentials for the day (such as water, raincoat, essential medication, money, sunblock, etc.) that you will carry during the walk. Mass services may be in local language and venues are subject to change. Hotel accommodation is of simple standards, often with no elevators, and porterage at the hotels is not provided.
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select faith-based dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Routes of Northern Spain|Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
Accommodation
Praga
The Hotel Praga, situated in Madrid was the first hotel of the Santos Hotels chain. It has a total of 420 rooms and is equipped with the best facilities to make your stay unforgettable.
Alfonso IX
A modern centrally located hotel with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool located next to the Sarria river offering air-conditioned rooms with mini bar, in-room safe, and free Wi-Fi connection. The cozy main restaurant serves a buffet breakfast each morning and offers a fusion of contemporary, traditional cusine for lunch or dinner.
Vistalegre Spa Hotel
Located on the main street in Portomarin this contemporary hotel offers beautiful views onto the River Miño from its outdoor terrace. There is a bright breakfast room, a bar, jacuzzi, zen outdoor space, and free Wi-Fi. All air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and mini fridge.
Pousada de Portomarin
The Hotel Pousada de Portomarin has 34 air-conditioned rooms, furnished with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safety deposit box, telephone and a bathroom equipped with bathtub, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The restaurant serves local Galician and European cuisine and throughout the day there is a café service with a large terrace affording views of the Mino River. The Hotel also offers a fitness center, a garden, a shared lounge and a bar.
Casa Roan y Casa Grande
An authentic 18th century, family owned rural hamlet in a beautiful country setting offering genuine hospitality with delicious food. Each room is unique and all units come with an ensuite, TV, and free Wi-Fi access.
Pension San Anton
This small, bright, and clean hotel is located just a few minutes' walk away from the charming main square and "Wine Street" of Melide. It offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, pretty garden with sunbeds, coffee shop, bar, and free Wi-Fi connection throughout. The 11 good sized guestrooms are all equipped with air-conditioning and have modern bathrooms with a walk-in shower, wardrobe, TV, desk, and windows with views onto the garden and the surrounding countryside. A self-service laundry facility is also available to guests at this property.
Pazo de Sedor at Arzua
Pazo de Sedor is a converted 17th-century mansion in Sedor, 25 mi outside Santiago de Compostela. It offers attractive classical design, an outdoor pool, and elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi and individual design. The Pazo de Sedor's restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in the grand dining room and there are also two lounges with sofas, board games, and a fireplace.
Hotel Arzua
A brand new hotel located at the entrance to Arzua directly on the Camino de Santiago offering modern air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms.
Gran Hotel Los Abetos
Gran Hotel Los Abetos is a cosy and comfortable hotel in Santiago de Compostela, located just 10 minutes from the airport and within walking distance of the city centre. With a classic and elegant atmosphere, the hotel counts 148 rooms fully equipped. It is perfect for leisure or business trips, because it has 9 meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, shuttle service to the city centre and free parking area. A garden, swimming pool, gym...Also, its privileged location, next to the stadiums of the city, make it the ideal place for sports teams, and for pilgrims we are at 100 meters from the Camino de Santiago.
Compostela
This hotel is perfectly positioned in the heart of Santiago de Compostela and is housed in an historic building with a beautiful facade and modern interiors in the famous Plaza de Galicia. The air-conditioned rooms are decorated in soft organic colors with hardwood floors and include Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and private bathrooms with a hairdryer. The bar-cafeteria serves a complete buffet breakfast every morning and there are plenty of bars, restaurants and artisan shops to be discovered within walking distance of the property.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.