Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday – The French Way

Arrive to Porto

Depart Dublin on your flight to Porto airport. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the lively city of Lugo. Lugo, located in the north west of Spain, is the only city in the world to be surrounded by completely intact Roman walls, which reach a height of 10 to 15 metres along a 2,117-metre circuit ringed with 71 towers.

Accommodation

Overnight

4 star hotel in Lugo (3 nights)

Full Day

Depart your hotel for your coach transfer to Sarria where you will begin your walking tour. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods, pretty villages and on quiet country roads. The village of Barbedelo (580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The next significant village is Ferreiros. When you arrive in Portomarin (550m), you can chill out on one of the numerous terraces of the main plaza.

Length: 23km / Approximate duration: 6 hours

Full Day

Depart your hotel for your coach transfer to Portomarin where your walking tour will commence. From the village, the Camino crosses the river Minho and climbs steadily uphill. On your way, you will be crossing Gonzar and passing the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior. The calm of the Galician Cemetery in Ligonde on a sunny day is a rest in itself. In Eirexe, the Romanesque portal of the church is a beauty and features a sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as Santiago de Peregrino inside. You will then arrive in Palas de Rei (565m).

Length: 23km / Approximate duration: 6 hours and 15 minutes

Full Day

Check out of your hotel in Lugo and transfer by coach to Palas de Rei where your third walking day will begin.Today, the Camino continues slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. Later today, the Camino will follow a forest track and cross several streams bringing you to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Then the medieval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzùa (389m). This small town has 2 churches that you can visit, Santa María and La Magdalena. Afterwards, continue to Santiago de Compostela where you will check in to your hotel, which will be your base for the remainder of the trip.

Length: 28km / Approximate duration: 7 hours

Accommodation

Overnight

Arzùa to Amenal

Full Day

Begin your morning with a coach transfer to Aruza, where you will begin your walk for the day. This shaded section of the Camino will pass through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua/Opino is on a good and quiet country road. Rua (310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela.

Length: 18km / Approximate duration: 5 hours and 15 minutes

Full Day

The next stage will be Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The tall eucalyptus trees line your way to Monte del Gozo (368m). From the "Mount of Joy" you can see your goal the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city (264m) you will be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close. Marvel at the architecture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual Mecca.

Length: 19km / Approximate duration: 5 hours and 20 minutes

Half day city tour

Morning

This morning you will enjoy a half day city tour of Santiago de Compostela's historic centre, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The famous cathedral borders the main plaza of the well-preserved old city. You will wander through the streets as your local expert guides shows you all the main highlights!

At leisure

Afternoon

You will have an afternoon and evening at leisure to spend in Santiago de Compostela as you wish. Your local guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your taste. Or why not unwind with some tapas at one of the many authentic restaurants that line the streets?

Return home

Today, our holiday comes to an end. After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for our transfer to Porto airport to catch the flight home. We hope you will take away fond memories from your trip.