Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday – The French Way

Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday – The French Way

Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday – The French WaySpain
Fully GuidedFully Guided
77 Nights
Nights
-
Half Board
Transport: Flights & TransfersFlights & Transfers

    Your Guided Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday

    Join us on our most popular walking tour of the Camino de Santiago. This guided walking holiday is perfect for those looking to capture the essence of the Camino: beautiful walking terrain, delicious food and wine, and fascinating history. We’ll start our journey in Sarria and walk along the last 100km of the Camino Francés. From there, we’ll make our way towards Santiago de Compostela, where we’ll receive our ‘Compostela’ certificates and have time to explore the magic of Santiago’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From meeting fellow pilgrims to soaking up the unique atmosphere of this famous journey, this is sure to be a holiday to remember.

    This holiday is ideal for experienced walkers, with an average walking distance between 18-28km per day.

    View Camino de Santiago Walking Map

    Trip Itinerary

    Activity Level 6

    Activity Level: Challenging

    What does this level mean?

    Day

    Travel to Spain

    1

    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

    Time: OvernightOvernight

    4 star hotel in Lugo (3 nights)

    Full Day Walking Tour from Sarria to Portomarin

    2

    Full Day Walking Tour from Sarria to Portomarin

    Time: Full DayFull 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

    Guided Walking Tour from Portomarín to Palas de Rei

    3

    Guided Walking Tour from Portomarín to Palas de Rei

    Time: Full DayFull 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

    Guided Walk from Palas de Rei to Arzù

    4

    Guided Walk from Palas de Rei to Arzù

    Time: Full DayFull 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

    Time: OvernightOvernight
    3 star hotel in Santiago de Compostela (4 nights)

    Guided Walk from Arzùa to Amenal

    5

    Arzùa to Amenal

    Time: Full DayFull 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

    Rúa to Santiago de Compostela

    6

    Rúa to Santiago de Compostela

    Time: Full DayFull 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

    Santiago de Compostela

    7

    Half day city tour

    Time: MorningMorning

    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

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    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

    8

    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. 

    * We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.

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    Know before you go

    What if there is an emergency?

    We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

    Do I need a Visa?

    Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

    Will I be met at the airport?

    You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your TD active guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

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