SPAIN DIRECT TRAVEL SERVICES S.A.

Join us on a Journey of a lifetime - our pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. 

Prices from 700 euros per person on a half board basis.

This price includes:-
7 nights half board accommodation
Transfer from the airport in Santiago de Compostela to our starting point in Sarria
Luggage transfers each day
Departure transfer from Santiago to Santiago Airport
Spain Direct Tour Director travelling with the group
Pilgrim Passports & daily route maps

Dates available July, August, Sept & Oct. - contact us for dates and availability.

Flights direct to Santiago de Compostela from
STANSTEAD & LIVERPOOL - RYANAIR
DUBLIN - AERLINGUS
MADRID
BARCELONA

ITINERARY

Day one - Dinner and overnight in Sarria

Upon arrival at Santiago de Compostela Airport you will be met by your guide.
Transfer to Sarria.
Check in to your hotel.
Coffee time and a talk about the weeks walk.
Dinner.

Day two – Dinner and overnight in Portomarin
First walking day – walk approx 25km SARRIA-PORTOMARIN
08.00 – Breakfast
08.30 – Our walk to Santiago begins.  Todays lovely route takes us through fields and typical Galician countryside and sights such as the tiny St James Church at Barbadelo. We are in no hurry to end our days and our walk will be at your own pace. Plus we will meet endless other walkers on the way who are always eager to chat and encourage.  Today the main road only crosses us once and there is a big down hill section to get to Portomarin, our haven for the night.
PORTOMARIN – a small town on the banks of the Mino River.  This town was once where the reservoir is now.  But due to constant flooding the town was moved further up the hill. Even the old Templar Church was moved, stone by stone.
GASTRONOMY – This evening a chance to try one of Galicias soups. Caldo Gallego!

Day three – Dinner and overnight in Palas de Rei
Second walking day – walk approx 25km PORTOMARIN-PALAS DE REI
08.00 – Breakfast
08.30 – The first part of today’s walk takes us up and over the hills from Portomarin.  Once on the other side we are adjacent to the main road for a while, criss-crossing until we get to our approx half way stage when we once again enter the silent countryside.
PALAS DE REI – this once, small, Royal town now dedicated almost entirely to pilgrims.
GASTRONOMY – After your afternoons walk how about a nice appetizer of Galician wine or beer with a tapa of Galician Cheese or pie (empanada)

Day four – Dinner and overnight in Arzua
Third walking day – walk approx 30km PALAS DE REI-ARZUA
08.00 – Breakfast
08.30 – The longest and probably one of the hardest of our days.  You will be feeling the pull of the last two days walk plus this is a long stretch. Half way through our walk we come across the town of Melilde.  One of the biggest towns before we get to Santiago. Once again through tiny hamlets, over streams and old Roman roads. Continuing on to Santiago……… The last part of our walk today is up hill through forest and woodlands.
GASTRONOMY – One of the “musts” in Melilde is to try their Pulpo (octopus) so that is what we are going to do! To build up a bit of strength for the remaining walk.

Day five – Dinner and overnight in O’Pino
Fourth walking day – walk approx 20km ARZUA-ARCA
08.00 – Breakfast
08.30 – One of the easiest days today and a lovely stretch taking us past local sights such as “Horreos” (typical grain stores) and Pilgrim monuments. We are getting closer to Santiago and the atmosphere is electric.  Remember many of the Pilgrims have walked at least 1000 km and they are nearing their journeys end, as are we.
GASTRONOMY – Tonight’s dinner at the Hotel Pino is one of the best of the week.

Day six – Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela
Fifth walking day – walk approx 21km ARCA-SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
08.00 – Breakfast
08.30 – Our last days walk and one to savour. We are nearing the city of Santiago and sadly modern day “necessities” are taking over the Camino. We criss cross for the first part with the main road before passing the airport of Santiago and then heading up to Monte do Gozo. Mount of Joy.  Our final 5km down hill towards Santiago City, through the medieval streets to KM 0, in front of the Cathedral. Here you will no doubt meet many of the pilgrims that you have connected with over the last 5 days.  It is a very emotional time for all, you will have made friends for life!

In the afternoon we will go and collect our certificates and visit the Cathedral and the tomb of St James.

After dinner there are usually local musicians in the square so that’s is where we will head for.

GASTRONOMY – The best drink of the week, once you get to Santiago, be it a normal refreshment or a beer, BLISS!

Day seven - Santiago de Compostela – dinner and overnight in Santiago
09.00h – Breakfast
10.00h – A visit to the old quarters of Santiago – including the digital museum for a different perspective of Galicia and the St James Pilgrimage Route.
12.00h – Pilgrims Mass in the Cathedral of Santiago

Free afternoon.

Day eight – Departure day

09.00h – Breakfast
Check out.

Please note that:-

Depending on the weather earlier starts may be necessary.

Price includes bed, breakfast and dinner.  Any extra meals/drinks during our activities will be at the cost of the client.

Your transfer from Santiago Airport to Sarria is included, so is your transfer from Santiago to the airport in Santiago on your departure day.

Your luggage transfer (1 normal sized case per person) is included walking days.

WALKING GUIDELINES

1. Whether the group consist of 2 or 20 people there will be a guide with you during your walk and to organize you luggage etc.
2. You will have a full rundown of the week at the welcome meeting at the hotel when you arrive.
3. You must be relatively fit to undertake this walk.  There are uphill’s, downhill’s, flat parts and all different types of terrain.  It is advisable to do a little training before hand and to have shoes that are well worn in. Start your journey in advance, buy a book on the St James Pilgrimage route. Don’t be put off, age ranges for this walk are from 5 - 90+ and Pilgrims walk up to 4,000km!  Don’t be surprised if you see some that are walking for their 40^th weeding anniversary, having walked from their home in Southern France, for example.
4. There is no hurry to end your days walk.  You can take as much time as you wish. If there are others in the group that are walking faster that is not a problem.  We encourage Pilgrims to savour the route, stop and look at the scenery, churches and connect with the other Pilgrims.  It is not advised to take hour long breaks but 10 minute stops are recommended.
5. You will need to take the most basic equipment with you. Comfortable walking wear, including shorts, tee shirts, loose trousers and a hat. A water bottle and small rucksack (apart from your luggage bag) are also advised. A waterproof poncho in case of bad weather and sun cream.  Also treatment for blisters, plasters, cream, Ibuprophen (or other pain reliever) and knee bandages if you have a weakness in your knees.  After our first days walk we will visit the Pharmacy for those who need supplies. Casual wear for after your days walk and flat, open toed sandals are also a help.  We do not cancel any days walk, even if the weather is bad.