Walk the Camino de Santiago
Experience Overview
Whether you’re looking for a physical challenge or a religious pilgrimage, walking the Camino de Santiago is sure to be a life-affirming and personally enriching adventure. Over seven days, undertake a journey along the final 100 km of Spain’s Camino de Santiago, travelling with a small group of likeminded travellers and a local leader to add a deeper layer to your discoveries. Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims as you walk through beautiful Galician countryside, passing hamlets, roman ruins and stilted horreos. The feeling of arriving at the finishing point in Santiago de Compostela simply can’t be beat.
Highlights
- Walk the final 100 km of the iconic Camino de Santiago with a local leader to provide historical context and add a deeper layer of understanding to your discoveries.
- Uncover scenes of the real Galicia as you walk through traditional countryside, small hamlets, ancient bridges, roman ruins and beautifully preserved horreos on stilts.
- Fuel your journey with unique Galician specialties, including traditional polbo a feira (octopus) in Melide and world-renowned cheese in Arzua.
- Take a sip of Galicia’s Celtic history as your leader shows you how to make the traditional and mythical queimada drink – prepare for a fiery show!
- Feel an unbeatable sense of accomplishment as you complete your journey in the fascinating ancient city of Santiago de Compostela and collect your Camino certificate.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3273
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: On Foot
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMXJ
Starts: Sarria, Spain
Finishes: Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights),Pension (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,930 ($276 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Sarria in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. This autonomous corner of the country has its own language, cuisine and culture distinct from the rest of the country and is home of Santiago de Compostela – the finishing point of the Camino de Santiago. Over the next week, you’ll be walking the final 100 km of this iconic and world-renowned pilgrimage. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet up with your local leader and small group of fellow travellers. After, collect your 'Pilgrim's Passport' then perhaps head out to a local restaurant for your first foray into the exciting world of Galician cuisine.
Included Activities:
- Sarria - Pilgrim passport collection
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a gentle introduction to the Camino de Santiago, all about finding your feet and enjoying your scenic surroundings. Have your pilgrim passport handy as you’ll be getting this stamped at least twice a day throughout your journey. Kicking off from Sarria, walk a mostly asphalt path through beautiful countryside, passing forests of chestnut and oak trees, small farms, villages and wheat fields. You may like to stop for a breather at the Santiago de Barbadelo or the church of San Fiz de Reimondez. Some of the little farms you pass will be selling fresh produce like jams, bread and cheeses – perfect snacks to keep you going! Finish up for the day in the town of Portomarin.
Included Activities:
- Camino de Santiago - Sarria to Portomarin guided walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Much of today’s route is along a gravel path along a road with little traffic, often cutting through Galician forests and fields. Walk through the rural Monterroso region and pass by the little villages of Gonzar, Ligonde and Castromaior – a slight detour will take you to the impressive Roman ruins of Castro de Castromaior. There will be stalls along the way selling fruit, snacks and cold drinks, plus plenty of places to stop for a sit-down meal or a coffee. Around halfway, climb a gradual hill to Sierra de Ligonde, followed by a gentle descent. Today’s walk wraps up in Palas de Rei – this town is dotted with historical buildings and Romanesque architecture. This evening, get up close and personal with one of Galicia’s most mystical and celebrated specialties – the Queimada, or ‘fire drink,’ has its roots in Galicia’s Celtic past, and is made with the liqueur oruju, lemon and coffee beans, which is then set alight and said to ward off evil spirits. Your leader will make these drinks for the group tonight, ensuring you won’t be bothered by any evil spirits for the rest of your journey!
Included Activities:
- Camino de Santiago - Portomarin to Palas de Rei guided walk
- Castromaior - Roman ruins of Castro de Castromaior visit
- Palas de Rei - Queimada drink preparation & tasting
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get ready for your longest day on this stretch of the Camino de Santiago, covering the distance from Palas de Rei to Arzua. Today’s terrain is undulating asphalt, so prepare for some ups and downs. First, walk to the town of Melide – home to around 9000 people, this is one of the most populated spots on your journey. Melide is renowned for its fantastic food, specialising in polbo a feira (a flavoursome octopus dish). You and your group will gather in Melide to tuck into a traditional polbo a feira lunch, which you may like to follow up with some melindres (mini glazed donuts popular in Melide). For those who wish to give their legs a rest, you’ll have the option to catch a taxi to Arzua, otherwise hit the road and continue the final stretch of today’s journey, crossing the Iso River and navigating a series of short but steep slopes. When you arrive, ask your leader about the revered cheese made in this region – definitely a must-try while here!
Included Activities:
- Camino de Santiago - Palas de Rei to Arzúa guided walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Arzua and reach a split in the path, where the right follows the main road, and the left cuts through shady forest. As the saying goes, the road less travelled is often the most rewarding, so veer left and enjoy a day of peaceful strolling, mostly through endearing forests and past little villages and farms – this is some of the most wonderful scenery on the whole Camino de Santiago. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way to stop and fuel up. As you draw closer to O Pedrouzo, your base for evening, pass by the Fountain of Santa Irene, the water from which was said to cure diseases of crops and illnesses of children.
Included Activities:
- Camino de Santiago - Arzúa to O Pedrouzo guided walk
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
Gear up for your final day of walking, conquering the leg between O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela, with each step taking you closer to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Begin by walking through dense green forest – with no cars or houses around, you may like to take this time to quietly reflect on all you’ve achieved over the past week. Next, follow a long stretch of road between Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo, then swap out rural landscapes for urban as you walk the final 5 km. Hear Galician bagpipes welcoming you to the cathedral, marking the end of your journey along the Camino de Santiago. Present your stamped pilgrim passport and receive your Camino certificate, proof that you have walked the 100 km to Santiago de Compostela. If you arrive at the cathedral before noon, you can enter and participate in the pilgrims’ mass, where a list of all those who have collected their Camino certificates in the last 24 hours will be read aloud. Visit the Museum of Pilgrimage to learn about the history of the Camino de Santiago and other places of pilgrimage across the world. This evening, why not treat yourself to a final dinner with the group in town – you’ve earned it!
Included Activities:
- Camino de Santiago - O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela guided walk
- Santiago de Compostela - Pilgrim's museum visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today and the walking done and dusted, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Roger - Traveled, October 2023
The "Walk the Camino de Santiago" trip was an amazing journey that has it all. It was challenging , rewarding, beautiful, spiritual, healing, tasty and fun. Our leader, Oswaldo was over the top amazing!! We will forever remember "walking the way".
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Lynn - Traveled, October 2023
This trip was the perfect amount of time. We enjoyed the 5 walking days on the Camino. It is harder than I thought but doable. Oswaldo was the perfect Leader with wonderful enthusiasm and a supportive and positive personality. He is everything you'd want in a Leader. We were so glad we did this 5 day trek of the Camino and you will be too. Do it. You will thank yourself.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Michael - Traveled, October 2023
Great trip. Leader Phil was top class. You will need to put in a bit of training before as it’s not a cake walk. Well and truly worthwhile though
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Sandra - Traveled, October 2023
Walking the Camino was a bucket list opportunity and I LOVED it! It was so well organised, nothing for me to do but enjoy all the history, culture and gorgeous towns and food along the way. Our tour leader Phil was incredible and I made lifelong friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Andrea - Traveled, September 2023
The Camino trail was a fantastic experience overall and our wonder tour leader Ruben made it even better. We where also lucky to have a great group of hikers and open minded travel lovers. I highly recommend this tour for lovers of giking, food, Spain and history of the pilgrims and region.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Destiny - Traveled, September 2023
The entire Camino was fabulous. Ruben was an excellent guide with great recommendations for everything we asked him from where to eat that night for dinner, best brand of olive oil to take back home, what to do at our next destination after the Camino. He also has an interest in history and language which was amazing as he was able to teach us so much about the history of the Camino, Spanish and Galician culture and a few words in Spanish. The accommodation wasn't anything fancy but very comfortable with great breakfasts. The Camino walk was beautiful with different scenery every day. One of the best hikes I've done!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Romeo - Traveled, September 2023
Looking for physical challenge, spiritual exploration, and cultural immersion? Then I highly recommend this trip! I completed the Camino feeling accomplished and renewed. Intrepid and my guide took such great care of planning, accommodations, and pre-travel guidance that I could focus on enjoying the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Ellen - Traveled, September 2023
Outstanding trip in all respects and our guide, Berta, was fabulous. While my husband and I dream of undertaking the 500-mile version of the Camino, it is just not feasible given our various time commitments. This opportunity to walk through beautiful countryside for 100K in 5 days (and in some way experience what pilgrims have for centuries) was perfect for us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Peter - Traveled, September 2023
Our Intrepid adventure walking the Camino de Santiago was exceptionally well organized and proceeded flawlessly. The Camino was an experience I will forever cherish. Our Intrepid group leader was truly outstanding, exceeding my expectations in every way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Matthew - Traveled, September 2023
Berta was a phenomenal guide for our trek across Galicia, Spain. We enjoyed excellent meals and beautiful scenery, all captioned with historical explanations by our knowledgeable leader! Take this trip (and start walking to get ready)!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Cathryn - Traveled, September 2023
As a solo traveller, I appreciated the camaraderie and support provided during my recent adventure in Spain. Without having to worry about finding accommodation, and managing my backpack, I could relax and enjoy the scenery and the company of my fellow travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Colin - Traveled, September 2023
I am just back from out ' walking the Comino ' tour. For me , it was a fantastic experience with some really great guests and our leader and guide Eli was by far the best with her knowledge, kindness and thoughtfulness. It was a total ?? pleasure. I would really recommend this trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Helen - Traveled, September 2023
The trip was amazing thanks to the group and our awesome leader Oswaldo it was a push start that I absolutely needed
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Kelly - Traveled, September 2023
Oswaldo made this journey even more special, really getting us into the Camiño spirit! I’ve also met some inspirational ladies, who turned this week into a real adventure!! ?? I’m very grateful (ring the bell please)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Deborah - Traveled, September 2023
We had a great time on our Camino trip from Sarria to Santiago del Compostela. It was a magical experience with beautiful scenery, one we will never forget. The trip was made brilliant by our fabulous guide Oswaldo Navarro. He went above and beyond to organise everything with great attention to the needs of the group. Everything was taken care of. He made sure that everyone enjoyed themselves looking after all our needs with humour and compassion.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Florserfina - Traveled, September 2023
I am happy that I chose Intrepid Travel for my "Camino de Santiago." My trip was organized that there was nothing that came as a surprise each day of our walk....even the weather :). The hotel and pension accommodations were comfortable with friendly staff. And on top of it all, we had a leader, who I would describe as a professional and caring person in the person of, Jose Adrian Gago Bernat. Till next trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Monica - Traveled, September 2023
If you are a solo traveller. Then I can highly recommend Intrepid. You’ll feel very safe, be able to relax and enjoy the adventure. Virtually everything can be organised for you, you just have to get yourself to the destination. Intrepid can do that too, if you wish.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Sarah - Traveled, October 2023
The Camino de Santiago was a wonderful trip. Physically challenging but very manageable. You journey through picturesque farm towns with beautiful animals on display, other walkers are very friendly and local pilgrim stops are welcoming. Oswaldo was a wonderful tour leader and had a blast meeting new people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Reanna - Traveled, October 2023
This trip was fantastic for two reasons. First reason: the people (all except one of the other fellow guests) and namely our guide. Our guide Oswaldo was the absolute best. He set the tone for a positive, safe, informative, humorous, and incredibly fun experience. 11 members of the group were terrific, and although we walked at different paces (which is to be expected), Oswaldo arranged it so that we would have frequent meet ups for lunches, coffees, info sessions, etc. He went above and beyond by coordinating our meals, walking and conversing with everyone, and even walking back several kms when a member mentioned above left her walking poles behind to retrieve them for her.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Belinda - Traveled, October 2023
What a great trip! Challenging, but super fun if you have Oswaldo to lead the way! I highly recommend taking this trip with him. You will not regret it. Accommodations are simple but clean, and the Camino itself feels very safe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
