10 days - Madrid to Santiago de Compostela
May 10 to 19, 2020
Hosted by Gina Amato
From $1,999 per person
The opportunity to walk Spain's celebrated Camino de Santiago isn't just another vacation; it's an outright life-changing achievement. This incredible 10-day adventure begins with two days of exploration in stately (and the must-see) Madrid. Then continue to the picturesque municipality of Sarria to begin your own once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, along the final 100km of the famed Camino. Finish your walk at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, celebrating your accomplishment with fellow pilgrims from all over the world.
What's Included
- Orientation walk in Madrid
- Trekking along the pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela (5 days)
- Luggage transport throughout
- Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
*Tour only price per traveller. Flight quote available on request. My Own Room charges will apply.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and G Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
Highlights
- Explore Madrid’s Plaza Mayor and Gran Via at your own pace
- Complete the last 100km of the pilgrim’s trail and complete your “Compostela” walk through small villages and towns
- Enjoy hearty and delicious Spanish food
- Walk into the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela
Itinerary
Day 1 Madrid
Arrive at any time.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2 Madrid
Enjoy a short orientation walk around Madrid with a free day to explore. Opt to check out the world-famous museums, do some shopping or enjoy some fantastic food.
Other options for exploring the city include the Palacio Real, Real Jardin Botánico or Escorial. Experience more nightlife at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña. Taste some sangria and dance to the latest music.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 Madrid/Sarria
Travel to the charming town of Sarria by train. Take some free time to explore before meeting up with the rest of your group.
Local train
Madrid - Sarriah
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around as the locals do.
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 Sarria/Portomarín
Hike from Sarria to Portomarín throughout the course of the day.
Pass through many lovely towns along the way and maybe choose to have a picnic in places such as Barbadelo, Renta or Ferreiros.
Camino de Santiago Walk
Start hiking from Sarria to Portomarín, covering about 23km (14 mi) over the course of the day. Pass through many lovely towns along the way and choose to have a picnic in places such as Barbadelo, Renta or Ferreiros. Spend the night in the riverside city of Portomarin.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 Portomarín/Palas de Rei
Early start from Portomarin, continue walking through fantastic scenery with a rich history en route to Palas de Ray.
Walk from Portomarin to Palas de Rey. Weary pilgrims can get a jolt of caffeine in one Palas de Rey's cafes or visit some of the local shops to grab some souvenirs.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 Palas de Rei/Melide
Continue the pilgrimage westwards, walking through the lush green valleys of Galicia.
Continue walking through rural Spain. Take a break in the lively market town of Melide (454m), and try octopus, Galicia's most classic dish, in one of the many 'pulperías'.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 Melide/Arzúa
Follow the Camino from Melide to the village of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa.
Camino de Santiago Walk
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 Arzúa/Salceda
The Camino walk will pass through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams most of the day.
Camino de Santiago Walk
Walk through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams most of the day. The chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago, is worth a visit.
En-route, don't miss the lovely hamlet of Rúa (310m). The rest of the route to Amenal is along a mix of good and calm country roads and forest tracks.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 Salceda/Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy a final day of walking through spectacular scenery towards the final destination.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 Santiago de Compostela
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast