The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world. Stretching across various paths through Spain, Portugal, and France, it ultimately converges at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain, where it is believed that the remains of the apostle St. James are interred.
The pilgrimage has a rich history dating back over a thousand years, with its origins rooted in medieval Europe. During the Middle Ages, Christians from all walks of life embarked on the journey to Santiago de Compostela as an act of penance, spiritual renewal, or simply as a gesture of devotion. The Camino was also a major cultural and commercial route, connecting different regions of Europe and facilitating the exchange of ideas, goods, and cultures.
Today, the Camino de Santiago continues to attract pilgrims from around the globe, albeit for a variety of reasons. Some undertake the journey for religious or spiritual reasons, seeking solace, enlightenment, or a deeper connection with their faith. Others are drawn to the Camino for the physical challenge it presents, as walking hundreds of kilometers over rugged terrain can be both demanding and rewarding. Additionally, many pilgrims are attracted to the sense of camaraderie and community that develops along the way, as they meet fellow travelers from diverse backgrounds and share in the common experience of the pilgrimage.
There are several different routes that make up the Camino de Santiago, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. The most popular route is the Camino Francés, which begins in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and traverses the picturesque landscapes of northern Spain before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Other notable routes include the Camino Portugués, which starts in Lisbon or Porto, and the Camino del Norte, which follows the northern coast of Spain.
Regardless of the route chosen, the journey along the Camino de Santiago is marked by a series of yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols that guide pilgrims along the way. Along the route, pilgrims pass through charming villages, historic towns, and stunning natural scenery, while also encountering a network of hostels, known as albergues, where they can rest for the night and share stories with fellow pilgrims.
Arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a deeply moving experience for many pilgrims, as it symbolizes the culmination of their journey and the achievement of their personal goals. Some pilgrims attend the Pilgrim's Mass, where they have the opportunity to embrace the statue of St. James and receive a certificate of completion, known as the Compostela, as recognition of their pilgrimage.
In addition to its religious and cultural significance, the Camino de Santiago has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its importance as a cultural heritage site and a symbol of peace and unity among people of different nations and backgrounds. Whether undertaken for religious, spiritual, or personal reasons, the Camino de Santiago remains a transformative journey for all who embark upon it, offering a profound sense of fulfillment, self-discovery, and connection to something greater than oneself.
Contact us to Build your The Camino de Santiago Pilgramige for your group
info@eliastours.com
What is included in the tour
- Airfare
- Accommodations
- Breakfast, and Dinner daily
- Daily Transportation
- Luggage Transfers
What is NOT included in the tour
- Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
- Lunch
- Travel Insurance
Spiritual Journey: The Camino de Santiago offers pilgrims a profound spiritual experience, providing an opportunity for reflection, contemplation, and inner growth as they traverse ancient paths and connect with centuries of religious tradition.
There are several different routes that make up the Camino de Santiago, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. The most popular route is the Camino Francés, which begins in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and traverses the picturesque landscapes of northern Spain before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Other notable routes include the Camino Portugués, which starts in Lisbon or Porto, and the Camino del Norte, which follows the northern coast of Spain.
El Camino - A Walking Pilgrimage - Spain
Day 1: Departure from the USA
Depart today on board your overnight transatlantic flight to Madrid, arriving the following day. En route, enjoy dinner and personalized entertainment.
Day 2: Arrive in Madrid - City Walking Tour (2 miles | 3.2 kilometers | 4,500 steps)
Upon arrival in Madrid, you will collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the Arrival’s Hall where you will be greeted by your driver. Transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon We will have a walking tour of Madrid to include the exterior of the Royal Palace. Walk through the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and we make a final stop at the Church of Saint James. Return to your hotel. We will enjoy a nice meal before having a restful overnight in Madrid before your walking tour begins.
Day 3: Madrid - Foncebadon - O Cebreiro - Sarria (2.8 miles | 4.5 kilometers | 6,500 steps)
Today we will transfer to Foncebadon, where we will begin our walk. In the eleventh century, this village was a common resting place for pilgrims on El Camino due to its hospitals, hospice, and church. Currently, the structures that have served so many are now in ruins. While in Foncebadon, you will walk to view the “Iron Cross.” This Cross is a common pausing place for pilgrims as they leave a stone at the foot of the cross to symbolize a sin or burden that they are leaving behind. Your tour continues as you continue onward to the village nestled in the mountains, O Cebreiro. This village is suspended 1,300 meters in the air and provides a breathtaking panoramic view. Arrive in Sarria, dinner, and overnight.
Day 4: Sarria - Portomarin (15 miles | 23.5 kilometers | 35,500 steps)
Today we will walk from Sarria to Portomarin. This stage is known for its beauty and also because we pass the 100 Km marker of this ancient route, which is the minimum distance to be
traveled on foot to receive the Compostela certificate. We pass through the towns of Barbadelo and Ferreiros, admiring their Romanesque churches en route, before arriving at Portomarín for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Portomarin - Palas de Rei (16 miles | 25 kilometers | 37,500 steps)
This morning, you will enjoy the journey from Portomarin, through the woods to the Palas de Rei. This was a noteworthy town in the Middle Ages, as it contained a Royal Hospital and the church of St. Tirso. As the rugged walk continues, you will continue through fields, forests, and
granaries. Additionally, you will see a prominent characteristic of the Galician Landscape, Los Cruceiros, including the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of San Salvador de Villar de Donas. Stamp our passports, dinner, and overnight in Palas de Rei.
Day 6: Palas de Rei - Arzua (18.2 miles | 29 kilometers | 44,000 steps)
Breakfast will be served at your hotel. Your pilgrimage continues as you will travel from Palas de Rei to the bustling small town of Arzua. Before arriving in Arzua, your group will stop at Melide. This town is a crucial point of El Camino because it is where the French and Oviedo routes converge. Melide is also known for its pulp (cooked octopus with paprika). For those who wish to only walk a part of this route, the bus will be available to take pilgrims to their accommodation earlier. Some pilgrims might consider walking either from Palas de Rei to Melide which is 9.5 miles or from Melide to Arzua which is 9 miles. We arrive at Arzúa where, opening times permitting, we visit the Chapel of La Magdalena. Dinner and overnight in Arzua.
Day 7: Arzua (4.5 miles | 7.2 kilometers | 10,500 steps)
Today, you will take a break to rest. There will be time to reflect on the journey and to spend at your own leisure. Dinner and overnight in Arzua.
Day 8: Arzua - Arca O Pino (14.2 miles | 22.8 kilometers | 33,000 steps)
Breakfast at the hotel. In this stage, the Camino again passes among meadows together with oak and eucalyptus trees which surround small hamlets, some with place names with Jacobean echoes: A Calzada, A Calle, Ferreiros, A Salceda, A Brea, Santa Irene and A Rúa, which lies at the gates of Arca, the municipal capital of O Pino, the last municipality before Santiago. We will enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Arca O Pino.
Today, you will culminate the walking portion of your journey. Today’s part of the route passes next to the airport and starts the gentle descent towards A Lavacolla. A Lavacolla is located very close to the Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy), a hill from where the pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago's Cathedral. While the last miles take us through more urban terrain, these are also significant miles for every pilgrim who walks them as Santiago de Compostela approaches. Our walk ends at the Obradoiro square, near the Cathedral. Arrival in Santiago means the end of the Camino de Santiago. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Santiago.
Day 9: Arca O Pino - Monte del Gozo - Santiago de Compostela (10.4 miles | 17 kilometers | 25,000 steps)
Today, you will culminate the walking portion of your journey. Today’s part of the route passes next to the airport and starts the gentle descent towards A Lavacolla. A Lavacolla is located very close to the Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy), a hill from where the pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago's Cathedral. While the last miles take us through more urban terrain, these are also significant miles for every pilgrim who walks them as Santiago de Compostela approaches. Our walk ends at the Obradoiro square, near the Cathedral. Arrival in Santiago means the end of the Camino de Santiago. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Santiago.
Day 10: Santiago de Compostela (8.2 miles | 13.1 kilometers | 19,200 steps)
This morning we will enjoy some free time for personal prayers, reflection, and rest after a long walk. At noon time you are invited to attend the Pilgrims’ Mass at the Cathedral. We will arrange for the group to witness the Botafumeiro during the Mass. We will then enjoy a guided visit of the Cathedral, its museum, and a walk through Santiago. Some stops on your tour include the Obradoiro Square, Fonseca Palace, Gelmirez Palace, Franco Street, and much more. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 11: Return home to the US
Early morning transfer to Santiago, A Coruna, or Madrid airport for your return flight home.
Optional: Depending on the flight schedule, the group can stay for another 2 nights to have some rest in one of the local hotel-wineries around Salamanca (Galicia Wine Region) or even Duoro Valley in Portugal, with a departure from Porto or Lisbon.
NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.
Elias Tours - (406)261-7791 - info@eliastours.com
