Day 1 (WED – 24SEP): 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 (THU – 25SEP): 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, Free time. Return to your hotel. We will enjoy a nice meal before having a restful overnight in Madrid before your walking tour begins.

Day 3 (FRI – 26SEP): 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 (SAT – 27SEP): Sarria - Portomarin (15 miles | 23.5 kilometer | 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 (SUN – 28SEP): Portomarin - Palas de Rei (16 miles | 25 kilometer | 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 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 (MON – 29SEP): Palas de Rei - Melide (9.1 miles | 14.7 kilometer | 21,560 steps)
Today, after breakfast, we prepare for our walk that takes us from Palas de Rei to Melide. Along the way we will see the Church of St. Maria of Leboreiro, the building that used to be the pilgrim hospital named “La Casa de la Enfermería” founded by the noble Ulloa family, whose coat of arms can be seen on the wall. On the top of its entrance you will see the image of St. Maria. Opposite to the church, there is a traditional Cabaceiro (a very big basket that, like Horreos,
was used to preserve the corn, letting it dry and preventing it from being eaten by animals). We also see the The Furelos Bridge that dates from the 12th century. The history of Melide, since its foundation in the 10th century, is deeply linked with the pilgrimage to Santiago as it is on the path of the Camino. In 1320 Melide obtained from the Archbishop of Santiago the privilege of building up a castle, fortressing the village, and charging taxes. In 1467 “os irmandiños” opposed the Archbishop and started a series of fights against its power. During this riot the walls of the village were destroyed as well as the castle. After this, the Catholic Monarchs banned the construction of any fortress in the village. Melide is very well-known for being the village located in the interior that serves the best Galician Octopus, probably the most traditional dish in Galicia. The village is also famous for its sweets. Dinner and overnight in Melide.

Day 7 (TUE – 30SEP): Melide - Arzua (8.8 miles | 14 kilometer | 20,533 steps)
Following breakfast we begin our walk from Melide to Arzua. Today our forests of oak and chestnut change to eucalyptus and pine as we walk through the area of traditional farms, filled with “Blond Cows” known for their fine veal. Because Melide and Arzua connect with the Primitive and North Caminos, we will see more pilgrims from now on. As you cross the River Iso, watch for the ancient hospital, so welcome to medieval pilgrims. In Arzua you will visit the Church of Santa Maria Magdalena which dates from the 14th century and is located near the ruins of an ancient convent. We will celebrate Mass at Church of Santiago. At the end of the day enjoy dinner and restful overnight in Arzua hotel.

Day 8 (WED – 01OCT): Arzua (4.5 miles | 7.2 kilometer | 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 9 (THU – 02OCT): Arzua - Arca O Pino (14.2 miles | 22.8 kilometer | 33,000 steps)
Breakfast at 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 for overnight in Arca O Pino.

Day 10 (FRI – 03OCT): Arca O Pino - Monte del Gozo (10.4 miles | 17 kilometer | 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 that walks them as Santiago de Compostela approaches. Our walk ends at the Obradoiro square, nearby the Cathedral. Arrival into Santiago means the end of the Camino de Santiago. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Santiago.

Day 11 (SAT – 04OCT): Santiago de Compostela
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 12 (SUN – 05OCT): Return home to the US
Early morning transfer to Santiago, A Coruna, or Madrid airport for your return flight home.

NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour Leaders and guide’s discretion.