Compare Camino de Santiago Trek by Exodus Travels vs Enjoy the culmination of the Camino de Santiago & discover the magic cuisine of Galicia by Eat Northern Spain

Day 1 Start Samos

We begin the adventure in Samos, a classic start point for many Camino pilgrims. We have a welcome briefing this evening, then free time to rest or explore. Most groups head to the Monastery of San Xian de Samos to collect their Pilgrim Passport (Credencial), a significant moment that confirms your pilgrim status. On El Camino, the passport is stamped at the accommodations, and you can collect more stamps at churches and even some cafes. We need to present the passport to the Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela to receive our Compostela certificate. Accommodation: Hotel A Veiga (or similar)

Day 2 To Sarria, walking through ancient oak forests and quaint villages

Our pilgrimage begins in style: with a short detour to walk around the Monasterio de San Julian de Samos, one of the oldest monasteries in Spain. We then take one of the most unspoiled sections of the trail, walking through Galician countryside populated by traditional agricultural villages. We continue through ancient oak forests to the town of Sarria, another popular start point for El Camino, as it’s almost exactly 62mi (100km) from Santiago de Compostela – the shortest distance you can walk and still earn a Compostela. Accommodation: Hotel Duerming Villa de Sarria (or similar)

Day 3 Walk through the hills of the Galician countryside to Portomarin

Leaving Sarria, we take a mostly rural route today, walking up and down the hills of Galicia, and through a picturesque oak grove, to the town of Portomarin. Our destination, which was originally located in the River Mino valley, was rebuilt on a hilltop to escape flooding when a reservoir was constructed in 1962. As we cross the modern bridge to enter Portomarin, we may be able to see an older bridge beneath it, depending on where the water level sits. Accommodation: Hotel Villajardín (or similar)

Day 4 To the village of Ventas de Naron; continue to Palas de Rei

We start with a steady ascent to the village of Ventas de Naron, where the terrain levels out. Before the top of the climb though, we can visit the ruins of an Iron Age fort at Castromaior, one of the best preserved in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s then on to Palas de Rei, though there are plenty of cafes en route where we can enjoy a break. Palas de Rei marks the halfway point of our trek and we spend the night in a hotel, where we can really feel the Camino spirit, since many walkers stop here. Accommodation: Hotel Alda Palas de Rei (or similar)

Day 5 Walk to the town of Melide, renowned for its octopus with potato dish; continue to Arzua

We begin our longest day with a walk along a picturesque stretch, crossing several Roman bridges and walking past medieval churches. As we continue, we cross the Lugo-A Coruña border and see ancient horreos (granaries), a rectangular construction seen across rural Galicia. For lunch, we stop in the small town of Melide, renowned for its delicious octopus with potatoes. You may notice an increase in pilgrims, as two other strands of El Camino meet here: the Northern and Primitivo. After lunch, we continue to Arzua, well-known for its cheeses. Along the way, we pass through picturesque landscapes and the riverside village of Ribadiso. The 12th-century bridge here is the oldest in the region. Accommodation: Hotel Arzua (or similar)

Day 6 Meet many more pilgrims on the final section to Pedrouzo

Today’s relatively short walk to the village of Pedrouzo – considered among the most picturesque on our journey – involves several short ascents and descents through woods, fruit fields and eucalyptus. As Santiago draws ever closer, more pilgrims cross our path, adding to the anticipation of reaching our goal: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Accommodation: Pension Platas (or similar)

Day 7 Walk to Santiago de Compostela

Our final day’s walk sees us climbing up to Monte do Gozo, where pilgrims traditionally first saw the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. As part of the centuries-old tradition, we make our way through the city streets and crowds to Plaza del Obradoiro, which is dominated by the cathedral, where we can observe a mass service that may include the impressive Botafumeiro incense swinging, although it cannot be guaranteed. To save time, your tour leader can gather the Pilgrim Passports and collect everyone’s Compostela certificates – allowing the group to avoid the often-lengthy lines at the office. Accommodation: Hotel Avenida (or similar)

Day 8 Free day in Santiago de Compostela

Rather than dashing straight home after our pilgrimage, we have a free day to explore the historic city. There are plenty of things to do: visit the spectacular cathedral and stroll around the narrow streets of the World Heritage-listed Old Town with its diverse architecture. Alternatively, visit the museum of Galician Life, home to interesting exhibits on Galician traditions and art. You can also join a day excursion to Cape Finisterre, which was believed to be the end of the known world in Ancient Roman times. The Cape is also the final destination for many pilgrims on El Camino. Accommodation: Hotel Avenida (or similar)

Day 9 End Santiago de Compostela

The trip ends this morning after breakfast. Say your final goodbyes and start your return journey home, one Compostela heavier.

Day 1:

We begin our time together with a scenic drive to Ribeira Sacra: a sacred land of wines and a paradise for wine lovers.

Ribeira Sacra, at the heart of Galicia in Northern Spain, has one of the biggest concentrations in Europe of cultural heritage dated from the 12th century. A stroll around old monasteries in the middle of a forest of chestnut trees by the River Sil will be an inspiring activity for a sunny afternoon.

At the end of the day, you will retire to the contemporary elegance of your hotel; a converted monastery that dates back to the 7th century. This peaceful retreat combines ancient beauty with luxury hotel service and stunning boutique rooms. You will be delighted with delicious Galician cuisine at the hotel's spectacular restaurant located in what was once the monastery stables.

Day 2:

After a breakfast of local specialities in one of the hotel's incredible cloisters you will see the area from a different perspective.  You will visit a winery in the area with a privileged situation high at the top of the banks of the river Sil. After a lovely walk through the vines you will learn how wines are produced inside the winery.

After marvelling at the breathtaking views of the River Sil Canyon, you will take a cruise along its still waters. As you journey along the river, you will learn how wines are produced from the vineyards that stretch along the terraces above you, and then transported by boat to be transformed into wine.

After a delicious local lunch in a family-run restaurant you will say goodbye to the Ribeira Sacra and you will be driven to Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the Galicia region, Northern Spain’s most iconic city. This UNESCO Heritage Site is the final stop on the epic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail; its unique atmosphere, history and cobbled streets draw thousands of visitors each year.

You will enjoy a tour inside Santiago's world famous Gothic Cathedral, and the culmination of the Camino de Santiago for hundreds of pilgrims who arrive everyday to hug Apostle Santiago.

After exploring the Cathedral, you will experience a unique and highly personal dining experience that takes you behind the scenes. Taking your seat in the Chef’s kitchen, you’ll relish this Michelin-starred culinary treat. Enjoy a conversation with your Chef as he prepares and cooks your tailored tasting menu in front of you.

After dining in style, it’s time to retire to the world’s oldest hotel. Situated in Santiago de Compostela's main square,  in front of the Cathedral,  this 15th-century hotel will wrap you in opulent luxury.

Day 3:

After a reinvigorating sleep, you will savour a sumptuous breakfast with breath-taking views of Santiago de Compostela's Gothic Cathedral.

You will experience an early morning culinary tour of the central farmers' market where colours and aromas combine to create an intoxicating gastronomic experience. There you will find only the most succulent fruit and vegetables, freshest seafood, Galician octopus and the world famous dry-aged Galician Blond Beef.

A short-drive  out of Santiago de Compostela will transport you to a spectacular paradise of pristine beaches and charming coastal villages : Rias Baixas, Spain's biggest supplier of shellfish and seafood.

You will enjoy a gastronomic journey at one of the best restaurants in Spain as you sample world-class dishes from its tasting menu that combine local produce with tradition and innovation. After an unforgettable meal, you will relax in a pristine withe-sand beach before checking in to a spectacular waterfront hotel & spa where you can be watching fishermen bring the catch of the day to port from the comfort of your own room.

Day 4:

Your morning will start with a mouth-watering breakfast with a view. After that, you can enjoy a relaxing time in the hotel spa and outdoor pool.

You will also enjoy a boat cruise along the estuary to learn how mussels, scallops and oysters are cultivated in farms along the coast. During the trip you will visit one of these farms called "bateas" and you will sample on board mussels & oysters paired with local white wine. You will then be driven to the airport in time for your flight home after an unforgettable holiday.