Compare Enjoy the culmination of the Camino de Santiago & discover the magic cuisine of Galicia by Eat Northern Spain vs Walk the Camino de Santiago by Intrepid Travel

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.

Day 1 Sarria

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 Spain, but is perhaps most famous for being the home of Santiago de Compostela, the finishing point of the Camino de Santiago. Over the next week you will be walking the final 100km of this iconic and world-renowned pilgrimage. A meeting will take place at 6pm this evening where you’ll meet up with your local leader and small group of fellow travellers joining you on your journey. After your meeting collect your 'Pilgrim's Passport' then perhaps head out to a local restaurant for your first foray into the exciting world of Galician cuisine.

Day 2 Camino de Santiago (Sarria to Portomarin)

Today is a gentle introduction to the Camino de Santiago – it’s all about finding your feet, so be sure to take your time and pause to enjoy your scenic surroundings. Have your pilgrim passport handy as you will 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 – your leader will be on hand to share historical facts and interesting tidbits about the highlights you pass on your journey. Some of the little farms you pass will be selling lovely fresh produce like jams, bread and cheeses – perfect snacks to keep you going! After around 4.5 hours of walking (excluding stops) finish up for the day in the delightful town of Portomarin. An excellent spot to recharge your batteries, the town features an inviting array of restaurants and lovely views of the Embalse de Belesar lake. When the town was flooded by the creation of the Belesar reservoir, they dismantled the town’s historic buildings and rebuilt them on higher ground, so they can still be admired today.

Day 3 Camino de Santiago (Portomarin to Palas de Rei)

Starting from Portomarin, much of today’s route is along a gravel path alongside the road with little traffic, often cutting through gorgeous Galician forests and fields. Walk through the rural Monterroso region and pass by the little villages of Gonzar, Ligonde and Castromaior – a slight detour from the latter 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, an interesting town dotted with historical buildings and Romanesque architecture. This evening, prepare for a real treat as you 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. Not only is the result delicious, watching it come together is quite the show! Your leader will make this exciting drink for the group tonight, ensuring you won’t be bothered by any evil spirits for the rest of your journey!

Day 4 Camino de Santiago (Palas de Rei to Arzua)

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 together 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. On arrival in Arzua, be sure to ask your leader about the revered cheese made in this region – definitely a must-try while here!

Day 5 Camino de Santiago (Arzua to O Pedrouzo)

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.

Day 6 Camino de Santiago (O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela)

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 awe-inspiring 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 5km. Hear the sounds of Galician bagpipes welcoming you to the cathedral, marking the end of your journey along the Camino de Santiago, a truly massive accomplishment. Present your stamped pilgrim passport and receive your Camino certificate, proof that you have walked the 100km 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. The group will also pay a visit to 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!

Day 7 Santiago de Compostela

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 ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).