The Camino, a Walking Journey for the Soul

The Camino, a Walking Journey for the Soul

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11 Days From

$3202

$3008

The Camino, a Walking Journey for the Soul

11 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain

Visiting: Arrive In Madrid, Spain, Madrid, Sarria, Portomarin, Lestedo, Melide, Arzua, Amenal, Santiago De Compostela, Finisterre, Muxia

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

5390-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3202 $3008 Operator discount: -$194

NB: Prices correct on 10-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back to the 9th Century, when the tomb of the evangelical apostle St. James was discovered in what is today Santiago de Compostela. Since then, pilgrims from all over the world have walked St. James' Way, originally seeking forgiveness for their sins, and nowadays often just to spend time on a journey of personal growth. This is a challenging experience as it involves a significant physical effort as you walk through forests and along busy roads for many miles each day for a total of approximately 71 miles.

Your rewards will be intangible, but priceless: an opportunity to enjoy nature, meditate, search for answers, and challenge your limits, discover beautiful rural areas of northern Spain, and make friends with whom you’ll have shared one of the most significant experiences of your life. At the end of your journey, relax on an excursion by coach to Finisterre and Muxia and a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela. You will receive the Compostela Certificate upon completion of the entire route on foot.

Highlights

  • Exploring the bustling city of Madrid

  • Visiting the early-Gothic Church of O Salvador in Sarria

  • Walking through shady oak forests and pretty villages

  • Crossing the Belesar dam footbridge and visiting the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas

  • Enjoying the local delicacy of octopus in Melide

  • Receiving your Pilgrim Certificate in Santiago de Compostela

  • Excursion to the stunning Cape Finisterre peninsula

  • Guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Santiago de Compostela

Places You'll See

Praga

Alfonso Ix

Vistalegre Spa Hotel

Casa Roan Y Casa Grande

Carlos 96

Hotel Arzua

Gran Hotel Los Abetos

Compostela

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Madrid,Spain

Location: Arrive In Madrid, Spain

Meals Included: Dinner

Check into your hotel and, if you have time, start exploring this bustling city on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Later, meet your tour companions during the included welcome dinner at your hotel. Your Tour Director will explain the dos and don’ts of the walk and give you some important advice.ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN Check into your hotel and, if you have time, start exploring this bustling city on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Later, meet your tour companions during the included welcome dinner at your hotel. Your Tour Director will explain the dos and don’ts of the walk and give you some important advice. (D)

Day 2: Madrid,Sarria

Location: Madrid, Sarria

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the train station to board the train to Sarria (you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage). On arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure, or spend free time to see the early-Gothic Church of O Salvador on the Main Street, the 13th- century Convent of the Magdalena at the outskirts of the old town, or just enjoy a chat with fellow pilgrims on the river walk next to the hotel. Today’s distance (by train): 313mi / 504 kmMADRID–SARRIA Transfer to the train station to board the train to Sarria (you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage). On arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure, or spend free time to see the early-Gothic Church of O Salvador on the Main Street, the 13th- century Convent of the Magdalena at the outskirts of the old town, or just enjoy a chat with fellow pilgrims on the river walk next to the hotel. (B,D) Today’s distance (by train): 313mi / 504 km

Day 3: Sarria,Portomarin

Location: Sarria, Portomarin

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximately 23 km/14.3 mi – Average 6 hrs. – Difficulty 3/3). This is the real start of the journey. May every step be a thought on peace and an extension of loving kindness. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak forest and through pretty villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. You will also pass through the village of Ferreiros. On arrival in Portomarín, relax at one of the many outdoor cafes in the main square.SARRIA–PORTOMARIN Approximately 23 km/14.3 mi – Average 6 hrs. – Difficulty 3/3). This is the real start of the journey. May every step be a thought on peace and an extension of loving kindness. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak forest and through pretty villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. You will also pass through the village of Ferreiros. On arrival in Portomarín, relax at one of the many outdoor cafes in the main square. (B,D)

Day 4: Portomarin,Lestedo

Location: Portomarin, Lestedo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximately 20 km/12.5 mi – Average 4.5 hrs. – Difficulty 2/3. Let your mind wander and your feet follow. Begin the day by crossing over the Belesar dam footbridge, then start a gradual climb to the village of Ligonde. This stage mainly runs along andanderos (paths) next to the road or, in some cases, along paved trails. There are many signs indicating the pilgrim route, including the famous cruceiros (crucifixes). Check out the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas (2 km/1.2 mi detour off the Camino). Overnight in Lestedo.PORTOMARIN–LESTEDO Approximately 20 km/12.5 mi – Average 4.5 hrs. – Difficulty 2/3. Let your mind wander and your feet follow. Begin the day by crossing over the Belesar dam footbridge, then start a gradual climb to the village of Ligonde. This stage mainly runs along andanderos (paths) next to the road or, in some cases, along paved trails. There are many signs indicating the pilgrim route, including the famous cruceiros (crucifixes). Check out the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas (2 km/1.2 mi detour off the Camino). Overnight in Lestedo. (B,D)

Day 5: Lestedo,Melide

Location: Lestedo, Melide

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximately 18 km/11.2 mi – Average 4 hrs. – Difficulty 2/3. Keep an open mind and heart, let go of expectations, and enjoy the feeling of freedom along this ancient pilgrim path. The Camino takes you into the province of Coruña, with its fine eucalyptus and pine expanses, and numerous medieval bridges, such as the ones in Leboreiro and Furelos. Melide is an obligatory stop for food lovers; the best-known local delicacy here is octopus.LESTEDO–MELIDE Approximately 18 km/11.2 mi – Average 4 hrs. – Difficulty 2/3. Keep an open mind and heart, let go of expectations, and enjoy the feeling of freedom along this ancient pilgrim path. The Camino takes you into the province of Coruña, with its fine eucalyptus and pine expanses, and numerous medieval bridges, such as the ones in Leboreiro and Furelos. Melide is an obligatory stop for food lovers; the best-known local delicacy here is octopus. (B,D)

Day 6: Melide,Arzua

Location: Melide, Arzua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximately 14 km/8.7 mi – Average 3.30 hrs. – Difficulty 2/3. The Camino can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Today’s landscapes are similar to the previous day’s, with some idyllic locations such as the Camino in Ribadiso da Baixo near Arzúa. Arzúa is where the modern town with its bars, restaurants and the Church of St James overshadow the Medieval center.MELIDE–ARZUA Approximately 14 km/8.7 mi – Average 3.30 hrs. – Difficulty 2/3. The Camino can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Today’s landscapes are similar to the previous day’s, with some idyllic locations such as the Camino in Ribadiso da Baixo near Arzúa. Arzúa is where the modern town with its bars, restaurants and the Church of St James overshadow the Medieval center. (B,D)

Day 7: Arzua,Amenal

Location: Arzua, Amenal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximately 25 km/15.5 mi – Average 6 hrs. –Difficulty 2/3. Finding the courage to face our fears and stepping outside our comfort zone can lead us to self-discovery. The route today is a nice and leisurely walk over gentle slopes and through woodland, combined with some stretches along the road, which you will have to cross on occasions.ARZUA–AMENAL Approximately 25 km/15.5 mi – Average 6 hrs. –Difficulty 2/3. Finding the courage to face our fears and stepping outside our comfort zone can lead us to self-discovery. The route today is a nice and leisurely walk over gentle slopes and through woodland, combined with some stretches along the road, which you will have to cross on occasions. (B,D)

Day 8: Amenal,Santiago De Compostela

Location: Amenal, Santiago De Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximately 15 km/9.5 mi – Average 4 hrs. – Difficulty 2/3. Our experiences and encounters are waymarks to the inner path. This is the last stage of your Camino de Santiago. Today, distance will not matter. There is a climb to San Marcos, from Lavacolla, passing Monte do Gozo before descending to Santiago de Compostela. Congratulations, you made it! If you have walked all stages of the Camino, and stamped your Pilgrim Passport, you will receive your Pilgrim Certificate. Give thanks by attending the [M] Pilgrim Mass in the magnificent Cathedral.AMENAL–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Approximately 15 km/9.5 mi – Average 4 hrs. – Difficulty 2/3. Our experiences and encounters are waymarks to the inner path. This is the last stage of your Camino de Santiago. Today, distance will not matter. There is a climb to San Marcos, from Lavacolla, passing Monte do Gozo before descending to Santiago de Compostela. Congratulations, you made it! If you have walked all stages of the Camino, and stamped your Pilgrim Passport, you will receive your Pilgrim Certificate. Give thanks by attending the [M] Pilgrim Mass in the magnificent Cathedral. (B,D)

Day 9: Santiago De Compostela,Finisterre,Muxia,Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago De Compostela, Finisterre, Muxia, Santiago De Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

You have reached your goal; now reach the end of the world. Complete the experience with a morning excursion by coach to the stunning Cape Finisterre peninsula, on the Atlantic Ocean, believed in Roman times to be the end of the world. Stop in Muxia, a small town on the coast, and visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Boat. This very scenic region not only offers wild beauty, but also delicious seafood and interesting legends. Return to Santiago in the early afternoon and meet your Local Guide for a guided walking sightseeing tour of the magical old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today's Distance by coach: 117 mi / 187 kmSANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–FINISTERRE–MUXIA–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA You have reached your goal; now reach the end of the world. Complete the experience with a morning excursion by coach to the stunning Cape Finisterre peninsula, on the Atlantic Ocean, believed in Roman times to be the end of the world. Stop in Muxia, a small town on the coast, and visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Boat. This very scenic region not only offers wild beauty, but also delicious seafood and interesting legends. Return to Santiago in the early afternoon and meet your Local Guide for a guided walking sightseeing tour of the magical old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today's Distance by coach: 117 mi / 187 km (B)

Day 10: Santiago De Compostela,Madrid

Location: Santiago De Compostela, Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take the spiritual growth and appreciation for simple things back home with you. This is your most important souvenir of the Camino. Today we transfer to the Santiago train station to catch a train to Madrid (you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage). Your Tour Director will be at hand for any assistance or suggestions on how to spend the last night in the Spanish capital. Today’s Distance by train: 373 mi / 600 kmSANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–MADRID Take the spiritual growth and appreciation for simple things back home with you. This is your most important souvenir of the Camino. Today we transfer to the Santiago train station to catch a train to Madrid (you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage). Your Tour Director will be at hand for any assistance or suggestions on how to spend the last night in the Spanish capital. Today’s Distance by train: 373 mi / 600 km (B)

Day 11: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morningMADRID Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning (B)

What's Included

  • Welcome Dinner

    An included welcome dinner at your hotel in Madrid on the first day.

  • Train Transfers

    Train transfers from Madrid to Sarria and from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid.

  • Daily Luggage Transport

    One piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20 kg/44 lbs, will be transported daily during the walk from the lobby of your overnight hotel to the next overnight hotel.

  • Buffet Breakfasts

    Buffet breakfasts are provided daily.

  • Dinners

    Eight dinners are included during the tour.

  • Guided Walking Tour

    A guided walking sightseeing tour of Santiago de Compostela.

  • Pilgrim Certificate

    Receive your Pilgrim Certificate if you have walked all stages of the Camino.

  • Excursion to Cape Finisterre

    A morning excursion by coach to the Cape Finisterre peninsula and a visit to the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Boat in Muxia.

What's Not Included

  • Luggage Handling

    You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage at train stations and hotels.

  • Physical Training

    A good level of physical fitness and some physical training prior to departure is highly recommended.

  • Transportation for Incomplete Stages

    If unable to complete any of the stages on foot, transportation by taxi will be arranged at an extra cost.

  • Porterage at Hotels

    Porterage at the hotels is not provided.

  • Mass Services

    Mass services may be in the local language and venues are subject to change.

  • Hotel Elevators

    Hotel accommodation is of simple standards, often with no elevators.

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily, 8 dinners

Notes

This is a walking tour for small groups of maximum 20 participants.
Since it is largely completed on foot, it requires a good level of physical fitness, and some physical training prior to departure is highly recommended.
This itinerary is not accessible by wheelchair or other ambulatory devices due to some uneven and unpaved paths.
If unable to complete any of the stages on foot, transportation by taxi will be arranged at an extra cost. One piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20 kg/44 lbs will be transported daily during the walk from the lobby of your overnight hotel to the next overnight hotel. You will need to pack a backpack containing essentials for the day (such as water, raincoat, essential medication, money, sunblock, etc.) to carry during the walk.
Hotel accommodation is of simple standards, often with no elevators,but always with private facilities. Occasionally, transfers by minivan will be provided when accommodation is not directly at the end of a stage.
Mass services are available in the evenings at most overnight towns/villages (they may be in local language and venues are subject to change.)

Small Group

Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select faith-based dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Routes of Northern Spain|Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)

Accommodation

Madrid:Praga
Sarria:Alfonso IX
Portomarin:Vistalegre Spa Hotel
Lestedo:Casa Roan y Casa Grande
Melide:Carlos 96
Arzua:Hotel Arzua
Amenal:Gran Hotel Los Abetos
Santiago de Compostela:Compostela

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of physical fitness is required for this tour?

    This tour requires a good level of physical fitness as it is largely completed on foot. Some physical training prior to departure is highly recommended.

  • What happens if I am unable to complete any of the walking stages?

    If you are unable to complete any of the stages on foot, transportation by taxi will be arranged at an extra cost.

  • How is luggage handled during the tour?

    One piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20 kg/44 lbs, will be transported daily from the lobby of your overnight hotel to the next overnight hotel. You will need to pack a backpack containing essentials for the day that you will carry during the walk.

  • Are the accommodations wheelchair accessible?

    This itinerary is not accessible by wheelchair or other ambulatory devices due to some uneven and unpaved paths.

  • What should I carry in my backpack during the walk?

    You should carry essentials such as water, a raincoat, essential medication, money, sunblock, etc., in your backpack during the walk.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 8 dinners.

  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 guests.

  • Is there any special advice for attending Mass services during the tour?

    Mass services may be in the local language and venues are subject to change.

  • What is the significance of the Pilgrim Certificate?

    If you have walked all stages of the Camino, you will receive your Pilgrim Certificate upon reaching Santiago de Compostela.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

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Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.