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    Pilgrimage Journey: The Camino de Santiago

    Spain in 9 Days, 8 Nights in Destination

    Natalie, Travel Expert

    Natalie
    Travel crafter

    Discover Madrid, then set off on the Camino de Santiago. Begin your journey on foot in Sarria and finish in Santiago de Compostela. Walk 100 km through charming villages along the French Way and earn your pilgrim’s credential.

    Trip Highlights

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      A Rúa
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      Arzúa
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      Madrid
    4. map-pin-check-icon
      Palas de Rei
    5. map-pin-check-icon
      Portomarín
    6. map-pin-check-icon
      Santiago de Compostela
    7. map-pin-check-icon
      Sarria

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. Some transfers

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until December 2025

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + £ 680

    4. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. charm included

    2. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    £ 2,369

    £ 1,649

    /person

    -30%

    Book with an expert:

    +44 20 76 60 34 10

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    Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

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    Best Price Guarantee

    SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

    Itinerary

    1st Day: UK/Ireland - Madrid

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    Ready to explore the historic cities and vibrant culture of Spain on your self-guided adventure? Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport, ready for a flight* to Madrid.

     

    Welcome to Madrid! Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy your free time to explore the city at your own pace. Discover the medieval charm of Barrio de la Morería, with its historic landmarks such as the Muslim-era city walls. Stroll through the Baroque heart of Madrid, renowned for its stunning boulevards and grand architecture. Visit iconic sites like the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza España. Don’t miss the impressive Prado Museum before heading to the bustling Gran Vía shopping street and admiring the Cibeles and Neptune Fountains. Overnight stay in Madrid.

     

    *If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Chamartín The One or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    1942 Reviews

    See our full selection

    2nd Day: Madrid

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Madrid at your own pace. Madrid is famous for its vibrant gastronomic scene and lively nightlife, so make sure to venture out after dark to soak up the incredible atmosphere of the capital. Take advantage of the day to discover all that Madrid has to offer aboard the tourist bus. Includes ticket for the hop-on hop-off tourist bus in Madrid. Overnight stay in Madrid.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Chamartín The One or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    1942 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Madrid Panoramic City Bus Tour

    Light

    See more

    3rd Day: Madrid - Sarria

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    Breakfast at the hotel. At the appointed time, head to the train station to catch the train* to Sarria. Upon arriving in Sarria, a transfer to your hotel is included. Enjoy free time to explore the charming town of Sarria and savor its delicious local cuisine, a key stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Here, your personal journey begins. From this point, the Church sets the minimum distance needed to earn "La Compostela," marking the start of a path that transforms every step into a meaningful experience. Overnight stay in Sarria.

    *This transfer is not included.

    Please note: It's important to pack appropriate clothing and footwear, such as comfortable shoes, a raincoat, and an umbrella, as you will be walking several kilometers on foot. You can also purchase these items in some towns along the route. Please be aware that this itinerary requires a basic level of fitness, as you'll need to walk an average of 20-30 kilometers per day over the course of 5 days.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Casa Baran or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    82 Reviews

    See our full selection

    4th Day: Sarria - Portomarín | 22 km

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will start with an initial ascent that will lead you through a succession of villages connected by paths and rural trails. Afterwards, a steep descent will take you to the Miño River, right at the gates of Portomarín, where the impressive church-fortress will greet you. Take the opportunity to enjoy their hospitality and local cuisine. Overnight stay in Portomarín.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Ferramenteiro or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    222 Reviews

    See our full selection

    5th Day: Portomarín - Palas de Rei | 24 km

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will ascend steadily until you reach Ventas de Narón, passing through the Montes de Ligonde and charming villages with stone houses such as Ligonde, Lestedo, and Eirexe. Finally, you will arrive at the town of Palas de Rei, where you will spend the night at the hotel. It's the perfect time to relax and enjoy the exquisite local cuisine. Overnight stay in Palas de Rei.


    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    As Hortas or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    14 Reviews

    See our full selection

    6th Day: Palas de Rei - Arzúa | 29 km

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will walk the stage between Melide and Arzúa, which is short and allows you to enjoy the landscape and the many villages along the Camino. Before reaching Arzúa, don't forget to stop at the beautiful spot of Ribadiso, next to the Iso River. Finally, a final ascent will lead you to Arzúa, renowned for its cheese-making tradition. It's the perfect place to savor the region's outstanding cuisine. Overnight stay in Arzúa.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Arzúa or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    50 Reviews

    See our full selection

    7th Day: Arzúa - A Rúa | 19 km

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Before leaving Arzúa, you must try its exquisite Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, a local delicacy! On this penultimate stage, you'll traverse a landscape dominated by agricultural activity; don't be surprised if you need to pause your walk to let cows peacefully pass by heading to the fields. Oak forests give way to eucalyptus groves surrounded by crop fields. You'll pass by the Chapel of Santa Irene before descending into the charming town of Rúa. Overnight stay in Rúa. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    A Pena de Augasantas or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    39 Reviews

    See our full selection

    8th Day: A Rúa - Santiago de Compostela | 21 km

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will depart from Pedrouzo and walk towards Amenal; from here, you will ascend and descend until you reach Lavacolla. The Camino will require one final effort to reach Monte do Gozo, where you will catch your first glimpse of the Towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This moment marks the culmination of your journey as you complete the 100 km of this unforgettable experience, a testament to your dedication and spirit. Overnight stay in Santiago de Compostela. 

    Note: Before starting your adventure on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, make sure to obtain your Pilgrim’s Credential if you want to receive the "Compostella" at the end. You can get it at the Pilgrim’s Office in Sarria or at authorized establishments. Ask your hotel for directions. The credential costs between 2 and 3 euros.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Lux or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    581 Reviews

    See our full selection

    9th Day: Santiago de Compostela - UK/Ireland

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    Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your journey through Spain to an end. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport** for your flight back to UK/Ireland. Arrive in UK/Ireland and end your trip***.

    *Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.


    **Airport transfer in Santiago is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

    ***Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in UK/Ireland the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 10 days.

    Categories

    charm

    From £ 1,649

    Selected
    • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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    Pick a date and start customising your trip

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    Included activities

    Included

    Madrid Panoramic City Bus Tour

    Included activity for day 2 in Madrid

    Get to know Madrid on a sightseeing bus tour and visit the city's highlights. Route 1 focuses on historic Madrid and Route 2 explores the modern side of the city.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    You must carry a printed copy of your voucher. Buses depart between every 7 and 15 minutes. You can get on and off at any of its stops. Limited access during 24 hours. Departure time: 9am-10pm (Mar-Oct) & 10am - 6pm (Nov-Feb).

    more information

    The price includes

    • Departures from main US airports.
    • International flights: US - Madrid; Santiago de Compostela - US.
    • Train tickets from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela in economy class.
    • 8 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels*.
      more information
      See hotels included
    • 8 breakfasts.
    • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles as indicated in the itinerary**.
      more information
    • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • Hop-on/Hop off bus tickets in Madrid***.
      more information
    • ATOL protection.
    • This tour is completely independent.

    Not included

    Tax, drinks and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

    *Hotel ratings in Spain are not governed by the same standards as those in the US, so please keep this in mind when selecting your desired accommodation category.

    **Included Transfers: Arrival transfer in Madrid, arrival transfer in Sarria / Luggage transfer during stages (one piece per person, maximum 20 kg).

    ***Important: hotel pick up and drop off for the Hop-on/Hop off bus in Madrid are not included. You will have to make your own way to the meeting point.

    Please note: this itinerary is an independent tour, not a group tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip, nor will you be traveling in a group.

     

    Download the final itinerary uploaded to your Exoticca account to check the day, the time and pick up point of the activities.

    • Entry requirements

      Passport with a minimum of 3 months validity required.

    • Visa

      Visa not required for stays of up to 90 days.

    • Currency

      Euro

    • Language

      Spanish

    • Electricity

      Type C & F 230V 50Hz

    • Health

      No vaccines required.

    • Time zone

      UTC + 1

    • Other useful information

      Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road in Spain.

    • Tourist Office website

      https://www.spain.info/en/

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

     

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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