Final stage of the Pilgrim route – pilgrims who walk this section are entitled to the Pilgrim’s Certificate. 7 days, 6 nights, 5 days walking. Dinner each night except in Santiago.
This is the final stage of the Pilgrimage Route of Saint James, and pilgrims who complete this section are entitled to the Pilgrim’s Certificate. This 7 day/6 night walk has some long walking days and the last night before Santiago is spent in Lavacolla. The last day’s walk into Santiago is short – just 7.5 miles or 12 kilometres of easy walking. This allows the walker to arrive into Santiago in time for the midday Mass and time to explore the beautiful city of Santiago in the afternoon.
For those who prefer a more leisurely walk we can book the second last night in Arca do Pino instead of Lavacolla which makes the last two walks 12.5 miles each day.
Price:
£665 per person sharing a room
£170 Single room supplement
Included:
Getting There:
Arrival: From Santiago de Compostela – take a bus to Lugo (this bus also stops at the airport but you are not guaranteed a place and it is sometimes full by the time it arrives. The journey is nearly 1h30 to Lugo. From Lugo you take a bus to Sarria – approx. 1 hour. You may need to wait for a connection so this can be a long journey and check in advance to see if the bus is running. We can arrange a transfer from the airport – please ask. There are plenty taxis also at the airport.
Luggage:
Your luggage is transferred from accommodation to accommodation every day.
Day 1: Walk Sarria – Santiago.
On arrival you will receive a package with your route notes, pilgrim shell, pilgrim passport and luggage labels.
Dinner and overnight
Day 2: Walk Sarria – Portomarin. 14.5 miles/23.2kms.
The walk between Sarria and Portomarin is one of the quietest and most peaceful of the Camino. During the summer there are plenty of places for lunch and drinks along the way.
Dinner and overnight in Portmarin
Day 3: Walk Portomarin – Palas de Rei 15.5 miles/24.8kms.
There are several miles of road walking along this stretch but the roads are quiet and you pass through some small villages – i.e. the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria in Gonzar is 5 miles into the walk. There is a lovely Galician cemetery church in Ligonde which is about another 3 miles.
Dinner and overnight in Palas de Rei
Day 4: Walk Palas de Rei – Arzua 18 miles/28.8kms.
The route takes you to Melide, a pleasant town with a former monastery Church Sancti Spiritu, along with a pilgrim hospital and the Church of San Pedro and the church of Santa Maria as you leave the town. Continue to the small town of Arzua.
Dinner and overnight in Arzua
Day 5: Walk Arzua – Rua 12 miles/19.2 km) or to Lavacolla 17.5 miles/28kms.
The route continues to Rua or Arca do Pino, where you will spend the final night before the final section of the walk into Santiago – making the walk today only 12.5 miles, with the same distance to cover in the morning to Santiago. Overnight and dinner in Rua or Arca do Pino.
For those who want to arrive in Santiago in time for the midday pilgrim mass, continue walking to the small village of Lavacolla where traditionally pilgrims used to cleanse themselves before the final walk into Santiago de Compostela. Overnight Lavacolla
Dinner and overnight Arca do Pino or Lavacolla
Day 6: Walk Arco do Pino to Santiago 12.miles/ Lavacolla – Santiago 12 miles/19.2kms.
For those walking from Arco do Pino, the final day’s walk through eucalyptus woods is a pleasant one – walk through Lavacolla and arrive in the afternoon in Santiago. For those staying at Lavacolla it is a short walk to the Cathedral giving enough time to collect your Pigrim Certificate before attending mass at the Cathedral at midday.
Overnight Santiago B&B
Day 7: End of the tour after breakfast
Hotel Roma** – Sarria
Hotel Vistalegre***- Portomarin
Hotel Complejo La Cabana*** – Palas de Rei
Casa Teodora** – Arzua
Hotel O Pino** – Rua or Hotel Jacobeo Lavacolla
Hospederia San Martin or Hotel Fonte San Roque.
Upgrades to the Parador or similar hotels possible at extra cost. Please ask.
