El Camino de Santiago; The Way of Saint James | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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El Camino de Santiago; The Way of Saint James

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PRIVATE TOUR - 13 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 11299

Private Tour Highlights

  • Take part in one of the most holiest pilgrimages in the Catholic religion traveling the last 100 km. on the Camino, starting from Sarria.
  • Savor some of the most flavorful, local dishes to nourish both your body and soul during this walking pilgrimage.
  • Make stops along the route with your private guide to hear stories of past travelers and the history of the route to Santiago de Compostela.
  • Appreciate the tranquil landscape while carrying only a small back pack while your luggage is personally transferred to your next evening's accommodation.
  • Cap off your expedition with an evening in the coastal city of Finisterre to explore the coastal area, relax, and breathe the fresh ocean air.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Serving as one of the most important pilgrimages in the catholic religion, El Camino de Santiago; The Way of Saint James leads voyagers through the wonders of Spain along ancient trails that have been paved by hundreds of thousands of adventurers and seekers of God. The numerous Camino (path, or journey) routes sprawl across Europe into the outer reaches of Spain, all concluding in the final resting place of the remains of the biblical apostle Saint James, the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Though there are seven well-known routes to reach Santiago de Compostela, Yampu’s journey begins in Sarria along what is known as the French Way. Here, you will begin your two-week journey with the help of an experienced, local guide who will lead you along the way. Stopping at quaint villages to rest and refuel with some of the most nourishingly flavorful cuisines of the region, you will stay in an excellent selection of properties with all the necessary comforts.

To provide the utmost comfort during the trek, Yampu will eliminate the worry of handling heavy luggage by personally transferring your suitcases to the next accommodation each morning.

Let your Yampu Tour Consultant know if you would like to make the journey with friends or family as a group to provide you with further specialized services.

Inclusions
Price includes domestic and regional flights within the itinerary; all hotel accommodations including daily continental or buffet breakfast and daily city tax; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; guided tours in English including entrance fees.
Exclusions

International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 11299

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International Flight to Spain

Overnight International Flight to the capital of Spain, Madrid.

Overnight International Flight to the capital of Spain, Madrid.

plane-home-flight
Day
2

Welcome to Madrid

Upon arrival to Madrid, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Madrid, Spain's central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory, displaying historic weaponry. Madrid highlights the Spanish capital's extensive variety of history, art, food, fashion, and nightlife. The city has one of Europe's finest collections of Spanish and Latin American art, spread throughout its museums and galleries.
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Day
3

Madrid - Ribera del Duero

Transfer to Ribera del Duero with Scenic View.

Today, you will depart to the beautiful mountains of Madrid until you reach Castilla and see the plain (200km / 124 miles, approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, check in and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Transfer to Ribera del Duero with Scenic View.

Today, you will depart to the beautiful mountains of Madrid until you reach Castilla and see the plain (200km / 124 miles, approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, check in and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day
4

Sarria Sightseeing Tour

This morning, you will depart to Sarria (400km / 249 miles, approx. 4 hours), where you will start the Camino. Along the way, you will stop in a small village to eat what is considered to be one of the best steaks. After your lunch you will continue to Sarria, where you will check in and have some time to freshen up before dinner. Then you will have your introduction to the Camino and your instructions for your voyage. After dinner, take the time to rest before starting the Camino.

This morning, you will depart to Sarria (400km / 249 miles, approx. 4 hours), where you will start the Camino. Along the way, you will stop in a small village to eat what is considered to be one of the best steaks. After your lunch you will continue to Sarria, where you will check in and have some time to freshen up before dinner. Then you will have your introduction to the Camino and your instructions for your voyage. After dinner, take the time to rest before starting the Camino.

Day
5

Sarria to Portomarin - 21km / 13mi

This morning, you will start the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Today, you will walk from Sarria to Portomarin, the last 100 km. to Santiago de Compostela in the French Way - approx. 5 hours (depending on pace and number of stops). This town was founded back in the Roman ages, but The King Alfonso IX is who truly established the town by promoting its magnificent culture and churches of Romanic style.

Today's goal is to arrive in Portomarin, while enjoying this first contact with the Pilgrimage and getting to know what "Buen Camino" means.

Sarria: This small town has been founded by King Alfonso IX, and its charm relies on the old town, where you can find antique buildings and churches that shows the nobility and religious foundlings of its city. You can also observe the Medieval structure of the city that gives it even more charm. The reason why we start from this point is because Sarria is located 100 km away from Santiago de Compostela, which makes the perfect experience to get to know the Camino.

Point of Interest: Magdalena Convent (gothic and renaissance style) Medieval Bridge Ponte Aspera, As Paredes (antique Castro), Santiago Church (Romanic Style), Horreos (Galician building to safe grains made of stone), Santa Moia (Romanic church).

Upon arrival in the hotel, enjoy an organized dinner with drinks.
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Day
6

Portomarin to Lestedo - 19km / 12mi

This morning, you will face the next stage, walking from Portomarin to Lestedo - approx. 5 hours (depending on pace and number of stops). This stretch of the trek is a beautiful way to feel the strong Celtic presence of Galicia.

Portomarin: This is a small beautiful town in the top of a mountain overlooking the hills. We will stay in a Spa Hotel after climbing the famous stairs.

Points of Interests: San Nicolas Church, along this stage we will enjoy beautiful landscapes that will entertain us, although there are many other buildings to visit as Santa Maria Church, Hospital de la Cruz, Sierra de Ligonde, views of the Mino Valley, Pazo and Chappel San Marcos which dates to 1670, Avenostra and O Rosario, where we can view the Monte Sacro.

Upon arrival to the hotel, enjoy an organized dinner with drinks.
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Day
7

Lestedo to Pidre - 15km / 9mi

This morning, you will get ready for the next stage, Lestedo to Pidre - approx. 4 hours (depending on pace and number of stops), which will take you from the State of Lugo to La Coruna. This means that you are getting closer to the destination. Located in the epicenter of Galicia, close to Arzua, this stretch is very well known for having great meat and octopus, the Galician famous dish.

Pidre: This stage is known as "rompepiernas" which in Spanish it means leg breaker, this is the main challenge, when we are leaving the state of Lugo and getting into La Coruna. Full of hills and ups and downs, trek through beautiful villages where you can meet the real Galicians.

Points of Interests: San Xulian church (Romanic style from the XII century), Santa Maria (last phase of Romanic style), Medieval Bridge Rio Seco, San Roque Chappell (XIV century), Santiago Church in Boente, Figueiroa y Castaneda.
Upon arrival in the hotel, organized dinner with drinks.
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Day
8

Pidre to Arzua - 15km / 9mi

After a filling breakfast, we will face one of the last walks of our journey. This walk will be partially off route with more privacy and enjoyment of the surrounding nature - approx. 4 hours (depending on pace and number of stops).

Arzua: This is an easy stage in which the pilgrims divide the last 40 Kms to recover from the previous stages and arrive in Santiago in better shape.

Points of Interests: Arzua old town, San Lazaro Chappell, the juncture of the French way and the Northern Way, Santa Irene ermita.

Upon arrival in the hotel, organized dinner with drinks.
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Day
9

Arzua to As Quintas - 15km / 9mi

After another strong breakfast, the group will face the most difficult and longest walk on the pilgrimage. Since we are getting closer to Santiago, - approx. 4 hours (depending on pace and number of stops), this is the last effort and will be rewarded the day after. This walk will be hilly, but we will have the chance to rest on our way to join the Casino back from the hotel.

Upon arrival in the hotel, organized dinner with drinks.

After another strong breakfast, the group will face the most difficult and longest walk on the pilgrimage. Since we are getting closer to Santiago, - approx. 4 hours (depending on pace and number of stops), this is the last effort and will be rewarded the day after. This walk will be hilly, but we will have the chance to rest on our way to join the Casino back from the hotel.

Upon arrival in the hotel, organized dinner with drinks.

Day
10

As Quintas to Santiago de Compostela - 20km / 12mi

After several days of hard work, we finally arrive to our destination, Santiago de Compostela - approx. 5 hours (depending on pace and number of stops).. The reward is magnificent with the priceless joy of arriving to the city as we finally get to get into the Cathedral and observe the Apostol. Have some time to indulge in your accomplishment

After your arrival, we will have a tour around the city to explore it with a local guide and get to know the secrets places hidden for the locals.

Points of Interests: San Paio, San Pelayo, Monte do Gozo, San Marcos, and after this we are already in Santiago, we will see from far the towers and cross the city through Casa Reais, Cervantes Square, Azabacheria, Inmaculada Square, Arco del Palacio and finally, Plaza del Obradoiro.

Upon arrival in the hotel, organized celebratory dinner with drinks.
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Day
11

Santiago de Compostela City Tour

Today you will have the day to explore Santiago to get to know the city, visiting the Cathedral and the old part of the city. During this visit you will have a lunch included with local flavors and drinks. Return to the hotel for some time to rest and enjoy the facilities of your hotel. Perhaps at night you would like to go down and enjoy the "tuna" playing serenatas in the main square.

Today you will have the day to explore Santiago to get to know the city, visiting the Cathedral and the old part of the city. During this visit you will have a lunch included with local flavors and drinks. Return to the hotel for some time to rest and enjoy the facilities of your hotel. Perhaps at night you would like to go down and enjoy the "tuna" playing serenatas in the main square.

Day
12

Finisterre Coastal Area Tour

Today, you will depart to Finisterre (100km / 62 miles, approx. 1 hour). Upon arrival to Finisterre, you will have your time with your guide to explore the coastal area and breathe the fresh air from the End of the World. In the evening, you will have an organized farewell dinner.

Today, you will depart to Finisterre (100km / 62 miles, approx. 1 hour). Upon arrival to Finisterre, you will have your time with your guide to explore the coastal area and breathe the fresh air from the End of the World. In the evening, you will have an organized farewell dinner.

Day
13

International Flight Home

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight.

Madrid, Spain

Ribera del Duero, Spain

Sarria, Spain

Portomarín, Spain

Lestedo, Spain

Pidre, Spain

Arzúa, Spain

Quintas, Spain

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Finisterre, Spain

Places You'll See

  • Madrid

    The Capital of Spain, Madrid is known for its beautiful architecture filled with rich history, world class art galleries, top of the line culinary experiences, and nightlife that never quits. Visitors can take in the core sites such as the bustling plaza known as Puerta del Sol, the Catedral de la Almudena and the Royal Palace of Madrid. As the night begins, choose from hundreds of dining options and even more bars and lounges to explore the city into the early morning.

  • Santiago de Compostela

    One of the most important walking pilgrimage destinations in the Catholic religion, Santiago de Compostela is an impressive holy site where the remains of Santiago, the Biblical Apostol, were laid to rest at the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela. With its historical center made completely of granite, the city provides a special atmosphere, perfect for relaxing.

  • Finisterre

    Finisterre is a famed fishing port located between the upper and lower bays of Galicia. Often the last stop on the pilgrimage route of El Camino, Finisterre offers idyllic coastal views to relax after a long voyage. Being a working fishing town, visitors should be sure to stop at the local fish cafes to enjoy some of the freshest seafood one can have.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

Madrid : Riu Plaza Espana

Ribera del Duero : Fuente Acena Hotel Boutique

Sarria : Rectoral de Goian

Portomarin : Vistalegre Hotel & Spa

Lestedo : Rectoral de Lestedo

Pidre : Parada Das Bestas

Arzua : Pazo de Sedor

As Quintas : Pazo de Brandesco

Santiago de Compostela : Pazo de Altamira

Finisterre : Hotel O Semaforo

Testimonials

Karen and Stephen

Traveled January, 2007

I cannot really convey in a few sentences how satisfied we were with your services.

I never took the time to thank you for the wonderful arrangements made by you and your team at Yampu for a trip we made in late January of this year to Peru and Bolivia. I cannot really convey in a few sentences how satisfied we were with your services. We had never used a travel company before this trip. Considering the fact that we were traveling to third-world countries where life simply is not the same as here in the U.S., we were wonderfully surprised at the smoothness of all of our travel. We attribute this to your choice of tour guides and accommodations chosen in those countries. I thought of you and Yampu recently because we are planning to travel to southern Spain next year, but unfortunately for us you don’t service Spain! Some day we plan to travel to Chile and Argentina, and hope to make use of your services again. Thanks again for such great travel arrangements.

Traveled To


Sally I.

Traveled October 2017

All we could have hoped for

We are having a wonderful time and our guides, especially Luis, have been delightful. Hiking the trail together was fantastic, all we could have hoped for.

Traveled To

Jacqueline P.

Traveled February 2019

I will use them again on my next trip!!

I will use them again on my next trip!!

Traveled To


Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

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