Pilgrimage Itinerary

Day 1 - Wednesday 1st May Depart Dublin
Check - in at Dublin Airport at 11am for your direct Aer Lingus flight to Santiago de Compostela, on arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in Sarria for 2 nights with dinner and breakfast.

Day 2 - Thursday 2nd May | Sarria to Portomarin 23km
After breakfast we begin our walk at the bottom of A Escaleira da Fonte, built in the middle of the 19th century it provides a direct access to the historical area of the town, passing by Iglesia de Santa Marina, with its pilgrim mural, at the top of Rua Maior is Iglesia del Salvador with its tympanum of Christ in Majesty and the Tree of Life. The Camino continues to Monasterio da la Magdalena with fine plateresque fa�ade, The Camino makes it way down to the medieval bridge Ponte Aspera over the Rio Celeriro and out of the town of Sarria. The majority of today stage is on lovely woodland paths and gravel tracks, apart from the bare flanks around the high point on the Pena do Cervo at Momientos (above Portomarin) much of the remainder is along forest paths and tree - lined lanes, so we have good shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. We will pass through many small hamlets that seem to blend seamlessly one into the next. Several new cafes offer refreshments stops along the way. On arriving in Portomarin you will time to explore the village. Coach transfer (30 min) back to accommodation in Sarria for evening meal.

Day 3 - Friday 3rd May | Portomarin to Palas de Rei 25km
Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel and board the coach for the short trip to Portomarin before the start of today's walk. To leave Portomarin todays walk takes you over the Rio Torres by the footbridge once on the other side you turn right along a peaceful woodland path lined with heather and gorse to join the pilgrim path alongside the main road. A day of varied terrain as we start climbing up a peaceful woodland path on the Camino, the route joins the main road which we must cross on several occasions before leaving it to climb around Castromaior descending to Portos which offers us the detour to Vilar de Donas. Then comes the gentler climb around the side of Rosary Heights Alto Rosario to drop down finally to Palas de Rei. Time to look around the village before boarding your coach for the 30 minute drive to Arzua and stay for the next 3 nights with dinner in hotel.

Day 4 - Saturday 4th May | Palas de Rei to Melide 15km
After breakfast in Hotel we transfer back to Palas de Rei for The start point for today's walk at the Town Hall in the main square Plaza do Concello you continue down rua do Peregrino past the pilgrim monument and over the N -547. Today we cross 6 shallow river valleys and � on pathway mostly through delightful woodland that helps stifle the noise from the busy N - 547 which we cross and re-cross all the way to Arz�a. This busy town is where the northern route Camino del norte joins the Camino franc�s and the route gets even busier as we approach Santiago. Melide makes a good halfway stop where you can sample the renowned octopus pulpo Gallega and explore the historic old town. Return by coach (15 min) the hotel for evening meal.

Day 5 - Sunday 5th May | Melide to Arzua 15km
Breakfast in hotel before transferring (15min) back to Melide. Today's route is a mix of well conserved and repaired trails together with some more abrupt sections. As we near the end of the stage you will find several short, but demanding slopes. You will cross the Iso River and reach the village of Ribadiso while walking through some of the most spectacular scenery in el Camino. At the end of the day, you will reach Arz�a, where you should take some time to try the renowned cheese varieties from this region (Arz�a-Ulloa). Walk to the hotel in Arz�a where you can enjoy your evening.

Day 6. Monday 6thMay | Arzua to O Pedrouza 20km
After breakfast we start our walk and walk through the main street of Arzua. Over half this stage is on natural pathways with good shade offered by the ubiquitous eucalyptus and ends with a gentle around the alto de Santa Irene, in between we have a largely level path with just 3 shallow river valleys. You will be met by your guide on entering O Pedrouzo. After exploring the town you will be transferred to Santiago (20 min) for 2 nights.

Day 7. Tuesday 7th May | O Pedrouzo to Santiago 20km
We depart our Albergue in Santiago for a 20 min drive to the start point for today's walk which is outside The Concello building in O Pedrouzo, the first part of the final stage is through the dense ever-present eucalyptus. Make the most of the shade and the peace they exude. As we get nearer the city, asphalt and crowds begin to take over. There will be 14km walking through roads, roundabouts, townhouses until we get to Monte de Gozo, where you we will have the first sight of the city of Santiago de Compostela. the Camino enters Santiago to reach its imposing cathedral. Here you can enjoy your achievement and witness the newly restored Cathedral in the Plaza del Obradoiro. Walk to our accommodation.

Day 8 - Wednesday 8th May Day of Departure
Free morning in Santiago before leaving the hotel at lunch time for transfer to Santiago Airport for the return flight to Dublin, depart Santiago airport at 16:55, scheduled to arrive back into Dublin at 18:05.