Camino - Sarria to Santiago Rambler in Comfort

Make your own way to the first hotel in Sarria. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. It was a major medieval centre for pilgrims, and the ancient atmosphere can still be felt in the Old Quarter. We can assist with extra nights in Sarria and/or a transfer from Santiago or A Coruna airport to Sarria - please ask for our rates.

We recommend before leaving Sarria that you take the time to visit the Monastery of Magdalena with its church and cloister. Today you will walk through lovely tree-lined paths, roads and gravel tracks, enroute to Morgade. On the way you will pass through many small hamlets. This afternoon (at 3pm) you will be transferred back to the hotel in Sarria for a second overnight stay. Distance 13km/8mi, +260m/853ft

Transfer back to Morgade this morning (at 8.30am) to continue walking. On your way to Portomarin you will pass through many hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos. It's a relatively easy walk until the steep descent leads you across the Dam of Portomarin where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town for your accommodation. Relax and stroll this afternoon in the cafe-lined main square and visit the church which was moved here stone by stone from the old town. Distance 10km/6.2mi, +50m/164ft, -385m/1263ft

Today's route takes you through the brooms which have a magnificent fragrance. Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Over this stage you will pass through Ventas de Naron where you can fill your water bottles, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa and Lameiros to Ligonde where you will find a church dedicated to St James. Emperor Charles V stayed in this modest village on the 24th of March 1520. In the afternoon (at 4pm) you will be transferred to your hotel in Lestedo. Distance 16km/10mi +420m/1378ft

After breakfast you will transfer (at 8.30) back to Ligonde to continue walking. Today the walk is along a quiet country road, passing a 17th Century Wayside Cross en route. Continue through Palas de Rei and other small villages until you arrive at the hamlet of Coto. Distance 18km/10mi, +50m/164ft, -270m/886ft

Today you will walk through Melide, which is one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Compostela Trail. We recommend trying the local specialty ‘pulpa a feira’ (octopus), usually served with red pepper and paprika. The French Way and Camino Primitivo trails meet in Melide. Continue on foot to Castaneda and your hotel. Distance 15km/9.3mi, +20m/65ft, -120m/394ft

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through forests of Eucalyptus trees. There are many villages along the way to stop for lunch. You will walk through Arzúa in the province of La Coruña, home of the D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, and continue to Salceda. An afternoon transfer (at 3pm) takes you to your hotel in Lavacolla. Distance 16.5km/10.3mi, +120m/393ft, -370m/1214ft

After breakfast a transfer (at 8.30) will take you back to Salceda to continue walking. The scenery today is lovely, as you pass more eucalyptus trees, large green fields and rural landscapes. Overnight again in Lavacolla. Distance 18km/11.2mi, +100m/328ft, -300m/984ft

The last day on the trail is always special. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges - all have a story to tell. You'll follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. Continue downhill to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. There is plenty to see and do, or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Distance 10km/6mi, +70m/230ft, -110m/360ft

Today you are free to enjoy the many cultural and gastronomic delights that Santiago offers. You can take in the noon Pilgrims Mass at the Cathedral or visit Fisterra on the coast (see details below).

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.