This trekking holiday encompasses the most popular Camino walking route to Santiago from Sarria. The French Way is by far the most widely trodden of all the Caminos.
- Walk the ‘Way of St James’
- Visit ancient sites & Romanesque churches
- Qualify for the official Pilgrim’s Certificate
Your journey begins in Sarria and ensures that you walk the final 100 kilometres (Sarria is 112 kilometres from Santiago) to qualify for the official pilgrim’s certificate on arrival at the magnificent cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
You walk through rolling terrain following quiet country lanes, old bridle paths and forest trails. Ever popular with pilgrims from around the world, early booking and some flexibility with travel dates are highly recommended.
For those wanting to hike the Camino de Santiago with a little more luxury, take a look at our French Way in Style itinerary.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Travel to Sarria
Fly to Santiago de Compostela airport and make your way (by bus or taxi) to your hotel at Sarria.
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Day 2: Begin your journey & walk to Portomarin
Covering one of the most beautiful stages of the French Way, you'll walk through forest, across meadows, past orchards and stone hamlets to Portomarin and your overnight hotel.
Walking distance: 22 km | Ascent: 230 m | Descent: 300 m
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Day 3: Across the Rio Minho & to Palace do Rei
The Pilgrims Way continues on through lush Galician countryside to Palas de Rei. On the way, if you wish, you can take a detour to visit one of Spain’s most outstanding Romanesque churches at nearby Vilar de Donas, which is classified as a national monument.
Walking distance: 25 km | Ascent: 340 m | Descent: 120 m
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Day 4: Past medieval villages & to Arzua
The Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track, bringing you to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Next is the medieval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzua.
Walking distance: 28 km | Ascent: 140 m | Descent: 340 m
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Day 5: Onwards to Rua & Amenal
Passing through woods, sleepy villages and along streams makes up the majority of today’s walk. The chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago, is worth a visit.
Walking distance: 23 km | Ascent: 50 m | Descent: 130 m
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Day 6: Complete the pilgrimage & arrive in Santiago
Initially, follow country lanes and forest paths and then the increase in population is increasingly apparent. From the Mount of Joy you have your first views of Santiago de Compostela, before you continue downhill and into the city to the Plaza del Obradoiro where you receive your official certificate at the Cathedral office.
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 150 m | Descent: 185 m
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Day 7: Fly back to the UK
Depart Santiago on your flight back to the UK.
Please note: Due to on-going renovations, Pilgrim Mass and other religious services will now take place in nearby churches across Santiago Old Town and not in Santiago Cathedral. Please see mass times and locations on your trip dossier. The Cathedral will still remain open to Pilgrims and visitors with restricted access.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 7 days from £699 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 7 days from £899 per person
- Single room supplement: From £219
- Walking grade: Moderate
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: Low
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotels x 6 nights
- 6 breakfasts & 4 dinners
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2024 | From 1 Mar to 30 Nov | £699 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
