Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday – The French Way

Depart Dublin on your flight to Santiago de Compostela airport. On arrival, we will be met by our guide and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the lively city of Lugo. Lugo, located in the northwest of Spain, is the only city in the world to be surrounded by completely intact Roman walls, which reach a height of 10 to 15 metres along a 2,117-metre circuit ringed with 71 towers.

4 star hotel in Lugo (3 nights)

Let's depart our hotel for our coach transfer to Sarria where we will begin our day walk. We can expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods, pretty villages and quiet country roads. The village of Barbedelo (580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The next significant village is Ferreiros. When we arrive in Portomarin (550m), we can chill out on one of the numerous terraces of the main plaza.

Length: 23km / Approximate duration: 6 hours

Let's depart our hotel for our coach transfer to Portomarin where our walk of the day will commence. From the village, the Camino crosses the river Minho and climbs steadily uphill. On our way, we will be crossing Gonzar and passing the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior. The calm of the Galician Cemetery in Ligonde on a sunny day is a rest in itself. In Eirexe, the Romanesque portal of the church is a beauty and features a sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as Santiago de Peregrino inside. We will then arrive in Palas de Rei (565m).

Length: 23km / Approximate duration: 6 hours and 15 minutes

Let's check out of our hotel in Lugo and transfer by coach to Palas de Rei where our third walking day will begin. Today, the Camino continues slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. Later today, the Camino will follow a forest track and cross several streams bringing you to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Then the medieval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzùa (389m). This small town has 2 churches that you can visit, Santa María and La Magdalena. Afterwards, let's continue to Santiago de Compostela where we will check in to our hotel, our base for the remainder of the trip.

Length: 28km / Approximate duration: 7 hours

Let's begin our morning with a coach transfer to Arzùa, where we will begin our walk for the day. This shaded section of the Camino will pass through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua/Opino is on a good and quiet country road. Rua (310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela.

Length: 18km / Approximate duration: 5 hours and 15 minutes

The next stage will be Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The tall eucalyptus trees line our way to Monte del Gozo (368m). From the "Mount of Joy" we can see our goal the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city (264m), we will be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up close. Let's marvel at the architecture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual Mecca.

Length: 19km / Approximate duration: 5 hours and 20 minutes

This morning we will enjoy a half-day city tour of Santiago de Compostela's historic centre, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The famous cathedral borders the main plaza of the well-preserved old city. We will wander through the streets as our local expert guide shows us all the main highlights!

You will have an afternoon and evening at leisure to spend in Santiago de Compostela as you wish. Your local guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your taste. Or why not unwind with some tapas at one of the many authentic restaurants that line the streets?

Today, our holiday comes to an end. After breakfast, we will depart the hotel for our transfer to Santiago de Compostela airport to catch the flight home. We hope you will take away fond memories from your trip.