Enjoy a guided pilgrimage on the Camino Frances to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Become a certified pilgrim on this 8 day guided walk along the French Way (Camino Frances) in northern Spain. This is the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago, and you’ll love the atmosphere of the walk.
You’ll walk along the Spanish countryside following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims from long ago as you trek from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. The 115 km journey is the minimum allowed to qualify you for the official Compostelana Certificate of pilgrimage, and has the added advantage of being easily completed within a week.
You’ll travel through ancient towns, stunning countryside, and quaint villages as you make your way down this historic Camino with your fellow pilgrims. Don’t forget to stop and taste all the Galician area has to offer in the way of delicious delicacies and tasty beverages!
Highlights Of Guided Camino Frances in 7 Days Tour
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Guided Camino Frances in 7 Days Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Sarria
Upon arriving in Sarria, you’ll join your group and then have a chance to explore the town. Originally a Celtic town, Sarria was an ancient hub for traveling pilgrims. If you pay close attention, you can still feel the history of the place in the atmosphere as you walk down the picturesque streets of the old quarter. After getting your first stamp in the Pilgrim’s passport, it’s time for a group dinner so you can get to know your fellow travelers.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saria
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 The Journey Begins – Walk to Portomarín
You’ll begin your pilgrimage on the Camino Frances by following your guide through the Galician hills. Passing through forests and rural countryside, you’ll come to Portomarín, a town situated above the River Miño. If you’d been around before 1962, you’d notice the town isn’t in the same place it used to be. That’s because at that time, a reservoir was built in the river which would leave the old town location underwater. So the residents actually relocated the entire town. The church even used the exact same stones, hauling them one at a time and reconstructing it in the new location. When you look at the church, you’ll find it’s a great example of a fortress church, complete with battlements and guard towers. This was normal at the time as the church served to protect travelers on the Camino de Santiago from highwaymen.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Portomarin
Distance: 23 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Walk to Palas de Rei
Today’s walk begins as you head uphill to a village called Ventas de Narón. You can take a breather at the town and continue from there over less strenuous terrain. You’ll have a plethora of scenic stops to rest at along the way as you journey toward the half-way point of the journey. You won’t be walking alone, so enjoy the company of other pilgrims and picnic at your leisure. Once you arrive in Palas de Rei, you can sense the true vibe of the Camino as you’ll be among many fellow travelers also staying there.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Palas de Rei
Distance: 23 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Walk to Melide
You’ll enjoy this lovely portion of the Camino as you trek across roman bridges and a few rivers. Revel in the woodland atmosphere as you continue on your way to Melide, a town known for its Galician-style cooked octopus. This is also the stretch of road where pilgrims traveling from Oviedo way join the main French Way.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Melide
Distance: 16 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 Hike to Arzúa
As your guided hiking pilgrimage continues, you’ll pass through a forested land of rolling hills, walking through several villages to get to Arzúa. This is the last big town before you enter Santiago, so you’ll want to explore. Especially when you find out about their famous local cheese. Yum!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arzúa
Distance: 14 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Walk to O Pedrouzo
As you journey closer, you’ll be joining increasing numbers of pilgrims. This phase of your trip will be on shaded paths through a eucalyptus forest, so take your time to enjoy the scenery and share the excitement of your fellow pilgrims as you near Santiago de Compostela.
Overnight Location: Hotel in O Pedrouzo
Distance: 19 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 Complete the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
Today you’ll reach your final destination on this guided hiking tour and pilgrimage. Hike through forested countryside to Monte do Gozo, where you’ll catch your first glimpses of the towering Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You only have another five kilometers to go until you reach the Plaza del Obradoiro, traditional celebratory location of arriving pilgrims. When you reach it, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning Cathedral facade, ancient stone buildings, and the town hall. Once you’ve completed your pilgrimage, you’ll receive your Compostelana – a Latin certificate showing you completed the pilgrimage. Tonight you’ll join your fellow pilgrims for a special seafood dinner and explore the city of Santiago.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 20 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Departure
After breakfast the tour is over and you’re free to explore further or book additional nights in Santiago.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Guided Camino Frances in 7 Days Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Spain is run as a private tour for your group only.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on Guided Camino Frances in 7 Days Tour
This tour is based in 2-3-star hotels and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Duerming Villa de Sarria in Sarria
Enjoy the best of Sarria from this centrally located hotel and overnight in clean, quiet, and spacious rooms with helpful staff.
Hotel Villajardin in Portomarin
Next door to attractions including Portomarin’s main square, and a supermarket, Hotel Villajardin is a convenient spot to rest tired feet.
Hosteria Calixtino in Palas del Rei
Remote accommodation 4 km out of Pala del Rey, offers quiet respite in charming setting with homecooked meals and friendly service.
Hotel Xaneiro in Melide
Centrally located and quiet, Hotel Xaneiro provides basic amenities in comfortable cozy rooms and serves some of the area’s best cuisine.
Pension O Retiro in Arzua
Located right off the Camino, Pension O Retiro has simple rooms perfectly suitable for the road weary peregrino.
Pension A Solaina in Pedrouzo
Close to the Camino and top-rated restaurants with bright, spacious rooms and friendly employees.
Hotel Alda Avenida in Santiago de Compostela
Perfectly situated to top-rated attractions and restaurants in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, enjoy your last night in quiet comfort.
What’s included in the Guided Camino Frances in 7 Days Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included.
Also Included
- Pilgrim Passport
- Service of guide speaking in Spanish and English throughout the tour
- Luggage transfer between hotels
Not included
- Flights to and from Santiago
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Lunches
Optional Extras
- Transfers to and from the airport
Frequently Asked Questions about Guided Camino Frances
Cumbres Travel has been offering guided tours in Spain and Portugal since 2008. Their focus on is sharing the best of Spain and Portugal cycling and walking routes with visitors wanting to discover the best of Spain and Portugal.
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