THE PILGRIM'S ROAD

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Walk the end of the Road of St. James pilgrimage. Follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who have followed this route to Santiago de Compostela, the “Field of Stars”.  The Road has something for everyone: a group experience, a spiritual journey, a physical challenge… what will you discover on the way?

Highlights of this route: Talking with the pilgrims from all over the world. Soaking up the special feeling of this thousand  year old Road, rich in cultural and spiritual traditions.  Looking for "horreos" - traditional wooden corn cribs that come in different styles. Octupus in a certain bar in Melide - it's good elsewhere, but this is one of the traditional places. First sight of Santiago. The thrill of reaching the "0" kilometer marker in front of Santiago's beautiful Cathedral.

What's different about the way we usually organize our trips on the Road?  Most travel companies do an upscale Road, lodging their travelers in the charming bed and breakfast places along the way. Along the last part of the Road, most b+b are in "pazos" (big stone houses on traditional farms). And while they're lovely, most of these nicer places are not right on the Road. That means at least one transfer every day (sometimes two)  and  it means that pilgrims on group trips are often outside the self-contained pilgrim atmosphere during the evening and night. 

We prefer to stay right ON the road, and even if the accommodations are not quite as charming they're all more than adequate, double rooms with own bathroom, good food, etc (we do not stay at the pilgrim refuges, reserved for self-contained pilgrims and sometimes not terribly comfortable).   Staying in towns on the Road lets our pilgrims mix with the other pilgrims, having a beer or wine while comparing stories about the joys and trials of doing the Road. Additionally, staying on the Road minimizes the van  transfers, which we think gives a better feeling of distance traveled on foot.  While we realize our system is not the usual group trip, we think it gives a better feeling of what the Road is all about - but if you really want the nicer places, we can do that too.

Want to follow the pre-Christian tradition, continuing your walk to the "End of the Earth"?

See our route Santiago to the Sea! 

  more photos this trip
SUGGESTED TRIP 7-10 days
DESCRIPTION TERRAIN  / DIFFICULTY There are no monster hills on the last part of the Road but the terrain does roll, some days more than others. Most of the walking is on good dirt roads or asphalt. Some days may be a little long to fit in with suitable accommodations along the Road.
SUGGESTED GROUP SIZE Maximum 10 people, because of accommodations and to ensure a more authentic pilgrim experience (smaller groups are less imposing to other people).
NOTES: To fit in a 7-10 day format we suggest starting in Galicia - probably Cebreiro or Sarria. For those interested in getting even closer to a self-contained pilgrim experience (without the cold showers, bunk beds and snorers so frequent in the pilgrim refuges) we can also offer a "minimalist" self-contained trip, where participants carry their gear but have all hotels and food pre-arranged like the van-supported trips. This kind of trip is less expensive as well, so would be ideal for people on a budget.  Never hiked self-contained? This is a good trip to start, walking town to town and staying in hotels minimizes amount of gear needed - click HERE for our minimalist packing list.