The holiday starts at the group hotel in Sarria. A single timed transfer from Santiago de Compostela Airport will be provided. The transfer takes 1-2hrs. Sarria with its Celtic origins was a major medieval centre for pilgrims and today is a popular starting point for those with limited time but still wanting to gain a 'Compostela' certificate at the cathedral in Santiago. You may want to take the opportunity to pick up a scallop shell, marked with the cross of St James, which pilgrim's traditionally hang from their backpacks. At dinner our tour leader will present us with our Pilgrim's Passports, in which we will collect stamps over the coming days to prove we have walked the correct distance to qualify as offical pilgrims and gain our Compostela certificates.

After collecting our first stamp in our passports from our hotel, we bid farewell to Sarria. Crossing the beautiful Bridge of Aspera we climb up along a ‘corredoira’ through delightful ancient woodlands. Passing many rural stone hamlets, orchards, vineyards and pretty forests we reach the high point of our route today, Pena dos Corvos (660m) which with panoramic views over the reservoir, highlights rural Galicia at its best. Descending into the Rio Mino valley our route is on quiet country roads and natural pathways. We can visit the delightful hamlet of Mercadoiro with an official population of ‘one’! A modern bridge over the deep Mino basin announces our arrival into Portomarin. In the 1960s this town was moved brick by brick to higher ground as the original area was flooded for the reservoir. The imposing church of San Nicolás, in the main square and the smaller church of San Pedro were moved stone by stone from the old to the new Portamarín. It is still possible to see the numbers on the stones. Overnight Portomarin.

From Portomarin we have a varied day of landscapes as we contour round the reservoir, Embalse de Belesar, which we saw from the high point of yesterdays walk. This area was the scene of a bloody battle in 840 between the Moors and Christians, and we will pass the tiny stone chapel Capela de Magdalene. Climbing the ridge beyond the tiny hamlet of Ventas de Naron, we arrive at the high point of our route in the Sierra Ligonde (720m). Having enough time and energy we can make a small detour to the Romanesque church of El Salvador at Vilar de Donas, which is a national monument and ancient seat of the Knights of Santiago. The church is primarily 14th century and its effigies and frescoes are particularly impressive. A gentle climb around the side of Rosary Heights drops down to our overnight stay at Palas De Rei. Overnight Palas De Rei.

Today we have a slightly shorter day as we cross successive river valleys through beautiful farm countryside dotted with traditional villages. Soon after leaving Palas De Rei a woodland path brings us to the classic camino village of San Xulian with its tiny 12th century church, close to the banks of the Rio Pambre. Climbing gently through ancient oak woods we ascend the Pass of the Oxen (Porto de Bois) the scene of a bloody battle and reach Campanilla (515m) the high point of the day. Crossing a medieval bridge we enter the quintessential camino village of Leboreiro with its 13th century Romanesque church and attractive carvings over the main entrance. A large monument of the sword of Santiago starts a short section which crosses the Rio Furelos into another very traditional village, Furelos. It’s a final short climb through modern suburbs before we cross into the old quarter of Melide. Huddled around the central square is the austere church, Sancti Spritus, once a 14th century Augustinian monastery. Melide is a delightful spot to spend some relaxing time, with its narrow winding streets and many little cafes and restaurants serving local specialities such as the renowned octopus, pulpo a Galega. Overnight Melide.

We leave Melide on a cobbled pathway past St Mary’s Romanesque church and San Lazaro where many years ago there used to be a leprosy hospice. As make progress across several river valleys the wooded forest vegetation of oak and chestnut slowly transforms to eucalyptus and pine. The village of Boente, has an interesting church, Igrexa Santiago, with a friendly priest who offers blessings to passing pilgrims. Further on is the village of Casteneda, which used to fire stones for their lime, which would then be used in the building of the Cathedral at Santiago. After a short climb up to 440m we drop down crossing the attractive Rio Iso over its historic bridge and arrive in the medieval village of Ribadiso and into Arzua. Arzua has 2 churches to visit, Santa Maria and La Magdalena and is the last major town we will visit before we arrive in Santiago, Aruza is famous for it local cheese. Overnight Arzua.

A lovely ancient track from the historic quarter of Aruza town, leads through attractive woodland and streams interspersed with the tiny hamlets of Raido, Cortobe, Fondevila and Ponteladron. Alternating between tracks and quiet country lanes, landscaped by the farmers for local agriculture, we meet more and more pilgrims converging from the various routes over the North of Spain. After the village of Salceda, there is a monument to pilgrim Guillermo Watt who sadly died here, only a day away from his goal of Santiago. Continuing to the top of a gentle climb (540m) is the beautiful 18th chapel of Santa Irene with its unique carvings, named after an early Christian martyr. We make our way downhill, through a small eucalyptus wood to arrive at the pretty village of Rua. Overnight Rua.

Starting off amidst tall stands of eucalyptus trees, we should savour this simple tranquillity, for as we get closer and closer to Santiago there is a converging of pilgrims, asphalt and expectancy as the mood starts to intensify. After the village of Amenal we pass Lavacolla, which historically was where medieval pilgrims washed and purified themselves before entering Santiago. One last climb on asphalt brings us to Monte Del Gozo (Mount Joy) at 370m. So close to our final destination this is a special moment as we get our first glimpse of the towers of the cathedral of Santiago. Our final 4kms becomes more urban and mainly downhill as we walk all the way into the magnificent centre of Santiago, along beautiful Rua de San Pedro and Porta do Camino which lead to the pedestrian area of the historical centre and square of the Cathedral of Santiago - where we can congratulate each other on reaching the end of our pilgramage. Next, we head to the Pilgrim's Office where we can present our Pilgrim's Passports (in which we will diligently have been collecting stamps!) and receive our long awaited ‘compostela’ certificate. We'll check in at our hotel and freshen up before heading into Santiago to explore. Santiago de Compostela is a very special city and its magic is best enjoyed by walking around its cobbled streets. Its historical centre has been designated a World Heritage Site and offers dozens of churches and religious buildings, including the impressive cathedral which is both baroque and Romanesque at the same time. We can visit the catherdral and, in the evening, those that wish to will have the opportunity to attend a special Pilgrim's Mass, which lasts around 30mins. If you are lucky you may even witness the swinging of the catherdral's 'Botofumerio', one of the largest incense burners in the world. This is only swung on special occasions, so this is a treat to witness. With so many amazing restaurants on offer in Santiago, tonights meal is not included so we can make our own chose of where to eat. It is usual for the group to head out with the guide to celebrate the end of our Pilgrimage and our guide will be able to assist with making a restaruant reservation. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Please note that the Cathedral de Santiago is undergoing restorations in preparation for the 2021 holy year celebrations. The exterior of the cathedral is now complete and works have begun on the interior. While the cathedral remains open as usual throughout 2019 access to some sections of the interior will be restricted while works are undertaken and the daily pilgrim's mass will be held at the nearby San Francisco Church.

The holiday ends after breakfast. A single timed transfer to the airport is provided. Those unable to take advantage of this transfer can utilise the reliable airport bus service, which picks up from nearby our hotel.