Welcome to Spain! Your adventure begins in Sarria, in the heart of Galicia, in the green northwest of the country. This autonomous region boasts its own language, distinctive cuisine, and vibrant culture that sets it apart from the rest of Spain. Galicia is best known worldwide as the home of Santiago de Compostela, the destination of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). Over the next few days, you will walk the final 100 kilometers of this legendary pilgrimage route. In the evening, a welcome meeting will take place at 6 pm. Here you will meet your local tour guide and the small group of fellow travelers with whom you will be embarking on your journey. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to get a first taste of the diverse and delicious Galician cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

Today is a gentle introduction to the Camino de Santiago – it's about finding your rhythm, so take your time and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Have your pilgrim's passport ready, as you'll need it stamped at least twice a day along the way. The hike begins in Sarria and leads mostly along paved paths through a diverse, green landscape. Passing chestnut and oak forests, small farms, villages, and expansive fields, you'll discover authentic Galicia. You might want to take a short break in Santiago de Barbadelo or at the Church of San Fiz de Reimondez – your guide will be happy to provide you with interesting information about the historical highlights along the way. Along the way, small farms with freshly made products like jams, bread, or cheese invite you to stop for a delicious snack. After about five hours of walking (excluding breaks), you'll reach the charming town of Portomarín. It's an ideal place to recharge and offers a variety of restaurants as well as beautiful views of the Belesar Reservoir. Originally, the town was submerged by the reservoir's construction, but the historic buildings were rebuilt on higher ground and can still be admired today.

From Portomarín, today's stage takes you mostly along quiet gravel roads, past idyllic Galician forests and fields. You'll cross the rural region of Monterroso, passing the small villages of Gonzar, Ligonde, and Castromaior. A short detour from Castromaior is worthwhile to visit the impressive Roman ruins of Castro de Castromaior. Along the way, you'll find numerous stalls selling fresh fruit, snacks, and cold drinks, as well as plenty of opportunities for a meal or a coffee. Halfway through, you'll climb a small hill in the Sierra de Ligonde before the path descends gently again. Your destination for today is Palas de Rei, a charming town with historic buildings and Romanesque architecture. This evening, a very special Galician tradition awaits you: the Queimada, also known as the "fire drink." This mystical beverage has its roots in Galicia's Celtic history and is made from the liqueur Orujo, lemon, and coffee beans. When lit, it is said to drive away evil spirits—a spectacular sight that also tastes delicious. Your tour guide will prepare the Queimada for the group this evening, so you can not only enjoy this traditional drink but also symbolically bid farewell to any evil spirits encountered during your trip.

Prepare for the longest day of hiking on this section of the Camino de Santiago, which takes you from Palas de Rei to Arzúa. The terrain is hilly and mostly paved, so be prepared for some ascents and descents. First, you'll hike to the town of Melide, which, with around 9,000 inhabitants, is one of the most populous places on your route. Melide is famous for its culinary specialties, most notably the traditional octopus dish "Polbo a Feira." The group will gather in town to enjoy this typical lunch – and perhaps you'd like to treat yourself to some melindres afterward, the region's popular glazed mini-donuts. Those who want to give their legs a rest can take a taxi directly to Arzúa from here. Everyone else continues the hike, crosses the Iso River, and tackles a series of short but steep descents. Once in Arzúa, it's worth chatting with your guide about the famous regional cheese – and you definitely shouldn't miss the chance to taste it!

After leaving Arzúa behind, you'll reach a fork in the road: the main road leads to the right, while the path to the left winds through shady woods. As the saying goes, the less traveled path is often the most rewarding – so choose the trail through the forests. Today promises a day of peaceful walks, mostly through idyllic woods and past small villages and farms. This stage is among the most scenic sections of the entire Camino de Santiago. Along the way, you'll find numerous cafes and restaurants where you can take a break and recharge. Shortly before reaching O Pedrouzo, your destination for the evening, you'll pass the Santa Irene fountain. The fountain's water is said to have healing properties, so a small taste of this tradition is practically a must.

Get ready for your final day of hiking: The stage from O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela brings you step by step closer to your impressive destination – the Cathedral of Santiago. The trail begins through a dense, green forest. With no cars or houses nearby, this is the perfect opportunity to quietly reflect on everything you've accomplished in the past week. You then follow a longer stretch of road between Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo, before the final five kilometers take you from the rural landscape into the urban environment. In Santiago, you'll be greeted by the sounds of Galician bagpipes – an unforgettable moment that marks the end of your pilgrimage. Show your stamped pilgrim's passport and receive your Camino certificate as proof that you have successfully completed the 100 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. Those arriving before noon can attend the Pilgrim Mass, where the names of those who received their certificates in the last 24 hours are read aloud. The group will also visit the Pilgrim Museum to learn more about the history of the Camino de Santiago and other pilgrimage sites worldwide. The day culminates in a communal dinner in town – a well-deserved moment to reflect on the journey and celebrate their achievement.

Since no further activities are planned for today and the hikes are complete, your adventure ends after breakfast this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela, please feel free to contact us in advance – we will be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you.