8-Day Camino de Santiago (French Way) Luxury
Experience the Camino with a little bit of luxury! On this hike, you stay in the very nicest 4-star hotels along the route. This is an amazingly special experience!
This Camino route takes you to the last stage of the French Way, the famous Camino Frances, walking 111kms in a week. This stage from Sarria to Santiago, Spain is the most popular among pilgrims and perfectly captures the essence of the Camino de Santiago.
Meet fellow pilgrims, discover local traditions and get your pilgrim passport stamped as you walk through woodlands, farmland and rustic hamlets. Once in Santiago, get your "Compostela" certificate and explore the magic of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This will be a self-guided hike. It can be customized (itinerary and accommodations), and we can arrange a private guide for you. The hike can be stretched to 9 days.
All treks include luggage transfer, so you just carry a day pack with the things you need for the day.
NOTE: The accommodations listed are sample accommodations. Exact lodging will depend on availability. Most of the luxury accommodations are off the Camino route and require a vehicle transfer from the route to the hotel and back (included).
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Full Itinerary
Day 1: 8-DAY CAMINO DE SANTIAGO (FRENCH WAY) / Arrive Sarria
Today, you want to arrive in Sarria, the starting point for the trek. You can take a bus to Sarria, or we can arrange a private transfer.
Sarria is the most popular starting point of the Camino de Santiago with thousands starting their journey here every year. In the town center where you will find churches, chapels, monasteries and seven pilgrim hospitals. The main street, Rua Maior, has a nice atmosphere, where you can relax while enjoying a drink or bite in one of the nice cafes around. Visit the Igrexa de Santa Marina with its evocative pilgrim mural, the castle fortress and the Magdalena Monastery.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Alfonso IX (Sarria)
Day 2: Hike from Sarria to Portomarin (22km) (BD)
After breakfast this morning, you will leave Sarria and make your way to the lovely Portomarin. You can expect a calm walk through pretty villages and peaceful hamlets under the shade of oak trees and along quiet country roads. Along the way, you will spot many Galician traditional "horreos" (granaries). Visit the beautiful Romanesque church in the village of Barbadelo.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel Ferramenteiro (Portomarin)
Day 3: Hike Portomarin to Palas de Rei (24km) (BD)
After breakfast this morning you will begin your second walking day, from the lovely village of Portomarin. Today the Camino will cross the river Mino (Galicia's longest river) and rise uphill steadily towards the Serra de Ligonde. You will pass nice hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Naron. Stop to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa Marina in Castromaior and the Romanesque church in Eirexe, with its portal featuring a sculpture of Daniel with animals, as well as Pilgrim Santiago.
Tonight you will finish up your walk in the town of Palas de Rei. Relax and have a glass of wine after dinner in the company of some of your fellow pilgrims.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: A Parada das Bestas (Palas de Rei)
Day 4: Hike Palas de Rei to Melide (14km) (BD)
Today, the Camino trail continues downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the delightful village of Leboreiro. You will finish your day in the lively market town of Melide (454m), where you should try octopus, Galicia's most classic dish.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Casa de los Somoza (Melide)
Day 5: Hike Melide to Arzua (14km) (BD)
Once again after a great breakfast, you will say goodbye to the lively market town of Melide and continue along your journey to Santiago de Compostela. Today the Camino crosses several streams, sleepy villages and follows a mixed forest track and road trail bringing you to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago. Next is the pretty medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzua (389m), famous for its local cheese. In Arzua, you should visit the churches of Santa Maria and A Magdalena.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Casa Brandariz (Arzua)
Day 6: Hike Arzua to Amenal (23km) (BD)
Today's Camino after breakfast will take you through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams for most of the day. The chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago, is worth a visit. En-route, don't miss the lovely hamlet of Rua (310m). The rest of the route to Amenal is along a mix of good and calm country roads and forest tracks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: A Pena de Augasantas - Touro (Arzua / 4-star)
Day 7: Hike Amenal to Santiago (14km) (B)
After breakfast in Amenal this morning, your next point of interest is Lavacolla on the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used long ago wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo ("Mount of Joy" 368m) and it is from here that will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. When you arrive in the city (264m, population 80,000), explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site's architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural city.
Take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its UNESCO listed old town will enchant you. In Santiago de Compostela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, socializing and enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cozy cafes.
There are 2 Pilgrim Masses at the Cathedral -- 12:00pm and 7:00pm. The Mass at noon is very crowded, but the one at 7pm is very quiet.
No backpacks or bags are allowed in the Cathedral. Leave them at your hotel, or there is a backpack storage area next to the Cathedral.
Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Parador Reyes Catolicos (Santiago)
Day 8: Depart Santiago (B)
Use your remaining time to explore the beautiful old town in Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO heritage site since 1985 and home to one of the oldest universities in Spain.
We can arrange a private transfer back to the Santiago Airport, or you can arrange an airport shuttle bus or taxi on your own.
You can extend your trip in Santiago. Consider adding a day tour to Finisterre Day or Rias Baixas Day!
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
8-Day Camino de Santiago (French Way) LuxuryPrices are Per Person and Valid for Trips through December 31, 2025
| # People in Group: | 2+ |
| 8-Day Camino de Santiago (French Route) Luxury: | $1595 |
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
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