The real magic on the Camino is the people you meet. It’s the stories you share. It’s the strength of vulnerability. It’s learning about new people and places and experiences. It’s about hearing the doves coo, and the wind in the trees, and the crunch of the path under feet. It’s about clear communication when no language is shared. It’s about hugging strangers and being helped by them. It’s about learning how to not see anyone as a stranger. The Camino offers humility in asking help in finding the right direction, and trusting in that guidance. The Camino is about listening to yourself. It’s about learning your own natural pace and flow, and learning lessons when you don’t honor your body’s messages or your own intuition. The Camino is about learning how to feel at home in the unfamiliar, and embracing gratitude in discomfort. It’s about acknowledging the things that have been lost or left behind, and finding wholeness without them. The Camino is about honoring ancestors and protecting and honoring the path for those yet to come. The Camino reveals a mirror into your own body and mind and heart, and finding acceptance in at all. The spirit of the Camino is the Way. ~ Lily Kessler

Walk the ancient and transformative Camino de Santiago and enjoy relaxation at well-chosen rural, family-run establishments.

This popular section of the Camino de Santiago takes us along the most beautiful footpaths of green Galicia, exploring farming villages where time has stood still. Walking the final 70 out of 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago will allow you to receive the Compostela - the official certificate of completion for this epic journey. Full van support with healthy snacks will be provided by your guide. Daily maps and historical information will be given out every day.

Upon registration, you will be given detailed information on how to pack, and will be supported in forming your flight itinerary. Lily Kessler will answer all questions for you, so you arrive in Spain feeling ready, supported, and excited for the glories-to-come!

Arrive in Santiago de Compostela

Most travelers arrive in Spain at least two days early so they have time to rest, explore, and restore before the Walk begins. Once you arrive at the Santiago de Compostela Airport, transfer to your hotel in Lugo (information on exactly how to do that will be provided to you). Lugo, a wonderfully restored walled city, was built by the Romans in the 3rd century and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. When you wander around the narrow streets within the enclosed walls, you are reminded of what life was like in the middle-ages. We will gather for a casual and optional group dinner in Lugo’s main square the night before

The night before our first day of walking includes accommodations at Hotel Mendez Nunez ~ This four star hotel is located inside the Roman Wall and is in the direct heart of the historic center. The Wall of Lugo embraces the entire historic center and can be covered in its entirety by its 1.5 mile walkway, an elevated walkway over it that is 12 meters above the ground. By day it is the best viewpoint over the old town.

Day 1: Sarria - Portomarin, the walk begins

Your trip leader, Lily Kessler, and your official Spanish guide/s will meet you for an early breakfast at the hotel. Once you become acquainted with your new pilgrim companions, there will be a 40-minute drive south arriving close to the town of Sarria where you begin your pilgrimage walk along the beautiful green paths of the Camino. This final 110-kilometers is the most popular section of the 800-kilometer trail. One of the great joys of walking the Camino will not only be the stunning landscapes you take in, but also the variety of people you meet. Join pilgrims from all over the world and all walks of life. (18 kilometers/11 miles ~ Breakfast and Dinner included)

Accommodations: Casa Roan ~ In the strategic center of Galicia, located in the A Ulloa region, is a gorgeous, rural complex made up of two farmhouses dating from the mid-18th century and remodeled in 2006. We will experience an authentic Galician rural house in the tranquility of the countryside, as well as a wonderful meals.

​Day 2: Portomarin - Airexe

Starting from Portomarin, we climb up through woodland and then over our high point for the day, the Sierra Ligonde, on quiet country roads. Views abound in every direction, far reaching hill and mountain-scapes in every shade of green imaginable. The villages we pass through have long standing associations with the Camino and ancient pilgrim’s hospices are now just whispers of the past. A final climb brings us to the small village of Airexe where we end our day of walking. From here, we will have a group shuttle to our hotel. (17 kilometers/10.50 miles – Breakfast and Dinner included)

 Accommodations: Casa Roan

Day 3: Airexe - O Coto

Today we pass though the town of Palas de Rei, Palace of the King named after an 8th century Visigoth king who once ruled the lands. From here the route becomes more undulating as we meander through the village of San Xulian, a classic Camino village with its 12th Century church, and walk through forested trails over two river valleys. We drive, once more, to our hotel for dinner and a good night’s rest. (16 kilometers/10 miles – Breakfast and Dinner included)

Accommodations: Pazo Eidian ~ Located in the heart of Galicia, surrounded by forests, where you can relax and unwind. A spectacular place surrounded by nature, with great facilities and excellent service: paddle tennis, swimming pool, spa, and beautiful rooms.

Day 4: O Coto - Castañeda

After breakfast, we begin our day by walking through the Leboreiro, a quintessential Camino village, and then the medieval village of Furelos, both of which have fine medieval bridges. The next stop is the town of Melide. You will want to stop here in the famous Pulperia to sample one of Galicia’s specialties—Pulpo Gallego- steamed octopus prepared by the locals and enjoyed by pilgrims! After lunch, ascend and descend through small villages and woodland paths to end our walk at Castañeda, the village where the limestone carried from Triacastela was fired in the kilns before being taken to Santiago to build the cathedral. (17 kilometers/10.5 miles – Breakfast and Dinner included)

​Accommodations: Pazo de Andeade ~ Rustic rooms with garden views in a restored 18th-century-manor-turned-hotel with deluxe restaurant.  Also called a Casa Grande, it has a chapel with a Compostela altarpiece of the time, decorative fountain, large gardens, oak grove and entrance lined with rows of banana trees. It was restored in 1995 with original materials and noble woods. The restaurant uses only high quality products, proven origin and exclusively seasonal.

Day 5: Castañeda - Salceda

Shuttling back to the trail, we climb then descend to beautiful Ribasdiso, home to the oldest albergue on the Camino, then climb to the town of Arzua, famous for its creamy cow cheese. Onwards, our walk is dotted with small hamlets hidden within tall eucalyptus forests and behind moss covered stone walls. Villages named Rua, Calzada, and Calle all refer to the word ‘road’, recognizing that this pilgrimage trail has been leading pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela for centuries. Our day ends at the village of Salceda, from where we will travel to our hotel. (19 kilometers/12 miles - Breakfast and Dinner included)

​Accommodations: Pazo de Andeade

Day 6: Salceda - Lavacolla

Today, we continue westwards on the Camino, descending from Alto de Santa Irene, through serene stands of eucalyptus trees and the small villages of Rua and Amenal before embarking on one of our final climbs of the route. At the top, we walk around the airport to arrive in Lavacolla, a place where pilgrims, in days gone by, would wash themselves in the shallow stream before entering Santiago.  Here, we shuttle to our hotel for our penultimate evening together.  (17 kilometers/10.5 miles - Breakfast and Dinner included)

​Accommodations: Pazo Xan Xordo ~ Located in the heart of the Santiago region, 4.3 miles from the city, this traditional-style house offers elegant accommodations amid beautiful natural surroundings.  Only a mile from the historic medieval pilgrimage route, Xan Xordo is located amid one of the most culturally important and naturally beautiful regions in the northern peninsular.       

Day 7: Lavacolla - Santiago de Compostela  

Today, we take to the trail one last time.  We climb from Lavacolla to the famed Monte del Gozo, Mount Joy, where, if we are lucky, we catch our first glimpse of the towers of the cathedral of Santiago. Tradition claims that if you were the first one in your group to sight the church towers, you could officially change your name to King (Rey, Leroy, Le Roi). Our Camino walking journey ends at the steps of the cathedral in time for Mass at noon.  Enjoy lunch on your own prior to meeting back for a two-hour guided walking tour of the city and the cathedral with local tour guide/historian.   We will gather for a celebratory dinner together at the hotel.   (11 kilometers/7 miles - Breakfast and Dinner included)  

Accommodations: San Francisco Hotel Monumento ~ Quaint hotel in an 18th-century convent with an indoor heated pool, a museum and dining, plus views of Mount Pedroso.   

Day 8: Tour End - Buen Camino 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before saying good-bye.  Participants often extend their stay to travel an hour and a half to Finnesterre or by planning a few days in Madrid before heading home.  (Breakfast included)  

• Please Note: This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, rain, festivals, and spontaneous side trips.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE!

• DATES TBA

• Inclusive Group Package Per Person

  • $3500

  • Additional $800 for single room

• Space is limited!