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Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage

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Walking the Way of St. James in SpainAt a More Reflective, Prayerful, No Blister Pace – Less than 9 miles/day.

The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is an epic Catholic pilgrimage to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, where the Apostle St. James the Greater’s remains are located in a magnificent reliquary.  On this pilgrimage tour to Santiago de Compostela, you will be walking the last stretch of the famous Camino Frances from the market town of Sarria in Spain to Santiago de Compostela. You will walk across the lush green countryside in Galicia over 10 days, which means you will be covering a manageable average of 10km or about 6 miles per day.  A more reflective and prayerful Camino with fewer blisters!

The Catholic Journeys tour pace on this route is perfect if this is your first time walking the Camino Frances.  You can experience all the Camino de Santiago offers without stressing about walking over 20km or between 13 -20 miles/day as you would with other pilgrimage tour companies and worrying about blisters and fatigue.  Walking this easy Camino Frances tour enhances the reflective and prayerful aspects of the Camino while reducing fatigue and worrying about keeping up with the pace of the other pilgrims. You will meet fellow pilgrims, see Gallician Romanesque churches, celebrate daily mass, and enjoy the view and unique atmosphere of the trail. We will organize all the luggage transfers and arrange accommodations to welcome you after your day’s walk, so you have to put your walking shoes on and enjoy the pilgrimage.

We will start this Catholic Camino in Sarria, Spain, and walk 100 km, the required distance to receive your Compostela Pilgrim Certificate at the Pilgrims Office in Santiago. Remember to stamp your Pilgrim Passport while en route. We recommend downloading the Credencial app before your departure.  With your ‘Compostela’ certificate, it will be time to explore Santiago de Compostela’s magnificent Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage city.  Each year, about 400,000 people walk the Camino de Santiago.  Join us in 2025 or 2026.

The Catholic Camino pilgrimage first began when the tomb of the Apostle Saint James the Greater was discovered in the 9th century, and it became internationally known when it was described in detail in a 12th-century travel book, the Codex Calixtinus. The French Way was the first route of the Camino de Santiago to become a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.  A recent study confirms the likely identity of the remains of Bishop Teodomiro who was buried next to St. James in the ancient necropolis under the Cathedral.

Click here for 15 things you may not know about the Camino.

You can receive a plenary indulgence for walking this pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Please watch the fantastic history of St. James and the origins of the Camino.

Tour Details Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage
Walking the Way of St. James in Spain -- at a More Reflective, Prayerful, No Blister Pace -- with Guide, Catholic Priest, and Daily Mass

Departure & Return Location

Departure Time

3 Hours Before Flight Time

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Complementaries

Group Size

  • Name and Luggage tags
  • Neck Wallet
  • Travel Bag
  • Group size ranges from 15 to 25 pilgrims
Itinerary Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage
Walking the Way of St. James in Spain -- at a More Reflective, Prayerful, No Blister Pace -- with Guide, Catholic Priest, and Daily Mass

Day 1Depart Home for Spain

Begin your Catholic Camino Pilgrimage by departing home for overnight flights to Spain. Breakfast and dinner will be served aboard the transatlantic flight.

 

Day 2Arrive in Madrid - Walking tour - Cathedral - Plaza Mayor - Royal Church of Saint James

Madrid at night spain pilgrimage tourUpon arrival in Madrid, you will clear Passport Control, collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and meet your guide at the arrival hall.   Transfer to your hotel.  In the afternoon we will have a short walking tour of Spain’s capital city.  We will walk to the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Royal of the Almudena, commonly known as the Almudena Cathedral for short,  and celebrate mass, followed by a tour of the Cathedral.

We will continue our walking tour of Madrid to include the exterior of the Royal Palace – the largest in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world. Walk through the grand Plaza Mayor, which is over 400 years old, Puerta del Sol, and we make a final stop at the Royal Church of Saint James. Return to your hotel.  Dinner and overnight in Madrid.

 

 

 

Day 3Panoramic Tour of Madrid - Saint Julian of Samos Monastery - Sarria

galicia map of spain camino pilgrimageAfter breakfast at our hotel,  we board our motor coach and head into the center of Madrid. We will enjoy a panoramic tour of Madrid before we journey to Sarria. We will celebrate mass in Madrid.  En route to Sarria, we pass the famous Benedictine Abbey of Samos, also known as the Royal Monastery of Saint Julian, founded in the sixth century. It is a sight to behold and a famous stop on the Camino.  It is a national monument and is the oldest inhabited monastery in Spain.  Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Sarria.

Day 4Sarria - Church of Santa Marina - Morgade

sarria stamp camino pilgrimage12 km or 7.5 miles of walking

Today begins the walking portion of the Catholic Camino pilgrimage or should we say, El Camino to Santiago de Compostela!

We will start at Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Marina, the traditional starting point for the Camino.

Pick up your Pilgrim Passport and set out for the small town of Morgade.  By following the footsteps of St. James the apostle, you will make a journey performed by countess millions since the 9th century.

After your night in Sarria, expect a calm walk through pretty villages and quaint hamlets under the shade of oak trees and along quiet country roads. Along the way, you will spot many Galician traditional ‘hórreos’ or granaries.

We will walk at our own pace in a contemplative and joyful way. Remember this is your Camino!  Walking alone sometimes is recommended. We will walk together or in small groups at other times – often in quiet contemplation, saying the rosary, praying, or even singing! We have a full-time Camino guide with us, and our luggage will be transferred by van, from one hotel to the next. You will carry your water and snacks. Don’t worry, if you ever feel too tired to walk- our bus will trail us and be available as transportation to our next hotel.

We will have dinner and overnight in the small village of Morgade.

Day 5Morgade - Church of Santiago in Barbadelo - Portomarin

10 km or 6 miles of walking

After breakfast, we begin a peaceful walk through shady oak woods, pretty villages, and quiet country roads. The village of Barbedelo has the Romanesque Church of Santiago in Barbadelo, which in 1976 was declared a national monument. We will stop here.  Founded in 1009, the church is an excellent example of Galician Romanesque architecture.  On the left side of the exquisite altarpiece stands a statue of the Camino’s patron saint, Saint James, wearing a red sash.   Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Portomarin.

Day 6Portomarin - Church of Saint Nicholas - Ventas de Naron

church of st john portomarin spain camino11 km or 7 miles of walking

The town was named “Porto,” meaning river crossing in Galician.  We will visit the Romanesque  Church of San Xoán or Church of Saint John, currently known as the Church of St. Nicholas.   This dual-purpose structure was built as both a church and a fortress to protect pilgrims from the Moors, the latter evidenced by its four towers with battlements.    This church was built in the 12th century and has a spectacular rose window on the main facade.  The portal was designed and built by Master Mateo, the famous architect who also designed the Pórtico de Gloria at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.  The name has changed numerous times due to the frequency with which it was gifted to Spanish royalty. Many also call this the Church of Santa Marina.

After your night in Portomarin, you will cross the Miño River, Galicia’s longest, and rise uphill steadily towards the Serra de Ligonde. You will pass nice hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Narón. Stop to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa María in Castromaior.   

Dinner and overnight in the small hamlet of Ventas de Narón. 

Day 7Ventas de Naron - Palas de Rei

11 km or 7 miles of walking

After winding our way through enchanting Galician villages, we’ll begin today’s walk in Hospital de Cruz and then meander through eucalyptus forests on our way to Palas to Rei where the renowned white wine of Galicia, Albariño, awaits our thirsty pilgrims. 

Stop and see the Romanesque church of Santiago in Eirexe, with its portal featuring a sculpture of Daniel with animals and Pilgrim Santiago.

Palas de Rei was a noteworthy town in the Middle Ages, as it contained a Royal Hospital and the church of St. Tirso. As the rugged walk continues, you will continue through fields, forests, and granaries. Additionally, you will see a prominent characteristic of the Galician Landscape, Los Cruceiros. These wayside stone crosses depict Christ and the Virgin Mary and are said to protect travelers.  There are circa 12,000 cruceiros in Galicia.

Day 8Palas de Rei - Melide

octopus spain camino de santiago pilgrimage14 km or 8.75 miles of walking

This morning, the Camino trail continues downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the delightful village of Leboreiro.  

We will stop for dinner and overnight at Melide. This town is where the French and Oviedo Camino routes converge. Upon arrival in Melide, you will notice the old roads that date back to the fourteenth century, which are some of the oldest in the region of Galicia.  In Melide you should try octopus for dinner, Galicia’s most classic dish, in one of the many ‘pulperías’.  Octopus was introduced by the local Cistercian monks who popularized the dish as they abstained from red meat.   

Day 9Melide - Arzua

14 km or 8.75 miles of walking

After breakfast, you will leave the Lugo province and enter the province of A Coruna.

The Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track bringing you to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago. Next is the pretty medieval village of Ribadiso and then the town of Arzúa.  The town of Arzúa is famous for its cheese. Its aroma is reminiscent of butter and yogurt, with hints of vanilla, cream, and walnut, with mild strength.  It tastes slightly salty with a smooth, moist texture.

In Arzúa, we will visit the church of Santa María and the chapel of La Magdalena.  Dinner and overnight Arzua.

Day 10Arzua - A Salceda

10 km or 6 miles walking

Upon walking this route, you will immerse yourselves in the fragrant eucalyptus groves and experience the breathtaking scenery.   This stage of the Camino has landscapes of meadows and woods with oaks, eucalyptus, fruit trees, and cultivated fields with stretches on an asphalt road.  We cross the River Raído and then pass through several small villages including Cortobe, As Pereiriñas, A Taberna,  A Calzada, A Rúa, Ferreiros —  and A Salceda.  Dinner and overnight in A Salceda.

 

Day 11Salceda - Rua Pedrouzo

9 km or 5.6 miles walking

This section of the Camino offers a nice variety of terrains and landscapes. You will sometimes follow the road on a good side walking path, venture through picturesque meadows, and cross eucalyptus tree forests. It is an enjoyable walk with no difficulty and numerous possibilities to stop at cafes along the way for a drink or a snack.  Visit the Ermita or chapel of St. Irene along the way.

Day 12Rua Pedrouzo - Lavacolla

10km or 6 miles walking

Today is a relaxed day, slightly shorter than the previous one. The path will take you along streams through rustic, sleepy villages. This section includes many peaceful picnic spots and turns into a festival of colors in Spring with its variety of flowers along the trail.

After leaving Rua, today again in just a short section, the path offers multiple aspects of the Galician countryside. You will walk through majestic eucalyptus forests, past cornfields, and charming stone bridges across refreshing streams. On Monte do Gozo aka the Mount of Joy, you will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago.   Pope John Paul II visited the Mount of Joy to lead the final mass in August 1989 of that year’s World Youth Day.  Sculptures reside atop it including one that portrays on its base both John Paul’s visit and a Camino pilgrimage by Saint Francis of Assisi in A.D. 1214.

Day 13Lavacolla - Santiago de Compostela


 

10km or 6 miles walking

After breakfast we begin the final stage of our Camino, leaving from the church in Lavacolla, where pilgrims traditionally have washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. With only 10km or about 6 miles to walk today, you should be in Santiago in time for the pilgrim mass at noon.  There are statues representing Pope John Paul II and two giant pilgrims pointing the way! This is it- our final stretch! The tall eucalyptus trees line our way to Monte del Gozo. From the “Mount of Joy” you can see our goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! We experience great joy as we walk into the town of Santiago de Compostela and see the glorious Cathedral of St. James. We kneel in thanksgiving on the stones in front of the Cathedral’s square and give thanks to Christ and St. James for bringing us safely to our destination. We take our pilgrim passport and claim our pilgrim certificate of completion- “Compostela”. We enter the Cathedral marveling at the architecture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual masterpiece. Don’t miss the Portico of Glory created by A Master by the Name of Mateo.  Free time in Santiago to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural city.  Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 14Santiago de Compostela

After a very restful night, we will take a short walk to the main chapel of the Cathedral to give a traditional hug to the statue of Santiago and visit his holy relics.  Without a doubt, these two spaces are the most visited in the Cathedral of Santiago.

The famous figure of Santiago is located on the altar, inside the dressing room. Santiago is seated, dressed as a pilgrim.  The sculpture dates from the 13th century and is made of stone. The Apostle’s clothes look like rich jewels. It can be accessed by the back of the altar to give the traditional hug to Santiago, one of the most awaited moments for all pilgrims.

Under the cabin lies the burial crypt that guards the remains of the saint. These are found on a marble altar and inside a carved silver urn, in Romanesque style.

Following your visit to the Cathedral, you will enjoy free time for lunch and sightseeing on your own before your sightseeing tour of the city. Some suggested stops on your tour might include Obradoiro Square, Fonseca Palace, Gelmirez Palace, Franco Street, and much more. Your evening will be free to spend at your leisure until a final dinner with your group. You will spend a final overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 15Return home

Your last day in Spain will begin with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a transfer to the Santiago Airport for your return flight(s) home. 

Map of Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage
Map of sites on the Catholic Walking Pilgrimage Camino Frances

Pilgrim’s Prayer 

St. James, Apostle, chosen among the first, you were the first to drink the cup of the Master and you are the great protector of pilgrims. Make us strong in faith and happy in hope on our pilgrim journey, following the path of Christian life, and sustain us so that we may finally reach the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim’s Reception Office
Photos of Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage
Pictures of Walking the Way of St. James in Spain -- at a More Reflective, Prayerful, No Blister Pace -- Guide, Catholic Priest, Daily Mass
Dates, Pricing, Booking for Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage
Make a $500 Deposit to reserve your place. If less than 90 days before departure, Full Payment is due. No credit card fees.
Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage 2025
  Other dates are available for groups.  Contact us.  
CS-2025-April 

April 28 – May 12, 2025

Join Jimmy Hyland and Fr. Boudreaux on this inaugural pilgrimage.

Sale! Save $400. Regular price $5,395

$4,995 Book Here

Land only $3,995

CS-2025-May

May 19 – June 2, 2025

Sale! Save $300. Regular price $5,795

$5,495 Book Here

Land only $4,595

CS-2025-September

September 15 – 29, 2025

Sale! Save $400. Regular price $5,395

$4,995 Book Here

Land only $3,995

All prices are per person in USD based on double occupancy.  Single room supplement: $799.

See the airports that we serve in the USA and Canada.  A few airports have an additional charge.   Contact us if you don’t see your airport. 

Options

Pre-Stay in Madrid – Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

Double Room w/breakfast only per person $159 · Single Room w/breakfast only one person $289 · Private Airport Transfer per person $55

Post Stay in Santiago de Compostela – Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

Double Room w/breakfast only per person $129 · Single Room w/breakfast only one person $255 · Private Airport Transfer per person $55

Flight Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy 

Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy are available – conditions apply!

Would you like to lead your parish or group on this Camino de Santiago pilgrimage?   Click Here to get started.

 

Travel Insurance for Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage
If you encounter a flight cancellation, baggage delay, medical emergency or more during your Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage to Spain, travel insurance is here to help.

Travel Insurance is available for Spain and – recommended!

Click here for information on plans!

Travelex

Pilgrimage is a time set apart from normal daily life in which people travel to a holy place. Santiago stands alongside Rome and Jerusalem as the third greatest Christian pilgrimage destination in the world.

Pilgrims on the way to Santiago have the opportunity for personal reflection and prayer as well as enjoying the fellowship of other pilgrims from many different countries. The pilgrimage is an opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth in personal faith.

Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim’s Reception OfficeCathedral of Santiago, in the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela
FAQ for Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage
Frequently Answered Questions for Walking the Way of St. James in Spain

H10 Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid hotel

Do you have hotel information for this Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage to Spain? Yes! Click here for Camino hotel accommodations.

Do I need an electrical adapter in Spain?  Yes, you will need an adapter.

Are your guides Catholic?  All of our guides are Roman Catholic!  Absolutely!  We are the only pilgrimage tour agency with a Roman Catholic priest on staff!

Do you have other Camino pilgrimage tours?  Coming soon.  See our Catholic Walking Pilgrimages.

Do you have any additional information regarding the Camino?  Yes.

A short history of the Camino with stunning pictures. 

An early history or origins of the Camino with one correction, replace worship with venerate.

Fun Camino statistics.

Do you have FAQs for airlines, passports, vaccinations, travel insurance, tipping, packing, mobility, and others?  Yes. FAQ for all Catholic Journeys Pilgrimage Tours

Would you like to lead your parish or group on this Camino de Santiago Catholic Pilgrimage?  Click Here to get started.

Prayer of Thanks

Dear Lord!  Today I return home. I return happy and content. My heart is full of wonderful experiences. I never imagined that the Way of St. James could give so much meaning to my life. I most certainly leave a very different person than when I arrived. I am so thankful to you and to so many people who I have encountered and who have helped me. I ask that you allow me to repay you in the best way possible: to be a witness to the values of your Gospel and to be a devout follower of St. James. I humbly pray to you by the Passion, the Death and Resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, and the intercession of Mary and the Apostle St. James. Amen.

Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim’s Reception Office

The English translation of the Compostela Certificate text is as follows:

The Chapter of this Holy Apostolic and Metropolitan Cathedral of Compostela, custodian of the seal of the Altar of St. James, to all the Faithful and pilgrims who arrive from anywhere on the Orb of the Earth with an attitude of devotion or because of a vow or promise make a pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Apostle, Our Patron Saint and Protector of Spain, recognizes before all who observe this document that: …………… has devotedly visited this most sacred temple having done the last hundred kilometers on foot or on horseback or the last two hundred by bicycle with Christian sentiment (pietatis causa).

In witness whereof I present this document endorsed with the seal of this same Holy Church.

Issued in Santiago de Compostela on ……… of …………… year of our Lord ……….

 

Reverend RectorThe Dean of the Cathedral of Santiago.
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