A Historical Pilgrimage - 6 Day Walk

The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back to the 9th Century, when the tomb of the evangelical apostle St. James was discovered in what is today Santiago de Compostela. Since then, pilgrims from all over the world have walked St. James' Way, originally seeking forgiveness for their sins, and nowadays often just to spend time on a journey of personal growth.

Each year, Cosmos welcomes travellers from around the world to join us in Madrid, Spain, and embark on the Camino de Santiago—a historical pilgrimage on the French Way of St. James. Pilgrims set out on a 6-day walk from the town of Sarria to Santiago de Compostela (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to worship at the shrine of the apostle St. James.

11 Day Tour from Madrid to Madrid

Starting at $3,339 pp, double occupancy

Tour departs twice monthly in 2022 from April to October

Price does not include airfare.

This is a challenging experience as it involves a significant physical effort as you walk through forests and along busy roads for many miles each day. Your rewards will be intangible, but priceless: an opportunity to enjoy nature, meditate, search for answers and challenge your limits, discover beautiful rural areas of northern Spain, and make friends with whom you’ll have shared one of the most significant experiences of your life.

Each Cosmos faith-based vacation is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted vacation, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds

ITINERARY

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN

Check into your hotel and, if you have time, start exploring this bustling city on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app before meeting your tour companions and the local host during the included welcome dinner at your hotel.

DAY 2 MADRID–SARRIA

Transfer to the train station to board the train to Sarria (you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage). On arrival, check in at the hotel and have an informative welcome meeting with your Tour Director who will explain the dos and don’ts of the walk and give you some important advice. Spend the evening at leisure; maybe go look for the ruins of the medieval castle and the convent of A Madalena.

Dinner

DAY 3 SARRIA–PORTOMARIN

Approximately 23 km/14.3 mi – avg 6 hrs – difficulty 3/3). This is the real start of the journey. May every step be a thought on peace and an extension of loving kindness. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak forest and through pretty villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. You will also pass through the village of Ferreiros. On arrival in Portomarin, relax at one of the many outdoor cafes in the main square.

Dinner

DAY 4 PORTOMARIN–LESTEDO

Approximately 20 km12.5 mi–Average 4.5 hrs – Difficulty 2/3.
Let your mind wander and the feet follow. Begin the day by crossing over the Belesar dam footbridge, then start a gradual climb to the village of Ligonde. This stage mainly runs along andanderos (paths) next to the road or, in some cases, along paved trails. There are many signs indicating the pilgrim route, including the famous cruceiros (crucifixes). Check out the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas (2 km/1.2 mi detour off the Camino). Overnight in Lestedo.

Dinner

DAY 5 LESTEDO–MELIDE

Approximately 18 km 11.2 mi – Average 4 hrs – Difficulty 2/3.
Keep an open mind and heart, let go of expectations, and enjoy the feeling of freedom along this ancient pilgrim path. The Camino takes you into the province of Coruña, with its fine eucalyptus and pine expanses, and numerous medieval bridges, such as the ones in Leboreiro and Furelos. Melide is an obligatory stop for food lovers; the best known local delicacy here is octopus.

Dinner

DAY 6 MELIDE–ARZUA

Approximately 14 km 8.7 mi–Average 3.30 hrs–Difficulty 2/3.
The Camino can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Today’s landscapes are similar to the previous day’s, with some idyllic locations such as the Camino in Ribadiso da Baixo near Arzua. Arzua is where the modern town with its bars, restaurants and the Church of St James overshadow the Medieval center.

Dinner

DAY 7 ARZUA–AMENAL

Approximately 25 km 15.5 mi–Average 6 hrs–Difficulty 2/3.
Finding the courage to face our fears and stepping outside our comfort zone can lead us to self discovery. The route today is a nice and easy walk over gentle slopes and through woodland, combined with some stretches along the road, which you will have to cross on occasions.

Dinner

DAY 8 AMENAL–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Approximately 15 km 9.5 mi–Average 4 hrs–Difficulty 2/3.
Our experiences and encounters are waymarks to the inner path. This is the last stage of your Camino de Santiago. Today, distance will not matter. There is a climb to San Marcos, from Lavacolla, passing Monte do Gozo before descending to Santiago de Compostela. Congratulations, you made it! The entire city is magical, especially the Cathedral, which deserves a special visit. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of the city center. Learn the story of St. James the Apostle, the meaning of the Way, the history of Compostela. Walk through the monuments of the town centre. Discover the impressive squares surrounding the Cathedral and the secrets behind the stones of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Door of Glory to celebrate the Jacobean Holy Year. If you have walked all stages of the Camino you will receive your Pilgrim Certificate. Give thanks by attending the Pilgrim Mass.

Dinner

DAY 9 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–FINISTERRE–MUXIA–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

You have reached your goal; now reach the end of the world. Full-day excursion by coach to the stunning Cape Finisterre peninsula, on the Atlantic Ocean, believed in Roman times to be the end of the world. Stop in Muxia, a small town on the coast, and visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Boat. This is very scenic region that not only offers wild beauty, but also delicious seafood and interesting legends.
Today's Distance: 117 mi / 187 km

DAY 10 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–MADRID

Take the spiritual growth and appreciation for simple things back home with you. This is your most important souvenir of the Camino. Today we transfer to the Santiago train station to catch a train to Madrid. Say goodbye to your Tour Director and hello again to your local host in Madrid, who will be at hand for any assistance or suggestions on how to spend the last night in the Spanish capital.

DAY 11 MADRID

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning

Transportation:

Train transfer from Madrid to Sarria and from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid. The rest of the itinerary is on foot, and daily distances are listed in the day-by-day itinerary. You will require a good level of physical fitness as well as some training before starting the walk (more information regarding preparation for this tour can be found on our website). If unable to complete any of the stages on foot, transportation by taxi will be arranged at an extra cost. One piece of luggage per person (maximum weight 20kg/44 lbs) will be transported daily from the lobby of your overnight hotel to the next overnight hotel. You will need to pack a backpack containing essentials (such as water, raincoat, essential medication, money, sunblock etc.), that you will carry during the walk.