El Camino Trail - Walking the Way of St. James Pilgrimage - 206 Tours - Catholic Tours

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"Jacobean Year" - Holy Year of Compostela

El Camino - The Way of St. James - Spain

A Walking Pilgrimage

*Please note that Pilgrims walk 13 - 20 miles per day

11 Days

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El Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James is the most famous, and sacred, walking pilgrimage in the world! Millions of people walked these ancient paths for over 1,000 years, and many more dream about it! 206 Tours makes it possible for anyone who wishes to experience this incredible journey to Santiago de Compostela, and tomb of St. James.

With every town you pass through, you will be drawn closer to saints who have walked the same path before you, including St. Francis. Moments of quiet, and moments of interactions with someone new, draw you closer to God. You can relax knowing the person you are and questions you have at the start of your journey, may be different by the time you arrive in Santiago.

You will be removed from the routine of your everyday life, but will have great accommodations, meals and support. A van or small bus will also be driving parallel to the path you walk each day. Should you feel tired, need water, or medical assistance, it will be readily available to you at check point that are set up along the way.

Tourists pass through places, places pass through Pilgrims. Be a pilgrim.

What to Know Before You Go on the El Camino Pilgrimage

This is such a magnificent pilgrimage, that it is a subject of the 2010 movie directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father Martin Sheen called 'The Way'. This is a very interesting movie that encompasses elements of the pilgrimage that 206 Tours offers - called: The Way of St James (El Camino) - highlighting Spain's spectacular Santiago de Compostela. The movie is based on a story of an American Father and Doctor (played by Martin Sheen) who decides to travel to Spain in order to walk the 'El Camino' in order to follow in the footsteps of his son (played by Emilo Estevez) who dies on this journey. If you are interested in experiencing this type of pilgrimage, be sure to register below


DATES & PRICES
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Additional information
Terms & Conditions

Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Classic & Quaint Hotels and Inns along the Camino in double occupancy
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Preciados, Madrid
      ~ 1 night: Alfonso IX, Sarria
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Ferramenteiro de Portomarin, Portomarin
      ~ 1 night: Palas de Rei
      ~ 2 nights: A Painza, Arzua
      ~ 1 night: Amenal, Arca/O Pino
      ~ 2 nights: San Francisco Hotel Monumento, Santiago de Compostela
  • Breakfast daily
  • 7 Lunches (All Walking Days)
  • Dinner Daily
  • Wine and mineral water with dinners
  • Transfers by air-conditioned coach
  • Vehicle to assist pilgrims who are unable to complete any leg of the tour
  • Camino local Tour Escort
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Hotel taxes and service charges

Centrally located hotels or similar
hotel
Hotel Preciados
Madrid
hotel
Alfonso IX
Sarria
hotel
Hotel Ferramenteiro de Portomarin
Portomarin, Spain
hotel
A Painza
Arzua
hotel
Amenal
Arca / O Pino
hotel
San Francisco Hotel Monumento
Santiago de Compostela

El Camino Accommodations:
Please be advised that we book you in the best available accommodations that are along the Camino trail. There are a limited number of places to stay along the Camino trail, without having to walk extra miles away from the Trail, and then back to the Trail to continue walking the route. These places range in Star Rating - simply because luxury hotels just do not exist.

While you will be removed from the routine of your everyday life, rest assured you will be taken care of with outstanding accommodations, meals and transportation with van / bus driving parallel to the path you walk each day. Should at any point you feel tired, need water, or any medical assistance, it will be readily available to you at check points that are set up along the way on your path.

What to Know Before You Go on the El Camino Pilgrimage

Not included
  • Lunches on days 2, 3 & 10, Tips to your guide & driver
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver - allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime - up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day 1, Depart for Madrid

Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Day 2, Arrive in Madrid
(Tour Day: 2 miles | 3.2 kilometers | 4,500 steps)

Upon arrival in Madrid, you will collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the Arrival's Hall where you will be greeted by your driver. Transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon you will walk to the Cathedral of Almudena where you will 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. Walk through the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and we make a final stop at the Church of Saint James. Return to your hotel. We will enjoy a nice meal before having a restful overnight in Madrid before your walking tour begin

Day 3, Madrid - Foncebadon - Iron Cross - O Cebreiro - Sarria
(Walking Day: 2.8 miles | 4.5 kilometers | 6,500 steps)

This morning, you will enjoy breakfast and transfer to Sarria. Sarria is located in the northwest of Spain and is noted for being the entry point to the oriental side of the region, Galicia. Your transfer will end and you will begin on foot from Foncebadon. In the eleventh century, this village was a common resting place for pilgrims on El Camino due to its hospitals, hospice, and church. Currently, the structures that have served so many are now in ruins. While in Foncebadon, you will walk to view the "Iron Cross." This Cross is a common pausing place for pilgrims as they leave a stone at the foot of the cross to symbolize a sin or burden that they are leaving behind. Your tour continues as you leave your burdens behind and continue onward to the village nestled in the mountains, O Cebreiro. Many pilgrims pause at this site due to the Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the year 1300. Additionally, be sure to have your cameras ready as this village is suspended 1,300 meters in the air and provides a breathtaking panoramic view. Your first walking day culminates with a delicious meal and an overnight in Sarria.

Day 4, Sarria - Portomarin
(Walking Day: 15 miles | 23.5 kilometers | 35,000 steps)

Today is the day that your walking pilgrimage (El Camino) to Santiago de Compostela officially begins! With the guidance of Our Lord, and through the spirit of St. James the apostle, you will become an authentic pilgrim by journeying along the physical road, as well as, the spiritual one. Your first official day of walking will culminate in Portomarin. This town dates back to the Roman Ages and was an important halt along the route in the Middle Ages. Due to the creation of a dam in 1962, the Old Portomarin is currently underneath the Mino River. As a result of the dam creation, many of the old buildings were moved, brick by brick. Among these buildings is the Church of St. John of Jerusalem. In Medieval Times, this church was strategically set along the route of El Camino in order to protect the tomb of Santiago. At Portomarin, you will enjoy dinner followed by an overnight.

Day 5, Portomarin - Palas de Rei
(Walking Day: 16 miles | 25 kilometers | 37,500 steps)

This morning, you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel and journey from Portomarin, through the woods to the Palas de Rei. This 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 Galician Landscape, Los Cruceiros. These wayside crosses depict Christ and the Virgin Mary. Dinner and enjoy a restful overnight in Palas de Rei.

Day 6, Palas de Rei - Arzua
(Walking Day: 18.2 miles | 29 kilometers | 44,000 steps)

Breakfast will be served at your hotel. Your pilgrimage continues as you will travel from Palas de Rei to the bustling small town of Arzua. Before arriving in Arzua, your group will stop at Melide. This town is a crucial point of El Camino because it is where the French and Oviedo 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. After lunch, you will leave the Lugo province and enter into the province of A Coruna. As your group continues to Arzua, you will cross the beautiful, medieval bridge over the Iso River to Ribadiso. Following your visit to this Chapel, your day will culminate with the arrival in Arzua, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight.

Day 7, Arzua
(Rest Day: 4.5 miles | 7.2 kilometers | 10,500 steps)

Today, you will take a break to rest your bodies and shake off any fatigue. After Mass, there will be time to reflect on the journey thus far and to spend at your own leisure. Dinner and overnight will be provided in Arzua.

Day 8, Arzua - Arca de O Pino
(Walking Day: 14.2 miles | 22.8 kilometers | 33,000 steps)

Your journey is almost over as you walk to the largest community before Santiago, Arca de O Pino! Upon walking this route, you will immerse yourselves in the fragrant eucalyptus groves and experience the breathtaking scenery. At a point throughout your walk, you will stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. Following lunch, you will continue your journey and arrive in Arca de O Pino. As you explore this village, you will notice joy etched on the faces of the pilgrims. Although they have traveled a long distance, they are not weary. With God and St. James guiding their paths, excitement and anticipation continues for their arrival in Santiago.

Day 9, Arca de O Pino - Monte del Gozo - Santiago de Compostela
(Walking Day: 10.4 miles | 17 kilometers | 25,000 steps)

Today, you will culminate the walking portion of your journey! Before arriving at your final destination, you will first stop for Mass on Mount Joy (Monte del Gozo). You will know that you are approaching Santiago because, at this point, you will be able to see the spires of the Cathedral. Following lunch, you will complete your walking journey and arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Upon arrival, feel free to say a small prayer in thanksgiving to Our Lord for keeping you safe throughout the walking pilgrimage. At this time, you will check-in to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore Galicia's capital, Santiago. This evening you will enjoy a marvelous dinner, followed by a very restful overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 10, Santiago de Compostela
(Tour Day: 8.2 miles | 13.1 kilometers | 19,200 steps)

This morning you will awaken in the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela! Formed by Galician granite, the Cathedral is one of the finest architectural examples in Europe as it encompasses Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. Additionally, the Cathedral contains numerous and valuable pieces of art that truly captivate the eye. Upon entering the Cathedral, the tradition will lead as you will hug the dazzling statue of St. James. Following this intimate embrace, you will descend into the crypt where the Patron Saint of Pilgrims' relics is kept. Following your visit, you will enjoy free time for lunch on own before your sightseeing tour of the city. Some stops on your tour include the 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 11, Return Home

Early morning transfer to A Coruna airport or Santiago Airport for your return flight(s) home. You will say ‘hasta luego’ (see you later) to your new friends made on this journey.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of places to be visited. Occasionally local religious holidays, national days, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of visits or the missing of certain visits.

Book your trip now

$400 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

2023 Dates & Prices

Dates

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Booking

Oct 9
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Oct 19, 2023
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Oct 19, 2023
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Apr 15, 2024
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May 7, 2024
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May 16, 2024
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Jul 18, 2024
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Sep 16, 2024
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Oct 7, 2024
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Oct 17, 2024
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Oct 8
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Oct 17, 2024
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Options & Upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Additional $2,200.00 (USD) Per Person

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Additional $4,400.00 (USD) Per Person

Pre Stay - Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

*All pricing is per person

Madrid - 2 people are sharing a room $159.00 (USD)

Madrid - 1 person alone in a room $289.00 (USD)

Madrid Airport Transfer $53.00 (USD)

Post Stay - Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

*All pricing is per person

Santiago de Compostela - 2 people are sharing a room $139.00 (USD)

Santiago de Compostela - 1 person alone in a room $249.00 (USD)

Santiago de Compostela Airport Transfer $99.00 (USD)

Special Clergy Discount

A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

Click Here to learn more!
Earn a Free Trip

For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips.

contact us

Options and upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Additional $2,200.00 (USD) Per Person

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Additional $4,400.00 (USD) Per Person

Pre Stay - Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

*All pricing is per person

Madrid - 2 people are sharing a room $159.00 (USD)

Madrid - 1 person alone in a room $289.00 (USD)

Madrid Airport Transfer $53.00 (USD)

Post Stay - Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

*All pricing is per person

Santiago de Compostela - 2 people are sharing a room $139.00 (USD)

Santiago de Compostela - 1 person alone in a room $249.00 (USD)

Santiago de Compostela Airport Transfer $99.00 (USD)

Special Clergy Discount

A Clergy Discount is available to all members of “Clergy” within the Catholic Church. This includes Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, Cardinals, and His Holiness.

Click Here to learn more!
Earn a Free Trip

For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips.

contact us
Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?

Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, at no additional cost. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: sales@206tours.com

About your trip

  • Madrid
  • Foncebadon
  • Iron Cross
  • O Cebreiro
  • Sarria
  • Portomarin
  • Palas de Rei
  • Arzua
  • Arca do Pino
  • Monte do Gozo
  • Santiago de Compostela

This pilgrimage is good for your body and soul!

The El Camino:

The Way of St. James or St. James' Way, often known by its Spanish name, el Camino de Santiago, is the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where the remains of the Apostle, Saint James the Great, are buried. The Way of St James has existed for over one thousand years. It was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times, as it was considered one of three pilgrimages on which a plenary indulgence could be earned; the others are the Via Francigena to Rome and the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. St. James' remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain where they were buried at the site of what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela.

Pilgriamge Information
What to know before you go

We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

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