Camino de Santiago 2024
Sunday 2 June 2024 - Saturday 8 June 2024
Experience the Spirit of Santiago de Compostela 2024
Embark on a trip of a lifetime and join fellow pilgrims to conquer the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a 5-day pilgrimage that’s steeped in medieval charm.
Explore the eighth and final section of the Camino Frances, the most traditional and well known route of the Pilgrims Way, to Santiago de Compostela. You’ll follow the footsteps of fellow pilgrims who have been making the iconic journey since as early as the 9th century, travelling over 100km in 5 days.
You will begin your adventure in Sarria, walking through shady oak woodland, pretty villages, and on quiet country roads before reaching Portomarin. The Camino then crosses the River Miño and climbs steadily uphill to reach Gonzar, Eirexe and the small pretty town of Palace do Rei.
The route then continues slightly downhill, whilst passing the charming villages of Casanova and Leboreiro. At Melide there is a chance to stop at one of the many restaurants to try some local specialities, before crossing several streams bringing you to the village of Boente, with its church of Santiago. Arzùa will be your resting point, which is famous for its creamy cheese, quiexo.
You’ll then continue through ancient woodland to Lavacolla, which is where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The tall eucalyptus trees line the way to Monte del Gozo (the Mount of Joy), from where you will see your goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! After descending to the city you will be able to witness the fantastic architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage Site close-up.
The route will take you on a spectacular journey, where you will pass numerous points of cultural and historical interest along the way. Make sure to look out for the “scallop shells”, an iconic symbol that will help guide you to your final destination!
The Camino is all about the journey, and is a challenge that’s sure to test your determination and endurance. To many people it symbolises a time of reflection, learning and fresh starts, making the Camino de Santiago the perfect challenge to take on this New Year.
This challenge is organised by Different Travel who have 18 years experience in organising overseas charity challenges across the globe! You’ll join a group of like-minded people to share in the adventure, and the trek is accompanied by local professional English-speaking guides who have an excellent knowledge of hiking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey, and you will also be supported by a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.
View the full Camino de Santiago info brochure and itinerary here
What’s included?
- Return flights between London and Santiago, La Coruna, Vigo, or Porto (tbc).
- Airport taxes and charges.
- Local transfers and transport in Spain.
- All accommodation as per itinerary.
- All meals as per itinerary.
- English-speaking local guides and support crew.
- Different Travel UK tour manager.
Perfect for:
Active travellers, as this trek is graded moderate to challenging. You will be trekking long distances over varying terrain which includes some uphill sections, in hot weather conditions. You cannot be too fit for this challenge, so you should train well before departure!
What do I need to do?
You’ll need a deposit of just £395 to secure your place on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. How you fund the rest is up to you!
- Self-funded: You pay your own trip cost balance of £1,450 by 22 March 2024.
- Sponsorship: You fundraise £2,900 by 8 March 2024 for Pilgrims Hospices. This includes your £1,450 tour cost balance and a £1,450 donation to a charity.
- Flexi: You pay your £1,450 trip costs yourself by 8 March 2024, and also fundraise £1,450 for Pilgrims. Any fundraising cannot be used to pay for your trip costs.
Resources
Contact information
Email: sophie.howland@pilgrimshospices.org
Contact name: Sophie Howland
Phone: 01227 812 609
