Hiking the Camino de Santiago

Welcome to Sarria, the Camino’s most iconic launchpad. You’ll meet your Contiki crew in the town where pilgrims roll in from all over to kick off the walk to Santiago. The centre’s packed with Camino history (churches, chapels, monasteries), so you can wander and get a feel for what you’re about to do. Later, we’ll keep it chill on Rúa Maior — the main strip with the perfect energy for a welcome dinner and that pre-Camino buzz.

Okay, time to get walking! Fuel up on breakfast, lace up and set off from Sarria on a 22km walk to Portomarín (with a Local Guide), keeping things steady on mostly flat paths. Don't worry, we'll take care of your luggage - magically transporting it from one camino spot to another for you. By the evening, we'll roll into Portomarín. The rest of the evening is yours. Find cosy spot for dinner in the village and putting your feet up after a big day on the trail.

After breakfast, we’ll kick off walking day two from Portomarín and ease back into the Camino rhythm on a 22km stretch. Expect a steady climb after crossing the River Miño, with the trail rising towards the Serra de Ligonde.We’ll pass through classic Galician hamlets like Gonzar and Ventas de Narón, then stop at Castromaior to check out the Romanesque Church of Santa María.Next up: Eirexe and its Romanesque church, with a carved portal featuring Daniel with animals and Pilgrim Santiago (a proper Camino moment).Tonight’s finish line is Palas de Rei, where you can switch off, refuel with a walkabout dinner, and get those legs ready for the next day.

After breakfast, we’ll get moving again with a shorter 14km Camino day, keeping things light and steady. The trail trends downhill, so it’s a good one for finding your pace and enjoying the countryside.The road leads us to the village of Casanova, with quiet paths and those classic Galicia green views along the way. Next up is Leboreiro, a small, charming spot that’s perfect for a quick pause and a few extra camera-roll moments.We’ll finish in Melide, a lively market town with plenty going on. It’s also the place for Pulpo a la Gallega (AKA Galician-style octopus), so if you’re keen to eat like a local, this is your chance.

Melide, you were marvellous. After breakfast, we'll keep the Camino momentum going on a 14km walk towards Arzúa, with easy-going trails that mix forest track and quiet road.Along the way, we’ll cross little streams and pass through sleepy villages before reaching Boente and the Church of Santiago, a classic Camino checkpoint.Next stop: Ribadiso, a tiny medieval hamlet with a stone bridge, old-world vibes, and a riverside setting that basically demands a slow wander (and a quick photo stop).By evening, we'll hit up Arzúa. This town is known for its local cheese, so make sure you sample some while you're here. Oh, and if you’re up for a wander, the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena are worth a look before you settle in for the night.

Grab brekkie as we tackle a bigger Camino day with 23km on the cards, winding through woodland trails, sleepy villages, and little stream crossings that keep things feeling properly rural. Along the way, the Chapel of Santa Irene is worth a stop for its unique statue of Santiago, and the hamlet of Rúa is a great little pause point before we push on.The final stretch into Amenal follows a mellow mix of quiet country roads and forest tracks, perfect for settling into that steady walking rhythm before a well-earned rest.

Ready for the final push? This 16km trail eases you towards Santiago through eucalyptus-lined paths.Along the way, we’ll pass Lavacolla on the outskirts of the city, where pilgrims once washed in the river before arriving in Santiago. It's a lil' reminder that you’re walking the same route as generations before you.Next up is Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy), where the cathedral spires finally come into view. Then it’s into Santiago de Compostela itself, a UNESCO-listed city with serious atmosphere and plenty to explore once you arrive. With a shorter walk today, there’s time to make pilgrim mass at 12pm if you’re keen, then we’ll check into our central hotel and head out for a group dinner to celebrate. You made it!

Grab your final brekkie of the trip. It’s check-out time and the adventure officially ends. You came, you walked, you conquered.