Camino de Santiago Tour Packages 

Camino de Santiago Tour Overview

Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience? A Camino de Santiago tour offers just that. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure or spiritual discovery, trips to Camino de Santago encompass both a cultural immersion and a great hike. 

Every day on the Camino de Santiago trail brings you a new experience where you can interact with like-minded people, share ideas, and learn about the region’s rich history. Whether you hike the Camino de Santiago as a pilgrim or as a curious adventurer, you’ll gain more than you expected.

Camino de Santiago Location

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way to St. James, is a network of several pilgrimage routes all leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, a historical region in northwest Spain. The trails begin from different parts of west Europe with the French Way starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and the Portuguese Way beginning from Lisbon in Portugal.

Languages: Spanish, German, French, and English

Time Zone in Santiago de Compostela: GMT+2 hours

Currencies Accepted on Camino de Santiago Tours

The primary currency accepted on your Camino de Santiago tour is the Euro. Although ATMs are available on almost all routes, you should carry sufficient cash to pay bills at smaller establishments. 

Camino de Santiago Routes

There are multiple Camino de Santiago routes through different countries, each offering unique experiences before culminating at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Some of the major Camino de Santiago trails  include:

Camino Frances (French Way)

This is the most popular route, offering ample opportunities to discover the local culture and meet like-minded pilgrims. AdventureTripr’s Camino de Santiago guided tours start from Sarria and cover the last 60 miles (100 km) of the French Way, taking you through the hilly terrains of Galicia. 

Camino Portugues (Portuguese Way)

Another popular Camino de Santiago tour route, the Portuguese Way follows the beautiful Atlantic coastline through quaint villages in  Portugal and Spain. Most adventurers opt for this week-long guided tour that begins from Tui and covers the last 70 miles (113 km) of this route.

Other popular Camino de Santiago trails are Camino de Norte (Northern Way), Camino Primitivo (Original Way), and Via de la Plata (Silver Way).

How to Get to Camino de Santiago

Getting to Camino de Santiago depends on which route you choose to hike and your starting point.

Camino de Santiago French Way

If you plan to start your Camino de Santiago trip from Sarria in Spain, you can fly either to  Madrid or Barcelona. From Madrid, take a direct train to Sarria, which takes about 6 hours. If you’re coming from Barcelona, the train journey to Sarria takes about 12 hours. Alternatively, direct trains and flights are available from both Madrid and Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela. You can also fly to Santiago de Compostela Airport from either city and then take a train or bus to Sarria, which takes between 2-3 hours. Hiring a private car to take you from Madrid or Barcelona to Sarria is also an option.

Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way

If your tour starts from Tui, you can fly to Vigo Airport (VGO), which is about 12 miles (19 km) away. From there, you can take a bus or train to reach Tui, with the journey taking less than an hour. Alternatively, you can hire a private car to take you from Vigo to Tui.

Top Attractions on Camino de Santiago

Iconic Cathedrals and Landmarks

Camino de Santiago is famous for its stunning cathedrals. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where your hike ends, is a Romanesque and Gothic architectural masterpiece. Another notable cathedral on the Camino de Santiago trail is the Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate Gothic design and rich history. You can also see Celtic ruins at Castromaior and the 1,312 feet (400 m)-high Romanesque staircase in Portomarin.

Scenic Towns

Quaint old towns along the Camino offer charming glimpses into local life. Baiona, with its low-rise buildings and narrow streets, transports you back in time. Betanzos, an old coastal town in Galicia, is known for its well-preserved Gothic churches and encyclopedic Pasatiemp Park.

Adventure Activities to Do on the Camino de Santiago Tour

Hiking:  Walk through the Pyrenees, plains, hillsides, and coastal paths as you hike the  Camino de Santiago trails.

Cycling: Ride a bicycle and soak in the tranquil nature amid the hinterlands of Spain.

Horseback Riding: Traverse the Camino de Santiago routes on the back of Spanish horses for a unique experience.

Bathe in Hot Springs: While traversing the Portuguese Way, stop by Caldas de Reis, a small municipality in Pontevedra, known for its ancient spas and thermal baths.

Savor Authentic Galician Food: Relish popular traditional food like the famous pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), empanadas, Tarta de Santiago as you sip on Albariño wine.

Best Time for Camino de Santiago Tours

The best time to hike the Camino de Santigo trail is in the spring and summer months from April to September. However, July and August can get very hot in Portugal and Spain. Therefore, the best months to hike the popular Camino de Santiago route are May, June, and September when the weather is pleasant with very little to no rainfall.

Types of Camino de Santiago Tours Available on AdventureTripr

Cost of Camino de Santiago Tours

AdventureTripr offers the best Camino de Santiago guided tours at affordable rates. Our popular Camino de Santiago tour packages start at $1,450. The final cost depends on your chosen route, group size, the travel season, and the services selected.

Camino de Santiago Accommodation

• Albergues: The cheapest accommodation option on the Camino de Santiago tour, offering dormitory-style rooms for pilgrims.

• Hotels: Ranging from basic to luxury, hotels provide more comfort and amenities.

• Rural Houses (Casa Rurales): Cozy accommodations in the countryside.

• Paradores: Luxury accommodations in historic buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What should I pack for Camino de Santiago guided tours?

Answer: An ideal Camino de Santiago trip packing list should include:

• Travel documents including your passport 

• Backpack

• Layered clothing

• Running shoes

• Hiking socks

• Rain gear

• Sleeping bag

• Hiking poles

• Headlamp

Question: How should I prepare for hiking?

Answer: Hiking long distances on the Camino de Santiago trails can be demanding. To get accustomed to multiple hours of walking, you must start preparing at least a couple of months ahead of time. You can start with daily hour-long walks and graduate to more strenuous activity including weight training. For more organized preparation, you can join AdventureTripr’s expert-led fitness training program.

Question: How far should I walk on Camino de Santiago to get a certificate?

Answer: After completing your Camino de Santiago tour at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, you will receive a pilgrim’s certificate, called a Compostela, at the Pilgrim’s Reception Office. To qualify for this certificate, you must walk or ride on horseback for at least 62 miles (99 km) or bike for at least 124 miles (199 km).