Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Trek 2024

When can I go?

8 June - 15 June 2024	On Sale
Duration	8 days

8 June - 15 June 2024

On Sale

Duration

8 days

What does it cost?

Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage 5-Day Trek 2024

Due to the awesome success of our first Camino de Santiago challenge, we're giving even more trekkers a chance to experience our unbeatable itinerary in 2024.

The full Camino Francis typically takes over thirty days to complete, but few people can spare the time to trek away from home for that long. That's why we've created a Dream Challenge that encompasses the best parts of the pilgrimage in just five days.

We'll tackle a spectacular 115km from Sarria to Santiago and trek through an amazing mix of scenery, from sparkling sea views to ancient forests, and traditional Spanish towns. You'll become immersed in the stunning region of Galicia, discover striking architecture built across centuries, and put strength and stamina to the test hiking for five days on tough terrain.

Our unique charity challenge gives you a life-changing opportunity to make a big difference for the charity that means the most to you, meet a group of inspiring fellow trekkers, and get the greatest sense of achievement possible as you reach the finish line in the Holy City of Santiago.

Our Dream Challenge also includes a free day in Santiago for you to celebrate to the max and explore the city's extraordinary mix of ancient and modern architecture.

Challenge Grading Explained

The daily distances will be testing with some gentle climbing on some varied terrain. We may experience hot temperatures, but it will be mostly comfortable.

Your itinerary

Day 1
UK - Sarria

We start our adventure at the airport in London, where we meet as a group for the first time and catch a short flight to Spain.

A road transfer later, we arrive at the small town of Sarria in Galicia, North West Spain. Home to narrow lanes lined with traditional Spanish architecture and the early-Gothic 13th Century church, O Salvador, this is the perfect place to begin our pilgrimage.

We end the day with a delicious welcome dinner at our hotel and a briefing from our challenge leader.

Day 2
Sarria – Portomarin | approx. 14 miles/23km

Rising to breakfast at our hotel, we climb out of the valley and enter an enchanting, mossy, oak wood.

Straight away, we’re treated to stunning views of magnificent oaks and their welcome shade from the sun. If we’re lucky, we may spot black woodpeckers perching on the branches overhead.

Trekking on, we leave the woods for a stretch along quaint roads through the countryside and a number of local hamlets. Lunch is not provided on this pilgrimage, to give you flexibility and the option to fast for a true pilgrimage experience, so you may want to nip into the local shops on our water breaks.

Eventually, we reach Portomarin, a beautiful town on the River Mino. Its exquisite medieval architecture and the 12th Century San Nicholas and San Pedro churches make it a key destination along the Camino de Santiago.

We find our hotel tucked in the town for dinner and a good night’s rest.

Day 3
Portomarin – Os Valos | approx. 13 miles/21km

After breakfast at the hotel, we get the hills out of the way early. Descending along the town’s main street, we bid Portomarin goodbye and climb around Monte San Antonio.

We’re now into lush, rolling hills with gentle terrain that makes for easier hiking. There will be many places on today's route, where you can buy your lunch or snacks from, if you wish.

We hike along a dirt track to the magnificent Hospital de la Cruz, a striking example of Spanish architecture. Crossing the main road, we follow smooth, rural paths, until we finally reach Os Valos. Here, we dine and stay in a hotel in the town.

Day 4
Os Valos – Arzua | approx. 20 miles/30km

Fuelling up with breakfast at our hotel, we head for Palas de Rei and admire its captivating remains of dolmens and forts. We then we set off along a winding track through the woods.

Before long, we emerge beside the main road and continue along our footpath through the quaint town of Carballo. Then we’re back onto a dirt track, taking advantage of the shade from the trees either side.

Trekking on, we encounter an exquisite medieval bridge with four arches and fantastic views across the river. Crossing the bridge to the medieval village of Fuerlos, we take in the mix of historic and modern buildings, including the Church of San Juan, once a pilgrim’s hospital.

More tranquil country roads lead us to Melide, a bustling market town dating back 4,000 years, where our route meets the Camino Primitivo, the original pilgrimage route. This gives you the chance to meet other hikers and we push on past the Romanesque Iglesia de Santa María de Melide, a church full of intricate murals.

Our path then takes us to the 749AD municipality of Caballo, whose name means Oak, thanks to its location nestled amidst forested mountains.

We find an enchanting path undulating through a eucalyptus forest, speckled with oak and fir trees. Hiking up and down through small valleys, we enjoy lush panoramas and welcome shade, all the way to our hotel in Arzua.

Tonight, you may well want to try out the smooth, creamy cheese on the menu, as this town is famous for it, thanks to the many cows in the area. We dust off our day with dinner at our hotel in the town.

Day 5
Arzua – O Pedrouzo | approx. 15 miles/24km

As usual, we enjoy breakfast at our hotel before following a route that provides ample opportunities for you to buy your lunch along the way.

Having conquered the steep slopes on our previous days, we hike through gentler valleys and pass several charming countryside hamlets and get a better feel for life in Galicia.

At last, we find our hotel in the modern satellite town of O Pedrouzo and settle down for dinner.

Day 6
O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela | approx. 10 miles/16km

We’ve made it to our last day of trekking and it does not disappoint! Setting off through forest and farmland, we continue to Monte Gozo, which translates to Mount Joy. Here, we catch glimpses of Santiago’s cathedral spires and the statue celebrating Pope John Paul II’s 1993 Holy Year visit.

Our path is likely to grow busier as we trek on, with tourists joining the last section of the Sande de Compostela.

A stark contrast to the tranquil hamlets and sleepy towns we’ve passed along the pilgrimage, Santiago bursts with a diversity of culture, colour and contemporary art. We can take in the mix of modern and historic buildings, with pilgrims, tourists and locals alike milling around its sites, streets and squares.

At last, we reach our hotel and finish line in the city and for a delicious celebration dinner of local cuisine.

Day 7
Santiago

Today is free for you to explore the medieval streets of Santiago de Compostela as you wish.

Visit the chic shops, admire the modern art galleries or visit the famous sites that surround the Plaza del Obradoiro, including the Cathedral, Raxoi Palace, and the luxurious Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, said to be the world’s oldest hotel!

As you explore the Cathedral, make sure to follow the renowned ritual to take in the spectacular building from every angle. Admire the main gate of Portico de la Gloria, embrace the statue of St. James on the main altar, descend to the crypt in which St James is buried and climb to the rooftop for the best views over the city.

Neither lunch nor dinner are provided today, so please make the most of the opportunity to try the famous range of cuisine in the city. Grab some fresh seafood, cheese, Padron peppers and/or tapas from the Mercado de Abastos food market or take your pick of the local restaurants.

Day 8
Santiago – UK

Today, we enjoy a final Spanish breakfast at the hotel, before transferring to the airport and catching our short flight back to the UK. Touching down in London, we part ways and you make your own way home.

Book my place

How fit do I have to be?

This challenge is not designed for Olympic athletes – it is designed for people looking for an amazing goal to train and get fit for. A number of the people who will take part on this challenge will have a low level of fitness level when they sign up.

Our charity challenge following the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage is the perfect motivation to get fit, improve your own mental and physical health and support your favourite charity in a big way.

We strongly recommend you train for the trek as we'll be tackling some steep terrain on our way to Santiago and the fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it.

Six months before your challenge, we'll send you a realistic training plan. This builds up gradually over time so you'll be ready and raring to go by the time we depart for Spain. You can also check out our top trekking tips here and our indoor training ideas for the days you don't feel like facing the weather!

Please invest in a pair of quality hiking boots with ankle support to wear during your training and on your trek in Spain, as these are essential for walking on uneven terrain. We also recommend incorporating hills in your training walks.

I’m worried about signing up on my own…

Please don't be! The majority of people will sign up on their own and our Dream Challenges are renowned for the amazing camaraderie and life long friendships made, as our groups take on these incredible feats together.

Once you've signed up for the challenge, we'll send you a link to a private Facebook group for everyone registered for The Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage 5-Day Trek in 2023.

Please feel free to use this space to swap questions, advice and updates with your fellow trekkers on your training and fundraising. You may also want to reach out to the other participants in this group to see if there's anyone in your local area you can meet up to train and fundraise with.

Is there a minimum/maximum age limit?

Everyone who is 18 years old or over by the departure date is more than welcome to join this trekking challenge in Spain. We'll have adults of all ages taking part to achieve something awesome for charity — one of the many things that make our overseas charity challenges so special

If you would like someone under the age of 18 to join you on our Camino de Santiago trek, please contact us to discuss (01590 646410 or bookings@dream-challenges.com, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm).

Do I need special equipment?

You will need a pair of quality walking boots with ankle support — these are essential for trekking on uneven terrain. Please also bring a 2-litre water bottle.

We'll supply you with a full kit list for your overseas trekking challenge well before we leave for Spain.

Will I have to carry my kit?

Your luggage will be transported to our accommodation on each day of the challenge, so you will only need to carry a small day pack containing essential accessories and equipment, including your 2-litre water bottle.

We recommend packing light, as you will need to carry your luggage to and from the airport in the UK.

Where will we sleep overnight?

We will stay in comfortable hotels on a twin-sharing basis throughout the challenge.

*Accommodation is included on a twin-sharing basis. If you would rather pay for a single supplement and have a room to yourself, we can arrange this for you for an additional price. Just call us on 01590 646410 or email us at bookings@dream-challenges.com

What will the terrain be like?

We'll encounter a range of terrains throughout the trek, including tough climbs and gentle stretches. We'll follow clear trails through forests, villages, fields, towns and along the coast.

Can I extend my stay at the end of the challenge?

Yes of course! If you wish to extend your stay in Spain, please let us know at least 17 weeks before our Camino de Santiago challenge starts and we can arrange this for you.

The best way to get in touch is to email us at bookings@dream-challenges.com, or you can call us on 01590 646410 during office hours (9am - 5pm Monday - Friday).

What's included?

Your registration fee of £299 per person is used to administer the challenge and secure your seats with the airline.

Your challenge costs of £1,695 (ie. 50% of the fundraising target if you choose the sponsorship option) cover:

Your flights, excluding airport taxes and the fuel surcharge (capped at £250).
Breakfast and dinner throughout the challenge (except for your dinner on your free day in Santiago at the end of the challenge).
Accommodation.*
Entry fees where applicable.
All transfers in Spain.
A team of outdoor remote first aid trained challenge guides and Dream Challenges staff.
Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead up to and during your trekking challenge in Spain.
Your Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage 5-Day Trek 2023 medal.

**Please note that lunch is not included for this challenge, to give you the opportunity to fast during the day for a true pilgrimage experience. There will be many places along the way for you to buy lunch/snacks on each day of the challenge.

What other costs will I pay?

In addition to paying your registration fee (£249) and either self funding your challenge costs or fundraising the minimum sponsorship target, you will need to budget for your:

Personal travel insurance.
Gratuities.
Personal expenses.
Lunch throughout the challenge.
Dinner on Day 7 in Santiago.
Optional excursion to Fisterra on Day 8 if you choose to partake.

What will the group size be?

There will be around 20-25 participants in our group for the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage 5-Day Trek 2023. You'll no doubt make lots of new friends!

What about insurance and visas?

Travel Insurance
You will need to take out your own personal travel insurance upon registering for this challenge, covering health, accident, loss, and repatriation. We advise that you arrange personal travel insurance as soon as you can after you register to ensure you have coverage for your booking as well as the challenge itself.

Dream Challenges has an example of a policy that provides appropriate cover for this type of activity and also covers you for cancellation due to medically-diagnosed COVID-19. We will send you the details once you have registered. You can also call us for details on 01590 646410 during our office hours (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday).

You can, however, take out your own insurance, providing it covers you for a charity trek in Spain.

Please ask the insurer about the nature of the cover. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate coverage for your challenge.

Visa
It is your responsibility to obtain a visa for Spain if you need one. Ensure that you apply and obtain your visa in plenty of time. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

Can you offer travel vaccination advice?

As we're not medically trained, we're afraid we can't offer you advice on this. We recommend you contact your GP or your local travel clinic, who will have the latest travel health advice.

We also recommend you visit the NHS Fit for Travel website here, to keep up to date with current travel health news and advice on staying healthy abroad.

NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage 5-Day Trek 2024

When can I go?

What does it cost?