What a great opportunity to do the Pilgrim’s Way in comfort – with your luggage appearing at your lovely hotel where you can enjoy a hot shower, dinner, a well- deserved vino, a debrief with your colleagues and a blissful night’s sleep! We have selected a route that is not too arduous but of course, you will need to be fit and we recommend some months of preparatory training so that you can really enjoy the experience. You will have experienced guides to take care of you. The walkers and bike riders take more or less the same route, with the bike riders covering longer distances as they won’t be bused to the starting points of the route.
Information about bike hire to be advised.
PLEASE NOTE: You must select either the Walking or Biking tour for the entire journey as no arrangement can be made to transport unused bikes. Couples can select different options and will meet up each night. The alternative, cultural tour by bus will not be using the same hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the walk?
In general, the routes are not difficult. The bus will take you to the top of most of the hills and you will make your way downhill. You will need to be able to walk up to 20-25km per day, see the daily distances above.
Day 4 will be uphill as you visit “cruz the hierro” – the highest point on the Camino.
How fit do I need to be?
You will need to be able to walk up to 20-25km per day on consecutive days, totalling 95km. However, the walks are not difficult, and this route was complete by a group of 65-75 year olds last year without problems.
How far do we walk or ride each day?
The daily distances are listed on the daily itinerary above.
Can my partner and I do different activities?
The walkers and riders will be staying at the same hotels so you are able to do your own thing during the day and then meet up again after your activities.
What happens if I want a day off?
We encourage you to join in the activities every day however, if you are unwell, there will be support vehicles that can take you to the next hotel. Please note, that you may miss out on the sight seeing for that day.
How fast will we walk or ride?
This is not a race. It is a journey.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT INFO@UNCON-CONV.COM
Day1
Madrid - Segovia - Leon
Leave Madrid in the morning by bus. Travel to Segovia, a dreamy city of terracotta and sandstone hues set among the rolling hills of Castilla, against the backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrma.
Wander around the colourful plaza under the soaring 1st C Roman aqueduct. Explore the magical Alcazar with towering peak roofed turrets, which you may wish to climb to enjoy expansive views over countryside, mountains and the city. Visit the spectacular Gothic Cathedral. You will arrive in Leon in the evening for dinner and the night in Parador de Leon (5 star)
Day2
Leon - Punete de Orbigo - Astorga
Walking: 16km OR Bike riding: 50 km
The bike ride starts in Leon. Walkers will travel by bus from Leon to the medieval village of Obrigo to begin the walk. The terrain is mostly flat with a few small hills through open countryside and some forests. Arrive in the town of Astorga with plenty of time to visit the Roman ruins, the Gothic Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace – one of Gaudi’s few buildings outside of Catalonia. Stay tonight at Hotel Ciudad de Astorga (4 star).
Day3
Astogas - Molinaseca
Walking: 20.3 km OR Bike riding: 45.2 km
Bike ride starts in Astorga. The walkers go by bus to the village of Foncebadon to start today’s walk. There is a track that runs parallel to the road and gradually ascends to Cruz de Ferro where you may wish to leave a stone to symbolise something in your life you want to let go.
Descend slowly and enjoy great views of the valley, pass through charming villages to arrive in the small riverside town of Molinaseca. The bus will take you to the Parador. Bike riders continue to Moelnesca. Tonight stay at Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo (4 star).
Day4
O'Cebreiro - Samos
Walking: 26 km OR Bike riding: 40 km
We start from the mountain village of O’Cebriero with its delightful pilgrim’s hostel and Romanesque Church. Walk along the peak before descending to Tricastele. After walking along the road for a little while, the trail winds through forests of chestnut, oak and walnut trees, peppered with small hamlets.
Arrive in Samos and admire the lovely Benedictine Monastery before the bus transports you to the Parador. Bike riders cycle on to Parador Montforte de Lemus where all stay the night (4 star).
Day5
Palos de Rei - Boente
Walking: 19 km OR Bike riding: 50 km
The bike ride starts in Samos . The bus drops the walkers at Palos de Rei to start today’s walk which is nice and flat, with nearby fields of flowering heather and broom. Walk through shady forests, passing through quaint villages before arriving in the little town of Boente where the bus takes you to Hotel Mendez Nunez in Lugo (4 star). Riders cycle all the way to Lugo.
Day6
Porto de Santiago - Santiago de Compostela
Walking: 12.4 km OR Bike riding: 42.6 km
The bike ride starts in Lugo. From Port Santiago where the bus drops the walkers for the final leg, it is flat terrain passing through eucalyptus forest. Climb to the top of Monte do Gozo (Hill of Joy) to get the first sight of your destination – the Cathedral and its 3 spires. There are some grand monuments to mark the spot. The last 5 km into the city are on a sealed path, where you will be rubbing shoulders with many pilgrims.
Arrive at the magnificent Parador de Santiago de Compostela (5 star) and tonight join the cultural tourers for a celebratory dinner.
Day7
Santiago de Compostela – Madrid – Dubai- Australia
Spend the morning enjoying the city before going to the Cathedral for the midday Pilgrim’s Mass. The incense burner is a massive 1.6 metres high, weighing 80kg, and is swung with a rope and pulley system, wafting huge amounts of perfumed smoke to cover the odour of the unwashed pilgrims.
Depart late this afternoon via Madrid and Dubai.
Day8
Australia
Arrive back in Australia
End of arrangements
Please note that this itinerary and costs may be subject to change.
Spend the morning enjoying the city before going to the Cathedral for the midday Pilgrim’s Mass. The incense burner is a massive 1.6 metres high, weighing 80kg, and is swung with a rope and pulley system, wafting huge amounts of perfumed smoke to cover the odour of the unwashed pilgrims.