[8 days] French Way (Sarria – Santiago) Santiago de Compostela, Galicia Region

Book with confidence: To reserve your spot on a tour, a 20% deposit will be required. However, you can book with complete peace of mind as this deposit will be 100% refundable until 3 months prior to the trip start date. Alternatively, we offer free postponement of your trip to a later date, subject to availability.

A postponement is defined as “cancellation of accommodation and luggage transfers for your original trip start date and amendment to a new date in the future.”

If you amend your start date, there will be no additional charge provided the new start date is in the same price bracket as the original trip start date i.e. Mid-Season or High Season.

If you change your start date from a Mid-Season start date to a High Season start date, you will be required to pay the difference between the Mid -Season price and High Season price.

If you prefer not to set a new start date at the time of postponement and leave the new start date open, that is possible as long as you provide us 30 days advance notice of your new start date.

If you decide not to proceed with a ‘postponed’ trip and:

• You have paid the full balance, we will refund any money paid with the exception of the deposit.
• You have paid the deposit only, no refund is due.

This trip is self-guided and has a variable start date, so you can plan a departure date that suits you between April and mid-October.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

Please be fully vaccinated and boosted before traveling. You may also need proof of a negative Covid test before arrival to the country. Keep a mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times.

Special precautions:

Our accommodation providers adhere to the new Covid guidelines published by the Spanish Government for Tourism providers, to keep travelers safe. Measures include:

• Rigorous cleaning and sanitization of guest rooms.
• Frequent sanitization of high-contact points, such as door handles, TV remote controls, reception counters, and rooms, especially bathrooms.
• Provision of hand sanitation.
• Subject to availability: Infrared thermometers, face masks, and gloves for our guests.
• The spacing of guests in the breakfast and common rooms in accordance with WHO and HSE guidelines.

Q: What are the accommodations like?
The standard of accommodation that we provide meets 2 and 3-star standards. All rooms are private with an ensuite bathroom and we use a combination of hotels, rural houses, and pensiones (guest houses).

Hotels are located in cities and large towns. In small towns and villages along the Camino, there are no hotels. The accommodation is in rural houses and pensiones. We do not provide any hostel/dorm accommodation.

Q: Is this trip safe for female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?

Yes, this trip is safe for female, LGBT+, minority, and POC travelers. Further detailed advice for solo female travelers is provided in our Camino Information Pack (sent once the deposit is paid).

Q: Can I walk it on my own?
Of course you can! Lots of pilgrims walk on their own, however, you are never alone as there are always other pilgrims along the way, particularly on the French and Portuguese Way. The best thing about walking the Camino alone is that you have the freedom to choose your start time, your pace, when to have breaks, and whether to walk alone or with other pilgrims you meet along the way.

Q: How long should I go?
We have standard one and two-week trips. However, they can all be tailored to suit your walking ability, time available, and personal preferences. The pilgrimage to Santiago is not a race. It is a journey that you can do at your own pace. You will meet people who walk 8km a day and those who walk 40km. You will meet pilgrims walking from their hometown in Europe and others who have just started. The important thing to know is – it is YOUR Camino and there is no right or wrong way to do it.

Q: What does the Physical Rating of "Average" mean? How hard is the Camino?
The Camino involves both physical and mental effort but anyone with prior preparation and determination can do it! If you are not doing any exercise at the moment, we recommend walking 3 - 4 times a week or doing some other form of regular exercise before your Camino.

If you plan to walk 100km (~62 miles), 6–8 weeks pre-training is ideal. If you plan to walk for 30 days continuously, 6 months of pre-training is recommended.

Walk in the shoes you will be using on the Camino, on a mix of surfaces to properly prepare yourself (tarmac and trail), and on both flat and hills/mountains. Don’t forget to stretch before and after training; this will help minimize cramps and muscle pain.

Q: Is it well signposted?
The French Way is regarded as the best marked long-distance trail in the world. The way markings on all the Caminos in Galicia (Finisterre Way, Portuguese Way, and English Way) are excellent. The other Caminos - slightly less so and it can get a little confusing leaving cities on all Caminos, however with our route maps, walking notes, and basic navigation skills, you will find your way.

The Camino routes are marked with a combination of yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols leading you to Santiago. Markings are regularly found on tiles, painted on walls, lampposts, footpaths, pavements, trees, and even large stones!

Q: Can it be walked at any age?
The great thing about the Camino is that there is no age limit! You will meet pilgrims of all ages from children to elderly people. When walking with children and for older people walking the Camino for the first time, we recommend you look carefully at the daily distances. We can alter all trips to cater for shorter walking days and recommend easier trails.

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?
There is not a lot of English spoken in Northern Spain so having some Spanish is useful and will enhance your experience. Learning basic phrases will help you interact with other pilgrims and locals along the way.

There are different languages spoken along the Camino including Basque, Spanish, Galego, Portuguese and each region has distinct traditions, culture, food, and drink. Having knowledge of these will set you apart from typical tourists and greatly enhance your Camino experience. Our Information Packs provide useful Spanish words/phrases and details of local culture, historic landmarks, and cuisine in each region you will walk through.

Q: Is it possible to do this trip without flying?
Yes, for European clients including UK and Ireland. We provide detailed advice on how to get to the start point flight-free.

Duration: 8 days (5 walking days)
Meals: 7 breakfasts
Accommodation: Hotels, rural houses, and pensiones (guest houses)