Laid-back Last 100 km of the Camino Francés
Experience all the magic of the Camino Francés on a fully supported journey from Sarria to Santiago, walking the final 115 km at a relaxed and comfortable pace.
"A wonderful, memorable journey that exceeded my expectations (…) I was able to leave my worries behind and simply enjoy walking the last 111km of the Camino Frances."
Overview of the Laid-back Last 100 km
Join us for a laid-back version of the Last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago and experience all the magic of the Camino Francés at a gentler pace. On this tour, you will walk the 115 km over seven days instead of five, which qualifies you to receive a Compostela at the end of your pilgrimage.
History of the Camino Francés
The Camino Francés, known as the French Way, boasts centuries of history and remains the most cherished route in the Camino network, immortalized in movies like The Way. Beyond its cultural and historical significance, this journey holds profound spiritual value as it leads to the resting place of Saint James, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles, in Santiago.
What your tour includes
Your adventure begins in Madrid, where you will get an exclusive private tour of the city center. You will then shuttle to Sarria, where you will begin your walk. From there, wind your way through the lush greenery of Galicia, including beautiful oak woodlands, fragrant eucalyptus forests and traditional Galician villages, before arriving in Santiago.
Our pilgrims always hail Spanish cuisine as one of the biggest highlights of their trip. Over the many years that we have spend on The Camino, we have curated a list of our favorite dishes and the restaurants that best serve them. We take care of most meals, allowing you to fully experience such specialties as Galician-style octopus, local artisanal cheeses, and wines like Galicia’s crisp Albariño. For some lunches, you can look forward to a gourmet picnic on the trail. We offer fresh nutritious options while catering to all dietary preferences and restrictions. And for the times when you are free to explore on your own, we will always provide recommendations.
This tour is fully supported, meaning that we handle all logistics, including luggage transport. Leave your bags with us in the morning, and be confident that they’ll be waiting in your next hotel room. You can also count on our support van, which is accessible at key points throughout the day so you can refuel with water and snacks. You can also get things from a day bag or leave other things behind.
Each day concludes in comfortable, peaceful accommodations, handpicked for proximity to the Camino, charm, and quality of service. We try to use small rural farmhouses or manor houses wherever possible. These are similar to bed and breakfasts and are usually traditional houses typical of the region, full of character and run by local people.
Upon completing the Last 100 km of the Camino Francés, you’ll receive a prestigious Compostela certificate from the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela and the Pilgrim’s Office, a testament to your pilgrimage achievement.
Join us for the Laid-back Last 100 km of the Camino Francés tour
This tour is considered one of the easiest that we offer, challenging you to walk only 15 km a day, rather than the average 20. Our support vehicle bears the burden of your luggage and will be available at strategic checkpoints throughout the day for you to access your things and refuel with complementary snacks and water. .
Whether you seek spiritual connection, cultural immersion, or a physical challenge, this fully supported walking tour along the Camino Francés promises a seamless and unforgettable journey. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime transformative experience and become part of the Camino’s enduring legacy.
Day 1: Arrive in Madrid
Distance: Tour Start
Tour Start
You will first meet your Andaspain guide(s) at our centrally-located Madrid hotel. After a brief introductory meeting, we start right away with a private guided walking tour of Madrid’s city center and most important attractions. After the tour, we will celebrate with a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Shuttle from Madrid to Sarria
Distance: shuttle 500 km / 310 mi
On our way to Sarria, we will stop by and explore the famous Camino town of Astorga, with its captivating blend of history and architecture. The Neo-Gothic Episcopal Palace, a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, stands as a testament to his artistic genius, while well-preserved Roman walls and a charming old town beckon with tales of centuries past.
We will have lunch as a group in the small charming plaza of our favorite restaurant. Here, you can enjoy some of Astorga’s culinary delights, such as the famed cocido maragato stew.
We continue on to our hotel in Sarria, where we will have an in-depth welcome meeting about our pilgrimage before dining together at our favorite restaurant in Sarria.
Overnight: Sarria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Walk from Sarria to Ferreiros
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
Today marks the first day of your pilgrimage! We will step out of our hotel in Sarria, make our way down to the river, and head into the lush greenery. After completing today’s walk, we’ll take a short shuttle to the enchanting village of Portomarín, where we will be staying for two nights. Once you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and refresh at your hotel before embarking on an exploration of this picturesque town.
Tonight, we have a unique dining experience in store for you at a local casa rural, a traditional cottage nestled along the tranquil banks of the Minho River. The restaurant and hotel rely entirely on renewable energy sources and serve dishes crafted from their own organic garden. Here, you’ll partake in a Queimada, a family-style feast with a captivating pagan twist.
Overnight: Portomarín
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Walk from Ferreiros to Gonzar
Distance: 16.5 km / 10.2 mi
This stage takes you alongside country roads, through villages with traditional Galician architecture, and over hilly woodlands. The Camino takes us through Portomarín just in time for lunch. After finishing our walk, we shuttle back to our hotel, where you can relax before heading out to explore more of this fascinating town.
Portomarín is truly unique because although it dates back to the middle ages, the whole town was completely relocated in the 1960s so that the original site could be flooded to produce a reservoir for hydroelectric energy production. All of the most important historic buildings were painstakingly moved, stone by stone, to a higher location on the hillside. To this day, you can still see the numbers marked on each stone in order to keep track of each piece during the move.
Overnight: Portomarín
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Walk from Gonzar to Palas de Rei
Distance: 17 km / 10.5 mi
Although this is one of the more difficult days, you are treated to sights of charming rural scenery and quaint villages. If time allows, we can walk or drive 4.5 km off the Camino to the church at Vilar de Donas. The church and family monastery were given to the Order of Santiago in 1184, and many of the Gallego members of the order are buried here. The local guide will happily show you the frescos from the 15th century. At the end of the day, we shuttle ahead to our accommodation, where we will enjoy a hearty dinner together.
Overnight: Monterroso
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Walk from Palas de Rei to Melide
Distance: 14.4 km / 9 mi
Today, we are treated to lunch in Melide, one of the oldest towns along the Camino de Santiago. Melide is famous for its Sunday market, where you can buy Pulpo a Feira, or octopus tossed with rich, paprika-infused olive oil and served with Galician potatoes called cachelos. Today, you will have the opportunity to savor this specialty at a local restaurant along with a traditional bowl of local white wine. We will ensure that there are other options, such as fresh salads, chorizo, and Spanish tortilla.
Overnight: Monterroso
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Walk from Melide to Igrexa de San Paio
Distance: 16.5 km / 10.3 mi
This morning, you will pass through Ribadiso, a small village that boasts the oldest known bridge on the Galician section of the Camino. This is a great opportunity to revitalize your tired feet in the cool river water. Afterwards, we shuttle to the town of Arzúa, famous for its queso de tetilla, or little breast cheese. Here, we will stay for two nights in a traditional Galician manor home, known as a pazo. You will have time to relax, enjoy a drink in the courtyard, or have a massage if the masseur is available.
Overnight: Arzúa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Walk from Igrexa de San Paio to Amenal
Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
Today, you can look forward to winding paths through lush greenery and quaint Galician pueblos as we hone in on the last stretch to Santiago de Compostela. After walking, we will shuttle back to Arzúa where you will be free to eat dinner at our pazo or walk into town. You can also book a massage if the hotel masseur is available.
Overnight: Arzúa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Walk from Amenal to Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 16.3 km / 10 mi
This stage marks the exciting last day of your pilgrimage. After a morning of walking, we regroup at the pilgrim’s last hill, Monte de Gozo. Here, you are treated to a first glimpse of the Cathedral spires. From here, the group will walk approximately 5 km to our destination of Plaza Obradoiro. Your pilgrimage is complete! Congratulations! While you check into your hotel, your guide will go to the pilgrim’s office to collect your Compostela. You will then have the opportunity to attend pilgrim’s mass before we head to our final celebratory dinner.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Tour End
Distance: Tour End
Tour End
This morning, we will head to the most famous destination in Santiago and take a private guided tour of the Cathedral and surrounding area. This tour runs approx. 1-2 hours.
Finally, it’s time to say good-bye to our Camino family. We hope that you walk away with a great sense of accomplishment, lifelong friendships, and many treasured memories. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for experiencing this magical journey with us at Andaspain and we look forward to seeing you back on the Camino someday.
Extra nights on request.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included on your tour
- 9 nights’ accommodation
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners, including wine and other drinks (While we guarantee the number of meals provided, the schedule outlined in the daily itinerary is subject to change based on restaurant availability, weather, and other factors)
- Transport from Madrid to Sarria, the start of the Camino
- Guided private tours of Madrid’s city center and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
- Water and snacks along the way
- Luggage transport (limited to one 23 kg / 50 lb piece of luggage per person)
- English and Spanish speaking guide(s)
- The Pilgrim’s Credencial, or Pilgrim’s Passport, and scallop shell
- Exclusive Andaspain Camino Guide Book
What’s not included
- Travel to the start of your tour or from its end
- Meals and drinks not included in your tour
- Extra items purchased on your behalf by your Andaspain guide
- Guide gratuity (160 EUR/person/guide is suggested)
- Additional activities not outlined in the What’s Included section
Highlights of the Laid-back Last 100 km
- Embark on exclusive, expert-guided tours through iconic landmarks, from Madrid’s vibrant city center to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
- Forge lasting bonds with fellow pilgrims as you journey along the Camino de Santiago’s most renowned route, sharing in the profound camaraderie of the pilgrimage.
- Lose yourself in the enchanting, undulating landscapes of Galicia, where a tapestry of churches and chapels dedicated to St. James awaits your exploration.
- Indulge in the culinary wonders of Galicia. Savor delectable dishes like pulpo (tender octopus with a paprika twist), empanada (a hearty and savory pastry delight), tetilla (a uniquely shaped cow’s milk cheese), and caldo gallego (a flavorful ham broth infused with chard and potatoes).
- Culminate your pilgrimage at the Plaza de Obradoiro, where the magnificent Santiago de Compostela Cathedral stands as a testament to your journey, surrounded by the familiar faces of fellow pilgrims who, like you, have traversed this extraordinary path to reach their destination.
Facts about your tour
- Trip Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
- Walking Distance: 115 km / 72 mi
- Meeting Point: Madrid
- Departure City: Sarria
- Arrival City: Santiago de Compostela
- Tour Availability: Guided group tour with fixed trip dates
- Accommodation: Excellent hotels, casas rurales, pazos and manor houses
- Transportation: Van or bus (depending on group size)
- Language: English
- Guides: English and Spanish-speaking Camino experts
- Walking Hours: 5-7 hours per day
Frequently Asked Questions
Why 115 km instead of 100 km?
Walking the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago entitles you to receive your Compostela, or certificate of completion, of the pilgrimage. While Sarria is slightly farther than the required distance, this charming little town is a must-see and its excellent hotels and restaurants are sure to start your pilgrimage off on the right foot.
What is the Compostela?
After walking at least the Last 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago, walkers can apply for a Compostela certificate issued by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela at the Pilgrim’s Office.
Can I add extra nights to my trip?
It is certainly possible for you to reserve additional nights in hotels before and after your trip. If you are traveling at a busy time of year or to popular destinations (such as Santiago de Compostela), it’s best to reserve beforehand. We can help if you need advice or assistance booking a room – just let us know.
How flexible is the itinerary?
We want to ensure that you have the best experience possible. For this reason, some of the activities outlined on the itinerary are weather dependent. If weather interferes with our original plan (a picnic lunch, for example), we will do another comparable activity, such as eat lunch together at a restaurant. If you would like to expand the itinerary with additional activities, please get in touch with us and we will see if it is possible to do while on your guided group trip. For completely customizable itineraries, we offer both private guided tours and self-guided tours.
How difficult is The Last 100 km of The Camino Francés?
This tour is one of the easier ones we offer, as we have modified the standard Camino stages such that you walk a bit less each day while still qualifying for the Compostela at the end of your pilgrimage. Having said that, this portion of The Camino goes through rolling hills, so a reasonable level of fitness will be required. As far as navigation is concerned, this part of the Camino is very well marked and follows mainly forest trails, paths between villages and some secondary roads.
What is the weather like in Galicia?
The north of Spain does not experience the scorching temperatures typical of central and southern Spain. Galicia has an oceanic climate with mild temperatures and regular rainfall.
Who are our guides?
Before becoming guides, everyone at Andaspain was a pilgrim. In fact, most of us spent a few years on the Camino before setting out to help others do the same. We consider the Camino de Santiago a life-changing experience, and our aim is to share it with you. All our guided walking tours are led by qualified and bilingual guides.
I would prefer to walk more each day, what can I do?
This guided tour is specifically geared towards people who want to walk a bit less each day. You can join The Last 100 km of the Camino Francés if you want to walk the same distance in 5 walking days (as opposed to 7).
What is the typical size of the guided group tours?
Our guided group tours are available from 6-15 participants and the number of guides we allocate per tour depends on the group size. We strive to have one guide per every 7-8 participants.
Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release
This document contains a complete release of liability. Read it carefully before agreeing below.
The undersigned understands and agrees that the travel to foreign countries including remote and underdeveloped areas and related activities that I have chosen to take and engage in with Andaspain LLC and its affiliates are potentially hazardous and dangerous activities and carry a significant risk of serious personal injury, death, or property damage. I also know that there are natural, mechanical and environmental conditions and risks which independently or in combination with my activities may cause property damage or severe or even fatal injuries to me or others.
In consideration of Andaspain LLC and affiliates agreeing to permit me to participate in the travel, hiking, sightseeing, walking and related activities and other good and valuable consideration, I agree that I am responsible for: (a) my safety while participating in activities undertaken with Andaspain LLC and its employees, and (b) providing, utilizing, and maintaining all equipment necessary for the safe enjoyment of my participation in such events and specifically acknowledge that the following persons or entities including Andaspain LLC, or its employees, agents, representatives and subcontractors or affiliates are not responsible for my safety.
By agreeing to this Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk I acknowledge that I understand that any and all risk is expressly assumed by me, and all claims are expressly waived in advance. Additionally I understand completely and fully the terms and conditions and agree to be bound by them.
Andaspain LLC strongly encourages participants to purchase travel insurance including trip cancellation coverage.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you have to cancel your trip, we require the cancellation in writing. We will calculate the refund, where due, based on the day we receive your written cancellation.
The following charges will apply.
Cancellations received 121 or more days prior to trip start date: 10% of trip price
Cancellations received 120 – 91 days prior to trip start date: 15% of trip price
Cancellations received 90 – 61 days prior to trip start date: 50% of trip price
Cancellations received 60 days or less prior to trip start date: 100% of trip Price
Andaspain LLC reserves the right to cancel any of our trips due to insufficient participants – our minimum number of participants is four.
If Andaspain LLC has to cancel a trip for any reason, including insufficient number of participants, the full amount you paid to us will be refunded to you.