About the Camino Classic
At a glance...
Country: Spain
Group size: Minimum of two (2), maximum of fifteen (15)
Duration: 10 days/ 9 nights
Activity: Trekking, sightseeing
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Moderate (See details below)
Comfort: Hotels
For hikers seeking a transformative 10-day adventure, the Camino Classic trek presents a remarkable opportunity. This ancient pilgrimage route weaves through the alluring landscapes of northern Spain, offering a unique blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and spiritual discovery. As you traverse charming villages, verdant countryside, and centuries-old pathways, you’ll connect with fellow pilgrims from diverse backgrounds, all united by the shared goal of reaching the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Whether you’re drawn by the historical significance, the scenic beauty, or the chance for personal reflection, the Camino de Santiago promises an unforgettable journey that resonates long after your footsteps have faded.
Although Saint Jean Pied de Port, located on the French side of the Pyrenees, serves as the recognized starting point of the French Way, the town of Samos, situated 130 km away from Santiago, has gained popularity as an alternative starting point. This stretch presents walkers with the opportunity to earn the official Compostelana Certificate of pilgrimage upon reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The final segment of the French Way, spanning from Samos to Santiago, takes pilgrims through the picturesque Galicia. This portion of the route is particularly conducive to encountering fellow pilgrims and immersing oneself in the true essence of the Camino.
a deeper dive into the Camino de santiago
The Perdon Summit Alto de Perdon Sculpture pays homage to the pilgrimage along the French Way of the Camino de Santiago.
The Camino de Santiago, often referred to as the “Way of St. James”, or simply as “the Camino,” is a famous pilgrimage route in Europe, leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in northwest Spain. The pilgrimage has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages and is an important spiritual journey for many Christians.
The pilgrimage gained significant popularity during the medieval period when the remains of Saint James (“Santiago” in Spanish), one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, were believed to have been discovered in the region. At that point, the route became one of the most important Christian pilgrimages, alongside those taken to Jerusalem and Rome.
There are several different routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela, but the most well-known route is the Camino Francés (French Way). This route begins in the town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and crosses the Pyrenees Mountains before continuing through various towns, villages, and landscapes in northern Spain. Other routes include the Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way), the Camino del Norte (Northern Way), and the Camino Primitivo (Primitive Way), among others. Hobnail’s trek follows the French Way, but begins in Samos, cutting off the high route over the Pyrenees Mountains in favor of the easier yet still challenging and significant path through the Galicia region of Spain, all compressed into a 10-day trip.
In addition to its religious significance, the Camino de Santiago has become a popular secular pilgrimage and cultural experience for people of all backgrounds. Many undertake the journey for personal growth, self-discovery, physical challenge, or to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures along the way. The cultural exchange is evident as pilgrims from various countries and backgrounds travel the same path.
The route is marked by distinctive yellow arrows or scallop shell symbols, guiding pilgrims along the path. Upon completing at least 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of the route on foot or on horseback – or 200 kilometers (about 124 miles) by bicycle – pilgrims receive a “Compostela” certificate. Hobnail’s trip is approximately 130 kilometers (almost 81 miles), which means you’ll leave with the prized Compostela, as well as fond memories and a sense of pride.
The Camino de Santiago offers a unique experience, allowing pilgrims to connect cultural and spiritual significance with nature, history, and adventure as they connect with fellow travelers and make their way to the final destination of Santiago de Compostela. This meaningful and transformative journey continues to attract thousands of people from around the world each year, making it a cherished and timeless pilgrimage route.
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Camino Classic
10 days/9 nightsThis date will proceed with at least two (2) trekkers registered.
October 19-28, 2024
Must book at least 60 days prior to departure. If, for some reason, the minimum number of trekkers required for your preferred departure is not reached, you will be eligible for either a refund or to transfer your deposit to another trek. See details HERE.
Camino classic trek details
- Feel like a pilgrim as you walk the final 130 km (80+ miles) of the Camino de Santiago, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela
- Discover the charm of rural Galicia and its people and landscapes
- Experience the incredible Galician gastronomy, including octopus in Melide and local cheese in Arzúa
- Visit the historic city of Santiago de Compostela where you will receive the official certificate showing that you completed The Camino
- Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap
- Custom Hobnail mobile app
- Lots of freebies
- Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a WhatsApp group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
- 9 nights accommodation in hotels on the Camino with en-suite facilities
- Breakfast and three-course dinner, including drinks, each day
- English and Spanish-speaking qualified guide throughout
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
- Pilgrim Passport and pilgrim certificate (Compostela)
- Arrival and departure transfer from and to Santiago Airport
- Day trip to Finisterre
- The company of new friends and the experience of a lifetime
- Travel insurance (See the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
- International flights
- Entrance Visa
- Any meals not included on itinerary
- Drinks other than table water and wine with meals
- Entrance fees for attractions not included in itinerary
- Tips for leaders, guides, etc. (we’ll give you guidance on this)
- Personal trekking equipment (hiking boots, clothing, etc.)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- Spending money, including for souvenirs
- Everything not specified in “Included”
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
The difficulty grade for this trek is moderate (2-3 boots). Although the trails are not high in altitude nor difficult in condition, and the weather is temperate throughout the trek, this trip involves walking an average of 11+ miles each day for 8 consecutive days.
Please take your training and fitness seriously prior to departing for this trek. If you are not fit enough to complete any walking/hiking part of the itinerary, you will be responsible for any costs related to unplanned transportation from the trail back to your hotel or other special arrangements not covered in your trek cost.
OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.
There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.
We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:
- You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
- You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure.
- You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
- If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
- When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
- When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.
All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.
Trekking is more dictated by conditioning and will than by age. On the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trail, for example, we see people in their 70s and as young as 10. We’ve seen people hiking with prosthetic limbs and even heard of a guy doing the entire EBC trek in a wheelchair. The bottom line is, if you have a passion for adventure and the outdoors, you are willing to train and prepare yourself, and you promise to follow your guide’s instructions, we will be honored to guide you on a trek.
A few days after registering for a trek (with a deposit of at least $500), we’ll give you a quick call to say hello and answer any initial questions you may have. If you use WhatsApp, we’ll add you to a group with your fellow trekkers so that you may interact with them, and possibly your guide, before departure. You’ll be able to post questions in the group anytime you’d like, talk about the cool gear you’re planning to take with you, organize group hikes if you live near each other, and generally just get to know those who will be sharing this incredible experience with you.
Within the first weeks after your trek is confirmed, you will receive a Welcome Kit from us. It contains stuff that you can use during training and on the trek itself, as well as some other fun things to get you (even more) excited about your trip.
You’ll also receive a login to our Hobnail app, which is full of great information including a day-by-day schedule, nearby points of interest, beautiful photography, and yet another way to contact us – through its messaging service. As your trip gets closer, we will continue to load information into your app, including your flights and airport maps, links to places you’ll be staying, and other tips and helpful information to ensure you have more than you need to feel confident about your upcoming trek.
The closer you get to your trek, the more you’ll hear from us — but of course, you can reach out any time you have a question.
Our Mobile App
When you book, we send you the login credentials to your own, customized app. By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, travel insurance docs, and COVID info, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff. Get more details at our app page.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrive in Santiago, transfer to Samos
Bienvenido a España! Upon arriving in Santiago, you’ll hop onto private transportation for the 90 minute drive to Samos, your first stop on the Pilgrim’s Route.
Samos is home to the oldest continually inhabited monastery in Spain. This 1,500-year-old Benedictine monastery is constructed in three different architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. It contains incredible art, beautiful grounds, and the interior is simply breathtaking. Most of the monastery is open for visitors and you’ll definitely want to spend time here.
You’ll enjoy walking around this quaint Spanish town, and it’s here you’ll get the first stamp in your Pilgrim’s Passport.
Later in the evening, you’ll have a welcome dinner and briefing about the rest of your trek.
Meals: Welcome dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Samos
DAY 2: Samos to Sarria
Today begins with your first hearty breakfast in Spain, designed to fuel you for your first day on the trail.
Sarria is a popular start to the Camino trek, and with its Celtic origins, was a major medieval center for pilgrims. As the most populous town on the along the French Way, this riverfront township of almost 14,000 residents boasts an artistic heritage that dates back to the 1200s. You can sense the antiquity of the city while ambling the beautiful old quarter streets.
You will have time this evening to enjoy this special place.
Distance: 15 km/9.5 mi
Maximum altitude: 559 m/1835 ft
Minimum altitude: 417 m/1370 ft
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Sarria
DAY 3: Sarria to Portomarín
This morning you’ll head to the town of Portomarín. The trail leads up and over the hills of Galicia and through forests and rural landscapes before crossing the River Miño to arrive in Portomarín.
Portomarín was initially built next to a Roman bridge and then rebuilt in the Middle Ages just to be moved again in 1962. At that time, the Belesar Reservoir was being built in the area, which required the River Miño to be dammed. Doing so left the old town underwater. However, the significant historical buildings there were moved, brick by brick, and rebuilt in a new area safe from the flooding. Remnants of the Roman Empire are still visible in the cliff walls, and you can even see the old bridge if the tide is low enough.
One of the buildings that was saved from the flooding was the old church, Saint John. This church is a great example of a fortress-style church with towers and battlements, very typical of the military orders that guarded the Camino in the Middle Ages and protected the pilgrims from thieves.
You’ll overnight here in Portomarín, hoping to catch a glimpse of the old Roman bridge if the tide is right.
Distance: 23 km/14.25 mi
Maximum altitude: 727 m/2385 ft
Minimum altitude: 406 m/1330 ft
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Portomarín
DAY 4: Portomarín to Palas de Rei
Today starts off with a bit of a challenge — but you’ll be ready for it.
The trail goes uphill all the way to the village of Ventas de Narón, but it’s a slow and steady climb except for one steep section. You won’t have any trouble with this, and of course, can take several breaks along the way.
From Ventas de Narón, your walk is a bit more interesting and definitely easier. You’ll enjoy stopping to talk to locals along the way, as well as the other pilgrims you’ll meet.
Tonight you’ll stay in Palas de Rei, which is very typical of the villages on The Camino.
Distance: 23 km/14.25 mi
Maximum altitude: 737 m/2420 ft
Minimum altitude: 348 m/1140 ft
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Palas de Rei
DAY 5: Palas de Rei to Melide
Today you’ll enjoy walking one of the most beautiful parts of The Camino, and it’s not a particularly challenging day, either. Win-win!
Your walk will include crossing Roman bridges and several rivers through woodlands and farmlands with some elevation changes and uneven paths. You’ll end in the town of Melide, famous for its bars where you can enjoy octopus cooked the Galician way. Do this, for sure.
Melide is popular with pilgrims because it is where the Camino Primitivo (Oviedo Way) joins the main Camino Francés (French Way). Perhaps you’ll have the opportunity to hear about the Oviedo Way from travelers you meet while you’re here.
Distance: 16 km/10 mi
Maximum altitude: 574 m/1885 ft
Minimum altitude: 405 m/1330 ft
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Melide
DAY 6: Melide to Arzúa
It’s another gorgeous day on the path today as you meander through beautiful forests and rolling hills, passing village after village until reaching Arzúa. This is the last major population center before entering Santiago de Compostela.
Arzúa is famous for its cheese, which is sold in local shops and bars. In fact, there are more cows than people here! If you happen to come in March, you may experience the annual cheese festival.
You’ll have time to taste and enjoy the local cheese after you arrive. Enjoy!
Distance: 14 km/8.75 mi
Maximum altitude: 465 m/1525 ft
Minimum altitude: 303 m/995 ft
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Arzúa
Day 7: Arzúa to O Pedrouzo
The majority of today’s walk is on natural pathways with good shade from the eucalyptus forests that you’ll be walking through. It’s mostly a flat hike through villages so sparse you won’t know where one ends and the next begins.
Keep an eye out for the St. Irene Chapel. The fountain there, created in the Baroque style and dedicated to the Portuguese Saint, is said to have healing powers.
You’re at the point where it’s acceptable to get excited about the Santiago de Compostela. (Actually, it’s acceptable to be excited at any point!) You’re almost there and you’ll notice more and more pilgrims sharing the path with you as you get closer.
Distance: 19 km/11.75 mi
Maximum altitude: 416 m/1365 ft
Minimum altitude: 270 m/885 ft
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in O Pedrouzo
DAY 8: O Pedrouzo to Santiago
Can it be that today is already your last day of walking? Regardless, make the most of today! The path makes its way through forests and rural scenery until it reaches the famous Monte do Gozo, where you will spot the spires of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral for the first time. This means you’re close!
Just 5 kilometers (3 miles) more and you’ll reach the Plaza del Obradoiro. It’s here that pilgrims gather to celebrate their arrival and the end of their pilgrimage. And it’s here that you’ll join them in celebrating!
You’ll receive your Compostelana (certificate of your pilgrimage, in Latin) tonight. That’s something special.
You will also celebrate over a delicious meal with the rest of your group while enjoying the lively university city of Santiago. You may love it so much you’ll wish you stayed an extra day here. (Better go ahead and reserve that day now; you can do this in the booking portal.)
Distance: 20 km/12.5 mi
Maximum altitude: 392 m/1285 ft
Minimum altitude: 246 m/805 ft
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Santiago
DAY 9: Day trip to Finisterre
You’re in for a real treat today as you transfer (via private transportation) from Santiago de Compostela to the Costa da Morte and back.
Costa da Morte means “Coast of Death” and the town you’ll visit, Finisterre, means “end of the world” in Latin. Not exactly warm and welcoming designations, but the real thing is much kinder and more significant.
The 13 km (8 mile) walk along the coast will bring you to the lighthouse near Cape Finisterre. The Camino to Finisterre pre-dates Christianity as pagans would head here, where they believed the sun died and the world between the dead and the living were joined. You’ll hear much more about the folklore of Finisterre — and the entire Camino — during your trek.
As the Camino de Santiago became an important pilgrimage to Christians, they followed the pagan tradition of walking the remaining 88 kilometers to the Atlantic Ocean. Here at the “world’s end,” with the consistent mist and the unforgiving ocean breaking at the rocky coastline, pilgrims would burn their clothes, pray, and otherwise symbolically begin a new, purer, life. You may see the burnt ground, cairns, and towers of hiking boots and clothing that represent these new beginnings.
Once you return to Santiago, you’ll enjoy your last evening before heading to the airport tomorrow.
Distance: 13 km/8 mi
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Santiago
DAY 10: Adios de España
Today you’ll leave the beautiful country of Spain, taking with you the perfect memories of the gorgeous people and places you encountered while you were here.
You’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels.
Meals: Breakfast
GENERAL INFORMATION
ABOUT YOUR MEALS
One of the very best things about traveling so many miles by foot is the fact that you’ll be passing through small towns and villages where people have lived for thousands of years. This means that you’ll have the chance to experience the REAL local gastronomy in these villages, like the empanadas pictured above.
Although your hotel will serve breakfast each morning, you’ll have lunch (not included in the price of your trek) together as a group in the middle of your walk each day. Your guide will recommend the best places and you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to try new foods. Restaurants along the Camino will likely have daily menus called “Menú del Peregrino” (Pilgrim’s Menu) that includes three courses, bread, and drinks. You may even be able to ask for a snack to take along before leaving your lunch spot.
Dinner is included in the price of your trek and will be a 3-course meal that includes wine (practically a staple in Spain). Again, your guide will arrange dinner at a restaurant for the entire group. Trust your guide and eat local delicacies!
What does the shell signify?
The Camino de Santiago shell icon, also known as the “scallop shell,” holds profound significance along the pilgrimage route. This symbol is instantly recognizable, adorning the backpacks, clothing, and signage of pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela. Historically, the shell was more than a mere marker; it was a practical tool, used to scoop water from wells or streams for sustenance. Over time, it evolved into a spiritual emblem, signifying the transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal that pilgrims undergo. The lines of the shell converge at a single point, mirroring the diverse paths pilgrims take to reach a common destination, thus embodying the unity and shared purpose found along the Camino.
Camino Classic
10 days/9 nightsThis date will proceed with at least two (2) trekkers registered.
October 19-28, 2024
Must book at least 60 days prior to departure. If, for some reason, the minimum number of trekkers required for your preferred departure is not reached, you will be eligible for either a refund or to transfer your deposit to another trek. See details HERE.
