Sacred Heart College Geelong Camino Way

A private pilgrimage and exploration along the Camino Way for the students of Sacred Heart College Geelong

Challenge Highlights

  • A private journey for the students at Sacred Heart College Geelong
  • Explore the Palacio de Gaudi at Astoga
  • Wander through the unique village town of O Cebreiro
  • Explore the Roman Walls of Lugo
  • Walk the last 115km of the Camino de Santiago with a knowledgeable guide
  • Stay at friendly, family run hotels and eating at hotels and restaurants with delicious local dishes
  • Reach Santiago on foot and experience the famous pilgrims mass
  • Experience the history of the ancient pilgrimage route
  • Visit Fisterra, the traditional finish point of the trail

Overview

The last six days of the Camino de Santiago offers the chance to walk the final 115kms into Santiago and gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic and religious significance of the route. Walking through mixed landscapes in the company of your guide, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos. Thanks to your guide, the history of the trail will be shared with you to ensure that you learn as much about the trail as you do about yourself. One of the many highlights is reaching the gates of Galicia which lead on to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James. We continue to Fisterra, the traditional final destination for pilgrims. Our journey is combined with exploring the cathedrals ans palace's of leon, Astorga and Lugo.

Challenge Grade

The walking is graded introductory to moderate (4). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to rolling hills. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Sample Itinerary

After all the planning and preparation it is time for your adventure to begin! Please make your way to the airport for your flight to Spain, connecting to Leon.

Meals:  Nil

On arrival in Leon your guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Today we will have a full trip and safety briefing. Depending on your scheduled arrival time we plan to head out to explore the significant highlights of this interesting city including the main Cathedral and San Isidoro. Tonight we will enjoy your first Spanish dinner. Overnight Silken Luis de León

Meals:  D

This morning we rise for breakfast at our hotel before transferring to Astorga in our private vehicle. On arrival we will join a private guided exploration of the Palacio de Gaudi. The Episcopal Palace of Astorga was built by Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí between 1889 and 1913. Designed in the Catalan Modernisme style, it is one of only three buildings by Gaudí outside Catalonia. We stop for a picnic lunch before continuing to Lugo, stopping in at the unique and quaint Spanish village town of O Cebreiro enroute. We visit Lugo's Roman Walls and explore the city. Tonight we enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight Gran Hotel de Lugo

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will travel by coach to Sarria, stopping en-route at Samos to visit the Benedictine Monastery, founded in the 6th century. We continue to Sarria and prepare for our pilgrimage starting tomorrow. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. Our guide will run through a gear check as well as safety briefing before heading out to dinner. Overnight Alfonso IX

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we can take the time to visit the Church of the convent of La Magdalena. Over the “Meseta lucense”, the Lugo Plateau, we will pass through many hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos. The walk today is relatively easy until the descent, crossing the Dam of Portomarin where we can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town to our accommodation. Overnight Sta Marina-rural Tourism

Meals:  B,L,D

The route today takes us through forested areas which have a magnificent fragrance. Along the path we will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. We will continue through Ventas de Naron, head over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and Ligonde where we will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here in the modest village of Ligonde, on the 24th of march 1520. Then we continue on to Palas de Rei, where will overnight in a charming hotel. Overnight Complejo la Cabana

Meals:  B,L,D

On our walk to Melide we will pass through the small towns of Coto and Leboreiro. Melide is one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Camino Trail. We will stop enroute at A Garnacha for lunch. We continue to Melide. Overnight Carlos 96

Meals:  B,L,D

The terrain becomes much easier today as we walk through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino and Lebereiro and past Eucalyptus trees. The group will be able to stop at one of many villages for lunch. As we cross over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge we will reach Furelos and continue onto Arzúa in the province of La Coruña. Overnight Hotel 1930

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s walk will bring us to the small village town of O Pedrouzo. The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes. Overnight Acivro

Meals:  B,L,D

On our last walk we will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all which have a story to tell. We follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one, as we make our way to Santiago on foot. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela we can celebrate the end of the journey and share the many memories we have of the trail. Overnight Hotel Santiago Lux

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we visit the Santiago Cathedral for the midday service where your name will be read for completing the pilgrim and you can obtain your certificate. We then head out to the small fishing town of Fisterra, the final destination for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. We return to Santiago late afternoon. Overnight Hotel Santiago Lux

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning you will be transferred to the Santiago Airport for your onward flight

Meals:  B

Meals:  Nil

What's Included

  • Trip escorted by teachers from Sacred Heart College Geelong
  • All flights ex Melbourne on reputable scheduled airlines
  • All internal transport in private coach
  • Fully guided by World Expeditions Schools local guide
  • All meals: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Lunches are usually picnics using fresh produce. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 10 nights accommodation hotels, hostels and pensions with private facilities on a twin/triple share basis. Teachers in single room.
  • Luggage transfer (1 bag, max 20kg per person)
  • Professional English speaking guide on the Camino walk
  • Visitor tax, entrance fees and all listed activities

What's Not Included

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance

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Fast Facts

Trip Dates: DepartReturn
Duration:13 Days
Grade:Introductory to Moderate  Click for more information
Trip Code:SOG6334