In this activity, we'll walk the French Way of St James, which will take us from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. We'll also have time to appreciate various points of interest in the towns where each of the five stages will end. Come along with us!

The Way of St James

Among Christians, pilgrimages date back to the Old Testament, beginning with the exodus of the chosen people to the Promised Land. Jesus Christ also went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, but while Jerusalem and Rome were the great centres for the spread of Christianity, Santiago de Compostela had the privilege of being, throughout the second millennium, the great confluence of the European road network through which the preaching of the Gospel flowed.

The Way of St James is therefore a common denominator of European culture and these routes, which are public spaces of convergence and harmony, should be respected and promoted. On them, every walker feels like a citizen of the world, which gives them the opportunity to view their convictions in a universal sense of openness and tolerance.

The Way of St James is an ancient route followed by millions of pilgrims since the beginning of the 9th century, when the tomb of St James the Greater was discovered. Since then, people from the most diverse backgrounds have travelled the paths that lead to the Cathedral where the relics of the Holy Apostle are venerated, giving rise to a phenomenon that continues and grows stronger every day.

The French Way of Saint James from Sarria is the most travelled section of the pilgrimage. Here you'll enjoy unrivalled landscapes, lush forests and charming villages. 115 kilometres separate Sarria from Santiago de Compostela, the kilometres needed to follow a route that encompasses all the charm of Galicia and the magic of the Way of Saint James. This is the final stretch where the different Caminos converge, where pilgrims who see their goal closer after several days of walking mix with pilgrims who have decided to start their adventure from this point.

4th October

- Departure from Lisbon (Oriente Station) at 8am by Bus or Tourist Van
- Lunch in Valença
- Arrival and short walk in Sarria
- Group dinner (optional)

5th October 

- Stage from Sarria to Portomarin (25 kms)
- Tour of Portomarin
- Group dinner (optional)

The French Way leaves Sarria at the A Áspera bridge, on the way to Barbadelo. Crossing oak groves and meadows, it enters the municipality of Paradela and then descends to the banks of the Miño to cross the bridge that leads to the town of Portomarín. The road enters the town of Portomarín via some stairs that are right in front of the road and lead to the centre of the town, where there are two churches, San Pedro and San Nicolao, the town hall square and the portico area. Portomarín is a town of great tourist attraction. The old town is completely cobbled and offers all kinds of services. Although it doesn't have a river beach, people take advantage of the reservoir to bathe in the warmer months.

6th October 

- Stage from Portomarin to Palas de Rei (25 kms)
- Tour of Palas de Reis
- Group dinner (optional)

After leaving Portomarín behind, the road continues up through the Sierra de Ligonde. From Gonzar we continue to Castromaior, known for its Romanesque church, situated beside a small stream and close to the remains of an ancient fort. We'll then continue down to Palas de Rei, which owes its name to a supposed royal palace built in its vicinity.

7th October

- Stage from Palas de Rei to Arzúa (26 kms)
- Tour of Melide and Arzúa
- Group dinner (optional)

The route continues through the lush forests and open to the surprise of its monuments, such as the historic centre of Melide, one of the jewels of the French Way's civil architecture. The French Way leaves Palas de Rei via Campo dos Romeiros, a traditional meeting place for pilgrims. After a series of climbs and descents, you reach A Ponte Campaña and then Casanova. After Melide, the Way passes through Boente and Castañeda to then reach Arzúa, a cheese-making town with an important offer of rural and active tourism, especially in the vicinity of the Portodemouros dam.

8th October 

- Stage from Arzúa to Amentela (23 kms)
- Group dinner (optional)

In this part, the French Way goes inland between meadows, oaks and eucalyptus trees that surround small villages, some of which have Jacobean names: A Calçada, A Calle, Ferreiros, A Salceda, A Brea, Santa Irene and A Rúa, the latter at the gates of Arca, capital of the municipality of O Pino, the last before Santiago.

9th October 

- Stage from Amentela to Santiago (16 kms)
- Tour of Santiago de Compostela
- Group dinner (optional)

The last stage of the Camino, very close to the finish line. A route full of expectations, from Amentela to Santiago, via Monte do Gozo. There are 5 kilometres to go. The Way enters the city through the San Lázaro neighbourhood and leaves the Fontiñas neighbourhood on the left (there are plenty of restaurants and services nearby). Ahead is Rúa dos Concheiros, the old Gremial neighbourhood of artisans who traded in scallop shells.

10th October 

- Return journey to Lisbon

Note: The number of kilometres to be covered per day is approximate and may be altered according to the group's pace or other circumstances, for everyone's comfort..

Reservations until 28 February 2025
Booking price: 150€ per person