Sing The Camino Spain
April 24-May 6 2025
$6360 per person double/twinshare
$1560 single supplement
The Journey
"Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time" - Steven Wright
Day 1
Your group meets in Ponferrada, Spain. You will check into your hotel, be warmly welcomed by your tour leader and choir director Jessie and local guide and driver Rafa, and enjoy your first singing session. A sumptuous meal will follow where you can get to know your companions. We recommend you arrive early, explore the Templar castle, Castillo de los Templarios, and acquaint yourself with the old city.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 2
Ponferrada to Villafrance del Bierzo - 22.5km or 15km
The first steps of your journey carry you through the city of Ponferrada, then meander through kitchen gardens, vineyards and historic hamlets, before descending into the valley and the picturesque 11th century town of Villafranca del Bierzo. After checking into your hotel by the river Rio Burbia you are free to explore the town and it's 12th century churches, or just relax in one of the many outdoor bars and cafes in the Plaza Mayor. In the evening the group will gather for singing, learning some of the most uplifting music in the world.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
April 24-May 6 2025
$6360 per person double/twinshare
$1560 single supplement
The Journey
"Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time" - Steven Wright
Day 1
Your group meets in Ponferrada, Spain. You will check into your hotel, be warmly welcomed by your tour leader and choir director Jessie and local guide and driver Rafa, and enjoy your first singing session. A sumptuous meal will follow where you can get to know your companions. We recommend you arrive early, explore the Templar castle, Castillo de los Templarios, and acquaint yourself with the old city.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 2
Ponferrada to Villafrance del Bierzo - 22.5km or 15km
The first steps of your journey carry you through the city of Ponferrada, then meander through kitchen gardens, vineyards and historic hamlets, before descending into the valley and the picturesque 11th century town of Villafranca del Bierzo. After checking into your hotel by the river Rio Burbia you are free to explore the town and it's 12th century churches, or just relax in one of the many outdoor bars and cafes in the Plaza Mayor. In the evening the group will gather for singing, learning some of the most uplifting music in the world.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 3
Villafranca del Bierzo to Las Herrerias - 20.3km
Today gently climbs through the valley following the picturesque Rio Valcarce. For the more physically adventurous there's the option of taking the high route, which steeply climbs out of the valley, following a ridge with magnificent views, then passing through idyllic chestnut farms, before descending steeply and meeting the lower path. You will be staying in the tiny haven of Las Herrerias where you can relax on the patio overlooking rolling meadows and grazing calves before the evening singing session. If you're feeling decadent after dinner, you might like to try a ron miel, a shot of Spanish honey rum served with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Villafranca del Bierzo to Las Herrerias - 20.3km
Today gently climbs through the valley following the picturesque Rio Valcarce. For the more physically adventurous there's the option of taking the high route, which steeply climbs out of the valley, following a ridge with magnificent views, then passing through idyllic chestnut farms, before descending steeply and meeting the lower path. You will be staying in the tiny haven of Las Herrerias where you can relax on the patio overlooking rolling meadows and grazing calves before the evening singing session. If you're feeling decadent after dinner, you might like to try a ron miel, a shot of Spanish honey rum served with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 4
Las Herrerias to Fonfria - 20.1km
The path from Las Herrarias continues upstream, gradually becoming steeper to begin the climb up to O'Cebreiro, where you enter the region of Galicia. This will be the greatest climb of your walk and possibly the most rewarding, with magnificent views extending back towards Villafranca del Bierzo. You may want to visit the restored 6th century church or sample the local O'Cebreiro cheese drizzled with honey or delicious caldo gallego at the atmospheric tavern of this tiny and ancient hilltop village. Your journey then continues downhill with spectacular views of Galicia, through hamlets and farmland. This evening you will be staying at your first Casa Rural, enjoying a fabulous meal made from the fresh produce that has surrounded you on your trekking, and celebrating in song with your evening singing session.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Las Herrerias to Fonfria - 20.1km
The path from Las Herrarias continues upstream, gradually becoming steeper to begin the climb up to O'Cebreiro, where you enter the region of Galicia. This will be the greatest climb of your walk and possibly the most rewarding, with magnificent views extending back towards Villafranca del Bierzo. You may want to visit the restored 6th century church or sample the local O'Cebreiro cheese drizzled with honey or delicious caldo gallego at the atmospheric tavern of this tiny and ancient hilltop village. Your journey then continues downhill with spectacular views of Galicia, through hamlets and farmland. This evening you will be staying at your first Casa Rural, enjoying a fabulous meal made from the fresh produce that has surrounded you on your trekking, and celebrating in song with your evening singing session.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 5
Fonfria to Samos - 18.5km
The easy and beautiful path today is welcome after the exertion of yesterday's climb. You will first pass through the village of Triacastela before continuing on to picturesque Samos. Here you are free to explore the enchanting Benedictine monastery of San Xuilian de Samos built over centuries on the banks of the Ouribio river. You are welcome to partake in the ancient vesper singing, performed by local nuns, a unique experience that occurs here daily. Take the time to soak up the tranquillity by the river before singing your heart out in tonight's singing session.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 6
Samos to Barbadelo - 19km
Today the path out of Samos leads you through stunning groves of oaks and chestnut trees. You will pass through the town of Sarria, the biggest you'll travel through until Santiago. The path leaving Sarria climbs the stairs to the old quarter which retains its strong medieval character as well has a host of pilgrim bars. It winds through the narrow streets and passes the remains of the old fortress before descending to an enchanting stream, which it follows before climbing again through the forest. You will be collected at Barbadelo and taken to your accommodation.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Fonfria to Samos - 18.5km
The easy and beautiful path today is welcome after the exertion of yesterday's climb. You will first pass through the village of Triacastela before continuing on to picturesque Samos. Here you are free to explore the enchanting Benedictine monastery of San Xuilian de Samos built over centuries on the banks of the Ouribio river. You are welcome to partake in the ancient vesper singing, performed by local nuns, a unique experience that occurs here daily. Take the time to soak up the tranquillity by the river before singing your heart out in tonight's singing session.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 6
Samos to Barbadelo - 19km
Today the path out of Samos leads you through stunning groves of oaks and chestnut trees. You will pass through the town of Sarria, the biggest you'll travel through until Santiago. The path leaving Sarria climbs the stairs to the old quarter which retains its strong medieval character as well has a host of pilgrim bars. It winds through the narrow streets and passes the remains of the old fortress before descending to an enchanting stream, which it follows before climbing again through the forest. You will be collected at Barbadelo and taken to your accommodation.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 7
Today is a rest day, giving you a chance to relax and explore the nearby town of Sarria.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 8
Barbadelo to Portomarin - 18.3km
You'll pass charming villages, with perfect examples of rural Galician Romanesque architecture, as well as stretches of farmland, before the track drops down quickly, approaching Portomarin, crossing the vast river Miño and into the village. The original village of Portomarín was flooded by the river when a reservoir was formed. Amazingly, many of the medieval buildings were moved, stone by stone, to the top of the hill, where the new town of Portomarín is today. You'll have time to explore before your evening sing then, as we don't dine as a group tonight, you are free to enjoy one of the many options lining the village plaza major or perhaps you'd rather dine with a sunset river view down at the O Mirador?
Meals included: Breakfast.
Today is a rest day, giving you a chance to relax and explore the nearby town of Sarria.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 8
Barbadelo to Portomarin - 18.3km
You'll pass charming villages, with perfect examples of rural Galician Romanesque architecture, as well as stretches of farmland, before the track drops down quickly, approaching Portomarin, crossing the vast river Miño and into the village. The original village of Portomarín was flooded by the river when a reservoir was formed. Amazingly, many of the medieval buildings were moved, stone by stone, to the top of the hill, where the new town of Portomarín is today. You'll have time to explore before your evening sing then, as we don't dine as a group tonight, you are free to enjoy one of the many options lining the village plaza major or perhaps you'd rather dine with a sunset river view down at the O Mirador?
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 9
Portomarin to Palas del Rei - 23.8km
Your day begins with a beautiful uphill track through forest, farmland and several villages where you'll see the locals tending the land as they have for hundreds of years. You are free to enjoy any of the cafes or bars along the route, where you'll likely connect with other pilgrims and travellers and swap trekking tales, of which you'll now have many. You may wish to relax at the peaceful pilgrims' rest area in the village of Gonzar before you continue along the particularly charming entry into Palas del Rei. After making yourself at home in your hotel you can enjoy the town before joining your companions for a great night singing.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Portomarin to Palas del Rei - 23.8km
Your day begins with a beautiful uphill track through forest, farmland and several villages where you'll see the locals tending the land as they have for hundreds of years. You are free to enjoy any of the cafes or bars along the route, where you'll likely connect with other pilgrims and travellers and swap trekking tales, of which you'll now have many. You may wish to relax at the peaceful pilgrims' rest area in the village of Gonzar before you continue along the particularly charming entry into Palas del Rei. After making yourself at home in your hotel you can enjoy the town before joining your companions for a great night singing.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 10
Palas del Rei to Castañeda - 24.5km
This morning carries you through beautiful rural countryside, oak groves and quaint villages. You'll discover Romanesque churches and cross the medieval stone bridge with four beautiful arches in Furelos. By the time you reach Melide there's a good chance your tummy will be rumbling, so it's the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best pulpo (octopus) in Galicia at a pulperia, where it is the speciality. Your journey then continues towards Arzua where you'll be staying in one of the finest Casa Rurals in Spain, and singing up a storm.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 11
Castañeda to Santa Irene - 20.5 km
Heading ever west, today you will journey through meadows, stands of oak forest and sleepy villages. In Santa Irene you can visit the beautiful Santa Irene chapel before continuing along the peaceful country roads. Tonight you will be treated to a unique experience, singing and dining in a stunningly converted old mill set over a gorgeous stream.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Palas del Rei to Castañeda - 24.5km
This morning carries you through beautiful rural countryside, oak groves and quaint villages. You'll discover Romanesque churches and cross the medieval stone bridge with four beautiful arches in Furelos. By the time you reach Melide there's a good chance your tummy will be rumbling, so it's the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best pulpo (octopus) in Galicia at a pulperia, where it is the speciality. Your journey then continues towards Arzua where you'll be staying in one of the finest Casa Rurals in Spain, and singing up a storm.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 11
Castañeda to Santa Irene - 20.5 km
Heading ever west, today you will journey through meadows, stands of oak forest and sleepy villages. In Santa Irene you can visit the beautiful Santa Irene chapel before continuing along the peaceful country roads. Tonight you will be treated to a unique experience, singing and dining in a stunningly converted old mill set over a gorgeous stream.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine
Day 12
Santa Irene to Santiago de Compostela - 23.5km
Today is the final day of walking on your journey to Santiago de Compostela! Enjoy the peace of the hamlets and countryside you pass through before the bustle of this amazing city. You may want to rest a while at the peak of Monte do Gozo where the view opens before you, greeting you with your first sights of Santiago de Compostela before you descend into the city. Entering the Plaza del Obradoiro, the Santiago Cathedral towers above you, an emotional moment for many people on this path. When you're ready you can collect your Compostela certificate and celebrate your achievement!
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine.
Day 13
When you wake this morning you can join your singing companions for a farewell breakfast, then relax knowing you don't have to walk anywhere! Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city with especially good tapas bars that we recommend you sample. There's a lot to do: visit the tomb of St James, take a roof top Cathedral tour, go to the Pilgrims' Museum, attend the Pilgrims' Mass and explore the revered city. Enjoy.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Santa Irene to Santiago de Compostela - 23.5km
Today is the final day of walking on your journey to Santiago de Compostela! Enjoy the peace of the hamlets and countryside you pass through before the bustle of this amazing city. You may want to rest a while at the peak of Monte do Gozo where the view opens before you, greeting you with your first sights of Santiago de Compostela before you descend into the city. Entering the Plaza del Obradoiro, the Santiago Cathedral towers above you, an emotional moment for many people on this path. When you're ready you can collect your Compostela certificate and celebrate your achievement!
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner with wine.
Day 13
When you wake this morning you can join your singing companions for a farewell breakfast, then relax knowing you don't have to walk anywhere! Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city with especially good tapas bars that we recommend you sample. There's a lot to do: visit the tomb of St James, take a roof top Cathedral tour, go to the Pilgrims' Museum, attend the Pilgrims' Mass and explore the revered city. Enjoy.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Elevations between Ponferrada and Santiago de Compostela
