July 2023 – Valença to Santiago (Barbara Byrne group)

• July 3rd – 10th. (Monday – Monday)
• €795 pps (not including flight).

This group is being led and organised By Barbara Byrne; Barbara will be bringing her own brand of mindfulness and yoga to the week! 

• 7 nights’ accommodation in ensuite rooms on a B&B basis.
• Airport transfers from Santiago airport to Valença and from Santiago to Santiago airport for the return flight to Dublin.
• Bag transfer each day.
• Pilgrim Passport (Issued by Camino Society Ireland – the only official Irish pilgrim passport).
• Guide group, led by Barbara Byrne.
• Detailed walking notes and accommodation maps.

Note:

• Flights are not included in the prices. Tip – the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be.
• Flights are Aer Lingus - Dublin to Santiago return.
• We recommend that you have adequate travel insurance in place for your trip. .

Monday, July 3rd, Day 1

• Fly from Dublin to Santiago. Upon arrival, you are provided with a private transfer to Valença for your overnight stay. 
• Take the chance to stroll around the Fortaleza - the old town within a town, looking down over the River Minho.

Tuesday, July 4th, Day 2

• Walk 20 km from Valença to O Porriño.
• The first steps of your day will involve crossing over the Eiffel-designed iron bridge into Spain. From here, walk uphill to the church and old quarter of Tui.

Wednesday, July 5th, Day 3

• Walk 22 km from O Porriño to Arcade. Your day involves passing through the picturesque hamlet of Mos before reaching Redondela, a pretty place to stop for lunch.
• Arcade is the self-styled Galician home of oysters and is also a chance for you to take a beach stroll to watch the sun go down over the Bay of Vigo.

Thursday, July 6th, Day 4

• Walk 13km from Arcade to Pontevedra. Your day starts by crossing the beautiful Roman bridge from Arcade to Pontesampaio. 
• The short day allows you plenty of time to explore the old city centre of Pontevedra, centred around the Basilica de Santa Maria in Praza Ourense.

Friday, July 7th, Day 5

• Walk 21km from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis. A quiet day spent mostly on minor country roads allows you the chance to relax in San Amaro on the way to Caldas. 
• Caldas de Reis (“the thermal springs of the kings”) takes its name from the thermal springs that are still used today.
• Return transfer to Pontevedra for overnight.

Saturday, July 8th, Day 6

• Return to Caldas to walk 20km to Padrón. Passing through possible resting points at Santa Mariña, O Pino and San Miguel, the day finishes up in Padrón, a town synonymous with Camino legend. It is here that the remains of St. James are said to have been taken ashore by his followers. 
• Padrón is also home to the Pimientos de Padrón – peppers with a random hot surprise that are a local specialty worth sampling!

Sunday, July 9th, Day 7

• Walk 24km to Santiago. Today is all about reaching your journey’s end – on St. James’ Day! You pass through Escravitude, Anguira de Suso, Faramello and Milladoiro before walking the final couple of kilometres to the cathedral in Santiago. 
• Collect your Camino cert, the "compostela", in Santiago before enjoying all of the delights of this stunning UNESCO-listed old city.

Monday, July 10th, Day 8 

• Enjoy a few hours of free time in the morning before your afternoon transfer to Santiago airport for the return flight to Dublin.