The Way of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela

DRAFT
Camino de Santiago known in English as the Way of Saint James 
We are planning a trip on the JWay of Saint James  via Camino Francés - from Samos, located just south of Lugo through Arzùa to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the apostle Jacob is buried according to the legend. Camino Francés is 700 km long, but we have the option to only go the last 126 km on the route to Santiago de Compostela. Below is a brief description of the trip. Also read the story of The Way of Saint James 

Day 1. Arrival at Sarria
We fly from Copenhagen to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain with Swiss Air via Zurich. At the airport we will be met by a driver and will be driven directly to the hotel Boutique Hostal La Casona de Sarria, arriving at 16 pm Afternoon and evening in Sarria.

Day 2.- Sarria: - hike from Samos to Sarria
One day in Sarria with the possibility of a few excursions. We start our Camino hiking by taking a bus to the town of Samos, where we visit the beautiful and famous monastery. After visiting the monastery and the cozy city, we will walk the 11 km back along the Camino to Sarria - a wonderful warming trip. The route from Samos to Sarria is easier hilly, but beautiful and idyllic through the forest. We also plan to take a trip to Lugo, which, besides a nice old town, has the world's best-preserved Roman city wall and the 2 km long walk on top of the wall, which is definitely worth a visit.

Day 3. Sarria - Portomarin
We continue the pilgrimage with a peaceful hiking day of 22 km (about 6 hours) - under shady oak trees, through beautiful villages and on deserted country roads. The Romanesque church in the village of Barbedelo is worth a visit. Between Morgade and Ferreiros, the stone passes that marks 100 km to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way are many 'horreo' (chalets) for storing dried corn - the cottages are built on stone pillars - we will enjoy the beautiful countryside and the pleasant stretches of Ferreiros. In Morgade or Ferreiros there is also time for lunch. Well done in Portomarin you can relax at one of the many cafes on the market square. We will stay at the Hotel La Casa de Manuel in Portomarin. Portomarin is a new city, as the old was flooded after a dam construction. The church originated from the old town when it was moved stone to stone and since rebuilt.

Day 4. Portomarín - Palace do Rei
When leaving the village, the Camino crosses the Minho River and it goes steadily up the next 25 km (about 6 hours). Along the way, Gonzarz passes by the Romanesque church of Santa Maria in Castromaior. In Hospital de la Cruz or Ventas de Narón it's time for lunch. The peace of the Galician cemetery in Ligonde is a lise on a hot summer day. In Eirexe the gateway to the church is a Romanesque beauty and there is a sculpture of Daniel and the animals, as well as by the Apostle James as a pilgrim. After Portos, a detour to Vilar de Donas is recommended to see the beautiful La Iglesia de El Salvador church. The day ends in Palace do Rei. We will stay at the hotel Complejo La Cabaña in Palace do Rei.

Day 5 and 6. Palas de Rei - Arzùa
We have chosen to split this stage for two and overnight in Melide. From Palas de Rei it is 14 km (4 hours) down the village Casanova and the pleasant city of Leboreiro and on to Melide. Here it is recommended to keep and taste some of the many local specialties - we will stay at Hotel Restaurante Xaneiro. The next 14 km (4 hours) towards Arzùa offers the route on a forest line and crosses several islands before reaching the village of Boente with the little church. Here is also time for lunch. Then pass the medieval village of Ribadiso and finally Arzúa. Both cities have churches worth a visit: Santa Maria and La Magdalena. We will stay at the hotel Pazo Santa María in Arzùa. The city is known for their cheeses.

Day 7. Arzùa - Rùa-O Pino / O Pedrouzo
Today's shady walk is 18 km (about 5 hours) through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. Time for lunch in Empalme. We are going to visit the chapel of Santa Irena with the beautiful statue of Saint Jacob. The rest of the road to Rua / Opino is on quiet country roads. O Pedrouzo is one of the quietest places to do before Santiago de Compostela. We live at Pensión Lo in O Pedrouzo.

Day 8. Rúa - Santiago de Compostela Almost promotion
- only 21 km (about 5.5 hours) left. The first goal is Lavacolla, where pilgrims perform the traditional laundry before the final goal in Santiago de Compostela. We do not need to swim in the river but it's time for lunch. The tall eucalyptus trees form the road to Monte del Gozo. From this "glowing mountain" you can see on a clear day the sprouts on the goal - the cathedral of Santiago! From here it goes downhill to the city. Fantastic architecture and a magnificent atmosphere flow through this cultural and spiritual highlight. Also read the story of Jakobsveien. We will stay for 3 nights at Hotel Palacio del Carmen, from where we will explore the city, on a trip to Finisterre and the 'World End' and another day of hiking at the Camino Finisterre.