Discover idyllic scenery and maybe a bit more of yourself on Europe's greatest pilgrimage
From uncovering the history of ancient ruins to tasting Galician specialities and bathing in holy springs, the Camino de Santiago is an enriching journey in many ways. With your local leader by your side, you can focus on putting one foot in front of the other without sweating the (not-so) small stuff – like organising accommodation and luggage transfers – which is all taken care of for you. This means more time to immerse yourself in the culture of Spain or Portugal. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that'll get you out of your comfort zone.
From charming medieval districts to its famous blue tiles, it's no wonder the UNESCO Heritage Listed city of Porto captures the hearts of travellers. Watch life go by on the River Douro with a glass of port, hunt down the best petiscos (Portuguese tapas), or sample a little bit of everything on our Bites and Sights Urban Adventure.
With the sounds of Galician bagpipes welcoming you, walking through the gates to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a moment you'll wish you could bottle. St James, one of Jesus's 12 apostles, is purportedly buried here, and the cathedral is the spiritual heart of Old Town. Join other pilgrims inside to soak up the holy atmosphere and marvel at the impressive stone facades, soaring towers and elaborate ceilings.
There'll be plenty of opportunities to sample delicious Galician cuisine en route. Local specialities include crispy Padron peppers sprinkled with sea salt, pulpo a feira (market-style octopus drizzled with olive oil and smoked paprika), and creamy Azuruan cheese. Walking the Camino is as much of a journey for your tastebuds as it is for your feet!
Stopping in the charming town of Caldas de Reis will give your body, mind and soul a much-needed rest from all the walking. The mineral-rich hot spring water here is believed to be holy. Soaking your tired muscles is the perfect way to recharge before the final stretch to Santiago de Compostela.
Queimada, or 'fire drink', comes from Galicia's Celtic past and is believed to purify the soul and ward off evil spirits. The comforting drink is made on a big stove pot with lemon peels, coffee beans, cinnamon and a strong alcoholic liqueur called oruju. The liquid is set alight until the flame turns blue before being ladled into cups. Evil spirits aside, qeimada is bound to put a fire in your belly and a spring in your step.
The journey doesn't end when you reach the Cathedral. Santiago de Compostela's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a maze of cobbled streets, lively squares, perfectly manicured gardens, and elaborate Romanesque and Baroque architecture. From meandering local markets to watching street performers and eating in traditional taverns, Old Town shouldn't be missed.
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Explore Spain & Portugal
Susie · Traveled December 2023
It was a joy to share our leader’s enthusiasm and knowledge. She was clearly someone who operated from a base of principles and values. A solid worthy human being.
Review submitted 30 Dec 2023
Explore Spain & Portugal
Evan · Traveled December 2023
A first experience I will never forget! Our tour guide had a big heart, couldn’t find a false note anywhere. Ate hearty meals with the gang, the sights were quite grand, bus rides wound my cogs but at least they were on land!
Review submitted 30 Dec 2023
Walk the Camino de Santiago
Belinda · Traveled October 2023
What a great trip! Challenging, but super fun if you have Oswaldo to lead the way! I highly recommend taking this trip with him. You will not regret it. Accommodations are simple but clean, and the Camino itself feels very safe.
Review submitted 23 Oct 2023
Walk the Camino de Santiago
Reanna · Traveled October 2023
This trip was fantastic for two reasons. First reason: the people (all except one of the other fellow guests) and namely our guide. Our guide Oswaldo was the absolute best. He set the tone for a positive, safe, informative, humorous, and incredibly fun experience. 11 members of the group were terrific, and although we walked at different paces (which is to be expected), Oswaldo arranged it so that we would have frequent meet ups for lunches, coffees, info sessions, etc. He went above and beyond by coordinating our meals, walking and conversing with everyone, and even walking back several kms when a member mentioned above left her walking poles behind to retrieve them for her. Despite having one very unpleasant member in the group, the rest of the group had the best time together- a great group of respectful, interesting, funny, and interested pilgrims who felt very accomplished at having completed their journey together.
Second Reason: the TREK. Yes, it is a trek- a long, at times arduous journey with hills, sometimes roughed terrain, and rain (at least in Oct). I do recommend walking regularly at a pace that allows you to complete the number of kms in the time allowed before attempting this trek. Having said that, most if not all of us struggled with some aches and pains and fatigue at the end of the day and some with blisters, but we were all able to power through and with the encouragement and support of Oswaldo and each other, we all made it walking the whole way (even on the longest day) to the very end. The scenery was rustic, yet beautiful. The lodgings were simple (so if you prefer 5 star hotels this is definitely not the trip), and the food was great, and the comradery of group was excellent- which I credit our guide for arranging our meals together, allowing people to walk at their own pace but then bringing the group together at key times, and providing encouragement to all throughout the walks each and every day. We are fortunate to attend a full mass at the cathedral at the very end and it was quite impressive. It's a trip I will never forget, and I'm already thinking about doing the similar one in Portugal!
Review submitted 24 Oct 2023
Walk the Camino de Santiago
Sarah · Traveled October 2023
The Camino de Santiago was a wonderful trip. Physically challenging but very manageable. You journey through picturesque farm towns with beautiful animals on display, other walkers are very friendly and local pilgrim stops are welcoming. Oswaldo was a wonderful tour leader and had a blast meeting new people.
Review submitted 24 Oct 2023
Camino de Santiago travel FAQs
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
The Camino de Santiago, or “the Way of St James,” is one of Europe's oldest and most iconic pilgrimages.
Thousands of pilgrims walk to the Cathedral of Santiago Compostela in Galicia, Spain, every year.
The cathedral is purportedly where the tomb of St James (one of Jesus’s 12 apostles) is located. It has been one of the most spiritually significant places for Christians since the 10th century.
Walking the Camino is a personally enriching experience, no matter your beliefs, as it uniquely brings people from diverse backgrounds together.
Back in the Middle Ages, thousands of pilgrims walked to the holy site of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia from all over Europe and we have them to thank for the many Camino routes across Spain, Portugal and France today.
Each route is beautiful in its own way ranging from idyllic rural Spanish countryside to the wind-swept Portuguese coast.
The most popular Camino walking routes are:
Camino Frances: 772 km (480 mi)
Camino Portugues: 610 km (380 mi)
Camino del Norte: 827 km (514 mi)
Camino Primitivo: 321 km (199 mi)
Camino Ingles: 119 km (74 mi)
Camino Finisterre: 90 km (155 mi)
Most Camino routes are in mild oceanic or Mediterranean climate zones with warm summers and mild winters so that you can do it comfortably anytime.
The best time of year to walk the Camino depends on what you want to gain from the trip.
The summer months (June through September) are the busiest. While the weather is reliably warm and sunny, the routes are highly trafficked and might not be the best option if you want solitude.
If you don’t cope well in the heat, spring and autumn may be better options – it’s also quieter at this time of year.
December through February are the coolest and wettest months. Still, the routes are super quiet, peaceful and arguably more comfortable to hike without the summer sun beaming down on you.
There are many Camino routes across Europe, some of which are up to 1000 kilometres (621 miles) long.
You don't need to commit to that distance, though.
To get the Compostela (the official Certificate of completion for the Camino de Santiago), you only need to walk the last 100 kilometres to Santiago on any of the Camino trails.
On a guided Camino de Santiago walk, your main luggage will be transported to each place you stay, so the good news is you don't have to lug it around with you!
For clothing items, you'll need comfortable and lightweight activewear. This includes leggings, vests, t-shirts and shorts.
You should also bring a light jumper to pop on in the evening if the temperature drops and a wind-proof jacket if you're visiting in the cooler months.
You'll also need a comfy pair of hiking boots (make sure they've been broken in), several pairs of hiking socks, and a pole.
Lastly, remember to use a small day bag to carry essentials like a reusable water bottle, a change of clothes, ID and snacks.
Most of the Camino walking trails are well-signed, and it's easy and safe enough to walk without a guide.
Although you could book accommodation, organise luggage transfers and do the walk alone, you might not get to experience the benefits of connecting with other like-minded travellers like you do in a group setting. You'll also miss out on the guidance and inside knowledge of your local leader, who'll be by your side, sharing stories, history and banter along the way.
The journey is long and bound to challenge you – whether physically, mentally or emotionally – but if you do a guided walk, your leader and group will support you, and vice versa. Compared to a self-guided Camino walk, everything is taken care of, so you can focus on immersing yourself in the gorgeous scenery, eating delicious food, getting to know others, reconnecting with yourself, or whatever inspired you to embark on this journey. You can also access immediate assistance if you twist your ankle, get sick or experience any emergency.
We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.