1st – 5th October 2025
Join us on a classic Camino de Santiago experience – trekking the final 67km of the famous Camino Frances – the French Way. Starting in Palas de Rei, we begin our three-day trekking adventure along this popular pilgrimage route.
We will trek through rolling green landscapes, traditional villages and picturesque woodlands on our way to Santiago, discovering local traditions and meeting fellow pilgrims along the way. Today the Camino is more than a pilgrimage, it is a remarkable journey and a unique experience. Our final destination is the magical Santiago Old Town, a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart UK
We depart the UK for Santiago airport and transfer to the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela for our overnight stay. Here we enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep before starting our trek along the famous Camino Frances.
Day 2 – Palas de Rei to Arzua
After breakfast we will be transferred to the town of Palas de Rei – the starting point to our Camino trekking adventure! From there we head downhill along the Camino trail, passing the charming villages of Casanova and Leboreiro. From here we cross several small streams and follow a forest track bringing us to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago. Next, we trek through the medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and arrive in the town of Arzúa, famous for its local cheese. Here we have time to relax and explore the old town, including the idyllic churches of Santa María and A Magdalena. We will transfer back to our accommodation in Santiago for dinner and our overnight stay before transferring to Arzua in the morning.
Trekking distance – approx. 30km
Day 3 – Arzua to Amenal
Following breakfast, and our transfer to Arzua we continue through beautiful woods, sleepy villages and across small streams. The chapel of Santa Irene with its unique statue of Santiago is one of the beautiful sights we will see along the way. We continue through the lovely hamlet of Rúa along calm country roads and forest tracks to Amenal, our overnight stay. We transfer back to our accommodation in Santiago for dinner and overnight stay. Return transfer to Amenal in the morning.
Trekking distance – approx. 21km
Day 4 – Amenal to Santiago
The final day of our ‘French Way’ challenge. Our first destination is Lavacolla, set along the outskirts of Santiago where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival to Santiago de Compostela. From here rows of tall eucalyptus trees line our journey to Monte do Gozo – and we can then catch our first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral of Santiago. Reaching our destination, we reflect on our triumph over the last few days and enjoy the sights of Santiago’s Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting stunning architecture and a fantastic atmosphere. We take a short walk into our final nights’ accommodation in the centre of Santiago.
Trekking distance – approx. 16km
Day 5 – Return to UK
Following breakfast, we will transfer to Santiago Airport for our flight back to the UK.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed.
Option A – Minimum Sponsorship
Registration Fee £199 + Min Sponsorship £2,300
Option B – Self-Funding
Registration Fee £65 + Self Funding £1,150
Please note, if the challenge you would like to do is not listed, please contact us and we may be able to arrange it for you. So whether you want to climb Kilimanjaro, cycle London to Paris or event dog sled through the Arctic Circle….this can be arranged, just contact us at fundraising@alexandrarose.org.uk