Sep 23rd - Sep 30th Camino de Santiago
Sep 23rd - Sep 30th
FAST TRACK BOOKING CALL: +353 (0) 86 851 7710
Combine two very different journeys into one unforgettable adventure and join us for a special retreat along the ancient Camino de Santiago.
Where is the event?
This walking holiday follows the Portuguese route of the iconic Camino de Santiago, or the “Way of St. James”. The route, which was used by Christian pilgrims during the Middle Ages and by Queen Isabella of Portugal in the 13th century, runs north along the Atlantic coast of Portugal and Spain. Gently winding along ancient tracks and paths, through woodlands, rural villages, farmlands and historic towns, it’s no surprise that the route is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is it right for me?
Paulo Coelho wrote in his book ‘The Pilgrimage’: “Even if I were not able to find my sword, the pilgrimage along the Road to Santiago was going to help me find myself”. It’s probably a good thing that you can’t find your sword. They’re dangerous. But we could all do with finding ourselves. And there’s no better place to do it than the Camino, where pilgrims from all over have trekked for years. Some flock there for spiritual and religious reasons, others for fitness and health. And now there’s the chance to combine this deeply reflective experience with the practice of yoga. If you like hiking, great company, getting fit and eating delicious local food while embracing the different sights, smells and sounds of another culture, this is for you.
WHY HERE?
Because you want a different kind of holiday. Rather than just panning out on a beach, you want to stay active and to take in some cultural highlights by embracing 1,000 years of history. You want the buzz of becoming a fully qualified pilgrim. You want to walk every day, soaking up the excitement of new places and nature as you move, falling into bed exhausted but thrilled at the end of the day. It won’t be a piece of cake – you will need a reasonable level of fitness to do the walk – but it will be incredibly rewarding. And we’re sure we can find you some cake, too.
Because you want a guide that you can trust. Sure, you could do the route yourself but this way you get a guide that’ll cater to all your queries and concerns. We’ve teamed up with top guides from Follow the Camino to lead us. Together with Michelle Moroney, co-founder of Yoga Traveller, we’ll make sure that you enjoy every step of your physical and personal journey.
Because you want comfort along with your challenge. With the amount of exercise that you’ll be doing every day, you deserve to be spoiled! We guarantee that you’ll receive a high level of comfort and gastronomy at every place we stay. You’ll sample the best seafood that Spain has to offer: amazing percebes (barnacles), lobsters and oysters, not to mention the area’s infamous scallops.
Because you love Surf ‘n’ Turf. From Oia to Galicia through to Santiago, you’ll explore the sights and delights of both land and sea as you tour this stunning coastal route on foot. Experience the sandy beaches of South Galicia like Praya America and soak up views of the stunning Cíes Islands. Dip into the refreshing waters of the Vigo estuary before heading inland and crossing one of the most cultural and historic areas of Spain, complete with charming villages and medieval towns like Pontevedra and Baiona.
What can I look forward to?
Following in the footsteps of so many pilgrims to find space and peace. Waking up to energising morning classes to set you up for the day. Unwinding with slower evening classes to relax and relieve your muscles. Getting in touch with your body, mind and soul.
Tell me about the
accommodation?
Over the course of the week you’ll stay in a selection of hotels specially chosen to suit our yoga program:
SAT: Oia, Hotel A Raina
SUN: Baiona, Hotel Bahia
MON: Vigo, Hotel Playa de Vigo
TUE: Pontevedra, Hotel Change
WED: Caldas de Rei, Hotel Balneario Acuna
THU: Padron, Pazo De Lestrove Hotel
SUN: Santiago, Gran Hotel Santiago
Although there are a few single room options available, they’re on a first-come, first-serve basis...otherwise you’ll be sharing a twin room with your new yogi friend.
What will my day look like?
Your day kicks off with morning yoga and meditation followed by a substantial breakfast. Then you’ll hit the road, greeted by new scenery, new villages and new faces at each stage of the journey. In addition to your dedicated guide guests also are provided with detailed maps and hotel information to enable you to walk at your own pace and so you can stop whenever you need or want to – whether you’re craving a dip in the sea, a cup of coffee or a refuelling lunch.
Your bags will be waiting for you at your new home for the evening and, once you’ve had a chance to settle in, you’ll enjoy a releasing yoga practice to restore your body after the walk. Finally, you can tuck into a delicious Mediterranean meal before getting a good night’s sleep, dreaming of the day’s events and looking forward to making more memories tomorrow.
Schedule
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 1
SAT: Oia – The journey begins –Hotel A Raina – Dinner
When you arrive in Santiago, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel in Oia. You’ll have some time to settle in before your evening meal, after which you can visit the bars of Oia to soak up some stunning Atlantic views. Make sure to save some energy for the coming days, though!
- Day 2
SUN: Oia to Baiona (5h, 20km) – Hotel Bahia – Breakfast & Dinner
From Oia, you’ll walk along a coastal footpath for 10km before continuing on a gorgeous boardwalk route with breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the Cíes Islands. No dinner is organised in Baiona so you’re free to try out traditional Galician fare and wine in one of its numerous restaurants.
- Day 3
MON: Baiona to Vigo (7h, 32km) – Playa de Vigo – Breakfast & Dinner
You’ll be walking alongside beautiful sandy beaches for most of the day (tough life, we know), with plenty of opportunities to stop off at beachside cafés. You’ll then enter a maze of charming streets on the outskirts of Vigo before entering the bustling city via its wide sandy beach and a final 3km through the harbour. Dinner will be provided in Vigo that evening.
- Day 4
TUE: Vigo to Pontevedra (5h 30m, 20km) – Hotel Change – Breakfast & Dinner
The team at Follow the Camino have arranged a short transfer from Vigo to Redondela. From there you’ll continue on the Portuguese Way to Pontevedra, passing the 13th-century church of Santa Maria and some pretty epic views of the Bay of Vigo en route! We’ll feed you that evening in Pontevedra, too.
- Day 5
WED: Pontevedra to Caldas de Rei (5h, 20km) – Balneario Acuna – Breakfast & Dinner
You’ll amble through chestnut groves and alongside railway tracks before passing by the hamlet of Ponte Cabras, the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba in its pine and eucalyptus-scented glory and the quaint village of Tibo. Awaiting you at the end is the town of Caldas de Reis, with its very own hot spring to soak those weary limbs before your evening meal.
- Day 6
THUR: Caldas de Reis to Padron (4h 30mins, 18km) – Hotel Balneario Acuna– Breakfast & Dinner
Your walk crosses rivers and forests as you make your way gently uphill to the hamlet of Santa Marina before arriving in Padron – a place made famous for being the first land sighted by the ship bearing the body of St. James. And now you get to set your sights on it, too.
- Day 7
FRI: Padron to Santiago (6h, 24km) – Pazo De Lestrove Hotel – Breakfast & Dinner
On your final day of walking, you’ll pass through a number of traditional villages and hamlets before arriving at the Baroque sanctuary of La Esclavitud. This leg of the journey involves the oldest wayside crosses in Galicia as you near Agro dos Monteiros before coming to an end in Santiago. We will have the opportunity to visit the famous Cathedral and have an end of trip dinner celebration in the town also included in the price.
- Day 8
SAT: Santiago de Compostela. End of the Camino – Grand Hotel Santiago– Breakfast
After a well-deserved lie-in and a lingering breakfast, you’ll have a chance to visit the city of Santiago de Compostela and its gorgeous cathedral. Then it’s time for your transfer to the airport; don’t worry though, the journey may be over but your memories will last a lifetime.
faq
- What level of fiteness is required for this trip?
Walk of up to 7 hours a day on average, on a path or a trail, and up to 1000m ascent. Possibility of stages in altitude and/or steep climb, with no technical difficulties. Days are best described as moderate. Distance is less than 20 km on average per day.
Your Preparation: For the last 2 months before your departure, make sure you’re keeping reasonably fit. Go for a walk of about 6 hours with some ascent every weekend. Alternatively, practice your regular sporting activity as usual. Stretch well before your walks and everything will be just fine
- What yoga experience/level will I need?
Yoga sessions will be suitable for beginners and will suit all levels
- Can you cater to my diet?
Our chosen hotels in rural locations along the Camino will provide vegetarian options for our guests. Any additional dietary requirements will need to planned for in advance.
- Will my bags be transported between hotel locations?
Yes all guest luggage is transported and included in the price.
- What yoga equipment will I need to bring
In the interests of cleanliness guests will need to bring their own yoga mat
- Footwear?
Blisters are inevitable and the right footwear essential. Debates rage over the merits of walking sandals versus trail shoes, hiking boots versus good old fashioned trainers. Just remember, the best shoes for you are the ones that fit your individual feet well enough to see you through hundreds of kilometres without throwing up any surprises. Please follow this link to the "Follow the camino" blog which has great advice on blister prevention: https://www.followthecamino.com/blog/blister-prevention/
Tell me about the practical stuff?
The price
Twin room (p.p.s.): €1035
Single room: €1,395
This price is inclusive of:
- 7 nights’ accommodation in 2 and 3-star hotels.
- Luggage and yoga equipment* transferred to your new accommodation every evening.
- Breakfast every day and dinner on 6 evenings (see schedule) – lunch is not included but there’s plenty of restaurants along the walk each day that cater to every taste and budget!
- A fully guided walk along the 125km route.
- 2 daily yoga sessions
*Please note, you’ll need to bring your own yoga mat and any additional props you might like to use during the trip.
Inbound:
You’ll be transferred from Santiago International Airport (SCQ) at 17:00 on Saturday to your hotel in Oia. This transfer is included in the price and takes around 2 hours. If you want to fly into Vigo Airport (VGO), it’s a shorter journey to Oia and will cost you €70 in a taxi (not included).
Outbound:
Outbound We will finish our journey in Santiago. Getting to the airport in a taxi costs €23 from the centre of town and is easily arranged once you are there. We recommend flying in and out of Santiago International Airport, arriving on time for the 16:00 group transfer.
Bookings are closed for this event.