Day 1: Triacastela
ITALY / TRIACASTELA (-/-/D)
Being able to ride the Camino de Santiago on horseback has, in recent years, become a must for equestrian tourism lovers. We offer it in various lengths and routes depending on your needs, but always with one goal… to reach the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world.
Inside, in the crypt, pilgrims venerate the relics of the apostle Santiago el Mayor (St. James the Greater), patron saint of Spain. This church was declared a historic-artistic monument in 1986 and is a Romanesque structure with a Latin cross layout, a longitudinal nave and transept with three aisles, ambulatory in the apse, and galleries running along the perimeter. Side chapels are orderly arranged along the entire church, some Romanesque ones are still preserved in the ambulatory.
There are intricate networks of Roman and pre-Roman routes that wind through Spain, Portugal, and France, all leading to the famous church, a Christian pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages, alongside Rome and Jerusalem. To this day, it remains a final destination for pilgrims from all over the world who arrive purified by the long journey—on foot, by bike, or on horseback.
We offer some of the most scenic routes to be ridden on horseback:
• The “French Route”, the most traditional and beloved by pilgrims. Existing since the 11th century, it crosses the Iberian Peninsula from east to west in the north.
• The “Sea Route”, the longest and oldest.
• The “Portuguese Route”, starting from Portugal and following the Atlantic coast.
• The “Northern Route”
Pick-up from Santiago de Compostela airport or train station (arrival required by 3:00 PM) and meeting with the guides. Transfer to Triacastela for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Samos
TRIACASTELA / SAMOS (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we meet the horses to begin the Camino, which enters Galicia from El Bierzo, ascending to the O Cebreiro mountain at 1300 m, in the province of Lugo.
At the top of the mountain, we will find this village with its typical Iberian Peninsula vegetation, adapted to the local climate. Here begins our horseback journey, reaching Padornelo, where we stop for dinner and overnight.
Today we reach the highest point of the entire French Route, Monte O Poio (1337 m), and continue towards Fonfría. We'll enjoy beautiful landscapes until we arrive in Samos, where we stop for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Portomarin
SAMOS / PORTOMARÍN (B/L/D)
We head toward Sarria, taking time to admire the beautiful landscapes, crossing the Sarria River, or San Cristovo and San Martiño, and one of the oldest Western monasteries.
Sarria is the most populated town on the French Route with about 7,000 inhabitants. From Sarria, the trail crosses the beautiful stone bridge of Aspera. Through woods, meadows, and farmlands, we reach Paradela.
To enter Portomarín, it’s necessary to cross the 1960s bridge spanning the Belesar dam.
Day 4:
PORTOMARÍN / PALAS DE REI (B/L/D)
We pass through the village of Gonzar, and continue toward Castromaior and Ventas de Narón Lameiros. Along today’s route, we’ll find many examples of ancient traditions.
Shortly before reaching Palas de Rei, we’ll ride through Ulloa, famous for its delicious cheese and other traditional products.
Day 5: Arzua
PALAS DE REI / ARZÚA (B/L/D)
We continue toward Pambre Castle, one of the few feudal castles in Galicia that survived the Irmandiños revolts.
We finally enter the province of A Coruña, passing through Leboeira and Furelos, and crossing a massive medieval bridge.
In Melide, considered the geographic center of Galicia, we’ll taste the best Galician octopus!
Soon the French Route becomes more urban, and we’ll pass through the villages of Boente and Castañeda before reaching Arzúa. Here the French Route meets pilgrims coming from the Northern Route.
Day 6: Santiago de Compostela
ARZÚA / SANTIAGO (B/L/D)
From Arzúa, we ride through eucalyptus woods, oak trees, and beautiful meadows. We pass through the villages of Calzada, Salceda, and A Rúa.
The pilgrim’s path reaches Lavacolla, near Monte do Gozo, a small hill that offers the first glimpse of the cathedral towers of Santiago in the distance.
Day 7:
SANTIAGO / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast, visit to the cathedral, and transfer to Santiago airport or train station.
Note: The itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
Routes of different lengths are also available on request, including:
7 nights from O Cebreiro
11 nights from Astorga
13 nights from León
17 nights from Burgos
22 nights from Logroño
26 nights from Pamplona
28 nights from Roncesvalles
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: from ° to °°°°°
DURATION: varies depending on the selected program
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: hostels and small hotels
EQUIPMENT: ENGLISH SADDLE, SPANISH SADDLE
HORSES: ANDALUSIAN, ARAB-SPANISH, ARABIAN, ANGLO-ARABIAN — well balanced and well-trained. Good temperament and used to selected trails and terrain.
PACE: approx. 6 TO 7 HOURS PER DAY IN THE SADDLE. All three gaits are used, though walking is the main pace. Terrain is not technically difficult, but a good physical condition is necessary for the long hours in the saddle.
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable riding clothes suitable for long hours in the saddle, including waterproof gear. Protective helmet, water bottle, waist pouch, sunscreen, insect repellent, basic first aid medication.
TYPE: Trail riding with overnight stays in hostels
ACCOMMODATION:
Small hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Most with private bathrooms.
Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner included.
GUARANTEED GROUP DEPARTURES (shared basis, min. 1 person, departing from Italy):
14/04 – 19/04 FRENCH ROUTE from Sarria – 6 days / 5 nights
05/05 – 12/05 FRENCH ROUTE from O Cebreiro – 8 days / 7 nights
23/06 – 29/06 FRENCH ROUTE from Triacastela – 7 days / 6 nights
10/07 – 19/07 FRENCH ROUTE from Ponferrada – 10 days / 9 nights
18/08 – 23/08 FRENCH ROUTE from Sarria – 6 days / 5 nights
01/09 – 06/09 FRENCH ROUTE from Sarria – 6 days / 5 nights
22/09 – 27/09 FRENCH ROUTE from Sarria – 6 days / 5 nights
SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS
Rate per person in double room, 5 nights from Sarria: €2,550
Rate per person in double room, 7 nights from O Cebreiro: €3,400
Rate per person in double room, 9 nights from Ponferrada: €4,310
Single supplement per night: €60
