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Spain – Hiking the Camino de Santiago Gay Tour

December 13, 2019 by



A Gay Travel Spain Hiking Tour

 2023  June 1 to 12

Prices listed are per person:
Shared Room: $7298
Private Room: $8498

Deposit: $1000
Book This Tour

Physical Challenge

Physical Level 4
Print / PDF
    HIGHLIGHTS OVERVIEW ITINERARY INCLUDES EXTENSIONS FAQ

Join us on this gay Spain hiking tour and follow in the footsteps trod by countless others since the 9th century. Hike through gorgeous mountain landscapes, visit medieval towns and obtain your Compostela certificate of completion. During the Middle Ages, the Camino was a sacred pilgrimage route for millions, and one of the few times that rich and poor were side by side. Enjoy the journey with HE Travel and meet a variety of people along the way.


Highlights

Witness the natural beauty of the Camino de Santiago
Trek through narrow forest paths
Marvel at the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago
Visit medieval villages and churches
Connect with nature and people from around the globe
Travel back in time and soak in the history
Dine with new friends on the journey


Overview

The Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James is a pilgrimage that has been undertaken by millions of people since the middle ages. This spiritual hiking journey will start in Leon, where we will transfer to the city of Ponferrada. It is here that we will obtain our pilgrim passports and begin our trek. We’ll hike from town to town along the traditional route. We will stop to take in the beautiful architecture and natural beauty of this region of Spain. We’ll see the charming village of O’Cebreiro where it seems that time has stopped. We’ll see the still-active medieval monastery at Samos. We’ll shout for joy when we reach Monte de Gozo and see Santiago de Compostela in the distance. We’ll make new friends and unforgettable memories on this journey of the mind, body, and spirit.

We will be hiking many miles on this tour. You should be physically fit enough to walk multiple days in a row and up to 18 miles in a single day. There will be a support team with you for the duration of the tour if needed.


Itinerary


Map:

 

Day 1: León

The San Isidro Basilica in Leon Spain on HE Travel's Hiking to Santiago de Compostela Tour.

The gay hiking tour will begin with guests being picked up from the airport or train station and transferred to our hotel. We’ll have the evening free in this city brimming with interesting architecture and history.

Day 2: León / Ponferrada / Cacabelos

Castillo de los Templares, a medieval castle in Ponferrada Spain on HE Travel's Hiking to Santiago de Compostela Tour.

This morning, we’ll be picked up and transferred from León to our next stop on the Camino, the town of Ponferrada (about two hours away). On our way there, we’ll stop at the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross). This monument with mysterious origins — some believe it was placed here by St. James himself — is a must-see for all who find themselves on this unforgettable journey. Next, we’ll take in the views and enjoy our lunch on the banks of the nearby river.

We’ll then move on to spend our afternoon surrounded by mountains in Ponferrada. Here, we will be given our pilgrims’ passports, so that we may receive our Compostela at the end of our journey. We’ll also take a tour around this historic city full of stunning medieval architecture. Later in the evening, we will make our way to the small, picturesque village of Cacabelos where we will spend the night in country-style accommodations.

Day 3: Cacabelos to Villafranca del Bierzo 11.2 mi

A church and mountains can be seen in the distance in Villafranca, Spain on HE Travel's Hiking to Santiago de Compostela Tour.

Today we’ll begin our hike by making our way through the center of the El Bierzo region toward the historic capital, Villafranca del Bierzo. This beautiful region is surrounded by mountains and is well known for its wines, which we will be sampling. Our destination today has been a resting place for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago since the 9th century. We’ll follow in their footsteps by spending the night in the heart of this historic town.

Day 4: Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro 18.6 mi

Hikers make their way up a hiking path on the Way of St. James in Spain on HE Travel's Hiking to Santiago de Compostela Tour.

Today we’ll make one of our tougher hikes to the higher elevation village of O Cebreiro. This village has held great importance for pilgrims for centuries as it is the home of the Galician Holy Grail. This village is also dotted with stone huts called “pallozas”. These pre-roman homes date as far back as 1,000 years ago, making visitors truly feel as though they have stepped back in time. There will also be an optional pick-up point at the 13th mile in the small town of Herrarias. This evening, we will spend the night in a cozy hotel in O’Cebreiro and rest up for our next hike.

Day 5: O’Cebreiro to Triacastela 13 mi

A statue of a pilgrim at Alto do Poio on HE Travel's Hiking Santiago de Compostela Tour.

Our route today will take us higher, through Alto do Poio where we’ll get a close look at the pilgrim statue. This high point on our journey is the perfect place to take in the stunning views of the Galician countryside. We’ll then make our way to the quaint town of Triacastela where we will spend the night.

Day 6: Triacastela to Sarria 11.8 mi

The monastery at Samos surrounded by trees on HE Travel's Hiking Santiago de Compostela Tour.

We’ll be walking through serene forest paths today as we make our way to Sarria. On our way, we will pass through the town of Samos and see the monumental Monastery of San Xulian de Samos. This still-active Benedictine monastery was founded in the 6th century.

Day 7: Sarria to Portomarin 13.7 mi

The entrance to the town of Portomarin in Galicia, Spain on HE Travel's Hiking to Santiago de Compostela Tour.

Our hike today will be easier and we’ll be passing by many small villages as we make our way to the town of Portomarin. Along the way, we’ll be able to take in the striking architecture of Romanesque churches and the lush landscape. Portomarin is an interesting town with ancient roots— it was once a Roman village but was moved brick by brick to its current location in the 1960s.

Day 8: Portomarin to Palas de Rei 15.5 mi

A bridge near Serra de Ligonde on HE Travel's Hiking Santiago de Compostela Tour.

Today we will be making our way up to Serra de Ligonde, walking on forest paths and passing through farmlands. We’ll pass by several tiny hamlets and even cross the Mino River as we make our way to Palas del Rei.

Day 9: Palas del Rei to Arzua 17.4 mi 

A forest in Galicia, Spain on HE Travel's Hiking Santiago de Compostela Tour.

We’ll be back on the forest paths today, passing through small medieval towns on our way to Arzua. One of our stops will be the colorful market town of Melide. We’ll then continue on our forest path to Arzua where we’ll be spending the night at a traditional 18th-century Galician manor.

Day 10: Arzua to Amenal 14.3 mi

The pilgrim shell symbol on the Camino de Santiago on HE Travel's Hiking Santiago de Compostela Tour.

Today, we’ll continue our hike through the beautiful woodland and streams. We’ll come across the hamlet of Santa Irene, featuring a chapel and the Fountain of Eternal Youth and we’ll also pass through the charming enclave of A Rúa. We’ll continue our hike today until we reach the village of Amenal.

Day 11: Amenal to Santiago 9.9 mi

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral on HE Travel's Hiking Santiago de Compostela Tour.

Today, our first stop will be Lavacolla which is thought to have gained its name from the fact that pilgrims in the Middle Ages washed in the nearby stream before reaching Santiago de Compostela. We’ll then head to Monte de Gozo (Hill of Joy) where we’ll be able to see the Cathedral. This is the place where traditionally, pilgrims shout in joy at seeing the end of the journey. We’ll then make our way along the final stretch, reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Day 12: Farewell or carry on to Finisterre or have an extra night in Santiago. 

A sculpture of a hiking boot in Finisterre, Spain on HE Travel's Hiking Santiago de Compostela Tour.

Today we will say farewell to this amazing journey and head to the airport. Those who wish to continue the journey may stay an extra night in Santiago or make their way to the traditional ending point of the pilgrimage, Finisterre (the edge of the world).


Price Includes

Price includes:  Comfortable B&B accommodation for 11 nights; Services of a full-time bilingual tour guide; All breakfasts and lunches, and 8 dinners; Beer/Wine; Support vehicle and driver to transport luggage to destination; All entrances shown as included in the itinerary; Arrival transfers in Leon; Transfer to Santiago de Compostela airport or train station at the end of the tour; Services of a knowledgeable HE Travel tour host (with a minimum number of participants); HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.

Not included: Transportation to and from start/endpoints; 3 dinners; liquor at meals; souvenirs, snacks; Gratuities for guides and host.

 

We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight delay, illness, or injury. Click Here to learn more about our Insurance partner.


Extensions

FAQ

What if I am traveling alone?
Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it’s usually because they’re looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn’t have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you’ll be traveling with friends. You don’t need to pay the single supplement if you’re traveling alone. We’ll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself. For selected trips, including cruises, we will charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate but we can’t match you with someone.
What is the physical activity level of this tour?
Physical Activity Level
Physical Level 4

Hiking along the Santiago de Compostela is an extreme challenge. You should be comfortable hiking in warm weather over rolling to hilly terrain 11-18 miles per day. A support vehicle will be with you for the duration of the tour if needed.
Where does the tour start and end?
This tour starts in Leon, Spain and ends in Santiago de Campostela, Spain.
What will the hotels be like?
We will stay at local lodgings along the path, mostly small B&B type hotels.
Additional Questions
For answers to your additional questions, please email info@hetravel.com or call 305-294-8174
Why a Gay Tour of Spain?
Check out our Cycling Spain’s Camino de Santiago tour.


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    Filed Under: All Welcome Tour, Alyson Adventures, europe, Gay Adventure, Gay Travel, Gay Vacation, Group Tour, Hanns Ebensten, HE Travel, Hiking, IGLTA, Sacred Sites, single gay men, single gay travel, Travel

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