God Within Us

Pilgrimage to El Camino de Santiago

Generations of pilgrims have traveled this same trail, listening to God’s voice amid the Spanish countryside. Walking through small towns, sharing the journey with other pilgrims, and reflecting on their lives as they log mile after mile. 

That same opportunity is waiting for you. 

It’s a retreat from the pressures of modern life, a chance to become grounded in the earth around you, and path of self-discovery. 

Discover it For Yourself

Hike through scenic towns and countryside

Rolling hills, green landscapes, and Spanish villages greet you each day on your journey. These gorgeous vistas are the backdrop for miles of walking, talking, and listening.

Find God within yourself

To know someone who’s walked the Camino is to meet someone who’s had a personal, spiritual experience. Away from the distractions of everyday living, and dropped in the middle of relative quiet that stretches for miles, the Camino is an opportunity to literally walk with God.

Experience God in fellow pilgrims

Connected by a unique, even once-in-a-lifetime experience, you’ll encounter people of all types, backgrounds, and faiths. And without day-to-day distractions, the conversations run deeper and more meaningful. You may even make a few lifelong friends.

What’s
Included

Want to learn more?

Dive into our on-demand Catholic Travel Showcase for more info about the Verso pilgrimage experience!

Standard Itinerary

(Itinerary shown does not include flights to/from pilgrimage.)

“The customer service, attention to detail, and ability to connect each part of the trip to the Catholic tradition of pilgrimages is the best I have seen.”
Paul Sifuentes
Director of Youth Ministry, Archdiocese of Indianapolis

Prepare for the Journey Ahead

Your pilgrimage journey begins on day one when you depart from your home airport en route to Spain. When you arrive the next day, you’ll drive to Sarria where you’ll settle down for the evening and meet your fellow pilgrims for a Welcome Mass and dinner in a local restaurant.

On this pilgrimage, you will walk the last 100km of the Camino (the final leg of the Camino Francés). Once you complete the hike and arrive in Santiago de Compostela, you’ll be eligible to receive the official Pilgrim Certificate – Compostela. That means you’ll  walk about 10-20 miles every day. 

Simple Accommodations: Hotel Oca Villa de Sarria or similar

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Alfonso IX or similar

*Lodging options along the Camino trail are very limited. Verso Ministries secures the best accommodations available, many of which are quaint, family-owned pilgrim houses with lots of history, character, and charm. All properties are vetted by our team and include private restrooms.

Starting Off

Begin your hiking journey in Sarria, Spain, where you may walk by the church of Santa Marina with its pilgrim murals and the Church of St. Saviour (Iglesia de San Salvador) with its tympanum of Christ in Majesty and Tree of Life above its doors. Cross the Ponte Aspera and journey down woodland paths and gravel tracks, with plenty of cafes to stop at along the way. At the end of the day you will arrive in Portomarín for a pilgrim Mass, dinner, and then back to your hotel.

Simple Accommodations: Hotel Villajardin or similar

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Alfonso IX or similar

*Lodging options along the Camino trail are very limited. Verso Ministries secures the best accommodations available, many of which are quaint, family-owned pilgrim houses with lots of history, character, and charm. All properties are vetted by our team and include private restrooms.

Peace and Reflection Along the Path

Embark on your pilgrimage once again from Portomarín, with a day of varied terrain. Start on a peaceful woodland path and journey into the city of Gonzar.Continue on with the opportunity to catch Capela de Magdalene and the great stone cross of Lameiros. If you’re up for it, take a short detour off the trail in order to see Vilar de Donas, a historical monument and ancient seat of the Knights of Santiago. The afternoon on the trail will provide opportunities for afternoon journaling and reflection. Check out Palas de Rei that evening, with a chance to celebrate Mass, eat dinner, and explore the town.

Simple Accommodations: Hotel Mica or similar

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Alfonso IX or similar

*Lodging options along the Camino trail are very limited. Verso Ministries secures the best accommodations available, many of which are quaint, family-owned pilgrim houses with lots of history, character, and charm. All properties are vetted by our team and include private restrooms.

See the Spanish Sights

Eat breakfast in Palas de Rei and continue your journey down more woodland paths, crossing six shallow river valleys. Journey through to the O Coto crossroads hamlet that offers several cafes for food and refreshments. Some pilgrims opt to sample the local delicacy pulpo a la gallega (octopus of Galicia) in Melide and see the Romanesque Igrexa Santa Maria de Melide. Explore Igrexa Santiago and see the famous image of St. James above the altar. Check into the hotel in Melide and enjoy dinner.

Simple Accommodations: Pension Posasa Chiquitin or similar

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Alfonso IX or similar

*Lodging options along the Camino trail are very limited. Verso Ministries secures the best accommodations available, many of which are quaint, family-owned pilgrim houses with lots of history, character, and charm. All properties are vetted by our team and include private restrooms.

Woodland Paradise

As you depart from Melide, today’s path is mainly natural woodlands with good shade offered by the eucalyptus trees lining the trail. Today two other Camino routes join this path, so the trail becomes much busier. Journey to Arzua, a town known for its local cheese and cheese fair held annually in March. The beautiful woodland trails offer ample time for reflection, with opportunities to journal along the way. Overnight in Arzua with dinner at your hotel.

Simple Accommodations: Hotel Suiza or similar

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Arzua or similar

*Lodging options along the Camino trail are very limited. Verso Ministries secures the best accommodations available, many of which are quaint, family-owned pilgrim houses with lots of history, character, and charm. All properties are vetted by our team and include private restrooms.

Almost There: Country and Cafes

Depart Arzúa, once again journeying down woodland paths lined with eucalyptus trees. Pass through several cities with ample opportunity to stop at cafes for refreshments and explore the local cultures. Arrive in Rúa, where you will check into your hotel, eat dinner, and rest for the evening.

Simple Accommodations: Hotel O Pino or similar

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Arzua or similar

*Lodging options along the Camino trail are very limited. Verso Ministries secures the best accommodations available, many of which are quaint, family-owned pilgrim houses with lots of history, character, and charm. All properties are vetted by our team and include private restrooms.

The Final Leg

Depart Rúa early, starting along the familiar eucalyptus lined paths which give way to paved road as we approach Santiago de Compostela. Pass through Lavacolla, where traditionally pilgrims would do ritual cleansing before entering the city. Along the way visit Capilla de San Marcos and view the monument to the visit of St. John Paul II. The Cruceiro de San Pedro heralds pilgrims’ arrival into the city, and finally we arrive at the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Explore the city and check into your hotel for the night.

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Gelmirez or similar

Premium Accommodations: Parador Reyes Catolicos or similar

Explore and Depart

Enjoy a full day exploring Santiago de Compostela. Attend the pilgrim mass, where you may catch the Botafumeiro, a giant incense burner that has been used for centuries, and receive your certificate for completing the Camino de Santiago. During the morning, a local guide will illuminate the Old City sites during a half-day tour. Spend the afternoon discovering the hidden secrets of Santiago on your own before celebrating with your fellow pilgrims at a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. Wake up refreshed the next morning, ready to begin your journey back towards home.

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Gelmirez or similar

Premium Accommodations: Parador Reyes Catolicos or similar

Optional Extension — Explore The Spanish Coast

Prepare

Once you register, we’ll help you prepare for the journey, logistically and spiritually. In the meantime:

Upcoming Departures

“Verso Ministries has gained my trust and confidence that the Spirit is the center and guide of all their mission.”
Yen Fasano
Pilgrim World Youth Day 2019 in Panama
June 8 – 17, 2024
10 days, 9 nights
June 8, 2024
From $5,674
September 8 – 17, 2024
9 days, 8 nights
September 8, 2024
From $5,332

Why Travel With Verso?

TRUSTED BY

Have a Question?

×
×

Cart