August 31-September 11, 2025

Very Reverend Father Paul D. Scalia

Pastor, St James Catholic Church

Diocese of Arlington, VA

IMPORTANT NOTES: THE MAIN HOME PAGE FOR THIS PILGRIMAGE IS ON OUR WEBSITE AT THIS LINK: www.JMJtours.com/Camino

• THIS PAGE IS OUR REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT PAGE.
• ITINERARY AND DETAILED TRIP INFORMATION  (please scroll to bottom)

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Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James)

 Embark on a Life-Changing Pilgrimage Along the Camino de Santiago!

Join us on an unforgettable spiritual journey along the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago, the world-famous pilgrimage route leading to the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Over the course of nine days, we will walk through the breathtaking landscapes of Galicia, following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who have made this sacred trek for over a thousand years. Beginning in O Cebreiro, a site of Eucharistic Miracle, and continuing through historic villages, lush forests, and rolling hills, each step will be an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and deepening faith. 

Daily Mass at historic churches along the route will enrich our spiritual experience, culminating in the Pilgrim’s Mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

More than just a physical journey, this pilgrimage is an invitation to disconnect from the distractions of daily life and reconnect with God, nature, and fellow travelers. Whether you seek spiritual renewal, a meaningful challenge, or the joy of fellowship with other Catholics, this Camino experience will be one you cherish for a lifetime. Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in one of the most beloved traditions of the Church—reserve your spot today!

PILGRIMAGE DETAILS:

August 31-September 11, 2025

12 days / 10 nights (1 night in on the plane to Spain)

Madrid •O Cebreiro • Sarria • Ferreiros • Portomarin • Ventas de Naron • Lugo

Palas de Rei • Melide • Arzua • O Pino • Santiago de Compostela

Spiritual Director:

Very Reverend Father Paul D. Scalia

Pastor, St James Catholic Church

Diocese of Arlington, VA

• •Roundtrip Airfare Iberia Airlines
  -Washington Dulles-Madrid (Non-Stop)
  -Santiago de Compostela-Washington Dulles, via Madrid
• All airport taxes, fees and fuel charges
• Private Motor Coach Transportation per itinerary and as daily back-up vehicle for pilgrims unable to complete any leg of the Camino
• First Class & Classic Accommodations along the Camino in a double occupancy with private bath
• 2 Nights Sarria, Spain
• 1 Night Portomarin, Spain
• 3 Nights Sambreixo, Spain
• 1 Night Arzua, Spain
• 1 Night O Pino, Spain
• 2 Nights Santiago de Compostela, Spain
• Meals: Breakfast + Dinner Daily
• Pilgrim Card and Pilgrim's Shell
• All entrance fees as per program
• Spiritual Direction, Prayer by Father Scalia
• Daily Mass / Rosary
• Catholic, English speaking Local Camino Guides & JMJ Tours Staff
• Luggage Tags, Badges and Trip Booklet
• PHONE SUPPORT 24/7 for emergencies during the tour

PILGRIMAGE IS OPEN TO:  Walkers, Combination Walker / Bus and Non- Walkers

Walking & Travel Options on the Camino

Our pilgrimage offers flexibility to accommodate all participants, whether you prefer to walk the full route, mix walking with occasional bus travel, or enjoy the journey without walking.

Walking Participants

How the Walks Are Structured:

• Our tour escort organizes daily walks to ensure an enjoyable and supportive experience for all.

• Each day begins with the group walking together before individuals continue at their own pace.

• Approximately every 2-3 km, a designated stop is established where the tour escort will wait until all participants have passed by.

Combination of Walking & Private Motorcoach

• At each designated stop, a motorcoach will be available for those who prefer to continue the journey by bus.

• Important Note: Some sections of the route may not be accessible by bus or taxi. In these cases, pilgrims should be prepared to walk 1-2 km to reach the nearest pick-up point.

Non-Walkers

• Those who choose not to walk can spend the day enjoying the rich culture, local cuisine, and scenic beauty of the towns along the Camino.

• Non-walkers will reunite with the group at the end of each day for transfer to the next destination or hotel.

Support & Flexibility

• The tour escort provides their cell phone number to all participants for easy contact if assistance is needed.

• Pilgrims are encouraged to take their time, rest as needed, and fully embrace the journey at their own pace.

This approach ensures a comfortable, flexible, and enriching pilgrimage experience for everyone, regardless of their preferred level of activity.

01. SEPT === Discover O CEBREIRO with the tour guide: Eucharistic Miracle
02. SEPT === WALK Sarria to Ferreiros - 8 miles | 13 km
03. SEPT === WALK Ferreiros to Portomarin - 5,5 miles | 9 km
04. SEPT === WALK Portomarin to Ventas de Naron - 8 miles | 13 km
05. SEPT === WALK Ventas de Naron to Palas de Rei - 7,3 miles | 11,8 km
06. SEPT === WALK Palas de Rei to Melide - 9,4 miles | 15,2 km
07. SEPT === WALK Melide to Arzua - 8,3 miles | 13,4 km
08. SEPT === WALK Arzua to O Pino - 10 miles | 17 km
09. SEPT === WALK O Pino - Santiago de Compostela – 13 miles | 21 km 

DEPARTURE: Washington, Dulles Airport: August 31, 2025, 5:40 PM
IBERIA AIR IB 0362 , Arrive Madrid, Spain Sept 1, 7:30 AM 

RETURN: from Santiago, Spain: September 11, 2025, 9:20 AM
IBERIA AIR IB 1048 Arrive Madrid September 1, 10:35 AM (Layover, Madrid 1:15 hours)
IBERIA AIR IB 0361 12:55 PM. Arrive Washington, Dulles 4:05 PM

Allianz Global TRIP INSURANCE

We strongly recommend you protect your travel investment with a trip insurance. 

NOTE: Most Affordable Policy is the > BASIC CLASSIC PLAN. Cost: starting at $242 per person. 

Click on link to purchase directly or see your confirmation after registration for link

-100% protection of insured trip cost for Trip Cancellation 

-$10,000 in Primary Emergency Medical & Dental Coverage 

– $50,000 Emergency Medical Transportation

-Trip Interruption ($300), Baggage Loss / Damage ($500)or Travel Delay ($200) and more.

-24 Hour Assistance  

 Click HERE To purchase and view Sample plan coverage details from Allianz Travel Insurance

Final TRIP Confirmation Information and Trip Documents will be posted for download 7-10 Days before departure. You will be notified by text and email

Please note the main page for the pilgrimage is www.JMJtours.com/Camino

Please note Cancellation Policy Signed on Reservation Form

Cancellation Policy 

The cancellation date will be the date we receive your letter. Cancellations received before trip:

• 60 days or prior: Refunded minus the deposit amount+ Amount of Payment # 2 (Listed on WETRAVEL PAYMENT PAGE)

• 31-59 days: Minus the deposit amount +Amount of second and third payment (Listed on WETRAVEL PAYMENT PAGE)

• 30 Days or Less: Not refundable

Selling your space. You may sell your reservation to another person. That person reimburses you directly for the funds you have already paid to JMJ Tours under these terms:

• Up to 35 days prior to departure (subject to airline rules)

• Up to 10 days prior to departure for the land package only

We begin our pilgrimage with our arrival in Madrid at 7:30 AM (Flight IB 0362). After meeting our Tour Escort & Coach, we transfer to O Cebreiro, a charming mountain village steeped in history and faith. Here, we will visit the Church of Santuario de Santa María a Real do Cebreiro, the site of a Eucharistic Miracle that has inspired pilgrims for centuries.

After celebrating Mass, we will have time to explore O Cebreiro before enjoying lunch on our own. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Sarria, the most popular starting point for Camino pilgrims. We conclude our first day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant before resting for the night.

Overnight in Sarria

After breakfast, we begin our first walk along the Camino, covering 8 miles (13 km) from Sarria to Ferreiros. This is one of the most lively and inspiring sections of the route, where we will experience the joy of fellow pilgrims and the hospitality of the Galician people.

Along the way, we will pass:

• Aspera Bridge, a medieval stone bridge.

• Church of San Pedro de Froián, one of the region’s most historic churches.

• Santiago de Barbadelo, known for its stunning Romanesque architecture.

• Santa Maria de Ferreiros, a church welcoming pilgrims for centuries.

After lunch on our own, we transfer back to Sarria and celebrate Mass at the Church of Salvador (private, subject to confirmation). We end the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Sarria

After breakfast, we transfer to Ferreiros, where we begin today’s 9 km (5.5-mile) walk toward Portomarín.

We will pass through the beautiful countryside, surrounded by nature, stopping at Santa Maria de Loio, a historic monastery that was once home to the Knights of Santiago. Our journey continues to Portomarín, a town that was carefully relocated stone by stone after a reservoir was built in the 1960s. Here, we will discover the Church of San Nicolás, originally built by the Knights of St. John, and the Church of San Pedro.

After enjoying lunch on our own, we celebrate Mass at the Church of San Nicolás (private, subject to confirmation) before gathering for dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Portomarín

Today’s walk, covering 8 miles (13 km) from Portomarín to Ventas de Narón, begins with an ascent up Mount San Antonio, offering stunning panoramic views. We will pass through pine forests and open meadows, as well as historic medieval villages and an ancient pilgrim hospital.

After lunch on our own, we transfer to Sambreixo, where we will celebrate Mass at the Church of Santa María de San Breixo (private, subject to confirmation). We conclude the day with a hotel dinner and restful evening.

Overnight in Sambreixo

After breakfast, we transfer to Ventas de Narón and begin today’s 7.3-mile (11.8 km) walk to Palas de Rei.

This section of the Camino crosses the Ligonde Mountain Range, separating the Miño and Ulla Rivers. Along the way, we stop at the Cross of Lameiros, an important marker for pilgrims. We also visit Vilar de Donas, a medieval church famous for its stunning frescoes, before arriving in Palas de Rei, where we will visit San Tirso Church.

After lunch on our own, we celebrate Mass at San Tirso Church (private, subject to confirmation) before transferring back to Sambreixo for dinner.

Overnight in Sambreixo

Today’s 9.4-mile (15.2 km) walk leads us from Palas de Rei to Melide.

Unlike previous days, this route takes us across more challenging hilly terrain, crossing the border between Lugo and La Coruña. Along the way, we stop in Leboreiro, a medieval village.

We arrive in Melide, famous for its Pulpo (octopus), considered some of the best in Spain. A visit to a local “Pulpería” is highly recommended for lunch.

After lunch, we celebrate Mass at the Church of San Pedro in Melide (private, subject to confirmation), then transfer back to Sambreixo for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight in Sambreixo

After breakfast, we transfer to Melide and begin our 8.3-mile (13.4 km) walk to Arzúa.

This section of the Camino winds through forests, rivers, and traditional Galician hamlets, offering one of the most serene and beautiful walks of the journey. Today’s final destination is Arzúa, a town that connects with El Camino del Norte (The Northern Way). Along the way, we will walk through scenic rural landscapes and rolling hills, passing through small villages and historic chapels.

We will visit the Church of Santiago in Arzúa, where we will celebrate Mass (concelebration, subject to confirmation). Afterward, we will enjoy a hotel dinner and rest for the night.

Overnight in Arzúa

Today, we continue our Camino journey, walking 10 miles (17 km) from Arzúa to O Pino.

This stretch of the Camino takes us through lush green forests, open farmlands, and charming hamlets, providing a peaceful and reflective walking experience. Along the way, we will stop at Santa Irene’s Shrine, a medieval chapel dedicated to Saint Irene, a martyr from Portugal. The Baroque fountain of healing waters near the shrine has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, believed to offer blessings to those who visit.

After lunch on our own, we will celebrate Mass at the Church of Santa Eulalia in Arca (concelebration, subject to confirmation). We conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant before a restful night in O Pino.

Overnight in O Pino

Our final day of walking takes us from O Pino to Santiago de Compostela, covering 13 miles (21 km).

The first part of our walk leads us through eucalyptus forests, offering a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. We leave behind the charm of meadows, farms, and small hamlets as we begin a long ascent to Monte de Gozo (“Hill of Joy”), where we will get our first glimpse of the three towering spires of Santiago’s Cathedral—a moment of great emotion and fulfillment for every pilgrim.

From Monte de Gozo, we descend into the historical city of Santiago de Compostela, making our way to the Plaza del Obradoiro, the grand square in front of the Cathedral of St. James—our final destination.

After lunch on our own, we will celebrate Mass at the Church of Santa María Salomé (private, subject to confirmation). We conclude this monumental day with a special dinner at our hotel.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast, we will embark on a guided walking tour (2.5 hours) through the Old Quarter of Santiago, discovering the rich history, culture, and architecture that have made this city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights of our tour include:

• The Cathedral of Santiago, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world.

• The Plaza del Obradoiro, surrounded by stunning granite buildings and home to the Cathedral’s main entrance.

• The Portico de la Gloria, an intricate masterpiece of medieval sculpture.

• The historic monasteries, palaces, and chapels that tell the story of the city’s spiritual and artistic significance.

Following the tour, we will gather for the Pilgrim’s Mass at Santiago Cathedral (concelebration, subject to confirmation).

After lunch on our own, we have an Special Botafumeiro Ceremony, where we witness the grand incense thurible swinging across the cathedral—a centuries-old tradition unique to Santiago.

To celebrate the completion of our pilgrimage, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner in Santiago de Compostela at a renowned local restaurant.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

Early in the morning, we will have breakfast or receive a takeaway meal for those departing early.

At 6:30 AM, we will transfer to Santiago Airport, where we say farewell to this incredible journey.

✈️ 09:20 AM – Departure on Flight IB 1048

Join Us for This Unforgettable Pilgrimage!

This is more than a walk—it’s a journey of faith, renewal, and deep connection to history and spirituality. Every step brings us closer to the Cathedral of Santiago, 

where millions of pilgrims have traveled before us.

This once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago is an opportunity to:

✅ Deepen your faith with daily Mass and prayer.

✅ Experience the beauty of Spain’s landscapes, history, and culture.

✅ Walk in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims before you.

✅ Build lifelong friendships and cherished memories.