Santiago de Compostela is one of the three great centres of Christian pilgrimage, alongside Rome and Jerusalem. Walking the Camino offers young people an enriching experience, mainly due to the physical challenge and achievement of the Compostela.
Several aspects of the Camino make it truly memorable. The spiritual connection is evident every step of the way, and young people enjoy the sense of adventure, freedom from everyday routine, and the celebratory atmosphere of Santiago and its magnificent Cathedral.
(For parents, our Luxury Escorted Camino Holiday may be an appealing alternative.)
Each pupil completing the pilgrimage will receive the Compostela certificate from the Cathedral’s Pilgrim Office. More importantly, they will gain confidence in their ability to achieve something remarkable, overcoming a significant walking challenge while maintaining high spirits. This experience will leave them feeling connected to this ancient pilgrimage for the rest of their lives.
The Camino is well-signposted and easy to follow. Teachers and leaders are provided with comprehensive print and digital guiding materials. We offer one free teacher’s place for every ten pupils booked, so accompanying staff must cover only their flights and personal expenses.
You will also benefit from expert pre-trip planning and 24/7 Camino team support during the trek. We offer an optional backup vehicle for participants needing an early finish or a day off.
Still undecided on which route is right for you or your group? Explore our full selection of Camino Walking Tours! If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Price Excludes
Earn the Compostela Certificate by Completing the Final 100 km of the Camino de Santiago
This means walking from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in 6 walking days / 7 nights, averaging 10-12 miles (16-20 km) daily. On the last day, you walk into the cathedral square in Santiago de Compostela, where you can attend the Pilgrim Mass and collect your certificates. If time is an issue, you can attend evening Mass.
Our 7-day student itinerary starts from Sarria on the Camino Frances:-
1 . Sarria – arrival day
2 . Portomarin – 14 miles / 22.4 km
3 . Palas de Rei – 16 miles / 24.8 km
4 . Melide – 9.2 miles / 14.6 km
5 . Arzua – 8.9 miles / 14.3 km
6 . Arca – 11.8 miles / 19 km
7 . Santiago de Compostela – 12.6 miles / 20.1 km
Earn The Compostela Certificate
You must walk at least the last 100 km of the Camino to receive the Compostela. The Pilgrim Office issues it, after you arrive in Santiago de Compostela at the end of your journey. We provide each participant with their credential (pilgrim passport), issued by the Cathedral of Santiago, as part of our travel pack. This vital document is stamped at the beginning of your journey, and you must collect another two stamps each dayto record your pilgrimage. On arrival at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago, your credential is checked before the final seal of the Cathedral of Santiago is issued. Then, your Compostela certificate is inscribed with your name for you to take home.
Camino Food and Drink
We provide your school group with breakfast, packed lunch and dinner, a freshly cooked three-course set menu with wine for teachers and water for students. There are several spots along the way for picnicking and many cafes where you can stop for snacks, meals and refreshments. The dishes we provide our school groups are not challenging and are known to be popular with our schools. Rest assured, students will be well-fed and we do our best to cater for any food allergies and preferences up to a certain point.
Galicia is the green corner of Spain, and its lush meadows support many family-run dairy and beef farms. Galician cooking is simple and hearty, using mainly fresh local produce. Those with a sweet tooth will love Tarta de Santiago, a type of almond cake dusted with sugar outlining the shape of the cross of Santiago. A gastronomic point – in Melide, look out for the local speciality “Pulpo Gallego,” which is octopus sprinkled with paprika and served with potatoes. Local wines, cheeses and seafood are all renowned Galician specialities.
For any traveller on the Camino, nourishment and refreshment is an important part of the daily routine. We provide breakfast, packed lunch – picnic style and a 3 course dinner. We also aim to cater for those with particular dietary needs.
Breakfast
For those that get peckish on the trail and can’t wait for lunch, there are cafes along the trail too. You will be able to pick up extra snack items before you set out.
Lunches
Lunches on the Camino are provided as picnics, usually a savoury wrap or sandwich, fruit, cake and water.
Dinner
On the Camino, dinner is usually served from 7 pm — we recommend you take advantage of the local customary “merienda” or afternoon snack to keep you going, once you have arrived at your daily destination.
Hydration
Hydration is essential — carry between 1.5 and 3l of drinking water, depending on the season, temperatures and distance you plan to cover. Keep a sugary and salty snack handy in your pocket or daypack – this will give you that little extra burst of energy to keep you going.
We use well established and licensed lodgings on the Camino that specialise in providing accommodation for pilgrims, known as “albergues”. Some of these are located in religious or historic monuments, others are modern and purpose built establishments. We ensure private dormitories for our school groups, which can be split by gender. Other areas of the albergues are shared by other guests.
