Santiago de Compostela is one of the three great centres of Christian pilgrimage along with Rome and Jerusalem. Walking the Camino offers young people an enriching experience, not least due to the physical challenge.
There are many aspects of the Camino that make it truly memorable: the spiritual connection is evident every step of the way and young people really enjoy the sense of adventure, freedom from everyday routine, and the celebratory atmosphere of Santiago and its magnificent Cathedral. If you’re reading this as a parent, perhaps you’d like to opt for our Luxury Escorted Camino Holiday instead.
Each pupil completing the pilgrimage will receive the Compostela certificate given out by the Cathedral’s Pilgrim Office. But, more importantly, they will leave with the confidence that they can achieve something truly great, facing down a huge walking challenge while keeping their spirits up. And they will feel connected to this ancient pilgrimage for the rest of their lives.
The Camino is well sign-posted and easy to follow. Teachers and leaders are supplied with comprehensive print and digital guiding materials.
You also benefit from expert pre-trip planning and 24:7 Camino team support during the hike. We can supply an optional backup vehicle, just in case any participants require an early finish or even a day off.
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Earn The Compostela & Galician Gastronomy
The Compostela
To earn the Compostela, you will need to have walked at least the last 100km of the Camino. We provide you with the credencial document issued by the Cathedral of Santiago as part of your travel pack. You have this stamped at the beginning of your journey and collect at least two more stamps each day. This is the way that you record your journey by distance and by route, in order to receive the Compostela.
On arrival at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago, your credencial will be checked for compliance before issuing the final seal of the Cathedral of Santiago. Then your Compostela certificate is issued and inscribed with your name in Latin.
Galician Gastronomy
This is an area that still preserves a traditional way of life. 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” – octopus – sprinkled with paprika and served with potatoes.
The wines, cheeses and seafood are all renowned Galician specialities. Unlike the red wine-producing rest of Spain, Galicia’s climate is better suited to whites. Albariño is a straw-coloured wine with a distinct peach flavour that’s now highly respected outside Spain and the perfect companion to fish and seafood.
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.
Earn the Compostela Certificate by Completing the Final 100 km of the Camino de Santiago
In practice, this means walking from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in 6 walking days / 7 nights, averaging 10-12 miles (16-20 km) per day.
We highly recommend spending a second night in Santiago, so you’re not under pressure to make it to Santiago for the main Pilgrim Mass in the Cathedral which takes place daily at noon. Take your time on the last day in the knowledge you’ll be able to attend the main event the following day – without rushing. If time is an issue, you can attend evening Mass.
Our popular 7-day itinerary starts at 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
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.
