VÍA DE LA PLATA: OURENSE TO SANTIAGO
The last kilometres of the Via de la Plata, from Ourense to Santiago, will allow you to discover monasteries and lush valleys such as the River Ulla valley. All this while enjoying the scenery, at a leisurely pace and without the weight of your rucksack. The Vía de la Plata owes its name to an ancient Roman road that linked the city of Mérida “Emerita Augusta” with Astorga “Asturica Augusta”. Today it is a wonderful tourist route that bisects Spain from south to north.
DAY 1: MAKE YOUR OWN WAY TO OURENSE. ACCOMMODATION IN OURENSE.
DAY 2: OURENSE-SAN CRISTOVO DE CEA (22KM): Start the Pilgrim’s Way in the city of Ourense and head towards Cea, a village known for its famous bread: ‘Pan de Cea’. The first stage is the most difficult, with a constant climb. We pass through the village of Tamallancos, with its church of Santa María and the baroque “pazo” (manor house). After Sobreira you cross the 13th-century bridge over the River Barbantiño.
DAY 3: SAN CRISTOVO DE CEA-DOZÓN (21KM): Shortly after leaving Cea, there is an interesting reminder of this beautiful village in the form of a monument to a woman baking bread in her wood-fired oven. After passing the village of Pieles, you enter Oseira. Walk along shady paths in the countryside towards the Mosterio de Oseira (13th century), which we recommend you visit, as it is one of the great monuments of Galicia, considered by many to be the “Galician Escorial*”. You can also take a break and stock up on provisions. Follow a very quiet country road to the village of Dozón, where you enter the province of Pontevedra. Transfer to your accommodation.
*This requires explanation.
DAY 4: DOZÓN-LALÍN (17KM): The day begins with a climb to the top of a hill with stunning views. Passing the church of San Salvador, you reach the top of Santo Domingo hill. Returning to the road, we arrive at Puxallos, the first village of the Concello de Lalín. Here you pass the hermitage and the modern sculpture of St. James the Pilgrim, which is a source of admiration. The route continues through the countryside to Lalín station.
DAY 5: LALÍN-SILLEDA (15 KM): This stage brings us to the beautiful landscapes of the Deza, a well-known Galician agricultural region. As this is a day that is not so hard in terms of kilometres, we will be able to focus more on the small details that emerge along the way. A pleasant short leg, going up and down through forests, farmland and small villages before entering Silleda, famous for its livestock and agricultural fairs, including the Semana Verde (Green Week).
DAY 6: SILLEDA-PONTE ULLA (20KM): Starting with an easy stroll through Bandeira, a town famous for its empanadas (pies), the day continues with a descent through farmland and villages. Just before descending to Ponte Ulla, the old castle is worth a visit for its 360-degree panoramic views. At Ponte Ulla you can visit the church of Santa Maria da Magdalena with its very detailed Romanesque façade.
DAY 7: PONTE ULLA – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (20KM): Today is special because it is the last stage of the whole Vía de la Plata route. Leaving Ponte Ulla, you climb to Pico Sacro, with its San Sebastian chapel and stunning views. The last 2 kilometres to Santiago are still very rural and it is hard to believe that you are so close to a city. Further on, Piñeiro and Angrois will bring you closer to the cobbled section of the Camino de Santiago.
The last link to the network of streets of Galicia’s capital, Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its world-famous cathedral. From here you face the steep climb of Rúa do Sar and Castrón Douro to pass under the arch of the Porta de Mazarelos, the only remaining gate of the ancient wall. You arrive at Praça da Universidade and carry straight on along Rúa da Caldeireiría. Follow the cobbled streets until you reach Praza das Praterías, and take the last steps to Praza do Obradoiro, where all the world’s pilgrimages converge.
DAY 8: CHECK OUT AND END OF OUR SERVICES.
INCLUDED
– Accommodation in double or single room. Breakfast incl.
– Transport of backpacks for each of the stages along the route (max. 15 Kg per backpack).
– Accommodation along the way: Hotels, rural houses, hostels or pensions.
– 1 Guided tour of Santiago (historic centre): 2h in Spanish.
– Informative dossier.
– Travel insurance with 24-hour telephone assistance service.
NOT INCLUDED
– Support car. Transfers IN/OUT
OPTIONAL SERVICES
– Discount for third person in extra bed sharing room with 2 adults 10%.
– Half board supplement (no discount for 3rd person) per person/night €18.00
– Picnic lunch supplement: sandwich, drink and dessert person/day €9.40
– Santiago-Sarria airport transfer supplement: (max. 4)* €162.50
– Santiago city to Santiago airport transfer supplement: (1 to 3 people) €41.25
– Santiago city to Santiago airport transfer supplement: (4 to 7 people) €63.75
– Private transfers and/or support car during the route: please ask.
– Cancellation insurance: please ask.
* FLIGHT DELAYS OR WAITING FOR LUGGAGE CLAIM: €25.00/HOUR