St Cecilia's Episcopal Church Walks the Camino – Madrid to Santiago
The French Way pilgrimage for St Cecilia's Episcopal Church, Round Top, TX
Date: 18th - 28th October 2026
Route: Madrid → Astorga → Sarria → Portomarín → Arzúa → O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela
An 11-night pilgrimage beginning in Madrid with time in the Prado Museum and a talk by historian Giles Tremlett, traveling through Astorga, then walking the classic French Way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. Six walking days cover 73 miles / 117km with a private coach alongside, so pilgrims can walk as much or as little as they wish.
This private page is for St Cecilia's Episcopal Church's pilgrims. It gathers all the information about this Camino. Scroll down to explore the route, understand what's included, learn how to prepare, and register when you're ready.
Quick Links
The Route: Madrid To Santiago
You'll begin in Madrid with two nights in a 5★ hotel, to help you immerse into the Spanish culture, including a guided visit to the Prado Museum and a talk by historian Giles Tremlett. It is in Madrid you'll receive your pilgrim's blessing. You'll then travel to Astorga, a medieval city at the crossroads of the Camino and the old Roman Silver Road, before heading to Sarria where you begin six days of walking the classic French Way to Santiago de Compostela.
Walking happens over six consecutive days (Days 4–9), with two nights at the start in Madrid and two nights in Santiago at the end. A private coach accompanies you each day, giving you flexibility — most pilgrims walk the full daily distance, but you can shorten a stage or ride if needed.
Route snapshot:
Total distance walked: 73 miles / 117km
Daily average: Roughly 10–14 miles / 16–23km per day
Walking days: 6 consecutive days
Terrain: Mix of woodland paths, farm tracks, quiet lanes and village streets
Pacing: Generally 4–6 hours of walking per day, with breaks and flexibility
Coach support: Available every day for full or partial days if needed
The journey: Two nights in Madrid | One night in Astorga | Six walking days Sarria to Santiago | Two nights at the Parador in Santiago
Is This Pilgrimage Right For You?
Take a moment to see if this Camino matches what you're looking for:
This pilgrimage is for you if:
You enjoy walking 10–14 miles per day on varied terrain
You want full support with coach, hotels and meals included
You'd like to connect with your church community in a meaningful way
You value both culture and walking — time in Madrid and on the trail
You don't need to be an experienced hiker.
If you can walk several hours at a comfortable pace and you're willing to do training walks before departure, you're ready. The coach is always available if you need it
What You'll Experience
Sacred Moments
Pilgrim blessing and Compostela passport at Madrid's Anglican Cathedral
Pilgrim's Mass in Santiago Cathedral
Service with your church community
The Walking Experience
Six days of walking the iconic French Way from Sarria to Santiago
Coach support every day — walk as much or as little as you need
Passing the 100km marker (the minimum for the Compostela)
Arrival in Obradoiro Square as pilgrims together
Cultural & Sensory
Guided visit to the Prado Museum with an art historian
Talk by historian Giles Tremlett, author of "Ghosts of Spain"
Private dinner and flamenco show at Botín, the world's oldest restaurant
Astorga's Gothic cathedral and Gaudí's Episcopal Palace
Two nights at the Parador de Santiago on Obradoiro Square
The Community
Eleven days walking alongside your church family
Led by St Cecilia's Episcopal Church's leaders
Hosted by experienced Camino guides
Shared meals, evening gatherings and moments of reflection
Day by day on the French Way
Day 1 – Welcome to Madrid
Home → Madrid
Overview
Arrive in Madrid and settle into your central 5★ hotel, the centrally located NH Suecia. In the evening, you gather for a welcome dinner hosted by Insider’s Camino with writer Giles Tremlett and meet the rest of your group.
Today’s highlights
First chance to meet your fellow pilgrims and leaders
Time to arrive, unpack and start to slow down
Welcome dinner in the heart of Madrid
Practical details
Overnight: NH Suecia, 5★ hotel, central Madrid
Main meal: Group welcome dinner at Sagardi Restaurant
Day 2 – Art, blessing and an evening of tradition
Madrid (on foot + coach)
Overview
After breakfast you walk to the Prado Museum for a guided highlights tour with an art historian, then see more of central Madrid on a panoramic coach tour. You visit the Anglican Cathedral of Redeemer to receive your pilgrim's blessing, your pilgrim's passport and scallop shell, with a light buffet lunch. In the evening you visit Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, for a private visit and dinner, followed by a flamenco show.
Today’s highlights
Guided visit to the Prado Museum with an art historian
Pilgrim blessing and Compostela passport at the Catedral del Redentor
Private visit and dinner at Botín, plus flamenco show
Practical details
Overnight: 5★ hotel, central Madrid
Main meal: Dinner at Botín followed by flamenco show
Day 3 – Astorga and arrival in Camino country
Madrid → Astorga → Portomarín (coach)
Overview
Leaving Madrid by coach, you travel north to the medieval city of Astorga, at the crossroads of the Camino and the old Roman Silver Road. A guided visit takes in the cathedral and Gaudí-designed Episcopal Palace, with time for a light lunch. Later you continue by coach into Galicia and arrive in Portomarín, where you settle into your hotel and share dinner together.
Today’s highlights
Scenic coach journey from Madrid towards Galicia
Guided visit to Astorga’s cathedral and Gaudí’s Episcopal Palace
First evening in accommodation on the Camino
Practical details
Overnight: Hotel Vistalegre, Portomarín
Main meal: Group dinner at Restaurante Perez
Day 4 – First steps: Sarria to Portomarín
Sarria → Portomarín · 22.3km / 13.85 miles
Overview
After breakfast you transfer by coach to Sarria for your first day on the French Way. The path leads through villages, farmland and pockets of chestnut and oak woodland, past the important 100km marker – the minimum distance for the Compostela. You finish the day in Portomarín, crossing the Miño River and climbing into the town before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Today’s highlights
Starting your Camino on the trail at Sarria
Passing the 100km marker towards Santiago
Walking through classic Galician countryside to Portomarín
Practical details
Overnight: Hotel Vistalegre, Portomarín
Main meal: Group dinner at O' Mirador
Day 5 – Views, cruceiros and a country hotel
Portomarín → Airexe · 17.3km / 10.75 miles
Overview
You leave Portomarín and climb gently through woodland, rewarded with wide views over the Galician hills. The route passes through small hamlets, wayside cafés, and by stone crosses including the ornate cruceiro at Lameiros. Reaching Airexe, you end the walking stage and take a short coach transfer to your charming, rural hotel, A Parada das Bestas, where you stay for two nights.
Today’s highlights
Gradual climb out of Portomarín with far-reaching views
Stone crosses and quiet hamlets along the Way
First night at a peaceful countryside hotel
Practical details
Overnight: Paradas das Bestas, near Palas de Rei (2 nights)
Main meal: Dinner at hotel
Day 6 – Rolling country to Palas de Rei and O Coto
Airexe → O Coto · 16.1km / 10 miles
Overview
Today’s stage winds through rolling countryside towards Palas de Rei, a lively Camino town with cafés and a Romanesque church. As more pilgrims join the route, the path becomes more sociable. You continue through oak and eucalyptus woods and small villages until O Coto, where the stage ends before returning by coach to your rural hotel.
Today’s highlights
Gentle paths through fields and woodland
Time for a rest in Palas de Rei, an important Camino town
Social stretches of path as more pilgrims join the route
Practical details
Overnight: Paradas das Bestas, near Palas de Rei
Main meal: Dinner at the hotel
Day 7 – Melide, bridges and Arzúa cheese
O Coto → Arzúa · 20.5km / 13.74 miles
Overview
From O Coto you walk towards Melide, where the Camino Primitivo meets the French Way and many pilgrims stop to taste the local octopus. The route continues over the medieval bridge at pretty Ribadiso da Baixo and through villages on the outskirts of Arzúa, known for its rich, creamy cheese. A short coach ride takes you to a rural country estate nearby, where you stay for two nights.
Today’s highlights
Meeting of Camino routes in busy Melide
Crossing the medieval bridge at Ribadiso da Baixo
First evening at a traditional Galician country estate near Arzúa
Practical details
Overnight: A Painza, Arzúa area (2 nights)
Main meal: Dinner at A Painza
Day 8 – The last full day on the trail
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo · 19.2km / 11.9 miles
Overview
Today you walk from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo through meadows, woods and a string of small villages and hamlets. With Santiago now within reach, the day carries a mix of anticipation and reflection. In the evening you return to your countryside base near Arzúa for our group's Eucharist in the Estate's family chapel. This is followed by an aperitivo-style gathering with local music and casual dinner.
Today’s highlights
Quiet woodland and village paths as Santiago draws closer
Time to reflect on the journey during your last full walking day
Eucharist for our group and relaxed evening with Galician music
Practical details
Overnight: A Painza, Arzúa area
Main meal: Dinner at estate
Day 9 – Walking into Santiago together
O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela · 19.3km / 12 miles
Overview
Your final day on the trail begins back at O Pedrouzo, with the path leading towards Monte do Gozo and the first glimpse of Santiago’s cathedral spires. The last miles are more urban but deeply meaningful as you walk into the city. Pilgrims who have walked different distances come together to enter Obradoiro Square as a group. In the evening, private Eucharist in the 12th-century church of San Fiz and enjoy dinner at a favourite local restaurant.
Today’s highlights
First views of Santiago from Monte do Gozo
Shared arrival into Obradoiro Square in front of the cathedral
Evening Communion service at the 12th century San Fiz
Celebratory dinner in Santiago
Practical details
Overnight: Parador de Santiago de Compostela, 5★
Main meal: Dinner at the Altamira restaurant
Day 10 – Exploring Santiago and farewell dinner
Santiago de Compostela
Overview
You spend today discovering Santiago with a private walking tour of the old town, cathedral and its museum, including a visit to the Anglican Pilgrim's Centre that your pilgrimage helps support. You attend the Pilgrim's Mass at the Cathedral and see the botafumeiro if in service. Free time for lunch and a free afternoon to wander, rest or shop before gathering in a private room at the Parador for a farewell dinner overlooking Obradoiro Square.
Today’s highlights
Guided tour of Santiago’s cathedral, museum and historic streets
Visit to the Anglican Centre in Santiago
Pilgrims’ Mass with Botafumeiro (if in use)
Farewell dinner, looking back over the journey together
Practical details
Overnight: Parador de Santiago de Compostela 5★
Main meal: Farewell dinner at the private dining room at the Parador
Day 11 – Homeward journey
Santiago de Compostela → Home
Overview
After breakfast at the Parador, there is time for a final walk across the square or a last visit to the cathedral before you depart for the airport or onward travel. The organised pilgrimage ends, but many pilgrims find that the experience of the French Way continues to shape prayer, conversation and church life back home.
Today’s highlights
Final moments in Santiago’s old town and Obradoiro Square depending on your departure time
Journey home or onwards with time to reflect on what the Camino has opened up for you and your church
Practical details
Overnight: n.a.
Main meal: Breakfast at the Parador (included)
Where You'll Stay
Accommodation on this pilgrimage reflects both comfort and character:
2 nights at the NH Suecia hotel 5★ , central Madrid
2 nights at Vistalegre, Portomarín
2 nights at A Parada das Bestas, near Palas de Rei
2 nights at a rural estate, Arzúa area
2 nights at the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, 5★ Santiago
What's included at each hotel:
Breakfast is included every morning
Dinners with wine and non-alcoholic drinks are included throughout the pilgrimage — from welcome dinner in Madrid to flamenco show at Botín, evening meals in countryside hotels, and farewell dinner at the Parador in Santiago
Lunches are at your own expense, giving you the freedom to choose cafés, bars or simple picnic spots along the Way according to your pace and appetite
Hosts
Father Bill Miller
St Cecilia's Episcopal Church leader
Father Bill Miller is a priest, writer, and speaker whose sermons and talks blend inspiration, humor, and unforgettable storytelling. He is the author of three books, including The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul and The Beer Drinker's Guide to God.
An experienced pilgrimage leader, Father Bill has guided groups to the Holy Land, Celtic sites in England and Scotland, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal. He has founded four music festivals, pioneered creative worship experiences, and is a passionate animal advocate who has rescued eight dogs. He is the visionary behind Saint Cecilia's, one of the fastest-growing Episcopal church plants in the country, and lives in Round Top, Texas, with his dog Mystic.
Georgie Wingfield-Hayes
Camino guide
Georgie is a British biologist and writer who lives in Spain and has a lifelong love for its language, people, culture, landscapes and nature. When not guiding pilgrim groups on the Camino, she spends time in the wild mountains of Sanabria in north-western Spain, writing about the relationship between humans and nature. She first walked and guided on the Camino in 2006 and never tires of accompanying pilgrims on their journeys.
Pricing & What's Included
What's Fully Included
10 nights' accommodation in quality hotels and the Parador in Santiago
Breakfast daily at each hotel
Dinners with wine and non-alcoholic options — from welcome dinner in Madrid through to farewell dinner overlooking Santiago Cathedral
Private coach from Madrid to Santiago, accompanying you throughout and supporting the walking
Experienced Camino host & guide — expertise and care from our Insider's Camino team every day
Guided visits and activities as specified in the itinerary:
Guided visit to the Prado Museum with an art historian
Pilgrim's blessing at the Catedral del Redentor
Private dinner at Botín, followed by flamenco show
Guided visit to Astorga's cathedral and Gaudí's Episcopal Palace
Walking tour of Santiago Cathedral and old city
Visit to the Anglican Pilgrim's Centre
$200 USD donation per pilgrim to the Friends of the Anglican Centre in Santiago de Compostela, supporting Anglican presence and witness in Spain
All applicable local taxes
What You'll Arrange & Pay For
Flights to and from Spain
Travel insurance (required — we recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical and repatriation)
Lunches — you'll choose where to eat along the Way, giving you freedom and variety
Personal spending — coffee, snacks, shopping, independent activities, museums, etc.
Gratuities for guides and drivers (optional but appreciated if service has been excellent)
Pricing
Price per person (based on shared room): $6695
Single room supplement: $1100
Non-refundable deposit per person: $700
Balance due: 20th July, 2026
Payment timeline
Reserve your place with the non-refundable deposit
Your place is confirmed once deposit is received
The remaining balance is due by [Balance Due Date]
Questions about payments? Contact Olga at Insider's Camino: [email protected]
For pastoral or community questions about whether this is the right pilgrimage for you, speak with Father Bill Miller at St Cecilia's Episcopal Church.
Before You Register
Packing & Preparation
Packing well makes a big difference to how comfortable you feel on the Camino. Our detailed packing guide covers boots, clothing, gear and foot care.
Before departure, try to build up to walks of 10+ miles to prepare your body and build confidence.
Our Commitment to You
We handle the logistics — hotels, coaches, meals, daily arrangements — so you can focus on the journey.
The coach is always there. If you need to ride rather than walk on any day, shorten a stage, or need extra support, it's available. We build flexibility in for mixed-ability groups.
We want you to arrive home changed, not tired. The goal of this pilgrimage is transformation through walking, community and faith — not endurance.
Terms & Conditions & FAQs
Gallery – the French Way in pictures
The French Way is as much about the feel of the journey as the miles you walk. These images offer a glimpse of what you might see between Madrid, Astorga, Sarria and Santiago – woodland paths, village bridges, quiet chapels and the moment of arrival in Obradoiro Square.
Ready To Walk The Camino With St Cecilias's Episcopal Church?
This is a journey you'll carry with you for the rest of your life — the rhythm of walking, the kindness of strangers, the beauty of the landscape, the presence of God on an ancient path, and the gift of shared life with your church community.
Your next step:
Complete the registration form below
Arrange your deposit payment of $700
Your place is confirmed when we receive your deposit
Balance is due by 20th July, 2026
Before you register — have questions?
Pastoral or community questions: Speak with Father Bill Miller at St Cecilia's Episcopal Church, Round Top
Practical or logistics questions: Contact Olga at Insider's Camino: [email protected]
In collaboration with
Follow Us
Walking Pilgrimages
Light Walking Pilgrimages
Explore Insider’s Travel:
Legal
Copyright 2026. Insider's Camino. All Rights Reserved.