Grinnellian Adventures: Walking the Camino de Santiago
September 23–October 4, 2026
We invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey along one of the world’s most storied pilgrimage routes — the Camino de Santiago — from León to Santiago de Compostela. This thoughtfully curated experience blends independent excursions, cultural exploration, and spiritual reflection. Whether you're drawn by the history, the tradition, or simply the opportunity to walk through the scenic landscapes of northern Spain, this pilgrimage offers a truly meaningful way to travel.
Beginning in vibrant Madrid and concluding in the timeless city of Santiago, each day of the Camino brings something new: charming villages, Romanesque churches, eucalyptus forests, and the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims. Along the way, you'll enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and enriching conversations with faculty hosts and expert guides.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first pilgrimage, we welcome you to join us on this powerful and inspiring adventure. Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve early! Let’s walk, learn, and celebrate the Grinnell spirit — together.
Highlights
- Engage deeply with Spanish culture, history, and cuisine
- Explore the meaning of pilgrimage in today’s world
- Share the experience with fellow alumni, Grinnell faculty hosts, and expert local guides
- Visit charming towns and villages like Sarria, Melide, and Arzúa.
- Discover Romanesque churches, medieval bridges, and ancient forest paths.
- Enjoy curated local experiences like wine tastings, cheese sampling, and visits to historical sites.
- Walk with the support of expert local guides and luggage porterage.
Faculty & Tour Leaders
Will Freeman
Emeritus Professor
American Studies and Physical Education,
Former Head Men’s Cross Country and Track/Field Coach
After a highly successful 42 years of coaching and teaching sport psychology and sport sociology at Grinnell College, Will Freeman has retired from coaching to teach exclusively in the American studies department at Grinnell. His innovative and successful athlete-centered model of coaching is now the model for his student-centered classroom. He is respected nationally and internationally as a teacher and mentor of coaches and athletes. He speaks regularly around the U.S. and beyond.
Working at the intersection of pedagogy, wellness, and psychology, his outside-the-box ideas have resulted in his writing or co-writing six books, multiple articles, and 19 videos for teachers and coaches. As well, his teams have won 33 Midwest Conference team championships during his tenure.
Freeman attended the University of Florida where he was a successful All-America pole vaulter, competed at two Olympic Trials and as a member of the U.S. national team. After his undergraduate work at Florida, he studied Biomechanics/Kinesiology at Indiana University and Sport Psychology at the University of Iowa. A lifelong learner, Freeman continues to learn, teach, and add to the body of knowledge in education.
Education and Degrees
- B.S.P.E., University of Florida
- M.S.P.E., Indiana University
Kesho Scott
Emeritus Faculty
Sociology and American Studies
She is an internationally renowned Diversity Trainer/Consultant, an Associate Professor of American Studies and Sociology at Grinnell College, and an award-winning writer. Kesho was a founding member of International Capacity Building Services, a cultural competency training team that specializes in facilitating both “unlearning isms” and Human Rights workshops as well various seminars and training programs that have been successfully adapted for audiences throughout the United States and abroad. In over two decades of developing unlearning racism work, Kesho has led hundreds of professional and community-based workshops; she has been keynote speaker for national conferences as well as a participant on several dozen national and local radio debates, discussions and public service announcements. Grounded in this extensive experience, Kesho developed an “affirmative duty” technique for facilitating unlearning racism workshops. It is a method that helps shift participants’ awareness, commitment and skill-set toward being actively and personally anti-racist and anti-sexist, rather than remaining merely passive observers.
Education and Degrees
- B.A. Sociology, Wayne State University, 1974
- M.A. Political Sociology, University of Detroit, 1975
- Ph.D. American Studies, University of Iowa, 1988
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Itinerary — Sept. 23–Oct. 4, 2026
(B)= Breakfast, (L)= Lunch, (D)= Dinner
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Depart
Thursday, Sept. 24: Arrive in Madrid
Arrive in Madrid and transfer to your accommodations. This evening, come together at a welcome reception at one of Madrid’s best traditional tapas restaurants. Share a bottle of Rioja and discuss the upcoming trip with your hosts, faculty lecturers, and fellow Grinnell College pilgrims. Overnight: Emperador Hotel, Madrid (D)
Friday, Sept. 25: Madrid – Sarria
Today, we start with a walking tour of Madrid before transferring by train to Sarria (4 hours). Later this evening, we will explore Sarria, including the Romanesque Church of our Savior, the convent of Magdalena, and Rua Maior main street. Overnight: Hotel Alfonso IX, Sarria (B, D)
Saturday, Sept. 26: Sarria – Ferreiros 13 km
Sarria is strategically placed just over the 100Km mark away from Santiago, which is the minimum distance to be covered in your pilgrimage to be eligible to receive the completion certificate (la Compostela) once you reach Santiago. For this reason, it is the ideal starting place for new Camino walkers. As we leave the town, enjoy panoramic views of the Sierras in the distance. This part of the Camino has a unique culture owing to the mysterious origins of its inhabitants. The beauty and simplicity of their villages add to the magnificent natural surroundings. Return to Sarria and enjoy delicious food sitting on one of many terraces along the river. (B, L)
Sunday, Sept. 27: Ferreiros – Gonzar 14 km
After breakfast, begin the day’s stage. This stage does not involve any difficulty; the terrain is smooth and undulating. The end of the stage shows us Portomarín at the foot of the Belesar Reservoir, formed by the Miño River. When you arrive in Portomarín, relax at one of the numerous outdoor cafés in the main square. Overnight: Hotel Ferramenteiro, Portomarin (B, D)
Monday, Sept. 28: Gonzar – Palas de Rei 15.5 km
The day starts by crossing over the Belesar dam footbridge, followed by a gradual climb ending in the village of Ligonde. There are many signs indicating that we are on a pilgrim route, including the famous "cruceiros" (crucifixes). Check out the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas. At the end of the stage, we will transfer back to Portomarín. (B, D)
Tuesday, Sept. 29: Palas de Rei – Melide 15 km
On this stage, you will move into the province of La Coruña. Where you will find expanses of eucalyptus and pine trees and numerous medieval bridges, such as those in Leboreiro and Furelos. The final stop of today is Melide, which is famous for its octopus and is an obligatory stop for pilgrims and lovers of good food. Overnight: Hotel Azura, Azura (B, D)
Wednesday, Sept. 30: Melide – Arzua 14 km
Pass through ancient villages, Romanesque churches, and peaceful woodland trails. We trace the Camino as it weaves along country lanes and ancient stone pathways called corredoiras. Farmers tend their fields, and the chimes of cowbells accompany the sounds of your footsteps. In this area of rural Galicia, it is not uncommon to see villagers still using scythes to work the land. We end our day in Arzúa. A highlight this evening will be a sampling of local cuisine, including creamy cows’ cheese. (B, D)
Thursday, Oct. 1: Arzua – O Pedrouzo 19 km
After our stay in Arzúa, where you can visit the Convent of Mary Magdalen and the parochial church of Santiago, we'll get our pilgrim passports stamped and head out to the town of O Pedrouzo. This stage takes you through quiet forest paths with eucalyptus groves between villages that are so small with houses so spread out that it is hard to tell where one village ends and the next one begins. The scenery is one of the most beautiful throughout el Camino. Towards the end of the stage, we will visit the chapel and fountain of St Irene, built in the Baroque style and its waters are said to have healing powers. (B, D)
Friday, Oct. 2: Lavacolla – Santiago 10 km
Today’s section of the Camino will take you past vegetable patches, meadows, forests, and tranquil villages. Excitement mounts as the trail brings you closer to Santiago de Compostela. Walk through rolling terrain towards Lavacolla, where medieval pilgrims traditionally bathed in the river to purify themselves before arriving in the holy city of Santiago. From here, you’ll begin to ascend the Monte del Gozo (“Mount of Joy”), the point where pilgrims first catch sight of the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago, which these days is surrounded by the busy and modern city of Santiago. Arriving in the Obradoiro Square, in front of the immense Cathedral, is an exciting moment, and after performing the traditional pilgrim rituals inside the Cathedral, check in to your hotel for a well-earned rest! Overnight: Hotel Montes, Santiago (B, L)
Pilgrim’s Passport
At the conclusion of your pilgrimage, you will have the opportunity to receive the Compostela, the official certificate of completion for the Camino de Santiago. Issued by the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela, the Compostela is a centuries-old tradition granted to those who walk at least the final 100 kilometers of the route with a spirit of reflection or devotion. Throughout the journey, pilgrims collect stamps (sellos) in their Credencial del Peregrino, or pilgrim passport, at churches, inns, cafés, and other waypoints. Once in Santiago, you’ll present your stamped redential to the officials, who will inscribe your name—traditionally in Latin—on the certificate. Receiving the Compostela in the shadow of the great cathedral is a meaningful and celebratory moment, marking both a personal achievement and a connection to a long and powerful tradition of pilgrimage.
Saturday, Oct. 3: Santiago de Compostela
Set out this morning on a walking tour of Santiago, whose Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful urban areas. It was destroyed in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 11th century, and we will see its oldest structures, located around the Cathedral. Walk around the four famous squares; visit the Jewish quarter and the central food market, where we will find an impressive selection of Galician products; view the Rua do Franco, Santiago’s oldest street; and continue to Alameda Park, from where we will enjoy splendid views of the Cathedral and historic area. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure before gathering tonight for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Sunday, Oct. 4: Return
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Pricing
- $6490 per person, based on double occupancy
- $850 single supplement
A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your space.
Price Includes
- Accommodations atexcellent hotels
- Breakfast daily, two lunches, eight dinners
- Light snack provisions for hiking days
- Fees (museums, tours, guides, etc.)
- Excursions
- Tips
- Camino Pilgrim Credential
- Local tour manager
- Porterage of one bag per guest
Price does not include
- Airfare to and from Spain
- Alcoholic drinks
- Hotel incidentals such as room service, mini bar, internet and phone charges, laundry, etc
- Travel and Medical insurance – Highly recommended and offered by Winding Way Travel
Payments
A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your space and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, or check made payable to Winding Way Travel. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure and by check, ACH transfer, or wire transfer only. Credit cards are subject to a 3% processing fee.
Participant Cancellation Fees
All requests by participants for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations up to 91 days prior to departure are refunded less a cancellation fee of $500 per person. 90 - 70 days prior, deposit nonrefundable. 69 - 46 days prior, 50% of tour cost. Cancellations received 45 days or less prior to departure are subject to a cancellation fee of 100%. For this and other reasons, participants are strongly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Information will be provided with confirmation of receipt of your deposit.
Additonal Information
Prices, itinerary, accommodations, and leader are subject to change. Prices quoted are based on group participation, and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate. It is understood that refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for whatever reason.
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FAQ
What can I expect on the trip?
Participants can expect a thoughtfully paced, enriching journey along the final 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago, designed to be both accessible and deeply rewarding. Over the course of 7 walking days, you’ll cover approximately 10 to 19 kilometers (6 to 12 miles) each day on gently rolling terrain through picturesque countryside, quiet forests, and historic villages. The pace allows ample time for rest, reflection, and exploration, with luggage transported separately so you can walk with ease. Along the way, you'll enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious regional meals, and the camaraderie of fellow Grinnell alumni and faculty.
Do I need travel insurance for the trip?
Highly recommended and offered by Winding Way Travel.
May I bring guests?
Each alum may bring guests. Your guests do not need to be alumni.
What if I need assistance during the trip with something?
A staff member from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will attend the trip to support all guests and our faculty leaders.
Questions?
Contact Guinevere Natarelli, associate director of alumni and donor relations, at wallacegu@grinnell.edu or call 641-269-4633. You may also contact Shoshana Altrichter at shoshana@windingwaytravel.com.
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