Ottawa, ON; June 7, 2017 – Active Europe holiday specialist UTracks is encouraging travellers to complete a 100km section of the Camino de Santiago to earn a Compostela Certificate this summer. From mountain biking to food-focused itineraries, UTracks chooses the most exciting ways to achieve an accredited.

The Original Way: Oviedo – Lugo – Melide – Santiago

Thought to have been the very first pilgrimage route to Santiago, it is often considered more challenging. Crossing mountains and passing through dark woods, the path offers a quieter trail through beautiful natural settings, gorgeous rural farmland, and authentically friendly villages of northern Spain.

• Enjoy it with local cuisine, including wine and gourmet dinners, on the Food Lover's Spanish Camino

The Portuguese Way: Lisbon – Porto – Santiago

Pilgrims looking for an alternative experience can reach St. James' resting place from the south along the Camino Portugués. Often overlooked and much quieter, the route from Lisbon to Santiago combines a wealth of history with picturesque rural landscapes.

• Cycle it in just over two weeks on the Portuguese Way Cycle: Lisbon to Santiago

The English Way: Ferrol – Santiago

Named for English pilgrims arriving by boat to Spain's northern coast, it is the least travelled of all the routes. With no major cities, the tiny villages along the way offer a unique opportunity to take in local Galician culture while delighting in the woodlands, rolling meadows, churches, and monasteries along the way.

• Avoid the crowds on the English Way to Santiago de Compostela. 

The French Way: St Jean Pied de Port – Santiago

Crossing the Pyrenees from France, early pilgrims followed a similar route to what is known today as the Camino Francés, once used by the Romans for trading. By far the most popular route, it passes a multitude of churches and famous towns, as well as a variety of landscapes.

• Try it on a mountain bike on the Spanish Camino by Bike or by foot on the Camino – Leon to Santiago

The Full French Way of St. James: Le Puy-en-Velay – St. Jean Pied de Port

A classic journey for pilgrims and history buffs for more than 1,000 years, the full length of the lesser-known French section of the Camino stands out as the most spectacular. Spanning 40 days, the route takes in some of the most scenic parts of France across the high plateaus of the Massif Central and the volcanic highlands of Velay, through rustic villages, past impressive castles and monuments all with the backdrop of the quaint French countryside.

• Experience the adventure of a lifetime on the Full French Way of St James. 

Offering the largest selection of itineraries on the Camino, UTracks' creative guided and self guided holidays cater to the needs and styles of its travellers. For detailed information and bookings, visit utracks.com or call 1-800-567-2216.

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About UTracks

UTracks specializes in active self guided and small group holidays in Europe. Offering a comprehensive selection of unique and innovative itineraries, its trips provide flexibility and choice in the European travel landscape for those travellers looking to actively experience the continent their way. With walking, trekking, cycling and e-bike options available, UTracks features the best of each region at the greatest possible value. UTracks is part of the World Expeditions Travel Group.  

www.utracks.com