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For many pilgrims, the Portuguese Way is more spiritually connected to the Camino than any other way. The Camino is all about the apostle St James, and Portugal, it is said, is where he was known to have first preached. It is also believed that his final journey to Santiago was via Portugal when his bones were brought back from Jerusalem following his beheading. The Portuguese Way, which is second only to the Camino Francés in popularity with modern day walkers and pilgrims, extends from the capital, Lisbon, across the border to Santiago, and this guided walk takes in the most popular, beautiful and intriguing sections between these two classic European cities. You'll visit the must-see Portuguese cities of Coimbra and Porto, enjoying guided walks and port tastings, and from Porto you'll experience the best of the Central Way, which passes inland through historic towns and countryside, and the Coastal Way, which traces the Atlantic shoreline before heading inland. Crossing into Spain by ferry, we'll continue along the Atlantic coast and another section of the Camino, and visit a manor house near Pontevedra before arriving in the famed cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela.
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29kg of CO2-e PP per day
(287kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Lisbon, afternoon guided walk and welcome dinner
Make your way to the joining hotel in Lisbon and meet your guide at 4pm for a guided orientation walk of the city. Later there's a welcome dinner with the guide and group. We recommend staying a few nights before the trip - Lisbon is such a vibrant and historic city. You can also visit eg Cascais and/or Sintra, accessible as day trips from Lisbon.
Meals: D
Day 2
Transfer to Porto de Muge and walk to Santarem (3-4hrs), transfer to Obidos
Transfer to Porto de Muge where we walk about 13km on the Camino. We transfer into Santarem, where there is free time for lunch. Located on the right bank of the Tagus River, the town has a rich and ancient history, having been inhabited by the Lusitani people, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and later Portuguese Christians. Later we transfer to Óbidos where you can stroll in the old city before dinner.
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Transfer to Rabaçal and walk to Conimbriga (3hrs), transfer to Coimbra
This morning we transfer to Rabaçal from where we walk along the Camino to Conimbriga (approx 11km) where we visit the ruins, the largest Roman settlement in Portugal. After our restaurant lunch we transfer to Coimbra, a lively university town situated on the Mondego River. There will be time this afternoon to visit the old city and university, which is famous for its library Biblioteca Joanina. Dinner and overnight Coimbra.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Walk Mealhada to Anadia (2hrs), transfer to Porto
This morning we transfer to Mealhada where we begin our walk (approx 9km) along the Camino to Anadia. Here there is a small wine museum that you can visit upon arrival. Later we transfer to Porto, located on the banks of the Douro River. Porto's maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port shaped it into a proud city, with an impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. In the evening have a special dinner at a restaurant with lovely river views. Overnight Porto.
Day 5
In Porto
Today is all about Porto. We start with a city stroll with a local guide visiting the Cathedral, the Tower of Clérigos, and the Ribeira-quarter. Following lunch at leisure we will meet up at a wine cellar for a tasting of Tawny Port and Ruby wine. This evening is free for you to sample one of the many great restaurants in this vibrant city. Overnight Porto.
Meals: B
Day 6
Transfer by tram to walk a section of the coastal route (4hrs) and continue to Braga
This morning we take the tram along the river to the Castelo do Queijo. From here we walk along the coast to Agudela (approx 12km) then transfer to Braga. Here we can explore the old quarter with its variety of national monuments and historic buildings on foot. The religious importance of the town is obvious from the Cathedral dominating the centre to the baroque styled pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus do Monte on the outskirts. Dinner and overnight Braga.
Day 7
Walk a section of the Central route before visiting Ponte de Lima (3hrs), overnight Viana do Castelo
Today we transfer to Vitorino dos Piares then walk (approx 12km) along a section of the Camino Portugués Central to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal. Take some time to visit the town and sample the local products for lunch before we transfer to Viana do Castelo, for our overnight stay. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.
Day 8
Cross into Spain by ferry and walk along the Coastal Camino, overnight Parador (2hrs)
We cross the border into Galicia in Spain by ferry, discovering the landscape of the Miño river estuary. After visiting the pre-Roman settlement in Santa Tegra, we pass A Guarda and walk along the Atlantic Coast from Portecelo to Oia (6km). We then transfer to Baiona, visiting the impressive fortress and the Caravela of Colón. Overnight Parador de Baiona. Own dinner arrangements.
Day 9
Walk into Pontevedra and visit a manor house and wine cellar en route to Santiago (2hrs)
This morning we transfer to the outskirts of Pontevedra for a morning walk following the Gafos River (5km) and stroll through the city. In Pontevedra, there's free time for lunch and a stroll to see the sights including the A Peregrina church and the squares of A Ferraría, Leña and Verdura. Later on we will visit a Pazo (manor house) discovering camellia gardens and trying the local wine (Albariño). Later we transfer to Santiago and walk the last section of the Camino into the old town to arrive at the cathedral. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 10
Full day in Santiago, guided tour and free afternoon
This morning there will be a guided tour of Santiago visiting the Cathedral, local market and the Alameda Park. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure, before we join as a group once more for a special farewell dinner.
Day 11
Trip concludes
The trip concludes in Santiago after breakfast. We offer a day trip to Fisterra from Santiago, if you'd like to visit the 'end of the earth' - please ask our staff for details. An extra night in Santiago is usually required as this is a full day trip. We can also assist with a transfer to the airport on request, supplement applies.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 2 - This is a guided walk with average daily stages of 2 to 4 hours on walking days. The trip is graded introductory to moderate as it is mainly on well defined trails, with a few off path sections only. There is diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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