Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the world’s oldest cities: known as Olispio by the Romans, settled by the Visigoths and the Arabs before becoming the base for the “Discoveries’ – Columbus, Magellan and Vasco de Gama all set sail from here. An earthquake in 1755 destroyed many buildings and dramatically brought an end to this powerful empire. The UNESCO-listed monastery in Belem still stands and is definitely worth a visit, as is the Alfama district for ‘fado’ (music) – or simply enjoy a stroll through the streets of this beautiful city. You will find the first waymark of your Portuguese Camino at the Cathedral.

Meals:  Nil

In the morning transfer to Santa Iria de Azoia where your walk commences. Initially walking through industrial outskirts and modern suburban developments, the last 4km from Alhandra to Vila Franca is riverside and pleasant. Once a Crusader town, Vila Franca is known today for breeding fighting bulls (its Festa do Colete, ‘running of the bulls’, is held in early July). Nearby is a large wetland reserve, home to vast flocks of migrating fowl. Overnight in Vila Franca de Xira. Distance 18km/11.3mi

Meals:  B

Continue along the river, through flat agricultural land – and a couple of industrial zones – to Azambuja, gateway to the fertile floodplains of the Tagus. Azambuja was home to one of Portugal's most famous female matadors, Ana Maria, and its 'running of the bulls' festival is held in May. Overnight in Azambuja. Distance 20km/12.4mi

Meals:  B

Today’s walk follows farm tracks through ‘the market garden of Portugal’, the rich flood plains of the Tagus. Here you’ll find fruit, vegetables and vineyards. Wander through riverside villages before a short uphill to Santarem. Once an administrative centre of the Romans, the town was settled by the Moors and considered unassailable until its recapture by the Portuguese in 1149. The beautiful main square is surrounded by churches, and don’t miss the ceramic tiled Igeja de Marvila and the view from the Portas do Sol. Overnight in Santarem. Distance 33km/20.5mi

Meals:  B

Today’s walk again follows rural tracks and lanes and passes through villages along the Tagus. If the weather is dry, consider leaving the new path to visit the town of Azinhaga, birthplace of Portugal’s 1998 Nobel Prize winning writer, Jose Saramago. At Golega, the 16th century Parish Church has a beautiful Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) gate and its museum owns a collection of sculptures by Martins Correia. Nearby is the Paul do Boquilobo Nature Reserve, the marsh habitat and breeding ground of several species of water fowl (April to June). Golega’s famous horse fair is held in the first two weeks of November and accommodation is scarce. Overnight in Golega. Distance 31km/19mi

Meals:  B

Walk along the Tagus via the abandoned manor Quinta da Cardiga with its Manueline portal and 16th and 17th tiles. From here, the countryside changes from alluvial plains to undulating hills as you head away from the river. Continue through woodlands and several villages then follow the Nabao river to historic Tomar. In the late 12th century, Tomar’s castle was the headquarters of the Portuguese Templars and the town remains an archetype of Templar layout and architecture. Don’t miss the richly embellished Charola or Round Church in the Convent of Christ. Lots to see and a great feel make Tomar an ideal town to have a rest day (must be arranged at the time of booking). Overnight in Tomar. Distance 30km/18.6mi

Meals:  B

Travelling across flat rural plains, woodlands of pine and eucalypt and several hamlets, today’s walk is peaceful despite being mostly on paved roads. Overnight in Alvaiazere. Distance 31km/19mi

Meals:  B

More flat rural plains today, with vineyards, olive trees and pines the predominant landscape. There are many little hamlets en route and the mid-way town of Ansiao has a Saturday farmers' market. Cross the 17th bridge leaving Ansiao before heading along forest track through pines and eucalypts, where sap is collected in the traditional method. Continue to the attractive hilltop town of Alvorge. Overnight in Alvorge. Distance 23km/14.2mi

Meals:  B

Today's walk takes you through a variety of landscapes, mostly through farmlands and passing woods. You pass the Roman ruins at Conimbriga where you can stop and discover the many mosiacs before continuing to the town of Condeixa a Nova. Overnight in Condeixa a Nova. Distance 25km/16mi

Meals:  B

Today you continue walking along paved roads and through small hamlets. The trail is undulating around the town of Palheira. Along the way, Cruz dos Mourocos has remnants of a Roman aqueduct and the town of Santa Clara has a dramatic and somewhat macabre story: Dona Ines de Castro secretly wed Pedro, son of King Alfonso IV, and was tragically murdered by the King as he feared her Spanish heritage. On his father’s death and subsequent coronation, Pedro exhumed Dona Ines' corpse, crowned it and forced courtiers to pay homage and kiss her decaying hand, in revenge. Cross the Mondego River to Coimbra, a thriving university town with many historic buildings. Overnight in Coimbra. Distance 15km/9.3mi

Meals:  B

The trail today is quite flat. It follows river valleys and irrigation channels along a mix of asphalt and Roman roads. Passing through several villages, arrive in Mealhada, once a major Roman crossroads. It is now best known for leitão da bairrada, suckling pig. Pigs from the surrounding Barraida region are acorn fed and considered the best in Portugal. Mealhada is also well known for its wine. Overnight in Mealhada. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B

Today the path is gently undulating along the Certima river valley. It is mostly along roads with pockets of vineyards and woodland tracks. You'll pass through the town of Avelas de Caminho with its pretty Manueline featured Quinta de Grimpa. Continue to Agueda after crossing the river and the old bridge Ponte Velha. Overnight in Agueda. Distance 25.5km/15.8mi

Meals:  B

The path is again quite flat except for a small ascent into Albergaria. Walk along the original Via Romana XVI and across the recently restored bridge Marnel towards Albergaria, founded in 1120 to provide refuge to pilgrims on the Camino. This afternoon you will be transferred back to Agueda for the night. Overnight in Agueda. Distance 16.3km/10mi

Meals:  B

After breakfast, transfer to Albergaria to re-commence your walk. The terrain today is more undulating than in past days, through pine and eucalypt forests and local villages. Oliveira has an old centre, the Matriz de Sao Miguel church and a row of fine houses dating from the 1800s, built by prosperous emigrants returning from Brazil. On the 2nd Sunday in August, festivities honouring Our Lady of La Salette are very popular. Overnight in Oliveira de Azemeis. Distance 21km/13mi

Meals:  B

Today’s walking is over rolling hills and through more urban areas including the town of Sao Joao da Madeira. The route is almost entirely on roads today as a result. Follow a section of the original Roman Via XVI via Arrifana to Malaposta. If you’d like to visit the historic town of Santa Maria de Feira, this can be arranged with reception on arrival at your Malaposta hotel (not included). It has an immaculately maintained castle and in early August hosts the Viagem medieval festival, with reenactments, markets and entertainment. Overnight in Malaposta. Distance 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B

Leaving Malaposta on the original cobbled Roman road, the path leads to Grijo. Its 13th century monastery Mosteiro San Salvador, first consecrated in 1235, has long been an important stop along the Camino. Continue to Porto, on the banks of the Douro River. Its maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port shaped it into a proud city, with an impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. Overnight in Porto. Distance 26km/16mi

Meals:  B

Take the Metro train this morning (to avoid the congested outskirts of Porto) to Matosinhos, alighting at the ‘Mercado’ stop. Your walk today is along the Atlantic coast, passing fishing villages, forts and chapels, the prehistoric castro of San Paio and beautiful sandy beaches. Cross the Ave river to Vila do Conde, with its ancient medieval shipyard. Continue to Povoa do Varzim, where you stay overnight. Distance 29km/18mi

Meals:  B

Before continuing your Camino we suggest taking a stroll along the harbour and through Povoa's medieval district. Continue north along the coast crossing the Coastal Natural Park and the Cavado river to Esposende, an old fishing village on the estuary of the Cavado River. Overnight Esposende. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B

As you leave Esposende enjoy the views as you head north passing the villages of Marinhas, Belinho, Neiva and Darque. Walk into historic Viana do Castelo by way of the Gustave Eiffel designed bridge over the River Lima. Viana do Castelo is a beautiful city located in the Minho region in North Portugal. With an appealing medieval centre, the 5th Century Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Lucia, and beaches just outside the city there is plenty to see this afternoon. Distance 23km/14.3mi

Meals:  B

The walk today is a gentle one, and you'll be sure to enjoy the sea-air as you walk along the coast. Your destination for the day is the small but charming town of Praia de Ancora. This afternoon you can take the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic ocean. Overnight Praia de Ancora. Distance 19km/11.8mi

Meals:  B

As you leave Villa Praia de Ancora you'll continue onto the beach of Praia de Moledo. You then leave the coast slightly, walking through forest and back to a boardwalk before reaching Caminha, the last town before crossing into Spain by ferry. You will need to take the ferry to A Guarda, where you stay overnight (ferry tickets to be purchased locally). Distance 15km/9.3mi

Meals:  B

Leaving from A Guardia this morning, the trail takes you around the peninsula, with ample opportunities to stop for a coffee or lunch and enjoy the magnificent beach scenery before continuing your walk to the lovely small village of Oia. Overnight Viladesuso or Oia. Distance 13km/8mi or 19km/11.8mi

Meals:  B

The walk today is a real feast for all senses. For the first 10km the route takes you along a coastal footpath away from the main road. You then continue along picturesque coastline, walking along the boardwalk, all while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day you should be able to see the Cies islands. Overnight Baiona. Distance 19km/11.8mi or13km/8mi

Meals:  B

As you leave Baiona you will walk alongside sandy beaches for most of the day. There is also plenty of opportunities to take a break in a lovely seaside cafe along the way. This afternoon you will arrive in Vigo, a typical Galician town with a wide sandy beach. Walking along the harbour you'll arrive at your hotel for the night. Overnight Vigo. Distance 23km/14.3mi

Meals:  B

The route as you leave Vigo is mainly uphill. The uphill walking will reward you with specatacular views of the city and harbour. Continue walking though to Redondela where you will join the main Portuguese Camino route and then on to Arcade. Overnight Arcade. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B

You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Pontesampaio. From here there’s a short uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the path descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored here including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The Medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra. Distance 12km/7.5mi

Meals:  B

Most of this stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. Closer to Caldas de Reis the route crosses the N550 and follows this road for short sections. Located between the Umia and Bermana rivers, the town of Caldas developed as a result of its thermal waters and continues to be a major health spa. The botanical gardens next to the river are lovely for some respite from the walk. Overnight in Caldas de Reis. Option to upgrade to a comfortable 4 star inn with pool - supplement applies. This must be requested when initially booking the trip. Distance 22km/13.5mi

Meals:  B

This is a beautiful walk, first through the Bermana river valley then the path drops down into the Valga valley. There are two short stages of main road: leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Padron town is lovely, set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers, with some St James relics to be seen at the Igrexa de Santiago (church). Overnight in Padron. Distance 19km/12mi

Meals:  B

The final day takes you through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood, before there’s a climb to reach Santiago. Closer to Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Overnight in Santiago. Distance 25.6km/15.9mi

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with booking an extra night or two if you’d like to stay longer in Santiago - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B