Portugal | Tour Code: 12517
Pass by idyllic vineyards, lush forests, old villages and river valleys as you follow the Portuguese Way of Camino de Santiago from Vigo to Porto.
Highlights
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Walk the historic Camino de Santiago from Vigo
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Wander the cobbled streets of Santiago de Compostela's UNESCO-listed old town
Overview
Get your boots on with our memorable Portuguese Way experience. More than a rural holiday, the Portuguese Way route of Camino de Santiago offers an intimate, life-changing journey across idyllic vineyards, lush forests, old villages and river valleys. Whether you're looking for spiritual or recreational quest, the medieval trails are a great way to gain an authentic and culturally rich experience in an off-the-beaten destination.
You will begin in the city of Vigo, following a fairly easy network of scenic hiking trails, with stops at Arcade, Pontevedra, Caldes de Reis, Padron. Your last stop will be in the city of Santiago de Compostela, the Pilgrim world capital.
Inclusions
- 1 night in Vigo at Hotel Ciudad de Vigo- 4* or similar
- 1 night in Arcade at Hotel Isape- 2* or similar
- 1 night in Pontevedra at Hotel Rias Bajas- 3* or similar
- 1 night in Caldas de Reis at Hotel Pousada Real- 4* or similar
- 1 night in Padron at Casa Turismo Rural A Casa Antiga do Monte- 3* or similar
- 1 night in Santiago de Compostela at Parador de Santiago- 5* or similar
- Daily breakfast
- Luggage transfer during stages (1 piece of 20 kg/pax)
Itinerary
Make your own way to Vigo and check in your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight stay in Vigo at Hotel Ciudad de Vigo or similar.
After breakfast, today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day (Easy walking option), so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade.
Overnight stay in Arcade at Hotel Isape or similar.
Today, you will cross the Verdugo River over Ponte Sampaio. It is on this bridge is where Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats in Galicia. From Ponte Sampaio, the Camino continues along a cobbled road taking pilgrims to the 13th-century Church of Santa María, where you can enjoy magnificent views over the Bay of Vigo while walking towards Pontevedra.
Overnight stay in Pontevedra at Hotel Rias Bajas or similar.
Today, starting in the city of Pontevedra, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras, take a minute to admire the rectory of Santa María de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira, you will spot a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way.
On your way to Caldas de Reis, you will pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing area. You will be staying in the spa town of Caldas de Reis for the night.
Overnight stay in Caldas de Reis at Hotel Pousada Real or similar.
From the spa town of Caldas de Reis, the Camino Portugués takes you across the river Umia and the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The Camino trail takes you once again to forests, gradually climbing to the village of Santa Mariña.
After a descent, you will cross the river Fontenlo before making your way through pine forests to today’s final destination: the town of Padrón, believed to be the arrival point of the body of Saint James when it was brought to Santiago de Compostela by ship.
Overnight stay in Padron at Casa Turismo Rural A Casa Antiga do Monte or similar.
Santiago de Compostela is a gem of a city: small enough to be explored and discovered on foot but always vibrant and lively. Wander the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed old town, go for a stroll in Alameda Park, and discover regional flavours in the local market (Mercado de Abastos) and the many restaurants and bars.
Overnight stay in Santiago de Compostela at Parador de Santiago or similar.
Breakfast and check out of the hotel.
Excluded
- International airfares and taxes
- Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
- Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
- Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
- Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
