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The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

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~~$1893~~

$1808

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

14 Days Starting in Porto and ending in Santiago de Compostela

Visiting: Spain, Portugal

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

PC3

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

moderate

From:

$1893

$1808 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$85

NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Considered the most spiritually connected pilgrimage route, following the path St James' body took to its resting place at the site of Santiago de Compostela, this quiet inland stage offers a wealth of history. From the lively city of Porto, set on the banks of the Douro River and famous for its port wine production, the journey north travels through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and through larger market towns dating back to Roman times. Throughout the journey there are ample reminders of past pilgrims and the route offers many insights into the religious significance of the Camino. Visually stunning in parts, there are many advantages in walking the Portugués route with the ascent to the highest point on the trail at Alto da Portela Grande (405m) rewarded with sweeping views of the Lima Valley below. Crossing the Spanish border and walking the last 100km through Galicia to the holy city of Santiago ensures you qualify for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival at the cathedral.

Highlights

Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of Celtic, Roman and Christian wayfarers
Experiencing culinary delights, including the local port varieties in Porto
Discovering the fascinating and historical towns of Porto, Barcelos, Tui and Santiago
Walking to the fabled church of Santiago de Compostela
Discovering fascinating and historical towns including Porto, Barcelos, Tui, Pontevedra and Santiago

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Porto

Meals Included: B

Set on the banks of the Douro River, Porto’s historical centre was declared a World Heritage site in 1996 and in the 12th Century it was in Porto that the country took its name and became an independent nation. Its maritime legacies and importance as a new world trading port have shaped it into the proud city it has become, with its 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 Porto.

Day 2 : Transfer To Vilar Do Pinheiro And Walk To Arcos (4Hrs, 19Km/11.8Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

This morning a private transfer will take you from your Porto hotel to the small town of Vilar do Pinheiro, where you begin an easy walk down in part through woodland trails to the rural town of Arcos. The transfer enables you to avoid the urban sprawl of Porto, taking you directly to a rural landscape, however if you want to walk this section we recommend you do it the previous day and take a taxi or bus back to your Porto hotel.

Day 3 : Walk To The Market Town Of Barcelos (5Hrs, 20Km/12.4Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

The trail today takes you through lush valleys and towns such as Sao Pedro de Rates with its church of St Peter, and over the Monte Franqueira, before reaching Barcelos. There is an alternative route for a small section, via the ruins of the Castelo de Faria. Arriving in Barcelos you are certainly in for a treat. With its impressive medieval bridge, Barcelos is treasured for its history and legends (eg. the Barcelos cockerel). The feast of the crosses is held on 3 May each year in the octagonal shaped Baroque church. Every Thursday the Campo da Feira, or market square, becomes one of Portugal's most atmospheric marketplaces. If you are thinking of a rest day this is the place to have it. Overnight Barcelos.

Day 4 : Continue To Balugaes (4.5Hrs, 16Km/9.9Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

The route takes you through small villages with pretty gardens and past many Baroque chapels en route to the small and quiet town of Balugães, a traditional resting point on the Camino Portuguese.
Overnight Balugaes.

Day 5 : Walk To Ponte De Lima, The Oldest Town In Portugal (5.5Hrs, 17Km/10.5Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

The route takes you gradually closer to the valley of the Lima River, where the village of Ponte da Lima is located, the oldest in Portugal. The cobble stoned streets are a delight to walk through and there are many points of interest including museums, historic houses, a prison tower (now a library) and the main square, Largo de Camoes. The medieval bridge spanning the river has Roman foundations but was rebuilt in 1368. Many festivals take place here including Vaca das Cordas in June (the day before Corpus Christi), medieval markets in August, and Feiras Novas on the third weekend in September, a party which goes on for 3 days.
Overnight Ponte de Lima.

Day 6 : Along Delightful Trails & Crossing Small Hills En Route To Pecene (6.5Hrs, 22Km/13.7Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

This is the first day on the trail where much of the route will be unpaved. Leaving by the Ponte de Lima, ascend to the Labruja Valley and up to a mountain ridge where you reach the Alto da Portela Grande, the highest point on the trail at 405m. The views sweeping down to the Lima valley are well worth the effort! Descending trails heading north you soon enter the town of Rubiães by its Roman road, then continue to Pecene, where you will stay overnight.

Day 7 : Walk To The Spanish Border At Tui (4.5Hrs, 15Km/9.3Mi)

Meals Included: B

This stage is characterized by hilly terrain that gradually leads to Valença, before the border crossing into Spain. The trail is along quiet country roads and unpaved trails for the most part. Before crossing the border it is worth taking a look at the historic walled town of Valença. Later you'll reach Tui. This evening take a walk along the Paseo de Calvo Sotelo, which usually has a lively atmosphere. Overnight Tui.
Option to upgrade to the parador for the two nights in Tui - supplement applies, must be requested when initially booking the trip.

Day 8 : Walk To O Porriño Along Quiet Roads And Paths, Transfer To Tui (6Hrs, 18Km/11Mi)

Meals Included: B

Continue today on woodland paths that follow the lovely Louro River valley, then along the N550 to the historical centre of O Porriño, a town famous for its pink granite due to its proximity to the granite quarries. Essentially now a sprawling industrial town, O Porriño is located at the intersection of two motorways and the main railway line passes through town, so rather than stay here overnight you return to your Tui hotel with a private transfer (included) at 4pm. Overnight in Tui.

Day 9 : Transfer To O Porrino, Walk To Arcade On The Coast (6Hrs, 23Km/14Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

A morning transfer (8.30am, included) will take you back to O Porriño to continue your walk. After a stage following and crossing the N550, ascend through mixed forest to Monte Cornedo and the Chans das Pipas plateau before walking down to the town of Redondela. From here you pass through tiny hamlets along a coastal inlet to reach Arcade. Overnight in Arcade.

Day 10 : A Shorter Walk To The Old Town Of Pontevedra (3-4Hrs, 12Km/7.5Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

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.

Day 11 : Walk To Caldas De Reis (6-7Hrs, 22Km/13.5Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

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 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.

Day 12 : Via The River Valleys Of Bermana And Valga To Padron (5-6Hrs, 19Km/11.5Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

Enjoy a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley. The path then 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.

Day 13 : To Santiago (6-7Hrs, 25.5Km/16Mi)

Meals Included: 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. Own dinner arrangements.

Day 14 : Trip Concludes Santiago De Compostela

Meals Included: 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.

What's Included

Accommodation
13 nights in comfortable hotels
13 breakfasts and 11 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with
13 nights in comfortable hotels on a twinshare basis with private facilities (upgrade to 4 star hotel/parador in Tui and Santiago, upgrade hotel option at Caldas de Rei - supplement applies. Upgrades must be requested at time of booking)
Luggage transfer (max 1 piece of 20kgs per person)
Information pack including route notes, maps and guidebook per room booked
Transfers from Porto to Vilar do Pinheiro, and O Porriño to Tui and back to O Porriño
Emergency hotline
Pilgrim's passport
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
Luggage transfer (1 bag of 20kg max pp) - additional bags and excess weight will attract a surcharge
2024: Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
13 breakfasts and 9 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a
Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX

What's Not Included

Travel to Porto and from Santiago de Compostela
Lunch and drinks throughout, dinner in Porto and Santiago
Items of a personal nature
Transfers not advised as included
Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip
Travel insurance
Entrance fees
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess luggage
Hotel taxes if applicable - payable directly to the hotel
Optional accommodation upgrade in Caldas de Reis

Grading

Daily walks are between 15-26km on well marked trails over diverse terrain –from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads, occassionally on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road and there are often alternative routes available. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails such as the GR11 can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

S. Clements(Tarragindi, Australia)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

Great trip and almost went to plan - 2 hiccups wer

Great trip and almost went to plan - 2 hiccups were sorted by the local agent.

A. Liddell(Australia)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compost

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral looms as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTracks was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll pack for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your direction. I consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

J. Tubman Reid(Nepean, Ontario, Canada)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

Thank you for another wonderful Camino. Everything

Thank you for another wonderful Camino. Everything went as planned. Lovely accommodation, great food and no problem with luggage transfers. Will definitely book again.

P. Hoonakker(France)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

The trip was well organized by UTracks: our luggag

The trip was well organized by UTracks: our luggage made it without any problems to the next stage, the hotels were in general of good quality, and when there was a (minor) problem, UTracks managed in solving it without a problem.

J. Wilson(Bridgeman Downs, Australia)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

The trip was very well planned, with comfortable a

The trip was very well planned, with comfortable and at times exceedingly beautiful places to stay with helpful staff at each location. I only wish I had the time to have walked a longer Camino. Walking this one with the organisation allowed me to be present in each moment and not fretting over accommodation.

G. Hadiwidjaja(Leichhardt, NSW)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

An amazing experience of walking the Camino. Havin

An amazing experience of walking the Camino. Having our luggage transported and accommodation prebooked was so good as all we had to do was get up and walk.

M. Vonic(Western Australia)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

UTracks organised accommodation and luggage transf

UTracks organised accommodation and luggage transfers for us throughout the trip. Everything went as planned. The Camino was one of the best experiences I have had and I can't wait to start planning my next trip. UTracks were very professional, the accommodation was as described, and importantly our luggage was always waiting for us at our next destination. Thank you.

S. Robertson(Indiana, United States)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

This is the experience of a lifetime. Walking the

This is the experience of a lifetime. Walking the Camino was life-changing. Not having to worry about our luggage or lodging or meals allowed us to be immersed in the experience and not the details. Carefully curated lodging, pre-trip checklists, tips, and travel guidelines. It was just OUTSTANDING from beginning to end. THANK YOU!

K. Savage(Madora Bay, Australia)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

Very well organised, hotels were lovely, food was

Very well organised, hotels were lovely, food was great except in 2 places, one of which was an upgraded hotel. Easy to ring if we needed any help.

R. Trubuhovich(Milford, New Zealand)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

We booked our 2nd Camino with UTracks. Booking was

We booked our 2nd Camino with UTracks. Booking was easy and straight forward, even with a few extra days added. The accommodation was great. A good selection and usually very central. The directions to our hotels weren't so good sometimes and we resorted to Google maps on occasion. It was good to have accommodation etc booked so we didn't have to look for accommodation when hot and tired. Would book through them again.

Read all 11 reviews

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