The Camino Way

SUMMARY

Dates: Sunday April 7th to Wednesday April 17th – 10 nights/11 days

Guide: Local english speaking guide and Ginny from WalkingWomen

Walking Grade: 3 Goats because of the distance we are travelling. These are not high walks and there is minimal ascent and descent so some days are much more of a goat 2 walk. We will walk from TUI  to Santiago de Compostela which is over 100km – there will be some transport to get you to the start of each days walks.

Base: our starting point is Oporto and we will stay here before moving on to other hotels as we journey along this ancient pilgrims trail until we reach Santiago. All luggage is transported from place to place. We are walking the Portuguese Camino Way which is lesser trodden than the French route.

Your guide will explain each days walks the night before and what options are available for the day.

We stay in small towns so you can also look around at the end of your walk.

Arrival: Please book flights to Oporto Airport to arrive for an 15.00 group transfer . The hotel is approx 1 hour from the airport.

Departure:  return flights leaving after 14.00 on Saturday June 3rd from either Santiago ( approx 1 hour from hotel) or Oporto ( approx 3 hours )

It is an epic journey by train if you have time.

Price: to be confirmed per person for the holiday to include:

• 10 nights accommodation – Ensuite room for solo occupancy
• 10 buffet breakfasts at hotels
• 10 evening meals inclusive of wine and water
• English speaking guide for the duration of the holiday
• All land travel in Portugal as outlined – luggage will be transported and is included in the price
• Airport transfer on first and last day

Not included:

• Lunches
• Travel to and from Oporto, Portugal.

DETAILS

In 2023 we offered a taste of the Portuguese Way walking 74 kms to experience the more hidden paths in Portugal. Many woman told us they would like to walk longer and do the Camino Way so we have developed a holiday with our Portugal partner. This time to walk 100kms and get your Camino Way passport  once you reach Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The central Camino route is fairly flat and we walk between 15 and 25km a day. We walk through small traditional villages and discover the rural countryside of this area of Portugal as we head North. You will also gte coastal views. We stay in hotels at the end of each day. You have the chance to relax and be in comfort at the end of each day

ITINERARY

Itinerary may vary or change depending on weather and at the guides discretion. You will be briefed on the next days walk every evening 

Day 1 – Arrival at Oporto airport

On arrival at Oporto Airport, we will have a private coach transfer to our centrally located hotel. Depending on our arrival time, we’ll have an orientation walk before dinner.

Overnight Oporto

Day 2 – River Douro Trip & Port Lodge – a settle in day

Explore the town, which is the ‘capital of the north and Portugal’s second city.

We’ll visit some of Porto’s most iconic monuments.

Today we visit the Ribeira, a quaint living area, and a World Heritage Site.

A river trip will then allow us to enjoy the spectacular view from the river and a visit to a Port Lodge to get to know the history of this world-famous wine and taste it, of course.

Overnight in Oporto

Day 3 – Transfer to Tui  120km by transport to our start of the Camino Way

Free morning to explore Porto

After lunche we transfer to TUI, located on the banks of the Minho River – the natural border between Spain and Portugal – Tui is our starting point of the beautiful Santiago de Compostela way. Allowing spectacular views into Valença do Minho, we are 116kms from the finishing line!

Overnight Tui .

Day 4 – Tui a Porriño (16km)

The day begins by walking through the historic streets of Tui, and a visit its famous cathedral, a 12^th century roman catholic church in a late Romanesque and gothic style.

From Tui, we start climbing north, with a descent into O Porriño. It is recommended  to try this town’s famous bread, just because it’s delicious and we’ve earned it!

Overnight Tui 

Day 5 – Porriño a Redondela (15.5 km)

Our walk takes us through Val da Louriña just before we start the climb that leads to Redondela, where we finish today’s stage. From the top of the climb we can contemplate the amazing views of the Ria de Vigo.

At the end of the walk time to visit Redondela.

Overnight Tui

Day 6 – Redondela a Pontevedra (19.6km)

From Redondela, we witness a piece of history, by crossing the “Ponte Sampaio”, a Roman bridge that witnesses a battle against the Napoleonic invaders.

We head to Pontevedra, a town with a fascinating historic town centre and several places of interest worth visiting, such as the Plaza de la Peregrina (Pilgrim Square) and the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor.

At the end of the walk time to visit Pontevedra.

Overnight Pontevedra

Day 7 – Pontevedra a Caldas de Reis (21.1km)

Today’s stage brings us another amazing piece of history. The “ponte do Burgo” is a medieval bridge that will allow us to cross over the Lerez River. Irrevocability associated with the Portuguese way of Santiago, amongst the arches of the bridge the famous scallop is sculpted. The walk continues through native forests, eucalyptus trees and small streams towards Caldas de Reis, known for its thermal waters.

Day 8 – Caldas de Reis a Padrón (18.6km)

Famous for numerous reasons, Padron is deeply associated with Saint James and its travels through Hispania, making it naturally, one of the most famous stages of the Santiago way.

Nevertheless, you may also want to try the famous local peppers, a roulette of flavourful delicacies that the locals are very proud of!

Overnight Pontevedra

Dia 9 – Padrón a Santiago de Compostela (24.3km)

Shortly after starting this stage, we reach the village of A Escravitude, with its ornate and beautiful Marian sanctuary. The trail continues to climb as it winds towards Santiago, and we’ll soon spot the towers of the cathedral.

Overnight Santiago de Compostela

Day 10 – Santiago de Compostela

A free day dedicated to the town that centres the mysteries and the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela.

Farewell dinner at local restaurant

Overnight Santiago de Compostela

Day 11 – Departure from Santiago de Compostela 

Transfer from Hotel to Airport after breakfast