Camino de Santiago – The Portuguese Way

Our trip begins in Porto, Portugal with a 9am group rendezvous before heading  north to our trailhead at Fort Areosa,  a star-shaped edifice built in the 17th century (c.). to defend against Algerian and other pirates.  Today’s relaxing seaside hike along a wooden boardwalk is part of the Portuguese Coastal Camino, a variant of the Portuguese Central Camino, which gained popularity in the 19th c. among the coastal populations to reach Santiago de Compostela. Following a relaxing seaside lunch at Forte do Cão you have the option to continue hiking to the beach town of Moledo or transferring directly to Forte de Santiago de Barra in Viana de Castelo, located on the Tui River estuary. The city’s name harks back to its deep historic roots when it was the humble Roman settlement of Diana. The many impressive Manueline mansions and monasteries recall its 16th c. prosperity as a major cod-fishing port.  Option to either ride the funicular or hike up to the impressive neo-romanic/byzantine Santa Luzia Sanctuary atop Monte Santa Luzia, before continuing on to our hotel, which commands views of the river and ocean. Nearby lie the vestiges of a fortified Iron Age settlement, also known as a castro.  Tonight we dine together in town. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: distance: 9.5 km | 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +815’/-590′; Optional extra: 6.5 km| 4 miles.

From the mountain village of Arga de Cima we follow the historic footsteps of Queen Isabel of Portugal, who took this trail to Santiago de Compostela in the 13th c. The highland trail takes us through the small villages of Serra D’Árga, passing by granite houses and corn stacks. We witness traditional agricultural practices and share the lane with goats, sheep and crossing chickens. We end our hike at a 13th c. monastery for a picnic lunch with views overlooking the valley and the Minho River. Following a short transfer to Ponte de Lima, we stroll across the beautiful Roman bridge for coffee and pastries in town. We head back to Viana do Castelo for further exploration and shopping. Dinner on your own this evening. Breakfast and picnic lunch included.

Hiking: 9 km | 5.7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +1917’/-1766′

We begin our day on the Portuguese Central Camino with a rewarding climb of 1,705′ and 1,843′ descent in just over a mile, through the eucalyptus woodlands of Labruja Mountain. We continue along the Roman Way to the town of Rubiães with its ancient Roman stone bridge over the River Pedreira. Next, we transfer to the fortified town of Valença do Minho for lunch and to explore the walls of the fortress. We’ll enter Spain on foot as we cross the International Bridge over the Minho River and continue to our hotel in Tui. The afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or stroll along the river into town. Dinner at our hotel tonight. Breakfast and dinner included.

Hiking: 10 km | 5.86 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +1276’/-1164 ′; Walk:  2.5 km | 1.53 miles.

We begin our day with an optional walk to visit the labyrinthic medieval center of Tui and its Cathedral. Those who prefer can take the morning slowly and linger over breakfast. Our main activities begin with a transfer Santa Maria de Armenteira Monastery, celebrated for its austere beauty and founded in the 12th century by a knight of the Cistercian order.  Guests who want an additional few miles will follow the Ruta de Chanca trail to Armenteira to join the rest of the group. After enjoying treats and coffee at a local cafe, the we begin the standard hike on the Ruta Pedra D’Agua which takes us through lush woodlands, abundant fields and raised vineyards to our lunch spot. Transfer to the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela to approach this iconic city on foot. We’ll enter the main Plaza Obradoiro, Santiago’s grandiose square, an emotional focal point where pilgrims from all over the world gather to celebrate the end of their journey and visit inside the cathedral, wherein lies the tomb of St. James (Santiago). This unique pilgrimage city is our home for two nights. Free afternoon to explore and dinner on your own. Breakfast and lunch included.

Optional extra (Level 3): 4.8 km| 3 mile; elevation gain/loss +1128’/-1502′; Hiking (Level 2): 4.8 km | 3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +240’/-1074′;

Today you have the choice of exploring Santiago on your own or hiking on the Finisterra Camino.

Our hike begins on the beach of Arnela, on the Camino de los Faros (The Way of the Lighthouses), a historic route connecting the Sanctuary of Muxia to Cape Finisterre.  The trail takes us along the coast, through pine woodlands, rocky cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches, with mesmerizing views over the Galician coast. The hike ends at the Lighthouse of Cape of Finisterra, the final destination for many pilgrims who walk the Camino de Santiago. The Cape is also the historical “Land’s End” reached by pagan pilgrimages predating Christianity. We marvel at the spectacular views of the Costa da Morte, or Coast of Death, so named for the innumerable shipwrecks over the centuries. We then transfer to the nearby fishing town of Fisterra for a group lunch at the harbor, followed by a transfer back to Santiago. This evening we meet for a unique celebratory dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (lunch is not included if you opt for the free day in Santiago).

Hiking: 10.9 km | 6.7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +1866’/-1757′; Transfers r/t: 2.5 hrs

This morning, you are free to start the day slowly and sleep in or transfer with the guides to Monte Pedroso for a scenic hike along the western Camino of Finisterra by age-old agricultural allotments and manor houses. The hike affords us amazing views of the city punctuated by the iconic towers of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.  After returning on foot to our hotel guests transfer with our guides to *Porto airport or Vincci Porto Hotel for arrival at approximately 2 pm or continue exploring this marvelous region of Spain on your own. Breakfast included.

*Depending on tour scheduling, there is the option to transfer back to Lisbon airport with the guides. Please ask us for more information.

Optional 4.8 km | 3 mile walk: minimal elevation gain/loss; Transfer to Porto: 2.5 hours