Experience the transformative comradery of the mystical Portuguese Camino
Enjoy highlights of the Portuguese Camino from Portugal to Spain, via our carefully curated selection of hikes combining vestiges of pilgrims and peoples past and gorgeous natural environments. Think Celtic ruins, sleepy medieval towns and dramatic ocean vistas.
We walk the Portuguese route on the legendary Camino de Santiago. Through northern Portugal and northwestern Spain, ancient pilgrimage trails will lead us to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of the Apostle St. James. Beginning in lively seaside Porto, we hike through country villages, vibrant mountain forests and scenic shoreline along carefully selected portions of the historical Portuguese Camino, each of them unique. These include the Coastal Way, Queen Isabel’s Way, the Spiritual Way and the Lighthouse Way. Our journey is rich in Iberian history and nature, featuring the memories of the Romans and Celts, medieval pilgrims as well as warriors and pirates. Our flexible itinerary, with optional activities, is meant to allow time for you to relax and explore as well. We arrive in beautiful Santiago inspired by our journey together and our immersion in the culture and nature of Iberia. Every day, we savor delicious meals based on fresh-caught seafood, rich local cuisine and local wines.
Trip Highlights
- Hike the best portions of the Portuguese Camino along ancient paths through a variety of landscapes
- Explore Viana do Castelo, on the Lima River estuary, with its charming 16th c. architecture and amazing Celtic hill settlement
- Cross the border from Portugal to Spain on foot over the Minho River
- Experience the transformative comradery and emotion of arriving at Santiago de Compostela and visiting the Cathedral
- Marvel at the expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Finisterre, the true end to the Camino
- Savor fresh seafood, tapas, and Iberian wines
Activities – Hiking
This trip gives you the option of either Activity level 2 – Easy to Moderate or 3 – Moderate. There will be a mix of culture and hiking. The terrain will vary and includes forested trails, grassy lanes and dirt (uneven) pathways. It is important to note there will be uneven, rocky, steep, and/or hilly sections. Hiking in very rainy or warm weather can make the hills feel more strenuous. Hiking shoes with good tread and lateral support are important. Trekking poles can be helpful on the trails.
- Trip members who choose Activity Level 2 – Easy to Moderate, should enjoy walking and feel comfortable walking for 2-3 hours a day on packed dirt trails, wooden boardwalks or cobblestones, for 3–6 miles with elevation gains/losses of up to 1,000′ for several days in a row.
- Trip members who choose Activity Level 3 – Moderate, should be experienced hikers in good physical condition and capable of hiking 2.5–9 miles (4–6 hours) each day.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: | Hotel Vincci Porto, Porto | |||||
| DEPARTURE TIME: | Please arrive by 9 am for a welcome brief and departure at 9:45 am. | |||||
| RETURN TIME: | 1:30 pm | |||||
| WHAT TO WEAR: | Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat and jacket. | |||||
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| SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: | € 90.00 / night (2024/2025) |
Coastal Hike to Viana do Castelo; Visit to the iconic Santa Luzia Sanctuary.
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.
Follow 13th-century royal footsteps in the Serra d’Arga mountains.
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′
Cross from Portugal to Spain on foot via the International Bridge.
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.
The Spiritual Camino: Armenteira Monastery and the Ruta d'Agua.
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′;
Explore Santiago on your own or hike on the Finisterre Camino.
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
Optional countryside hike into Santiago; Cathedral visit and farewell lunch
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
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.
What’s included
- Transportation during the course of the trip
- Guilt-free van support with snacks and water
- Highly experienced and enthusiastic trilingual guides
- Entries for specific monuments, events or points of interest
- Gratuities for all accommodations and group meals
- Baggage transfers and handling
- Optional transfer to Porto at end of the trip
- Wine with dinners
- Lodging and meals as indicated below
Accommodations
Hotels, 5 nights in 3 hotels
- Viana do Castelo – 2 nights
- Tui – 1 night
- Santiago de Compostela – 2 nights
Meals
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches (2 Picnics) and 3 Dinners:
Day 1: Picnic Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast and Picnic Lunch
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Breakfast
Tour Dates – 2025
- Mar 9 – 14
- Mar 30 – April 4
- Apr 13 – 18
- Apr 20 – 25
- May 4- 9
- May 11 – 16
- Jun 1 – 6
- Jun 22 – Jun 27
- Sep 7 – 12
- Sept 21 – 26
- Sep 28 – Oct 3
- Oct 12 – 17
Don’t see the dates you’re looking for? Please Contact Us
Tour Reviews
Pretty much perfect!
I signed up for the Camino de Santiago-Portuguese Way early July trip and loved every minute of it. My husband couldn’t get away so I was traveling solo and ended up with an amazing group of 6 like minded folks. We hiked at the same pace, had interesting conversations and laughed a lot along the way. It was a blast! Our guides were attentive, accommodating, kind and conversed and laughed along with us. The hikes were varied with different elevation and scenery every day; all spectacular. I was worried that this trip would be less strenuous than I typically like but following the daily hikes there was almost always an optional walk which was great!
– Trent
Trip of a lifetime!
I did this trip back in September and haven’t quit thinking about it. I looked forward to going, but didn’t have any idea how much it would mean to me. The hikes, the places we saw, the food we ate, then people we hiked with and especially the amazing guides made it an overall amazing experience. i would do it over and over again if I could. I highly recommend it!
– Pammcfraz
Go!
I went on this trip unsure of what to expect, from an endurance standpoint as well what the accommodations, food, etc would be like. It was an amazing trip. Our guides truly made it a fun adventure for the group.
– Phyl
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