Tour Description
This journey will combine some of Portugal’s most important cultural highlights with parts of the Camino de Santiago, one of Europe’s oldest and most attractive pilgrimage routes.
It starts in Lisbon, Portugal’s charming capital, steeped in history and culture. We will have time to explore Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods and most-known landmarks.
Next, we will have the opportunity to discover Tomar, the location of some of the most important historical sites connected with the Knights Templar.
Continuing our journey, we head to Porto, on the margins of the Douro River. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Portugal’s second most important city. We’ll visit this antique and charming city, home of the renowned Port wine cellars.
From here, we will start the walking stages of the Camino, following breathtaking paths.
We will encounter a quieter, greener Portugal, with mountains and lush green countryside.
In Spain, in the Galicia region, we’ll cross historic villages, cobblestone pathways, and expansive forests.
We will also have plenty of time to experience the great food, the different wines, and the regional delicacies, visit wineries, take a cruise on the Douro River, and enjoy all that Portugal and the Camino offers.
At the end of our adventure, when we arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, you will be granted the coveted Pilgrim passport! It attests that you have completed the necessary stages of the Camino to be considered a true pilgrim, all in the company of like-minded travellers.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
On arrival at Lisbon Airport, we will have a private coach transfer to our centrally located hotel. Depending on our arrival time, we’ll have an orientation walk.
Day 2 – Bairro Alto and Praça do Comércio
This first day’s walk-in Lisbon will give a wide overview, not only of one of the most picturesque old quarters in the city but excellent views over all the rest.
The Bairro Alto is an old and picturesque neighbourhood in the centre, with narrow, cobbled streets, secular houses, small traditional shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
Praça do Comércio, locally known as Terreiro do Paço, is a square in downtown Lisbon, located next to the river Tagus. The dramatic and imposing buildings frame one of the most beautiful and impressive city centres in Europe.
Day 3 – Jerónimos – Belém
The monument we visit today goes back to the golden age of Portuguese Discoveries, and to the magnificent creations that were built to celebrate that era.
The Jerónimos Monastery is a royal foundation that dates back to the late 15th century. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site will sweep you away with its majestic display of Manueline opulence portraying the wealth of the crown (paid entry not included).
Further downriver, the magnificent tower of Belém, built in 1520 as part of the Tagus estuary defence system, is one of the greatest symbols of Portugal’s Age of Discovery and World Heritage Site.
Day 4 – Batalha & Alcobaça
Transfer from Lisbon to Tomar. En route, we’ll visit the “Batalha Monastery”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces, that was born out of a promise of gratitude for a won battle that granted Portugal its independence.
During the 150 years that it took to be built, the initial project was subjected to numerous changes that resonate with the evolution of architectural styles, from the exclusively Portuguese “Manueline Style” to the Renaissance techniques.
After lunch, a visit to “Alcobaça Monastery” a 12th century UNESCO World Heritage Site. This colossal complex was originally given to St Bernard of Clairvaux the main reformer of the Cistercian Order and built to reflect the “White Monks” principles: austerity, prayer, penitence, hard labour, and constant silence, alongside the ones in need. This monastery is also the burial site of Portugal’s most famous royal lovers and their tragic history – “Pedro and Inês”.
Day 5 – Tomar
A day dedicated to Tomar, with a morning introductory walk in the centre passing the main monuments and points of interest. The day will be partly guided to give a full background to the buildings and history of Tomar. After a break downtown, we’ll make our way to the town’s “Piece de Resistance”: “The Convent of Christ”. Built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century, it still reminds us today of the power, knowledge, sacrifice, and history of one of the most famous religious orders of all times – The Knight’s Templars.
Later we’ll visit a nearby winery where there’ll be a tour through the winery and wine cellar, with some disclosure of the secrets behind the art of making wine. This visit also includes a wine tasting.
Day 6 – Transfer to Porto & Nazare stop
On our way through the center of Portugal, we cross the Ribatejo, a green and tranquil area.
On our way to Porto, we will stop in Nazare, famous for its underwater cannion that inspired the famous surfer Garret McNamara in the “100 Foot Wave” series.
Depending on our arrival time, we’ll have an orientation walk.
Day 7 – River Douro Trip & Port Lodge
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.
Day 8 – Transfer to Tui
Today we transfer to Tui (120km), 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!
Day 9 – Tui to Porriño
The day begins by walking through the historic streets of Tui, and a visit to its famous cathedral, a 12th 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 suggested to try this town’s famous bread, just because it’s delicious and we’ve earned it!
Day 10 – Porriño to Redondela
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.
Day 11 – Redondela to Pontevedra
From Redondela, we cross the “Ponte Sampaio”, a Roman bridge that witnessed 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.
Day 12 – Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Today’s stage brings us another amazing piece of history. The “Ponte do Burgo” is a medieval bridge to cross over the Lerez River. Irrevocability associated with the Portuguese way of Santiago, amongst the arches, there’s 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 13 – Caldas de Reis a Padrón
Famous for numerous reasons, Padron is deeply associated with Saint James and its travels through Hispania, making it one of the most famous stages of the Santiago way.
Nevertheless, you may also want to try the famous local peppers, a roulette of flavorful delicacies that the locals are very proud of!
Day 14 – Padrón a Santiago de Compostela
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.
Day 15 – Santiago de Compostela
A free day dedicated to visit Santiago de Compostela.
In the afternoon visit to a local pastry shop and taste of Tarte de Santiago (an almond sweet pie with eggs and sugar) and taste of local liquor.
Day 16 – Departure
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided holidays walking and Self-Guided holidays in Portugal. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
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Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
