Embark on the incredible journey of the Camino, which traces its roots back to the 9th Century when the remains of St. James were discovered in Galicia, the northwest of Spain. For centuries, pilgrims from all walks of life, driven by distinct motivations, trod a path remarkably similar to the one marked today by vibrant yellow arrows. Now, it's your turn to set forth on the Way of St. James!
For this guided week-long tour, we've prepared a carefully curated selection of sections of the three ascending variants of the way to St. James: the Spiritual, and both the Coastal and Central Portuguese variants. Kick off your adventure on the Portuguese Coastal Camino from the stunning city of Porto. The route leads you through enchanting medieval villages like Ponte de Lima, adorned with the distinctive features of northern Portuguese architecture and art.
Set sail in Vilanova and go up the beautiful Ría de Arousa until the mouth of the Ulla River to retrace the traditional Spiritual way, the same as the one used by the stone barge that carried the body of the Saint. Meander along the Central Camino's trails, navigating ancient Roman roads and quaint municipal roads. The diversity is staggering, with delightful surprises awaiting you around every bend. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Minho and Galicia, relish the woodland areas and wander through charming "pueblos" that seem frozen in time, reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
Delight your taste buds with the rich and varied gastronomy of the region and don't miss the opportunity to savor the distinctive Port and Alvarinho/Albariño wines, iconic to the scenic Douro, Minho and Galicia regions, while indulging in the comfort of some of the finest hotels along the route.
Finally, reach the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cathedral of Saint James marks the triumphant end of your pilgrimage, a point where you'll realize your journey was much more than a walk: your Camino will
be a celebration of history, culture, and the joy of discovery!
You can opt to join this tour as taste of the Camino, walking for a total 60km or as a pilgrimage, and complete the 100km necessary to obtain the Compostela certificate at the end of your journey.
Outstanding from minute one! Our guide Daniel picked us up from our hotel and took us to Pinhão for a hiking ...
Pick-up from the airport and private transfer your hotel. Your guide will give you an overview of the week-long hiking trip that will begin the next day. You can choose to relax at the hotel or briefly explore the historic center of the city of Porto, formerly known as 'Portus Cale'. The designation originated in the Roman occupation of this place, which has always been an important trading port and strategic crossing point for the Douro River. A crossing point chosen by numerous pilgrims who, from the 9th century on, traveled to Santiago de Compostela, both on foot and horseback, long before the city became world famous for its precious export good: the fortified Port wine.
Hotel for the night: Vincci Porto or Vincci Ponte de Ferro (included in the premium option)
Private transfer to Sé, Porto's Cathedral, where your journey begins. Your local guide joins you on a scenic stretch of the Coastal Way, from Porto's historic center, with warm morning sun in your back along the Douro river, to its mouth in the district of Foz. Time to breathe in the invigorating Atlantic breeze and prepare for a short car ride. Next stop is the enchanting Ponte de Lima, after a one-hour transfer. Once you've checked in at your hotel, the afternoon is all yours to explore this quaint town, Portugal's oldest, dating back to 1125, brimming with rich cultural and historic traditions. A granite-built beauty known for its medieval bridge 'Ponte' over the river 'Lima'. For dinner, you'll have the opportunity to savour the rich gastronomy of the Minho region, in one of the finest restaurants of Ponte de Lima.
Hotel for the night: Hotel Inlima or Carmo’s Boutique Hotel (included in the Premium option)
Your day starts with a private transfer south, to Vitorino dos Piães, where you can admire its finelly restored church. Today's route through the rural Minho region is mostly flat, with a few gentle hills. We'll be exploring the landscape of the Lima River Valley, which is home to many vineyards. The Loureiro grape variety is the most common grape variety in the region – kind of the leading actor in theather play with dozens of other actors – and it is used to make white wines, Vinho Verde, on its own or blended with other grape varieties. When back in Ponte de Lima, be sure wash down some rice 'de sarrabulho' or pork 'rojões' with a glass of 'Verde' in order to replenish your energy levels for the next day.
Hotel for the day: Inlima or Carmo's Boutique Hotel (included in the Premium option)
Embrace the morning sun as you depart from your hotel in Ponte de Lima, after breakfast and checkout. Cross the iconic bridge over the Lima river and start following a tapestry of paved roads, ancient Roman pathways, and gravel trails, each step leading you closer to the summit of the Labruja hill, one of the most challenging sections of the whole Portuguese Central Camino. It is therefore common to see pilgrims resting on the terraces of the cafés, and somewhere nearby a scallop shell indicating the way, which although demanding is also made up of beautiful landscapes, especially when reaching the top of the mountain. Close to the top is the Cross of the French, which marks the place where the population ambushed Napoleon's soldiers during the invasion of 1809, and which assures that the most difficult part is over. Tradition dictates leaving a pebble to etch your passage. You'll then descend into the serenity of Rubiães and decide if you need proper lunch or a light meal. Next you'll be transferred to Pontevedra (one hour drive). Indulge in a well-
deserved rest in your next hotel, let your body and spirit be rejuvenated for the next chapter of your Camino journey
Hotel for the day: Parador de Pontevedra (upgrade to superior room included in “premium” option)
Your day starts with a private transfer to Ponte Sampaio, a bridge over the Verdugo river. The village is best known for its role in a pivotal battle that took place on June 7 and 8, 1809, during the Peninsular War. In this decisive clash, Spanish and Portuguese forces emerged victorious over a French army, marking a turning point in the war and ultimately leading to the French retreat from Galicia. Today, Ponte de Sampaio is a peaceful and picturesque spot, also a popular spot for fishing and hiking. After crossing it, prepare for scenic hike through magnificent woodland scenery, not without overcoming an initial challenging yet rewarding climb. The route then descends gently, transitioning into mostly flat terrain as you approach the captivating city of Pontevedra. Pontevedra awaits with its Parador, a former convent transformed into a luxurious hotel, and a captivating historical center brimming with medieval architecture, vibrant plazas, and a lively cultural scene. Take your time to immerse yourself in the city's maze of cobbled streets and beautiful squares with arcades, strolling through the Praza da Ferraria, admiring the iconic Basílica de Santa María, and wandering along the riverside historic district, where an array of restaurants and pubs beckons for an evening of delectable cuisine and lively conversations.
Hotel for the day: Parador de Pontevedra (upgrade to superior room included in “premium” option)
After breaksfast and checkout, you'll start the day with a short private transfer to the Monastery of Armenteira. Today's walk uses the evergreen Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, (of stone and water, with its name indicating the presence of old stone water-powered mills). The trail has areas of tall vegetation of enormous beauty and it is in excellent conditions, alternating between dirt roads and a narrow trail, with numerous spaces with wooden benches and tables to rest for a while. You'll be walking along the Armenteira stream, accompanied by the murmur of tiny waterfalls and rapids, and with the ever-present watermills as company. The Ruta da Pedra e da Auga ends at the tourism office of Ribadumia, but you will still have a waterway to walk along, this time the Umia river, up to the Arnelas bridge (Ponte Arnelas). Here you can opt for a transfer to VilaNova de Arousa or keep walking till you reach this town. In the fishing town of Vilanova de Arousa, you'll board a boat, replicating the 'stone barge's route, the one that carried St.James to its burrial ground in Compostela in the year 44 AC. The boat will head up river till Pontecessures, near Padrón.
Hotel for the day – Os Lambráns (upgrade to superior room included in “premium” option)
After a hearty breakfast and checkout, embark on the final leg of your Camino de Santiago adventure. Day starts with a private transfer to the village of Milladoiro, where your day's hike starts. The anticipation will be palpable as you walk through quaint villages and past churches, increasingly frequent along the road, just like the pilgrims with whom you will share the path as they become larger in number. Upon reaching Santiago de Compostela, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the historic city center. Let your gaze be drawn to the majestic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral,towering over the plaza del Obradoiro's west side, the culmination of your pilgrimage. This millennial city is a treasure trove of captivating sights and sounds, as the melodic sounds of traditional Galician bagpipes merge with audible celebrations by the groups of pilgrims and tourists that arrive every other minute from several directions. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's plazas, strolling along narrow cobblestone streets, and browsing traditional markets. Check into your hotel, either the San Francisco convent Hotel or the opulent Parador de Santiago (available with the premium option), and then dedicate the rest of the day to visiting the pilgrims' office and uncovering the city's rich medieval heritage
Hotel – Convento de São Francisco or Parador de Santiago de Compostela (included in the "premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Get your Compostela certificate from the local pilgrim’s office and, at 12:00 you can participate in the daily Pilgrims' mass, where you may be able to witness the “Bota Fumeiro”. The Pilgrims mass is held daily at noon, and sometimes there will be additional sessions – check locally or ask your guide. At the scheduled time, transfer from Santiago de Compostela back to Porto airport or hotel.
EXTENDED STAY IN PORTO OR SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: On Demand
Extend your stay in Porto or Santiago de Compostela for an extra day before or after this trip.
The terrain ranges from flat riverside paths to rolling hills and occasional steep ascents, particularly on the Labruja hill and the climb out of Ponte Sampaio. You'll walk on a mix of cobbled streets, ancient Roman roads, forested trails, and gravel pathways, often shaded by lush greenery or accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing water. Highlights include serene coastal stretches, vineyard-lined trails, and scenic routes along rivers and streams. The balance of moderate challenges and gentler sections makes the journey both engaging and rewarding, culminating in the vibrant city of Santiago de Compostela.
Live Love Hike
Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 311
1950-421
Lisbon - Portugal
Monday to Friday
09AM to 06PM GMT
EUR: (+351) 217 590 365 - Call to the Portuguese national fixed network
US/CAN: +1 (917) 695-3350
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