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Walking Tour in the Portuguese Camino - from Porto to Santiago Compostela

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ST James Path
/
Start location:
Porto
/
Price from:
1890€ per guest
A walking tour by the central paths of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, from Porto
Duration
8 DAYS
Altimetry
350 › 600 M, daily average
Distance
13 › 20 KM, daily average
Tour type
Guided, Premium
Level
Experienced, Intermediate

Highlights:

This tour in a nutshell

This is a one week long walking holiday walking by the best trails of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. Starting from Porto, we'll walk towards Santiago de Compostela, experiencing the trails, villages, landscapes, gastronomy and culture of the Central path, discovering the best of the Minho region and Galiza, in Spain.

Walking the camino is an epic journey, that started in the 9th Century with the discovery, in Galiza, of the remains of St. James. In 1325, the Portuguese queen Isabel made a pilgrimage to Santiago following a route very similar to the one that today is marked with yellow arrows, crossing the then recently built Barcelos bridge. Now it’s your time to hike the Way of St James.

Start Walking the Portuguese Central Camino from Ponte de Lima, outside of Porto, and right into the trails of this epic journey. Walking the Way of St James, you'll feel like a citizen of the world, where several languages are spoken as one, passing through amazing medieval villages like Ponte de Lima, Barcelos and Valença, with typical traces from the northern Portuguese architecture and art.

Visit Ponte de Lima, Valença, Labruja in the Minho region, walking by the central path's trails and dirt tracks, ancient roman roads and municipal roads - It’s of an enormous diversity and there’s always a surprise on every bend. Immerse in the scenario of Minho and Galicia, enjoy the roads and trails of the woodland areas, small villages and “pueblos” that still seem to be in the Middle Ages. Enjoy this regions’ gastronomy, rich in variety and flavor, a true feast for your senses. Taste the Port and Green wines, so typical of the Minho region and stay in some of the best hotels in the Way of St James.

Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, designated UNESCO world heritage site and admire the shrine of Saint James at the end of your pilgrimage.

Hear from our guests

Superb hiking experience

Outstanding from minute one! Our guide Daniel picked us up from our hotel and took us to Pinhão for a hiking ...

Vicky, UK

Gallery:

A closer look at the region
Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino
Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino
Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino
Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino
Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino
Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino - copy
Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino - copy
Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino - copy
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Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino - copy - copy
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Day to Day:

What you'll be experiencing everyday

Day 1, Arrival and transfer from Porto (airport or hotel) to Ponte de Lima

Pick-up from the airport (or your hotel in Porto) and transfer to Sé - Porto's Cathedral, where your journey begins and where you'll be briefed by your local guide. A one-hour transfer to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town of Portugal, founded in 1125, follows. After checking-in at your hotel, you have a free afternoon to visit this quaint town, which has recently submitted its candidacy to UNESCO world heritage site - owing to its rich cultural, environmental and historic traditions. 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, enjoying its cuisine and traditional vinhos verdes.

Hotel for the day: Hotel Inlima or Carmo’s Boutique Hotel (included in “premium” option)

Day 2: Walking the Camino: Ponte de Lima - Rubiães (16km)

After breakfast at the hotel, start your day walking north, crossing the Lima river by the iconic bridge that gives the name to “Ponte de Lima”, and then keep walking by ancient roman pathways by the countryside, until you encounter the climb of the day, to the top of the Labruja sierra. Today, you’ll mostly climb by the forested areas of the sierra, walking by paved roads, roman pathways and gravel trails until you reach the Cross of the French, where tradition says you should leave a pebble to mark your passing.
The views over the sierra and the pure quietness of this place are unforgetful. Start descending until you reach Rubiães for a well-deserved rest at your hotel for the day.

Hotel for the day: Quinta da Leiras (upgrade to superior room in "premium" option)

Day 3: Walking the Camino: Rubiães – Tui (17km)

After breakfast at your hotel, today's hike will have you leaving the valley of the River Coura, walking mostly downhill in the first half of today's walk. The rest of the route is practically flat, as you'll pass by some small villages and a section of pretty woodlands before arriving at Valença, the last Portuguese city in the Central Camino and home to a magnificent fortress overlooking Tui (Spain) and the river Minho. After a hike inside Valenca's fortress, you'll cross the river and enter Spain and the beautiful city of Tui, marked by great examples of Gothic architecture. You'll be staying here for the night - make sure to explore the excellent restaurants in Tui's historical city center.

Hotel for the day: Parador de Tui (upgrade to superior room included in “premium” option)

Day 4: Walking the Camino: Redondela - Pontevedra (17km)

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll be transferred until just outside of Redondela - where the “central camino” and the “coastal camino” become one. Here you'll start today's walk with a climb of 127 mts (417 feet) over a 2,5 kms (1.6 miles) distance, through the woodlands of the Camino, having an occasional peek at Vigo's Ria. Then the route follows a long descent until you reach the Romanic bridge of “Ponte Sampaio”, over the Verdugo river. After crossing, you'll have the last big climb of the day, followed by a descent and mostly flat terrain until Pontevedra, with its beautiful Parador and historical center. Take your time to explore Pontevedra’s center on a walk at nighttime by the Galician plazas of Ourense and Ferraria, where you’ll find the city’s Basilica and Chapel.

Hotel for the day: Parador de Pontevedra (upgrade to superior room included in “premium” option)

Day 5: Walking the Camino: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis (24km)

Have breakfast at your hotel and then start walking north crossing "Ponte do Burgo", a stone bridge originally built on the XII century, over the Lérez river. On this day you'll be walking the second longest stage of this tour - with an accumulated total climb of only 231 mts (758 ft) over its 24 kms length, it is an easy and beautiful route. You'll continue hiking inland Galicia, with its lush green woods and forested areas, through Roman pathways and trails connecting quaint medieval villages that will end up leading you to an ancient thermal resort used by the Spanish noblemen, “Caldas dels Reis”. There, you may visit one of its thermal springs or explore the waterfall with its nearby roman bridge.

Hotel for the day - Hotel Roquiño or Torre do Rio (included in "premium" option)

Day 6: Walking the Camino: Caldas de Reis - Padrón (19km)

With just another small stretch of forest, you will then be entering Pontecesures and the final part of today's stage. Cross the river and arrive in Padrón, a village known for being the cradle of Galicia and for its Green Peppers, the Padrón Peppers. Take some time to visit the village, climb to the Santiaguiño do Monte lookout point, visit the botanical gardens or Toxa waterfall and taste the food, If you’re adventurous and it’s in season, try the Lamprey.

Hotel for the day – Hotel Pazo de Lestrove or Os Lambráns (included in “premium” option)

Day 7: Walking the Camino: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela (26km)

After breakfast, you’ll begin the last stage of your Way of St. James. You’ll go through small villages and churches with clear signs that the end of the Way is near. When you arrive and enter the historical center of Santiago, you’ll reach the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, endpoint of your pilgrimage. Compostela is a millennial city with places and monuments that deserve a visit, such as its plazas in the central area of the old town, the narrow streets and traditional markets. Check-in at your hotel, Virxe da Cerca or the epic Parador de Santiago (included in the “premium” option), and then dedicate the rest of your afternoon to visit the pilgrims' office and discover this medieval city’s traditions, culture and heritage.

Hotel – Virxe da Cerca or Parador de Santiago de Compostela (included in the "premium" option)

Day 8: Walking the Camino: Transfer to Porto

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Get your Compostela 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.

Map:

Where you'll be riding

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Included

Self-guided

Guided

Transfer in from arrival airport to start of the tour and transfer out from end of the tour back to departure airport
7 nights in charm hotels, in double/twin bedroom with breakfast included
Upgrade to 7 nights in charm hotels ( or superior rooms), in double/twin bedroom with breakfast included
Personal guide accompanying your group, providing restaurant reservations, booking of local experiences and all passenger transfers throughout the tour
Daily guided walking tours, always adapted to your pace
Support vehicle (SAG Wagon) throughout all the hikes;
Daily picnic bag for all hiking / walking experiences
Garmin GPS with preloaded daily tracks
Luggage transfer between hotels
Personal accidents insurance during our tour
Live Love Hike t-shirt, buff, water bottle and other gear
Detailed briefing and routebook provided before the tour by a local guide
Portuguese mobile cellphone for contact with your local guide
Visit to wineries, museums and other select experiences;

Prices:

Book the trip of a lifetime

Prices

Self-guided

Guided

Self-guided - minimum of two guests;
Guided - minimum of four guests
1890€ per guest
2750€ per guest
High season supplement (1st May to 31st October)
150€
150€
Single room supplement (mandatory for solo hikers)
500€
500€
Premium hotel upgrade supplement
300€
300€

Add-ons

Self-guided

Guided

Half-Board - All dinners at the hotel (7 meals)
315€, drinks not included
315€, drinks not included
Extra nights available before or after this tour
on demand
on demand

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Guided

Minimum of two guests
Private tour, starts any date
from 1890€ per person
click to see what's included

Premium

Minimum of two guests
Private tour, starts any date
from 2790€ per person
click to see what's included

Group Tours:

Join this tour on a group with other hikers, on the following dates

July 2023

02/07/23 - Walking Tour in the Portuguese Camino - from Porto to Santiago Compostela
Start Planning
- Guaranteed departures -
- No minimum of guests required -

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Why choose Live Love Hike?

Contact us by e-mail, skype or telephone for more information.
EXPERTLY GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS
RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE
ADAPTED TO EVERY TYPE OF HIKER
GROUP DISCOUNTS
AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of Portuguese tourist guides ans walking enthusiasts, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

We are seasoned travelers and love the proximity and timeless feeling of exploring new turns, mountains, beaches and viewpoints on foot. Our passion is to share these feelings with you, so that you fall in love with Portugal as much as we are too.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides, making sure our guests’ walking holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
After a great day outdoors, it's time to relax

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your hiking is done.

/ Access to the best SPAs;

/ Free time for sightseeing;

/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your walking holidays Portugal!
WALKING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER

While planning your holidays, our staff will contact you to ask for further details to better design a tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different hiking experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" hikers, we provide additional challenges. Or you are welsome to take a day off; we invite all our guests on our guided tours to simply hop into our vans if they want to enjoy a recovery day.

RIDER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I walk/hike on a regular basis, for fitness. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere, going out on hikes up to 2 or three hours.

You will get to hike at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our van if you so desire or challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to walk in a group with like-minded people and accompanied by our guides, discovering the best of Portugal

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Hiking is a great part of my life, and I walk regularly. I am comfortable with hikes of 3 to 4 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles, so that I can explore more and discover the most beautiful places.

You will get to explore different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to walking along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, but also enjoy the descents and push yourself climbing those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, and pushing a little harder to get off the beaten path.

3 EXPERT

/ I am an explorer by nature and understand I have to push myself to get to the top of the summit. I love to climb, hike, do trail running and tackle big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories. I love to spend the full day walking or even trail running.

You’ll get to hike or run the best Portuguese trails and push yourself as hard as you can, as at the end of the day, you know you’ll be able to rest and relax. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Walking holidays Portugal for all.
/ From 5 to 8 guests, 5% discount for guests;

/ From 9 to 12 guests, 7.5% discount for guests;

/ From 12 riders to 20 guests, 10% discount for guests;


EXPERTLY GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS

AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of Portuguese tourist guides ans walking enthusiasts, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

We are seasoned travelers and love the proximity and timeless feeling of exploring new turns, mountains, beaches and viewpoints on foot. Our passion is to share these feelings with you, so that you fall in love with Portugal as much as we are too.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides, making sure our guests’ walking holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.

RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE

After a great day outdoors, it's time to relax

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your hiking is done.

/ Access to the best SPAs;

/ Free time for sightseeing;

/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your walking holidays Portugal!

ADAPTED TO EVERY TYPE OF HIKER

WALKING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER

While planning your holidays, our staff will contact you to ask for further details to better design a tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different hiking experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" hikers, we provide additional challenges. Or you are welsome to take a day off; we invite all our guests on our guided tours to simply hop into our vans if they want to enjoy a recovery day.

RIDER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I walk/hike on a regular basis, for fitness. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere, going out on hikes up to 2 or three hours.

You will get to hike at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our van if you so desire or challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to walk in a group with like-minded people and accompanied by our guides, discovering the best of Portugal

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Hiking is a great part of my life, and I walk regularly. I am comfortable with hikes of 3 to 4 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles, so that I can explore more and discover the most beautiful places.

You will get to explore different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to walking along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, but also enjoy the descents and push yourself climbing those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, and pushing a little harder to get off the beaten path.

3 EXPERT

/ I am an explorer by nature and understand I have to push myself to get to the top of the summit. I love to climb, hike, do trail running and tackle big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories. I love to spend the full day walking or even trail running.

You’ll get to hike or run the best Portuguese trails and push yourself as hard as you can, as at the end of the day, you know you’ll be able to rest and relax. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Walking holidays Portugal for all.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

/ From 5 to 8 guests, 5% discount for guests;

/ From 9 to 12 guests, 7.5% discount for guests;

/ From 12 riders to 20 guests, 10% discount for guests;
Book with confidence - Check our cancellation policy.

European Offices

Live Love Hike
Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 311
1950-421
Lisbon - Portugal

Monday to Friday
09AM to 06PM GMT
Telephone: 00351 217 590 365 - Call to the Portuguese national fixed network
Email: hikewithus @ livelovehike.pt 

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