Best of the Portuguese Way
11 Days Starting in Lisbon, Portugal and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Visiting: Lisbon, Santarem, Coimbra, Porto, Braga, Ponte de Lima, Baiona, Pontevedra, Santiago de Compostela, Santiago
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BPW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Portuguese Way, tracing the historic footsteps of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. This tour offers a perfect blend of camaraderie, culture, and culinary delights as you traverse through Portugal and Spain. Begin in the vibrant city of Lisbon, explore the ancient towns of Santarem and Coimbra, and savor the maritime charm of Porto. Walk along scenic coastal routes, cross into Spain by ferry, and experience the rich heritage of Braga and Pontevedra. Conclude your pilgrimage in the spiritual heart of Santiago de Compostela, staying in specially selected hotels and a parador, and enjoying delicious local dishes along the way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Lisbon, Afternoon Guided Walk And Welcome Dinner
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your way to the joining hotel in Lisbon and meet your guide at 4pm for a guided orientation walk of the city. Welcome dinner with the guide and group.
We recommend staying a few nights before the trip - Lisbon is such a vibrant and historic city. You can also visit eg Cascais and/or Sintra, accessible as day trips from Lisbon.
Day 2 : Transfer To Porto De Muge And Walk To Santarem, Transfer To Obidos (4Hrs)
Location: Santarem
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to the Camino Portugués, where we walk about 16km to Santarem, located on the right bank of the Tagus River. The town has a rich and ancient history, having been inhabited by the Lusitani people, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and later Portuguese Christians. From here we transfer to Óbidos where you can stroll in the old city before dinner.
Day 3 : Transfer To Rabaçal And Walk To Conimbriga, Transfer To Coimbra (3Hrs)
Location: Coimbra
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we transfer to Rabaçal from where we walk along the Camino to Conimbriga (approx 11km) where we visit the ruins, the largest Roman settlement in Portugal. After a picnic lunch we transfer to Coimbra, a lively university town situated on the Mondego River. There will be time this afternoon to visit the old city and university, which is famous for its library Biblioteca Joanina. Overnight Coimbra.
Day 4 : Walk To Albergaría A Vella, Transfer To Porto (2Hrs)
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we leave Coimbra and drive to Pedaçães where we begin our walk (approx 9km) along the Camino to Albergaría a Vella. Later we transfer to Porto, located on the banks of the Douro River. Porto's maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port shaped it into a proud city, with an impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. In the evening have a special dinner at a restaurant with lovely river views. Overnight Porto.
Day 5 : In Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is all about Porto. We start with a city stroll with a local guide visiting the Cathedral, the Tower of Clérigos, and the Ribeira-quarter. Following lunch at leisure we will meet up at a wine cellar for a tasting of Tawny Port and Ruby wine. This evening is free for you to sample one of the many great restaurants in this vibrant city. Overnight Porto.
Day 6 : Transfer By Tram To Walk A Section Of The Coastal Route And Continue To Braga (4Hrs)
Location: Braga
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we take the tram along the river to the Castelo do Queijo. From here we walk along the coast to Agudela (approx 12km) then transfer to Braga. Here we can explore the old quarter with its variety of national monuments and historic buildings on foot. The religious importance of the town is obvious from the Cathedral dominating the centre to the baroque styled pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus do Monte on the outskirts. Overnight Braga.
Day 7 : Walk A Section Of The Central Route Before Visiting Ponte De Lima (3Hrs)
Location: Ponte de Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we transfer then walk (approx 12km) along a section of the Camino Portugués Central route from Vitorino dos Piares to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal. Take some time to visit the town and sample the local products for lunch before we transfer to Viana do Castelo, for our overnight stay.
Day 8 : Cross Into Spain By Ferry And Walk Along The Camino Portugués De La Costa, Overnight Parador (2Hrs)
Location: Baiona
Accommodation Name: Parador de Baiona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We cross the border into Galicia in Spain by ferry, discovering the landscape of the Miño river estuary. After visiting the pre-roman settlement in Santa Tegra, we pass A Guarda and walk along the Atlantic Coast from Portecelo to Oia (6km). We then transfer to Baiona, visiting the impressive fortress and the Caravela of Colón. Overnight Parador de Baiona.
Day 9 : Walk Into Pontevedra And Visit A Manor House And Wine Cellar En Route To Santiago (2Hrs)
Location: Pontevedra
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we transfer to the outskirts of Pontevedra for a morning walk following the Gafos River and stroll through the city (5km). In Pontevedra, there's free time for lunch and a stroll to see the sights including the A Peregrina church and the squares of A Ferraría, Leña and Verdura. Later on we will visit a Pazo (manor house) discovering camellia gardens and trying the local wine (Albariño). Later we transfer to Santiago and walk the last section of the Camino into the old town to arrive at the cathedral. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 10 : Full Day In Santiago, Guided Tour And Free Afternoon
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning there will be a guided tour of Santiago visiting the Cathedral, local market and the Alameda Park. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure, before we join as a group once more for a special farewell dinner.
Day 11 : Trip Concludes
Location: Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes in Santiago after breakfast.
We offer a day trip to Fisterra from Santiago, if you'd like to visit the 'end of the earth' - please ask our staff for details. An extra night in Santiago is usually required as this is a full day trip.
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights in specially selected hotels and a Parador -
10 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, 4 dinners (1 beverage included)
Enjoy 10 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, and 4 dinners with one beverage included.
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10 nights in specially selected 3-4 star hotels and a Parador on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Stay for 10 nights in specially selected 3-4 star hotels and a Parador, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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English speaking guide throughout
Benefit from the services of an English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
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Support vehicle for luggage and transfers during walking days
A support vehicle will be available for luggage and transfers during walking days. Note that porterage is not included, and you will carry your own luggage to and from the vehicle.
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Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing
Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing are included.
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Guided orientation walk in Lisbon on day 1
Participate in a guided orientation walk in Lisbon on day 1, meeting at 4pm at the hotel.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Lisbon and from Santiago de Compostela
Travel to Lisbon and from Santiago de Compostela is not included.
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Lunches, dinners not noted as included
Lunches and dinners not specifically noted as included are excluded.
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Sightseeing and entrance fees unless specified as included
Sightseeing and entrance fees are excluded unless specified as included.
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A supplement will apply if you book a single room
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
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Storage of luggage
Storage of luggage is not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Local taxes including hotel taxes
Local taxes, including hotel taxes, are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Grading
This is a guided walk with average daily stages of 2 to 4 hours on walking days. The trip is graded introductory to moderate as it is mainly on well defined trails, with a few off path sections only. There is diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes transfers to various walking points, a support vehicle for luggage and transfers during walking days, and a ferry crossing into Spain.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights in specially selected 3-4 star hotels and a Parador, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in specially selected 3-4 star hotels and a Parador on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Will there be a guide throughout the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking guide will be with you throughout the tour.
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Is there a support vehicle available during the walking days?
Yes, there is a support vehicle for luggage and transfers during walking days. However, please note that porterage is not included, and you will need to carry your own luggage to and from the vehicle.
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Are entrance fees for sightseeing included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing are included in the tour.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, and 4 dinners (with 1 beverage included).
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The trip is graded introductory to moderate, with average daily stages of 2 to 4 hours on walking days. The terrain is diverse, ranging from relatively flat to hilly, and walking poles are recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
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Is there an option to extend the trip after it concludes in Santiago?
Yes, there is an option for a day trip to Fisterra from Santiago, known as the 'end of the earth'. An extra night in Santiago is usually required as this is a full day trip.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.