Portuguese Camino - Coimbra to Porto

Portuguese Camino - Coimbra to Porto

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8 Days From

$995

Portuguese Camino - Coimbra to Porto

8 Days Starting in Coimbra, Portugal and ending in Porto, Portugal

Visiting: Coimbra, Biblioteca Joanina, Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha), Trouxemil, Sargento-Mor, Santa Luzia, Mala, Mealhada, Avelas de Caminho, Quinta de Grimpa, Ponte Velha, Agueda, Albergaria-a-Velha, Oliveira de Azeméis, Matriz de Sao Miguel Church, Sao Joao da Madeira, Santa Maria de Feira, Malaposta, Grijo, Porto

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

PC2

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $995 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 30-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey along the Portuguese Camino from Coimbra to Porto, a self-guided walking tour that immerses you in the rich cultural tapestry of Portugal. Traverse charming villages and historic pilgrimage sites, starting in the vibrant university city of Coimbra. Delight in the region's culinary offerings, including the renowned port wine, as you make your way through picturesque landscapes and ancient Roman roads. Highlights include the Manueline architecture of Quinta de Grimpa, the 13th-century Mosteiro San Salvador in Grijo, and the bustling city of Porto with its maritime heritage. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and luggage transfers, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience as you explore this historic route at your own pace.

Highlights

  • Discover the small villages and pilgrimage sites along the Camino Portugués on foot.

  • Explore the historical and lively university city of Coimbra.

  • Experience the culinary delights and port wine varieties of the region.

  • Visit the historic and vibrant city of Porto.

  • Walk along the original Via Romana XVI and cross the restored bridge Marnel towards Albergaria.

  • Pass through the town of Avelas de Caminho with its pretty Manueline featured Quinta de Grimpa.

  • Visit the 13th century monastery Mosteiro San Salvador in Grijo.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Coimbra

Location: Coimbra, Biblioteca Joanina, Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha)

Accommodation Name: hotel

Coimbra is a lively university town situated on the Mondego River. Enjoy exploring this beautiful and historic city, its churches and museums and don’t miss the university itself, especially the library Biblioteca Joanina. Coimbra can be very busy in early May with its 'Ribbon Burning' festivities, the oldest in Portugal, which begin with the traditional fado serenade in the square of the Old (Se) Cathedral of Coimbra.

Day 2 : Coimbra to Mealhada (5-6hrs)

Location: Coimbra, Trouxemil, Sargento-Mor, Santa Luzia, Mala, Mealhada

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trail today has gentle ascents and descents, following river valleys and irrigation channels along a mix of asphalt and Roman roads. Passing through the villages of Trouxemil, Sargento-Mor, Santa Luzia and Mala. arrive in Mealhada, once a major Roman crossroads. It is now best known for leitão da bairrada, suckling pig. Pigs from the surrounding Barraida region are acorn fed and considered the best in Portugal. Mealhada is also well known for its wine. Overnight in Mealhada.Distance 23km/14.4mi, ascent 450m/1476ft, descent 430m/1410ft

Day 3 : Walk to Agueda (6-7hrs)

Location: Avelas de Caminho, Quinta de Grimpa, Ponte Velha, Agueda

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today the path is gently undulating along the Certima river valley. It is mostly along roads with pockets of vineyards and woodland tracks. You'll pass through the town of Avelas de Caminho with its pretty Manueline featured Quinta de Grimpa. Continue to Agueda after crossing the river and the old bridge Ponte Velha. Overnight in Agueda.Distance 26km/16.2mi, ascent 510m/1673ft, descent 550m/1805ft

Day 4 : Continue to Albergaria (4-5hrs) and transfer back to Agueda for overnight

Location: Albergaria-a-Velha, Agueda

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The path is quite flat except for a small ascent into Albergaria. Walk along the original Via Romana XVI and across the recently restored bridge Marnel towards Albergaria, founded in 1120 to provide refuge to pilgrims on the Camino. This afternoon you will be transferred back to Agueda for the night. Overnight in Agueda.Distance 16km/10mi, ascent 320m/1050ft, descent 220m/722ft

Day 5 : Transfer to Albergaria and walk to Oliveira de Azemeis (5-6hrs)

Location: Albergaria-a-Velha, Oliveira de Azeméis, Matriz de Sao Miguel Church

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Albergaria to re-commence your walk. The terrain is undulating, taking you through through pine and eucalypt forests and local villages. Between Albergaria a Velha and Albergaria a Nova, follow dirt paths passing through eucalyptus forests and later the Via Férrea do Vouga railway line is crossed on several occasions, requiring care. Oliveira has an old centre, the Matriz de Sao Miguel church and a row of fine houses dating from the 1800s, built by prosperous emigrants returning from Brazil. On the 2nd Sunday in August, festivities honouring Our Lady of La Salette are very popular. Overnight in Oliveira de Azemeis.Distance 20km/12.5mi, ascent 470m/1542ft, descent 370m/1214ft

Day 6 : Walk to Malaposta (4-5hrs)

Location: Sao Joao da Madeira, Santa Maria de Feira, Malaposta

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s walking is over rolling hills and through more urban areas including the town of Sao Joao da Madeira. The route is almost entirely on roads today as a result. Follow a section of the original Roman Via XVI via Arrifana to Malaposta.If you’d like to visit the historic town of Santa Maria de Feira, this can usually be arranged with the hotel staff (payable locally). It has an immaculately maintained castle and in early August hosts the Viagem medieval festival, with re-enactments, markets and entertainment. Overnight in Malaposta.Distance 16km/10mi, ascent 455m/1493ft, descent 370m/1214ft

Day 7 : To Porto (7hrs)

Location: Grijo, Porto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Malaposta on the original cobbled Roman road, the path leads to Grijo. Its 13th century monastery Mosteiro San Salvador, first consecrated in 1235, has long been an important stop along the Camino. Continue to Porto, on the banks of the Douro River. Its maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port shaped it into a proud city, with an impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. Overnight in Porto.Distance 27km/16.8mi, ascent 530m/1738ft, descent 775m/2542ft

Day 8 : Trip concludes

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip concludes after breakfast in the hotel. Porto has a lot to see and do, we can assist with booking extra nights on request (highly recommended).Own onward arrangements from Porto, or continue along the inland Portuguese Camino to Tui, or the Coastal route to Viana and beyond.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in comfortable hotels

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer is included for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg.

  • Digital Information Pack

    A digital information pack with route notes, maps, and GPX files is provided.

  • Return Transfers

    Return transfers between Albergaria and Agueda are included.

  • Pilgrim Passport

    A pilgrim passport is included in the tour package.

  • Emergency Hotline

    An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.

  • Travel to Coimbra and from Porto

    Travel arrangements to Coimbra and from Porto are included.

What's Not Included

  • Lunch, Dinner, and Drinks

    Meals not listed as included and drinks are not provided.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Tour Guide

    This is a self-guided walking trip, so no tour guide is provided.

  • Supplement for Solo Travelers or Single Rooms

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance Fees Not Listed

    Entrance fees to attractions not listed as included are not covered.

  • Transfers Not Listed

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.

  • Excess Luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the 20kg limit.

  • Items of a Personal Nature

    Personal items are not included in the tour package.

Grading

GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 15-26km on a combination of small roads (70% on av.), natural paths (18%) and main roads (12%) over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. The route takes you along quiet rural roads, at times on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road and there are often alternative routes available. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads the surface of this route is largely asphalt. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

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

The tour includes return transfers between Albergaria and Agueda, with additional transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, offering a cozy and welcoming stay throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 7 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, ensuring a cozy and welcoming stay throughout the journey.

  • Is there a guide provided for the tour?

    No, this is a self-guided walking holiday, so no tour guide is provided.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental and include breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.

  • 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, a water bottle, lunch supplies, a mobile phone, and sun protection.

  • Are there any luggage restrictions on the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included for 1 piece with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • What is the difficulty level of the walking tour?

    The tour is graded as GRADE 3, with daily walks between 15-26km on a combination of small roads, natural paths, and main roads over diverse terrain, ranging from relatively flat to hilly.

  • What kind of support is available during the tour?

    The tour provides a digital information pack with route notes, maps, and GPX, as well as an emergency hotline for support.

  • Are transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, return transfers between Albergaria and Agueda are included, with additional transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip.

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Cathy Eaton (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is...

07-Nov-2024

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is a predominantly coastal walk from the very lovely French town Collioure to Cadeques in Spain. There are 2 routes to choose each day and each have different elevation and distance. On day 5 (the 4th day of walking) there is an option to climb up to a monastery. Try not to do this on the only day it is closed (as we did) - Monday. In my opinion the day between Cerbere and Llanca was the best - really pretty coastal scenery and included some rock hopping around the sea edge. The hotels were all family run and comfortable but usually a bit out of the centre. The luggage transfers worked well. (We didn’t have supplied luggage labels and so used sticky sports tape each day to label the next hotel name). Breakfasts were all excellent, dinners varied a bit - but they were adequate. I thought the trip was good value. The trails were not crowded and I recommend October as a good time for this hike. There is little shade so it would be extremely hot at the peak of summer.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.