The Camino – From Lisbon to Santiago

Meet & Greet at the Hotel on arrival – 18h. Depending on our arrival time, we’ll have an orientation walk before dinner. Welcome dinner included in a local restaurant

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.

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. (optional visit not included). Further down the River, 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 Discoveries and World Heritage Site. Free time in the afternoon

Transfer from Lisbon to Tomar. En route, we’ll visit other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, starting with the Batalha Monastery, 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. Afterwards, a visit to Alcobaça Monastery, a 12th century colossal complex originally given to St Bernard of Clairvaux the main reformer of the Cistercian Order and built to reflect the principles of austerity, prayer, penitence, hard labour, and constant silence. This monastery is also the burial site of Portugal’s most famous royal lovers and their tragic history – “Pedro and Inês”.

A day dedicated to Tomar, with a morning introductory walk in the centre. The day will be partly guided to give a full background to the buildings and history of Tomar. The Convent of Christ was built as a Knight’s Templars stronghold in the 12th century, and reminds us until today of the power, knowledge, sacrifice, and history of one of the most famous religious orders of all times. 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.

On our way through the centre of Portugal, we cross the Ribatejo, a green and tranquil area. On our way to Porto, we will stop in Nazaré, famous for its underwater canyon that inspired the famous surfer Garret McNamara in the “100 Foot Wave” series. Depending on our arrival time, we’ll have an orientation walk.

Our first day in Porto will be to explore the town, which is the capital of the north, and Portugal’s second city. We’ll see some of Porto’s most iconic monuments, and 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 Douro and a visit to a Port Lodge to get to know the history of this world-famous wine and taste it, of course. In the evening Fado experience, a window into Portuguese culture and history.

Free morning to explore Porto. After lunch (not included) we transfer to Vigo, located on the banks of the Vigo River – this will be our first Spanish based Hotel – Time to explore the town and his delights. Tomorrow we head to Tui that 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!

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. Ascent/Descent: 70/70m Approx Km: 16 km Approx Time: 04h30

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. Ascent/Descent: 200/250m Approx Km: 15,5 km Approx Time: 04h30

From Redondela, we witness a piece of history, by crossing the “Ponte Sampaio”, a Roman bridge that witnesses a battle against the Napoleonic invaders. We then 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. Ascent/Descent: 250/250m Approx Km: 19,6 km Approx Time: 05h00

Today’s stage brings us another amazing piece of history. The Ponte do Burgo is a medieval bridge that will allow us to cross over the Lerez River. Immediately associated with the Portuguese way of Santiago, amongst the arches of the bridge 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. Ascent/Descent: 150/150m Approx Km: 21,1 km Approx Time: 05h30

Famous for numerous reasons, Padron is deeply associated with Saint James and its travels through Hispania, making it naturally, one of the most famous stages of the Santiago way. Nevertheless, you may also want to try the famous local peppers, a roulette of flavourful delicacies that the locals are very proud of! Ascent/Descent: 140/170m Approx Km: 18,6 km Approx Time: 05h00

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. Ascent/Descent: 325/70m Approx Km: 24,3 km Approx Time: 06h30

A free day dedicated to the town that centres the mysteries and the pilgrimage of 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. Farewell dinner included at the Hotel

Individual departure (not included)