Best of the Portuguese Way

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11 Days From

~~$3005~~

$2910

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:

UTracks

Tour code:

BPW

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 16

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

From: $3005 $2910 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$95

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

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

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims along the medieval trail to Santiago de Compostela
Visiting Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and Santiago de Compostela
Experiencing the highlights of the Portuguese Camino
Exploring the old quarter of Braga with its national monuments and historic buildings
Crossing into Spain by ferry and walking along the Camino Portugués de la Costa
Visiting the pre-roman settlement in Santa Tegra and the fortress in Baiona
Walking the last section of the Camino into the old town of Santiago to arrive at the cathedral
Guided tour of Santiago visiting the Cathedral, local market, and Alameda Park

Itinerary

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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

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.
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.
English speaking guide throughout

Benefit from the services of an English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
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.
Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing

Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing are included.
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

Travel to Lisbon and from Santiago de Compostela

Travel to Lisbon and from Santiago de Compostela is not included.
Lunches, dinners not noted as included

Lunches and dinners not specifically noted as included are excluded.
Sightseeing and entrance fees unless specified as included

Sightseeing and entrance fees are excluded unless specified as included.
A supplement will apply if you book a single room

A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
Storage of luggage

Storage of luggage is not included.
Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not included.
Tips

Tips are not included.
Local taxes including hotel taxes

Local taxes, including hotel taxes, are not included.
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

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.
Will there be a guide throughout the tour?

Yes, an English-speaking guide will be with you throughout the tour.
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.
Are entrance fees for sightseeing included in the tour?

Yes, entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing are included in the tour.
What meals are included in the tour package?

The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, and 4 dinners (with 1 beverage 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, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection.
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.
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.
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 from travellers on this tour

S. Mihevc(Sorrento, Australia)

Best of the Portuguese Way

3 Oct 2023

Had the time of my life, better than expected!

M. McLeod(New Farm, Australia)

Best of the Portuguese Way

21 Dec 2023

Great holiday experience from start to finish, in spite of the inclement weather. It did not deter the walking and site-seeing pleasure. The guide was top notch.

F. Scarrott(Northcote, Australia)

Best of the Portuguese Way

13 Oct 2024

I loved every minute of it. Our Guide, Manuel, was fantastic and went above and beyond.

M. McLeod(New Farm, Australia)

Best of the Portuguese Way

21 Dec 2023

Wonderful experience from start to finish, in spite of the rain. The guide was key to success of the holiday. Good mix of walking and other niche tourist activities.

M. Byatt(Ware, United Kingdom)

Best of the Portuguese Way

3 Nov 2023

We felt this was an outstanding experience; our guide Maria was incredibly knowledgeable (customs, local history, architecture, food …) with an infectious enthusiasm for her part of the world. The experience was enriched by our fellow travellers. The itinerary felt well-paced, walking in the morning and visiting / guided tours of quaint towns in the afternoon. Great hotels to recharge in after a busy day. We can’t recommend this experience enough and have started planning our next walking trip with them again. Thank you!

S. Mihevc(Sorrento, Australia)

Best of the Portuguese Way

6 Oct 2023

I just finished the Portuguese Way and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our team leader did a great job.

G. Glazebrook(Burradoo, Australia)

Best of the Portuguese Way

18 Apr 2023

Our UTracks Portuguese Camino trip (10 days) was fabulous. Excellent itinerary, tour guide and accommodation / meals. Wonderful experience and the group (of 8 all up) worked very well - a thoroughly enjoyable and educational trip. Our tour guide was considerate and very helpful, our driver was also fantastic, and the city guides in Lisbon and Santiago were also great - especially Maria in Lisbon. Highly recommended trip.

M. Rainsford(Perth, Australia)

Best of the Portuguese Way

29 Sep 2023

A fantastic experience. Very well organized. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

M. Hookey(Carlton North, Australia)

Best of the Portuguese Way

26 Sep 2023

This is a great tour for those looking for introduction to the Portuguese Camino without needing to be super fit and spending the whole day walking.

M. McLeod(New Farm, Australia)

Best of the Portuguese Way

2 Nov 2023

We had very rainy weather for most of our walk so that did have an impact. Our guide was helpful, friendly, informative and unflappable. We (husband and I) enjoyed the walk despite the weather. Possibly the mix of walking and tourist attractions each day was overload, better to spend a little more time enjoying the walk rather than meeting a sightseeing schedule. Plus, suggest a stopover of 2 nights in one place mid tour.

Read all 18 reviews

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