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The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Tui

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Tui

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~~$1118~~

$1062

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Tui

8 Days Starting in Porto and ending in Tui

Visiting: Portugal, Spain

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

PTT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

moderate

From:

$1118

$1062 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$56

Tour Overview

Considered the most spiritually connected pilgrimage route, following the path St James' body took to its resting place at the site of Santiago de Compostela, this quiet stage offers a wealth of history. From the lively city of Porto, set on the banks of the Douro River and famous for its port wine production, the journey north travels through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and through larger market towns dating back to Roman times. Throughout the journey there are ample reminders of past pilgrims and the route offers many insights into the religious significance of the Camino. Visually stunning in parts, there are many advantages in walking the Portugués route with the ascent up to the highest point on the trail at Alto da Portela Grande (405m) rewarded with sweeping views of the Lima Valley below. This is the third of four stages on our self-guided walking along the Portuguese Camino.

Highlights

Discovering on foot the river valleys, small villages and pilgrimage sites along the Camino Portugués
Experiencing culinary delights and the port wine varieties of the area
Exploring the historical centres of Porto, Barcelos and Ponte de Lima
Enjoying the hospitality of family run hotels

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Tui | PTT | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive Porto

Set on the banks of the Douro River, Porto's historical centre was declared a World Heritage site in 1996 and in the 12th Century it was in Porto that the country took its name and became an independent nation. Its maritime legacies and importance as a new world trading port have shaped it into the proud city it has become, with its impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites.

Day 2 : Transfer To Vilar Do Pinheiro And Walk To Arcos (4Hrs, 19Km/11.8Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

This morning a private transfer (at 8.30am) will take you from your Porto hotel to the small town of Vilar do Pinheiro where you begin an easy walk down in part through woodland trails to the rural town of Arcos. The transfer enables you to avoid the urban sprawl of Porto, taking you directly to a rural landscape, however if you want to walk this section we recommend you do it the previous day and take a taxi or bus back to your Porto hotel.

Day 3 : Walk To The Market Town Of Barcelos (5Hrs, 20Km/12.4Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

The trail today takes you through lush valleys through towns such as Sao Pedro de Rates and its church of St Peter, and over the Monte Franqueira, before reaching Barcelos. There is an alternative route for a small section, via the ruins of the Castelo de Faria. Arriving in Barcelos you are certainly in for a treat. With its impressive medieval bridge, Barcelos is treasured for its history and legends (eg. the Barcelos cockerel). The feast of the crosses is held on 3 May each year in its octagonal shaped baroque church. Every Thursday the Campo da Feira, or market square, becomes one of Portugals most atmospheric market places. If you are thinking of a rest day this is the place to have it.

Day 4 : Continue To Balugaes (4.5Hrs, 16Km/9.9Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

The route takes you through small villages with pretty gardens and past many baroque chapels enroute to the small and quiet town of Balugães, a traditional resting point on the Camino Portuguese.

Day 5 : Walk To Ponte De Lima, The Oldest Town In Portugal (5.5Hrs, 17Km/10.5Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

The route takes us gradually closer to the valley of the Lima River, where the village of Ponte da Lima is located, the oldest in Portugal. The cobble stoned streets are a delight to walk through and there are many points of interest including museums, historic houses, a prision tower (now a library) and the main square, Largo de Camoes. The medieval bridge spanning the Lima River has Roman foundations but was rebuilt in 1368. Many festivals also take place here including Vaca das Cordas in June (the day before Corpus Christi), medieval markets in August, and Feiras Novas on the third weekend in September, a party which goes on for 3 days.

Day 6 : Along Delightful Trails And Crossing Small Hills En Route To Pecene (6.5Hrs, 22Km/13.6Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

This is the first day on the trail where much of the route will be unpaved. Leaving by the Ponte de Lima ascend the Labruja Valley and up to a mountain ridge where you reach the Alto da Portela Grande, the highest point on the trail at 405m. The views sweeping back down to the Lima valley are well worth the effort! Descending trails heading north you soon enter the town of Rubiães by its Roman road and then continue on to Pecene, where you will overnight.

Day 7 : The Last Stage To The Spanish Border At Tui (4.5Hrs, 15Km/9.3Mi)

Meals Included: B

This stage is characterized by hilly terrain that gradually leads to Valença before crossing the border into Spain. The trail is along quiet country roads and unpaved trails for the most part. Before crossing into Spain it is worth taking a look at the historic walled town of Valença. Later reaching Tui, the final stop on the trip, you can reflect on the past week, as you visit the cathedral which dates from 1120. This evening take a walk along the Paseo de Calvo Sotelo where a lively atmosphere is usually evident.
Optional upgrade to parador in Tui available - supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking.

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

Meals Included: B

Trip concludes after breakfast. Own onward arrangements or continue to Santiago de Compostela.

What's Included

Accommodation
7 nights in comfortable hotels
7 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a
7 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 4 star hotel or parador in Tui - supplement applies)
Luggage transfer (max 1 piece of 20kgs per person)
Information pack including route notes and guidebook per room booked
Emergency hotline
Transfer from Porto to Vilar do Pinheiro on day 2
Pilgrim's Passport
Information pack including route notes
7 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (optional upgrade to parador in Tui - supplement applies)
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
2024: Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
7 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a
Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
Pilgrim Passport
Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX

What's Not Included

Travel to Porto and from Tui
Lunch and drinks throughout, 1 dinner
Items of a personal nature
Entrance fees
Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip
Transfers unless advised
Travel insurance
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Transfers not listed as included
Excess luggage
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage

Grading

MODERATE – GRADE 3
Daily walks are between 15-22km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads, occassionally 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 and walking trails. 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, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

David F.(Australia | TripAdvisor)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Tui

We did an 8 day self guided walk from Porto Portug

We did an 8 day self guided walk from Porto Portugal to Tui in spain. We walked about 25 km per day, about 140 km in total. We stayed in great accommodation with breakfast and dinner organised for us. The company arranged for our cases to be transported to the next hotel and we just had to have our day pack. The countryside is spectacular and people really nice. It was one of the best holidays I have ever had.

R. Gould(Taringa, QLD, Australia)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Tui

Very good trip with the exception of the direction

Very good trip with the exception of the directions and naming of the accommodation in Ponte de Lima.

S. Coley(East Perth, Western Australia)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Tui

Did self-guided walk in Jan/Feb and liked the uncr

Did self-guided walk in Jan/Feb and liked the uncrowded paths and friendly hospitality at the hotels who were pleased to have guests. Very easy to navigate as entire walk is marked with yellow arrows. The cooler weather was great for walking but also mean raingear was essential and well used. We condensed to 5 days, which meant one 34km day and no stay in Balugaes - we would recommend to others. A rest day in Ponte de Lima would probably be a good option if you do this. Best option for return from Tui to Porto is a taxi to Valenca and then local train at 8.30am which is only two stops and you can easily buy tickets on the day at this time of year. Overall very impressed with Utracks organisation once again and would do more such walks.

W. Tully(Mona Vale, Australia)

The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Tui

My experience with UTRACKS was very good overall.

My experience with UTRACKS was very good overall. Our bags arrived at each destination before we did, directions were clear and the track itself is extremely well marked. The accommodation was excellent, with beautiful properties and welcoming hosts.

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Apr 30, 2024 - May 07, 2024

~~$1118~~ $1062 (USD)