Camino de Portugal – Supported Walk | October 7th, 2024
$2899 $2699 per person
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*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing and discounted rate reflects early booking savings
*Single Supplement: $800 CAD
*If you are a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate (of the same gender), please reach out to us for details.
*Book by April 30th, 2024 and Save $200 CAD per person!
Members are welcome to invite Family and/or Friends to travel with them on this trip at the same rate.
Please note that arrival/start date in Porto is October 8th, 2024 (October 7th reflects the date needed to fly from Canada – flights are additional)
October 7th to 23rd, 2024
Come join this once in a lifetime walk to experience the “Portuguese Camino” on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Immerse yourself in the beautiful Portuguese countryside and gaze at Portugal’s famous coastline as you meander your way North. Sleep in comfortable 3 star hotels along the way, have your luggage transported for you and enjoy this much less travelled route.
*We will be limiting this group departure to 18 guests. Pricing is based on 12 to 18 guests.
*Note: This isn’t a guided tour, it is a supported walk.
What’s Included:
- 02 nights’ stay in Oporto – 3 star Hotel (Bed & Breakfast).
- Visit + Wine tasting + Dinner at a Wine Cellar at Vila Nova de Gaia – R/T Transfers not included. Guided visit will take about 35 minutes. Wine tasting (3 Ports). Dinner includes: Welcome drink / Starter / 1 main Dish / Dessert / Wine & Drinks.
- Self-Guided Walking Tour from Day 3 till Day 14:11 nights of accommodation with breakfast.
- Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 bag per person – maximum 15 kg/pack)
- Private transfer from Porto to Matosinhos (Day 1)
- Private transfer Vila do Conde – Arcos
- Private Transfer Barcelos – Balugães
- Telephone support for emergencies
- Pilgrim Kit: Credencial (passport) and Vieira (shell)
- Roadbook of the way.
- Journey documentation.
- 02 nights’ stay at Santiago de Compostela – 3 star Hotel (Bed & Breakfast).
- Porto City Tax is included
- *Arrival and Departure Transfers
*Arrival and Departure Transfers are only included on the regular start (October 8th) and end dates (October 23rd) of this supported walk. If you’re purchasing pre and post nights from Trip Merchant you will have these transfers included as part of your booking. If you’re booking pre and post nights separately transfers will not be included.
Not Included:
- International airfare – Trip Merchant is happy to assist you with booking the airfare from your preferred Canadian air gateway
- Trip Cancellation and Medical Insurance
Terms and Conditions:
$500 CAD per person non refundable deposit due at time of booking
Final Balance Due: August 8th, 2024 (100% non-refundable after final payment)
Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 506
Mention Group Booking Number: TMPC1024
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Destination
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Arrival City
Porto, Portugal -
Departure City
Santiago de Compostela, Spain -
Activity Level
This is an active walking itinerary with approximately 8 hours of walking each day. -
Passenger Limit
18 Guests
1
Monday, October 7th: Depart from Home
Depart from Canada on your overnight flight to Portugal. Flights are additional
2
Tuesday, October 8th: Porto, Portugal
Upon arrival at the Porto International Airport you will be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel by motorcoach. Arrival transfers will be included regardless of what time you arrive. Transfer to your hotel in Porto. The city was built along the hills overlooking the Douro river estuary, and its historical center was awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO in 1996. It has been continuously inhabited since at least the 4th Century, when the Romans referred to it as Portus Calle
Accommodation: TURIM Oporto Hotel, Porto (4 Star)
The TURIM Oporto Hotel, with 100 rooms, is located in Praça da Trindade, in the center of Porto. The 4-star hotel has all the amenities and excellent services characteristic of TURIM Hotels. TURIM Oporto Hotel provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, private parking and room service. This 4-star hotel offers a bar. The property has a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. At the hotel, every room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Every room comes with a safety deposit box, while certain rooms will provide you with a balcony and others also provide guests with city views. All guest rooms will provide guests with a closet and an electric tea pot.
Meals Provided: No Meals
3
Wednesday, October 9th: Porto, Portugal
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your welcome briefing at your hotel. Exact room for this briefing will be announced at a later date.
10:00 AM: This morning there will be a welcome briefing on your upcoming "Camino de Portugal" supported walk. Maps will be handed out and questions answered. This should take about 1 hour.
Following this briefing enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Porto. Porto has always been a mercantile city, and this is evident in the style of the buildings lining the Avenida dos Aliados, the core of the downtown area. The center of town, unlike other major Portuguese cities, which tend towards the baroque, is granite and monumental. Residents of Porto are known as Tripeiros (tripe eaters) due to the fact that the city went without meat in order to provision the capital and the fleet that departed to Ceuta in 1415, had to subsist on tripe stew, still a specialty of the city.
7:00 PM: Enjoy a visit, a Port wine tasting and welcome dinner at a local wine cellar in "Vila Nova de Gaia", which is located across the river from Porto. The Port Wine tasting will take place at "Taylor's Wine Cellar". Then you will be taken to the restaurant next door to have your welcome dinner at the "Barão Fladgate Restaurant". *Roundtrip transfers to and from are not included. We suggest to take a taxi as its about a 45 minute walk from your hotel.
Accommodation: TURIM Oporto Hotel, Porto (4 Star)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner
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Thursday, October 10th: Private transfer: Porto – Matosinhos (at 08.30) - Walking Matosinhos to Villa do Conde
1st stage Porto to Matosinhos is a private transfer. Matosinhos to Vila do Conde by walking (Distance: 23 km)
This morning you will have a private transfer from Porto to Matosinhos. You will then will walk from Matosinhos to Vila do Conde, where you will spend the night. Vila do Conde is one of the oldest known settlements in Portugal. There have been discoveries in and around the city which date back 100,000 years.
Accommodation: Hotel Brazão (3 Star) , Vila do Conde
Situated at the heart of the historical center of Vila do Conde, Hotel Brazão (3 stars), welcomes its guests in an emblazoned building from the 17th century. Its 30 rooms have been totally remodeled and ensure the comfort and quietness needed for a pleasant stay. Being in the vicinity of a river, the sea and a city with a millennial history, it makes the perfect destination for the lovers of sports, architecture and/or culture.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning you will have a private transfer from Porto to Matosinhos. You will then will walk from Matosinhos to Vila do Conde, where you will spend the night. Vila do Conde is one of the oldest known settlements in Portugal. There have been discoveries in and around the city which date back 100,000 years.
Accommodation: Hotel Brazão (3 Star) , Vila do Conde
Situated at the heart of the historical center of Vila do Conde, Hotel Brazão (3 stars), welcomes its guests in an emblazoned building from the 17th century. Its 30 rooms have been totally remodeled and ensure the comfort and quietness needed for a pleasant stay. Being in the vicinity of a river, the sea and a city with a millennial history, it makes the perfect destination for the lovers of sports, architecture and/or culture.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
5
Friday, October 11th: Private transfer: Vila do Conde – Arcos (at 08.30)
2nd Stage - Vila do Conde to Arcos by private transfer. Walk from Arcos to Barcelos (Distance: 24 km)
During this stage you will depart the town of Arcos, and you get to walk through forests and gently sloping hills as well as passing through quaint villages. A visit up to the Hermitage of Santa de Franqueira is recommended. This is a great place to enjoy scenic views. Before reaching Barcelos, we must first cross an old stone bridge. There is a lovely welcoming/rest stop at the foot of the bridge as you enter the town.
During this stage you will depart the town of Arcos, and you get to walk through forests and gently sloping hills as well as passing through quaint villages. A visit up to the Hermitage of Santa de Franqueira is recommended. This is a great place to enjoy scenic views. Before reaching Barcelos, we must first cross an old stone bridge. There is a lovely welcoming/rest stop at the foot of the bridge as you enter the town.
Accommodation: Hotel Bagoeira (3 Star), Barcelos
The Hotel Bagoeira is positioned in the very heart of Barcelos. Set near the catholic Church of Senhor da Cruz, this lovely hotel is 5 minutes' walk of the city centre. The property is a short stroll from Tower of Barcelos. Guests will be provided with climate control, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi in the modern rooms. They also offer wonderful views of the city. You'll find nice touches like toiletries and a hairdryer to enhance your stay.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
6
Saturday, October 12th:: 3rd stage – Barcelos – Balugães
Photo Credit: Dennis Tam
3rd Stage - Barcelos to Balugães (Distance: 14 km)
Barcelos was originally a Roman settlement, it expanded and became the seat of the First Duke of Braganca in the 15th century. Set off from Barcelos along minor roads which will take you to a more rural area where you’ll see small scale agricultural practices and perhaps meet some villagers. Walk through the small villages of Tamel and Aboim towards the River Neiva. End the day in the village of Quintiães. Transfer back to Barcelos to sleep (no availability accommodation in Balugães)
Accommodation: Hotel Bagoeira (3 Star), Barcelos
Meals Provided: Breakfast
7
Sunday, October 13th: Private Transfer from Barcelos to Balugães to restart the walk (at 08.30) 4th Stage – Balugães – Ponte de Lima
4th Stage - Quintiães – Ponte de Lima (Distance: 21.6 km)
On your way out of town in the morning, you will cross the 30 arched bridge over Rio Lima. Building of this bridge started in 1358. While on the bridge you can see the main plaza and remnants of the old defensive walls, plus the 16 large arches and 14 smaller ones. Along this route you will notice the gradual change in landscape as we get closer to Galicia. You will begin to notice plenty of green hills. Although today's route is a challenging one, you will appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way
Accommodation: Hotel Império do Norte (3 Star), Ponte de Lima
Meals Provided: Breakfast
On your way out of town in the morning, you will cross the 30 arched bridge over Rio Lima. Building of this bridge started in 1358. While on the bridge you can see the main plaza and remnants of the old defensive walls, plus the 16 large arches and 14 smaller ones. Along this route you will notice the gradual change in landscape as we get closer to Galicia. You will begin to notice plenty of green hills. Although today's route is a challenging one, you will appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way
Accommodation: Hotel Império do Norte (3 Star), Ponte de Lima
The Hotel Império do Norte is located in the historical and cultural center of the town of Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal, in the heart of Minho.
Its privileged location allows you to enjoy all the richness of this region, typical in its folklore, crafts and gastronomy, being one of the richest regions in Portugal.
It has 46 standard rooms, 3 standard suites and 1 suite suitable for guests with reduced mobility and 1 restaurant: Tasca Caribe Restaurante. Some units offer views over Avenida dos Plátanos and the Lima River.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
8
Monday, October 14th: 5th Stage – Ponte de Lima - Cossourado
5th Stage - Ponte de Lima to Cossourado. (Distance: 20 km)
On this route today you will have several climbs to do, including the Portela Grande Alto, the highest point on today's walk. You will also get to walk alongside the Labruja river and through lovely meadows and woods.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa da Capela (3 Star), Cossourado
The Chapel House is an ancient house that has been transformed into a comfortable and cosy accommodation for all who stay overnight in this beautiful village.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
On this route today you will have several climbs to do, including the Portela Grande Alto, the highest point on today's walk. You will also get to walk alongside the Labruja river and through lovely meadows and woods.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa da Capela (3 Star), Cossourado
The Chapel House is an ancient house that has been transformed into a comfortable and cosy accommodation for all who stay overnight in this beautiful village.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
9
Tuesday, October 15th: 6th Stage –Cossourado – Valença
6th Stage - Cossourado to Valença (Distance: 13.7 km)
The historic city of Valença is within a fort, bustling with tourists, shops and restaurants, very different from the modern part of the city. Valença is a walled town located on the left bank of the Minho River and is approximately 25 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The municipality is limited to the north with the Minho River establishing the border with Spain. Valença's fortress is a piece of gothic and baroque military architecture. The first walls were built in the 13th century. It was upgraded during the 17th and 18th century forming the present bulwarked system. It is placed on top of two small hills and it is formed by two polygons (the Recinto Magistral and the Coroada) separated by a ditch and with four doors (Coroada, Gaviarra, Fonte da Vila and Sol). The main entrance is Porta do Sol (Sun's door). This door was damaged during the Napoleonic invasions.
Accommodation: Hotel Lara (3 Star Hotel), Valença
Meals Provided: Breakfast
The historic city of Valença is within a fort, bustling with tourists, shops and restaurants, very different from the modern part of the city. Valença is a walled town located on the left bank of the Minho River and is approximately 25 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The municipality is limited to the north with the Minho River establishing the border with Spain. Valença's fortress is a piece of gothic and baroque military architecture. The first walls were built in the 13th century. It was upgraded during the 17th and 18th century forming the present bulwarked system. It is placed on top of two small hills and it is formed by two polygons (the Recinto Magistral and the Coroada) separated by a ditch and with four doors (Coroada, Gaviarra, Fonte da Vila and Sol). The main entrance is Porta do Sol (Sun's door). This door was damaged during the Napoleonic invasions.
Accommodation: Hotel Lara (3 Star Hotel), Valença
Meals Provided: Breakfast
10
Wednesday, October 16th: 7th Stage –Valença – Porrino
Photo Credit: Dennis Tam
7th Stage - Valença – O Porriño. (Distance: 16.4 km)
Before you leave Tui, spend some time visiting its famous Gothic cathedral. From Tui, you will follow the Louro valley, walk along a forest track and across a stone slab bridge into a wetland area where you should spot plenty of bird life. Go through the city of O Porrino with its magnificent Gothic town hall building
Accommodation: Hostal Expo (3 Star), O Porriño area
Hostal Expo offers free Wi-Fi and is located in the Las Rías Baixas area, 10 minutes' drive from Porriño town centre. There is also a restaurant and free private parking. Rooms at Hostal Expo are simply decorated and have a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Other facilities include luggage storage and a laundry service. The hotel's restaurant serves traditional Galician dishes for lunch and dinner. There are also a number of traditional restaurants in the center of the town of Porriño. Hostal Expo is 20 km from Vigo city center and a 30-minute drive from Baiona and its sandy beaches. Free transport service for pilgrims from the walking route to the hotel and vice versa.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
11
Thursday, October 17th: 8th Stage –Porrino - Arcade
8th Stage - Porriño to Arcade (Distance: 22 km)
Leave Porriño and make your way through the forest of Chan das Pipas. You will pass in Redondela, where the central route and the coastal route merge. Finish this stage in Arcade, a small town renowned for its oysters. Arcade is a small village in Northwestern Spain. It has a population of only about 5000, giving you the opportunity to experience the genuine culture of a small spanish village not affected by much touism. There are several small local cafes and restaurants to sit in and watch the world go by as you capture the essence of Spain. If the weather is warm enough perhaps head down to the beach as Arcade is a coastal town.
Accommodation: Hotel Duarte, Arcade
Meals Provided: Breakfast
12
Friday, October 18th: 9th Stage – Arcade - Pontevedra
9th Stage – Arcade to Pontevedra (Distance: 13 km)
Start this stage by walking from the small city of Arcade. This stage is one of the shortest and most beautiful parts on the Way. Once you cross the frontier you are in Pontevedra in Galicia, you will cross the international bridge built in 1886 and is the geographical and political boundary between Spain and Portugal. When you cross the bridge, you will enjoy seeing the best views in today's stage. When you arrive at Pontevedra don’t miss the historical city center with a lot of tapas bars Pontevedra, a town of 80,000, has all amenities, churches, beautiful architecture and a Museum. A visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria is recommended.
Accommodation: Hotel Avenida (3 Star), Pontevedra
The Avenida de Pontevedra Hotel is located in the centre of the city of Pontevedra, in an unbeatable location. The Hotel has 4 types of rooms, Single, Double, Double with extra bed and Family rooms. All of them renovated in 2014, have a full bathroom, hairdryer, digital channels (Canal Plus, Canal plus Football, Canal plus action, Canal plus cinema , Fox,...), free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, wake-up service, individual heating and air conditioning, telephone and hospitality products...Where we prioritize the family atmosphere and personalized attention to meet all your needs.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
13
Saturday, October 19th: 10th Stage – Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis
10th Stage - Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis (Distance: 22 km)
As you leave Pontevedra you will go by the Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina church, known as one of the most famous monuments in this city. You will continue walking through many typical Galician villages. Caldas is the second to last stop of the Portuguese Camino prior to arriving in Santiago de Compostela. Walk to the village centre and discover its Romanesque architecture. Caldas is also known for the healing properties of it's thermal waters.
Accommodation: Hotel Balneario Acuna (3 Star), Caldas de Reis
The first of the buildings, of important historical value, was built at the end of the 19th century and completely renovated in 2007, to provide it with all current comforts. The large glazed viewpoint overlooking the Umia River stands out in its architecture. The second building was erected with apartments, which were transformed in 2007 into hotel rooms next to the garden area that surrounds the establishment, in which the outdoor thermal pool of mineral-medicinal water is located.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
As you leave Pontevedra you will go by the Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina church, known as one of the most famous monuments in this city. You will continue walking through many typical Galician villages. Caldas is the second to last stop of the Portuguese Camino prior to arriving in Santiago de Compostela. Walk to the village centre and discover its Romanesque architecture. Caldas is also known for the healing properties of it's thermal waters.
Accommodation: Hotel Balneario Acuna (3 Star), Caldas de Reis
The first of the buildings, of important historical value, was built at the end of the 19th century and completely renovated in 2007, to provide it with all current comforts. The large glazed viewpoint overlooking the Umia River stands out in its architecture. The second building was erected with apartments, which were transformed in 2007 into hotel rooms next to the garden area that surrounds the establishment, in which the outdoor thermal pool of mineral-medicinal water is located.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
14
Sunday, October 20th: 11th Stage – Caldas de Reis – Padron
11th Stage - Caldas de Reis to Padron (Distance: 19 km)
Today you will also walk next to the N-550 (The Spanish National Highway) You are very close to the end of your journey. When the name "Padrón" became more popular, "Iria Flavia" was consigned to a small hamlet (the current parish). According to tradition, it was in Iria Flavia that Apostle Saint James first preached during his stay in Spain. Soon after his death that his disciples Theodore and Athanasius brought his head and his body to Iria from Jerusalem in a stone boat. They moored the boat to a big stone. The two disciples remained in Iria Flavia (now Padrón) to preach after burying the Apostle in Compostela, and the legendary pedrón can be seen today at the parish church of Santiago de Padrón.
Accommodation: Hotel Pazo de Lestrove (3 Star), Padron
Emblematic 16th century building, a former recreational mansion of the Archbishops of Compostela, built on a walled area of 50,000 m2 of forests and gardens.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Today you will also walk next to the N-550 (The Spanish National Highway) You are very close to the end of your journey. When the name "Padrón" became more popular, "Iria Flavia" was consigned to a small hamlet (the current parish). According to tradition, it was in Iria Flavia that Apostle Saint James first preached during his stay in Spain. Soon after his death that his disciples Theodore and Athanasius brought his head and his body to Iria from Jerusalem in a stone boat. They moored the boat to a big stone. The two disciples remained in Iria Flavia (now Padrón) to preach after burying the Apostle in Compostela, and the legendary pedrón can be seen today at the parish church of Santiago de Padrón.
Accommodation: Hotel Pazo de Lestrove (3 Star), Padron
Emblematic 16th century building, a former recreational mansion of the Archbishops of Compostela, built on a walled area of 50,000 m2 of forests and gardens.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
15
Monday, October 21st: 12th Stage – Padron - Santiago de Compostela
12th Stage - Padron – Santiago de Compostela (Distance: 25 km)
Luggage transport from Padro to Santiago de Compostela Your final stage. There are numerous stops you can make along the way. A little bit after you will have to cross the Sar river once you get to Ponte Vella to get to Conxo. It is here where you can visit the Iglesia de Santa María church. Be sure you go through Rúa de Sánchez Freire and Rúa García Prieto streets, the Avenida Rosalía de Castro and Juan Carlos I avenues. You will now be in Parque de la Alameda park. From here you will cross a pedestrian crossing and you will get to Porta Faxeira, which is the entrance to Santiago’s old city. Santiago de Compostela is the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. It’s known as the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and the alleged burial site of the Biblical apostle St. James. His remains reputedly lie within the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, consecrated in 1211, whose elaborately carved stone facades open onto grand plazas within the medieval walls of the old town
Accommodation: Nest Style Hotel Santiago, Santiago de Compostela (3 Star)
Nest Style Santiago is right in the center of Santiago de Compostela . 300 meters from the Cathedral of Santiago. It is a modern 3-star Hotel that has all the services and amenities, such as comfortable rooms, large common areas, or cafeteria services.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
16
Tuesday, October 22nd: Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: Nest Style Hotel Santiago, Santiago de Compostela (3 Star)
Meals Provided: Breakfast
17
Wednesday, October 23rd: Depart for home
Departure transfer from your hotel to Santiago de Compostela airport.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Meals Provided: Breakfast
18