Last 100km Of The Portuguese Camino

Walking Holidays

If there is one thing I have confirmed during this last few years, it’s that a walk is as good for your mind as it is your fitness.  A few years ago, I decided  I would like to take the plunge on a walking holiday.  The scenery always looks so good in pictures. I wondered if I could eat what I liked  and still not come home without the usual extra weight from my trips to the sun.  I have led many tours over the last 25 years and always kept the walking ones to those individuals who deemed themselves fit enough to do it alone before that . So, to get started, I chose a moderate walk knowing that I would be safe and, if I didn’t like it, I could grab a taxi to the next town.  I wasn’t so sure I wanted a backpacking holiday either,  as much as just a good walk, and with no worries about an aching back from carrying a week’s supply of belongings or trying to pitch a tent every night! That could have made the journey together a bit more stressful!

A walk alone is good, but a walk with your friend is better. This tour is geared for travellers of all ages and moderate walking abilities.  You must be able to look after your own luggage, carry your own rucksack and walk over moderately flat ground, some hills and rough terrain. Bring tickets if you feel more comfortable.  Wearing the right clothes and shoes is a must!

It is a network of routes, paving a way across Europe.  Whilst the Portuguese Route starts in Lisbon and goes north to Santiago de Compostela, this tour only follows the last 100kms of that Camino, qualifying you for a certificate and giving you a good start on your walking holidays. You  start close to the Atlantic and then paths meander inland through little towns and hamlets to the fantastic city of Compostela de Santiago, also passing  through a pine forest along the way.

DAY 1

Depart Dublin for Santiago de Compestella arriving at approximately 7.30pm.  Transfer 1 hour to hotel in Vigo for overnight.

DAY 2– VIGO – REDONDELA – 15km

After breakfast, your first journey is short giving you time to get used to the directions.  Breakfasts are usually from 8am so you are free to set off whenever you wish as long as you have had breakfast and checked out.  If you decide to wait until later, you will still have plenty of time. From the city of Vigo, you will continue on your coastal Camino with the Bay of Vigo to your left. Your tour leader will make sure your luggage arrives safely at your next stop.

Today is quite a short day so you can enjoy a more relaxed pace. Your stop for the night is the town of Redondella where you will join the original Portuguese Camino. Overnight in Redondella.  Remember the Scallop Shell directs your path too and you will see these regularly along the way.

DAY 2 – REDONDELA – PONTEVEDRA -  20km

This morning breakfast will be served  at a local coffee shop serving excellent coffee and the largest croissants I have ever seen. Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade. Your final point is the city of Pontevedra, with its pretty historic centre. At today is quite a short day so you will have time to explore the old town, with its many Romanesque churches and quaint granite squares.

Overnight in Pontevedra – shops open a bit later here too.

DAY 3 – PONTEVEDRA – CALDAS DE REIS – 22km

Leaving Pontevedra, today, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras you will see the rectory of Santa María de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira, a statue of Saint James with his walking stick will show you the way. On your way to Caldas de Reis you will pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing bath.

Overnight at Caldas de Reis.

DAY 4  – CALDAS DE REIS – PADRON – 18km

From Caldas de Reis you will cross the river Umia and find the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The trail once again takes you to forests and gradually climbs to the village of Santa Mariña. You will continue on the Camino through pine forests to today’s destination: the town of Padrón. When the body of Saint James was being brought to Compostela by boat, Padrón was said to be the first land it reached.

DAY 5 – PADRON – SANTIAGO – 25km

Take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its UNESCO listed old town will enchant you. In Santiago de Compostela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, socialising and enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes.

DAY 6/7 - SANTIAGO  - FREE TIME

Explore the sights and enjoy this fantastic city.  You will be able to pick up your certificate for completing your journey at the local office.  Your tour leader will be on hand to direct you.

DAY 8

Depart Santiago for homeward journey.

Price based on 2 sharing.

Single rooms are available at a supplement but very hard to obtain on route due to demand.  If you wish to have a single room, please ensure you book at time of registration.

£1195pp     

Included in the price

• 7 nights accommodation on route including breakfast
• Airport transfers from/to Santiago Airport
• Luggage transfer on each walking day
• Return flights
• Services of a tour leader throughout

Dinners at the accommodation £15 pp – must be advised at time of booking.  These are moderate, usually 3 course set meals.  There are also local tavernas and restaurants. Local supermarkets are cheap too.

Upgrade to superior accommodation  from £30 pps per night BB depending on location and accommodation. Remember accommodation is limited so booking early is a must.

Deposit

Your deposit is £200 pp non-refundable, unless the tour is cancelled.  Interim payment plans will be sent on booking to cover accommodation, flights and transfers. Cancellation and booking conditions can vary with country and hotels.

Luggage

Our price includes luggage transfers on the walking days, each transfer is strictly limited to ONE 20KG PIECE OF LUGGAGE PER PERSON regardless of size.

Extra luggage can be catered for and this can either be added before the trip start or on the morning of the walking day BEFORE the luggage transfer for a supplement.

Our partners transport all booked luggage in good faith and with the greatest care. Please note that we  will not take any responsibility for any damage or loss that might occur on the transport and all claims concerning your luggage will have to be passed to your travel insurance. We  advise all clients to take out travel insurance before heading on a trip and ensure your luggage is locked, as on any trip.

Flights will be confirmed closer to date of travel and before balance due date. Passports must be valid for 10 years and have 6 months remaining at time of travel.  You must purchase valid insurance for your trip.

Your Tour Leader will be available each morning to ensure that your luggage has been moved and each evening to ensure it has arrived.  They will escort you on your airport transfers and be available by mobile during the day if you have any questions, as everyone will be walking at their own pace. This tour is geared to allow you to take your own time, but have peace of mind that a leader available.