There are many pilgrim paths to Santiago but none is more soulful or significant than the Portuguese Way.
There are many pilgrim paths to Santiago but none is more soulful or significant than the Portuguese Way. This is the path most intimately connected with the life and ministry of St. James, as well as his death and burial. It was on this route that he first preached in Iberia and where later his body made its last journey. This is a self-guided walking holiday in two parts – you may choose to do either one, or both. The first section from Porto to Tui is in Portugal and the second section is through Spain to Santiago (see under Spain).
Price:
£595.00 per person based on two people sharing
Single supplement £130.00
Single person travelling alone £880 (includes single room supplement)
Included:
Not Included:
Departure Dates:
This self-guided walking holiday is available from March to November and can commence on any day to suit personal travel arrangements.
Day 1 – Arrival in Porto and overnight – Hotel *** B and B.
Day 2 – Porto – Matosinhos – Vila do Conde
From Porto to Matosinhos beach by tramway. Walk along the wild Atlantic sandy beaches and historic sites like the archaeological remains of Castro S.Paio, which date from the Iron age.22 kms/13.75 miles. Overnight Vila Do Conde – Hotel *** B and B.
Day 3 – Vila do Conde to Barcelos
A varied day where we encounter our first delightful woodland paths around los Arcos. Half of this stage is along quiet country lanes, mostly screened by eucalyptus and pinewoods, offering shelter from wind and shade from the sun, where you can let your mind wander and with time at the end to discover the origins of the “Barcelos Cockerel”. 27.3 kms/17 miles. Overnight Barcelos. Hotel *** B and B.
Day 4 – Barcelos to Ponte de Lima
This is the longest and most arduous of all stages but the most beautiful. It includes two hill passes separating the two river valleys of Neiva and Lima. However, we have the beautiful natural landscapes to lift our spirits and nearly half the route is on pathways throught vineyards and woodland (possibility to shorten the walk with taxi, extra payment). 33.6 kms/21 miles. Overnight at the oldest town in Portugal Ponte de Lima. Overnight Hotel *** B and B.
Day 5 – Ponte de Lima to Rubiaes
Today the route passes by the vineyards of the famous “vina verde” wine. This stage also marks our steepest climb up to the Labruja valley and across the high pass, the Alto de Portela Grande, into the Coura valley. 18.7 kms/11.7 miles. Overnight Rubiaes – Hotel ** HB.
Day 6 – Rubiaes to Tui
Apart from a short climb to leave the Coura valley, most of today is downhill through ancient countryside, first to the walled town of Valença, between natural pathways and quiet country roads through woodland and then over the river Minho to the historic town of Tui. 19.6 kms/12.25 miles. Overnight Tui on the Spanish/Portuguese border – Hotel *** B and B.
Day 7 – End of the trip after breakfast or continue to Santiago.
Accommodation:
Porto: Hotel Pao Acucar***
Vila Do Conde: Hotel Estalagem do Brazão***
Barcelos : Hotel Bagoeira***
Ponte de Lima : Hotel Inlima***
Rubiaes: Repouso do Peregrino**
Tui: Hotel Colon Tuy***
