Portuguese Way Highlights

Tour highlights

The Portuguese Way is a pilgrimage that has historically been heavily associated with the Camino de Santiago. Many people believe Portugal to be the place in which St James first preached, and where his remains were brought back from Jerusalem after he was executed. This guided walk is one of the two most popular routes taken by modern-day pilgrims, meandering through breathtakingly beautiful cities such as Coimbra and Porto before entering Spain. There, guests have an opportunity to explore some of the Way near Pontevedra before arriving in Santiago de Compostela’s famous cathedral city. From Lisbon to Santiago this route offers a chance to witness stunning sights while savoring wine tastings along the way.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lisbon, afternoon guided walk and welcome dinner
Set off for the joining hotel in Lisbon, where you’ll meet your guide at 4pm to begin your guided orientation tour of the city. The evening will conclude with a group welcome dinner hosted by your guide.

Day 2 Drive via Estoril and Sintra to Pousada in Obidos
For our journey, we begin heading along the shoreline to Estoril. From there, we will make our way through Sintra and Cascais before arriving at Óbidos.

Day 3 Walk a section of the Portuguese Way to Santarem, transfer to Coimbra (3hrs)
We make our way to Santarem, located on the right bank of the Tagus River, which has a long and varied history. It was once inhabited by Lusitani people, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Moors before being taken over by Portuguese Christians. Then we head for Coimbra and take time to enjoy some of its local attractions such as the ruins of Conibriga which are some of the largest Roman remains found anywhere within Portugal. Our stay ends with an overnight stay at Coimbra.

Day 4 Visit Coimbra, walk a section of the Way, transfer to Porto, orientation walk and wine tasting (3.5hrs)
Situated on the banks of Mondego River, Coimbra is a vibrant university city featuring Biblioteca Joanina that is well-known around the globe. We walk for 11 km along the Way and then head towards Porto, which stands by Douro River. Its significant maritime background as a New World trading port has made it an admirable place with its Cathedral and port wine lodges. Our tour in Porto covers its Cathedral, Tower of Clérigos, Ribeira district and a cellar offering tasting of Tawny and Ruby wines! In the night, we enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant to complete this extraordinary day. Finally we spend our night at Porto.

Day 5 Transfer by tram to walk a section of the coastal route and continue to Guimaraes (3.5hrs)
Before journeying to the Castelo do Queijo via a tram along the river, why not spend some leisure time in Porto? Afterwards, it’s off to Guimaraes where we can embark on a 10-12 km walk along the coast. Once there, visitors will find plenty of national monuments and historic buildings to explore by foot.

Day 6 Visit Braga and walk a section of the Central route before visiting Ponte de Lima (3hrs)
Our journey brings us to Braga, a town of historical significance. Here, we’ll take the time to explore the cathedral and the old quarter before transferring to the Camino Portugués for our 10-12 km walking venture along the Central route. To continue our adventure, we will then travel on to Ponte de Lima – Portugal’s oldest settlement – before making a stop in Viana do Castelo for an overnight stay.

Day 7 Cross into Spain by ferry and walk along the Camino Portugués de la Costa, overnight Parador (3.5hrs)
Taking the ferry across the border into Galicia, Spain, reveals a beautiful and lush landscape surrounding the Miño river estuary. From there, our journey takes us to Santa Tegra to explore its pre-roman settlement before heading onwards to A Guarda. Walking along the Atlantic Coast, revelling in its beauty, our next destination is Baiona. Here, the impressive fortress and Caravela of Colón await discovery before settling down for an overnight stay at Parador.

Day 8 Visit Pontevedra and walk a section of the way before visiting a manor house and wine cellar en route to Santiago (3.5hrs)
Today we are exploring Pontevedra and all it has to offer. Beginning with the A Peregrina church and the squares of A Ferraría, Leña, and Verdura. Our journey then takes us on a 10-12 km walk along the Portuguese Way which will provide us with the opportunity to view a Pazo manor house, appreciate camellia gardens and sample some local specialties like Albariño wine. At day’s end we transfer back to Santiago.

Day 9 Full day in Santiago, guided tour and free afternoon
At the break of dawn, join us in a journey through Santiago as we embark on a guided tour that will take us to some of the city’s most iconic spots – the Cathedral, a bustling local market and Alameda Park. Following your afternoon at leisure, join us once again for an exquisite farewell dinner.

Day 10 Trip concludes
The trip concludes in Santiago after breakfast.

What’s included

Accommodation
9 nights in specially selected 3-4 star hotels and a Parador on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

Guide
English speaking guide throughout
Guided orientation walk in Lisbon on day 1 – meet at 4pm at the hotel.

Meals
9 breakfasts, 4 dinners (beverages and coffee included)

Additional Services
Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing

What’s not included

Flights
Flights are not included.

Insurance
Insurance is not included.

Optional
Other activities and services are not included.

Additional Services
Travel to Lisbon and from Santiago de Compostela
Lunches, dinners not noted as included
Sightseeing and entrance fees unless specified as included
Items of a personal nature
Storage of luggage
Travel insurance
Tips
local taxes including hotel taxes

Transport
Support vehicle for luggage and transfers during walking days (reasonable luggage allowance permitted however please note space in the vehicle is limited. Note porterage is not included- you will carry your own luggage to and from the vehicle)