Portuguese Camino de Santiago

Day 1: Welcome to Lisbon

Get ready, get set, go! As soon as you arrive in Portugal a member of our team will pick you up from the airport to whisk you off to your hotel, so that you can freshen up after your flight.

After a quick shower to wash off your jetlag, you’ll feel like a new woman, ready to conquer Lisbon. The city is colourful, bold, and oh-so-beautiful, and you’ll find yourself falling head-over-hiking-boots as you explore on your first guided walk around the city.

It can sometimes feel nerve-wracking to meet a new group of strangers, but not on our watch! We’re throwing a welcome dinner tonight so you can get to know your group of new hiking besties. Before the night is over, you’ll feel like these ladies have been your wing women forever.

Accommodation: Casa de São Mamede (Old Palace) (or similar)
Included: Dinner

Day 2: Lisbon

Yesterday’s walk around Lisbon gave you just a taste of the city. Today, you’re getting the whole meal. It’s time to delve in!

As the morning rays bounce off the cobblestones, you’ll absorb all the scenes on a stroll through Barrio Alto, Lisbon’s cool bohemian neighbourhood. Mornings in Barrio Alto are pure magic – you’ll get to bask in its quietness virtually all to yourselves. From there, it’s off to Praça do Comércio, the bright yellow town square that’ll be the most gorgeous you’ll ever see. Everything is bolder and brighter in Lisbon!

As the sun sets on your first full day in Portugal, you can go in search of dinner somewhere with a glass of local wine… or you may want to catch up on some sleep – it’s entirely up to you to decide!

Accommodation: Casa de São Mamede (Old Palace) (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Lisbon and Belém District

Today is all about Belém, the neighbourhood that gave us some of Lisbon’s most iconic buildings and the sinfully-delicious Portuguese custard tarts, called pastéis de nata. You may think you’ve tried one before, but once you try the real deal of oozy-custardy-goodness, there’s no going back. 

Pastéis de nata aside, you won’t believe your eyes when you see the 15th-century Jerónimos Monastery. There’s only one way to describe it, and that’s downright fancy. Even from the outside, the towering cloisters and stunning vaulted ceilings make it worth every minute of your time.

Another show-stopper on your trip to Belém will be the Belém Tower, an imposing symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. You won’t be able to resist snapping some photos from the ground, but just wait until you see what awaits you at the top!

Dinner today is at your own devices. We’ll be honest here, some people can find the repetition of Portuguese fare underwhelming, so you’ll probably thank us for letting you make your own decision!

Accommodation: Casa de São Mamede (Old Palace) (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Batalha & Alcobaça

You’ll hit the road this morning, saying farewell to Lisbon and hello to the lovely town of Tomar. We have a couple of surprises up our sleeves to break up the journey though. Instead of boring, roadside pit-stops, you’ll get to visit two UNESCO sites on the way. You’re welcome!

First up is the Batalha Monastery, where you’ll marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture on display, each detail a testament to the monastery’s craftsmen of hundreds of years ago. This monastery attracts visitors from all over the world and is a living, breathing symbol of Portugal’s deeply religious culture. 

In the afternoon, you’ll pay a visit to the Alcobaça Monastery, where the story of Portugal’s most legendary lovers comes to life. This is the burial place for Portugal’s answer to Romeo and Juliet – Pedro and Inês, and you’ll learn all about them as you explore Alcobaça.

Accommodation: Hotel dos Templarios (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Tomar

Be sure to fill your belly at breakfast this morning – you have another full day of adventuring ahead of you. Today’s destination, Tomar, doesn’t make an appearance on most Portugal itineraries, but we think it’s one of Portugal’s coolest small towns – and you’ll most likely agree.

The town itself is gorgeous, but there’s one building that steals the show: the Convent of Christ. This 12th-century building was once the stronghold of one of the most famous religious orders of all time – The Knights Templar. What makes it so special though? Well… we don’t want to ruin any surprises!

There’s no better way to round off another dreamy day in Portugal than with local wine, and there’s no better place to sample some than at a local winery. As you tour the winery, you’ll learn a couple of local wine-making secrets before trying a few varieties. Feel free to ask for some ‘secret’ dinner recommendations as well.

Accommodation: Hotel dos Templarios (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Nazaré & Porto

Surf’s up today! Well… only if you’re absolutely bonkers!

You see, we’ll break up our journey to Porto this morning with a stop at Nazare, home to the biggest waves ever surfed. And when we say big, we mean massive, mind-boggling waves towering over 25 metres! The world record for the biggest wave ever surfed was set right here.

While the big wave season may not be in full swing when you visit, you might get lucky and see the waves in action! If they aren’t on your side, don’t miss the chance to visit the Nazare Surf Museum. Inside, you’ll get the lowdown on the crazy surfing in Nazare, and you’ll even get to see surfboards used to conquer the mighty 25-metre high Nazare waves. Wow!

Pulling into Porto, you’ll stretch your legs on a quick wander through the city, taking in the colourful buildings, before heading off to dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Axis Porto Club (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7:  Porto

You’ll spend the morning exploring the nooks and crannies of Porto’s adorable Ribeira district, posing for photos to your heart’s content and maybe snaffling another Portuguese pastel de nata or two. Then, it’s time to see Porto from a different vantage point as you board a boat to cruise on the Douro River. As you float on the water, feel the gentle sway of the boat and the sun touching your face. You’ll struggle to remember a time you felt this relaxed!

It’d be a crime to visit Porto and not drink some Port wine, so we’ll drop you off at a Port Lodge to learn a thing or two about this dessert wine and sample a few varieties. For research only, of course…

Before you go searching for dinner, we’ll treat you to a night of Fado music you’ll never forget. The haunting sounds of Portugal’s traditional music will sweep you up as you listen to the age-old stories of love, loss and longing.

Accommodation: Hotel Axis Porto Club (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Tui

After a morning of free time to explore Porto, you’ll hit the road on the way to your Camino starting point: Tui. To get here, the group will cross the border into Spain. Hello, new passport stamps!

Pulling into Tui, you’ll feel the hum of excitement in the air as you and your fellow adventurers discuss the journey ahead. This is what you came here for! The only thing standing between you and the finish line now is 116 kilometres of jaw-dropping scenery. Rest up, because you have a big day tomorrow!

Accommodation: Hotel Oca Vigo (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9: Tui to O Porriño

Rise and shine, it’s hiking time!

You’ll ease into your first hiking day on this Camino adventure by starting in the historic streets of Tui, passing the old Roman bridge of Tui. Then, it’s go-time! Heading north, you’ll follow the River Louro for much of the day, checking out tiny villages and ancient chapels along the way. After 16 kilometres, the group will be rewarded with the sweet, sweet descent into O Porriño. 

This town is famous for its bread, and after covering so much distance, you’ve definitely earned some. Carb-load like there’s no tomorrow and enjoy every single bite!

At the end of your day, our driver will be waiting to whisk you away back to your hotel in Tui. To avoid the exhaustion of packing and unpacking each day, we’ve arranged for you to have to move hotels as infrequently as possible. You’re welcome!

Accommodation: Hotel Oca Vigo (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 10: O Porriño to Redondela

Get ready to tackle another full day of wondrous trails, because you’re covering another 15.5 kilometres today. The ascent today may be a bit challenging, but don’t worry – with the encouragement of your teammates, you’ll conquer the mountain in no time! 

The challenge will be long forgotten when you reach the top and take in the unparalleled 360-degree view of the Ria de Vigo estuary. Take a deep breath and soak it all in – the view may have changed over time, but you’re still sharing the same challenges and achievements along this ancient route, as pilgrims did centuries ago. These moments of feeling part of something greater than yourself is what walking the Camino is all about!

You’ll fall into bed tonight with a full belly and a sense of accomplishment that only comes from a day of hiking. Sweet dreams!

Accommodation: Hotel Oca Vigo (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Redondela to Pontevedra

Leaving Redondela bright and early, you’ll cross the Ponte Sampaio, a Roman bridge that bears witness to a colossal battle against Napoleon’s army in 1809. Trekking through gorgeous Galician villages, the day will be filled with laughter, water-guzzling and marvelling at the stunning views around every bend.

After 19.6 kilometres, summon up your last bits of energy to explore the kick-ass Old Town of Pontevedra. On the edge of Plaza de la Peregrina (Pilgrim Square) stands a petit dollhouse-like church dedicated to The Pilgrim Virgin. She is venerated for guiding pilgrims safely along the Camino de Santiago. The Camino’s iconic scallop shell is not only revered as detail throughout the building, it’s also the shape of the church’s footprint!

Dinner tonight will be Galician seafood served up at a local cantina The seafood bounty of this region ranges from shellfish to lobster – and everything in between. If you’re feeling adventurous you might want to try some of the local specialties, like the famous fish stew.

Accommodation: Hotel Rías Bajas (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis

You’re in for a treat today – and a challenge! The trek covers a whopping 21.1 kilometres, but we have no doubt that you’ll rise to the occasion. On the way, you’ll stumble upon yet another piece of history: the historic Ponte de Burgo bridge. If you haven’t noticed yet, almost every day of this adventure takes you across a stunning bridge – each with its own unique history and many with their beginnings in making the pilgrimage a safer quest.

Continuing on, you’ll wander through native forests, accompanied by the bubbling sound of streams and the unmistakable scent of the eucalyptus trees. Before you know it, you’ll have arrived in Caldas de Reis.

Accommodation: Hotel Rías Bajas (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Caldas de Reis to Padrón

It’s the fifth day of the trek, and your feet may be a little bit sore, but as they say… when the going gets tough, the tough get going! You’ll pick up the trail where you left off yesterday – at Caldas de Reis. Today’s walk is  18.6 kilometres to the town of Padrón, where Saint James himself first preached during his stay in Spain. 

Nowadays, Padrón is better known for something else: Padrón peppers! They’re typically sweet and mild, but a few rogue peppers can be incredibly fiery – eating them feels like a game of Russian roulette. Sample them with your hiking pals and try not to cry with laughter as one of you pulls the rogue pepper!

Peppers consumed, it’s back to your hotel in Pontevedra. Lying tucked up in your bed, it’s hard to believe that tomorrow you’ll finally arrive at the finish line.

Accommodation: Hotel Rías Bajas (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 14: Padrón a Santiago de Compostela

As you return to the trails this morning, you’ll have a spring in your step knowing that it’s the final day of the Camino! The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is just 24.3 kilometres away. Yes, it’s going to be a long day, but trust us, the kilometres will fly by as you get closer and closer to taking off your hiking boots.

 A winding climb towards Santiago de Compostela awaits you at the end of the trail. In the final few kilometres, the towers of the cathedral will loom in the distance. You’re so close that you can almost taste it!

And then…you’ve finished! You have completed the Portuguese Camino de Santiago on your own two feet! Give yourself and your new friends a huge pat on the back as you stumble into the city. After all, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without each other. Go ahead and celebrate – you deserve it!

Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15: Santiago de Compostela

This morning, you’ll lace up your hiking boots to… Just kidding! Today, there’s no hiking at all. You’re done! With a morning of free time to spend however you like, it’s all too tempting to snooze and catch up on much-needed rest. Can you resist some Santiago sightseeing, though?

In the afternoon, your hiking squad will meet up to visit a local pastry shop where you’ll treat yourselves to the local delicacy, Tarte de Santiago. As you take your first bite, the world around you will fade away, and all that’ll be left is the rich almond flavour intermingling with the sweetness of sugar. How can something so simple taste so divine?

With your sweet tooth satisfied, it’s time to celebrate the group’s achievements at your final dinner. Together, you’ve conquered mountains, pushed each other to new heights and created memories that will last a lifetime. It’ll be hard to hold back the tears at tonight’s celebratory, farewell dinner!

Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16: Farewell Friends!

Our team will drop you off at the airport with plenty of time for your flight. Before you leave, swap contact details with your new pals to share photos and plan your next adventure together.

All good things must come to an end, but what an adventure it’s been! You’ve hiked over 116 kilometres of world-class trails, but sometimes it’s not about the physical challenge – it’s about the friends you made along the way. Returning home with 11 new besties you didn’t even know a few weeks ago, you’ll agree.

Included: Breakfast