Camino Portugues

Camino Portugues

The Camino Portugues is the second most traveled of all the Caminos, second only to the Camino Frances of cinematic fame.

Our Pilgrim’s Path in Portugal takes us north from Porto, Portugal, to our final destination, St. James tomb in the Cathedral in Santiago, Spain. Our walks take us to a variety of world-class vineyards, through beautiful landscapes, by the banks of the scenic River Minho, and to a variety of historical monuments, many dating back to Roman times. While the early part of our path includes time on some urban pavement, the gentle elevations, green landscapes, and relative quiet of our route makes for a unique and inspiring experience.  And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that the regions we travel offer exquisite gastronomic fare.

We invite you to join us on this historical walk through some of the best of Portugal and the always beautiful province of Galicia in Spain.

TRIP DATES

October 9-20, 2025

PRICE

$4295.00 

Trip Details

The Camino Portugues is the second most traveled of all the Caminos, second only to the Camino Frances of cinematic fame.

Our Pilgrim’s Path in Portugal takes us north from Porto, Portugal, to our final destination, St. James tomb in the Cathedral in Santiago, Spain. Our walks take us to a variety of world-class vineyards, through beautiful landscapes, by the banks of the scenic River Minho, and to a variety of historical monuments, many dating back to Roman times. While the early part of our path includes time on some urban pavement, the gentle elevations, green landscapes, and relative quiet of our route makes for a unique and inspiring experience.  And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that the regions we travel offer exquisite gastronomic fare.

We invite you to join us on this historical walk through some of the best of Portugal and the always beautiful province of Galicia in Spain.

TRIP DATES
October 9-20, 2025

PRICE
$4295.00

Trip Details

9/10 Arrive Porto.

Once you’ve arrived in Porto, checked into your hotel and had some time to relax, our local guide will greet you for our orientation meeting and a short walking tour of Porto.   Our walk starts with a visit to the Lello library, made famous by the scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in which the stairs of Hogwarts don’t stop moving and take wizards everywhere.  Then it’s off to the 18th century Torre dos Clerigos Tower for a perfect viewpoint over Porto. A must see is the Sao Bento railway station with its amazing interior tiles. Our hotel is near Porto’s riverside promenade with views across the river Douro to the many Port Wine establishments. (If you’ve ever wanted to try Port Wine, this is the time and place!) We finish the evening with a sumptuous dinner! Overnight in Porto.

10/10  WALKING SAN PEDRO DE RATES TO BARCELOS   15 KM or 10 miles: 3-4 hours. We transfer from Porto to Sao Pedro de Rates.

We start our walk in the town with the most Romanesque church in Portugal, the Igreja Romanica de Rates.  This is an important stop because Saint Peter of Rates, also known as Saint Peter of Braga, the first bishop of Braga, was ordained by Santiago himself. Both men met the same tragic ending, but both were also similarly rediscovered by a light in the sky.  Like Santiago, a church was built to house the remains of Saint Peter of Rates, a major reason the pilgrimage passes this way.  Our day includes a visit to a wine cellar with, of course, a tasting! Accommodation in Barcelos.

11/10 WALKING VITORINO DOS PIARES TO PONTE DE LIMA → 12 KM or 7.5 miles: 3-4 H  Transfer from Barcelos to Vitorino dos Piares.

This is a day to remember as one of the most beautiful.  And if you love wine, you’ll be doubly impressed.  Our walk takes us through an area famous for the Vinho Verde, or “green wine”.  Two major rivers flow through the northern area of the Vinho Verde area, the Mino and the Lima.  On their path to the Atlantic, these two rivers create excellent conditions for production of white wine. While about 85% of grapes produced in this area are white, red wines are increasing in production and popularity.  We’ll try samples of both.  In Victorino dos Piares, we visit a church where the priest himself makes the stamp for our credential, or passport, making a new one every day.  We’ll also visit Ponte de Lima, a former Roman settlement and one of the oldest chartered towns in Portugal.  Our day wouldn’t be complete without a sampling of the area’s cuisine and amazing desserts – the Charuta and the natas!  Accommodation in Ponte de Lima.

12/10 WALKING RUBIAES to TUI → 19 KM or 12 miles:  4-5 H We Transfer from Ponte de Lima to Rubiaes.

Today we cross the border between Portugal and Spain through the town of Tui. This is one of our easiest walking days and the last section of the Camino in Portugal as we head to Santiago. On our way to Tui, we stop in Valenca do Minho to explore one of the best kept fortresses in Europe.  Dating from the 13th century, the fort has three miles of walls that embrace the historical center of Valenca.  A walk of the fort’s perimeter provides superb views of the Minho River and Tui, Spain.  Valenca is also home to a beautiful cloister and, some say, the capital of Cod on the Iberian Peninsula.  Overnight in Tui.

13/10 WALKING TUI to O PORRIÑO → 16 KM or 10 miles: 3-4 H.  We Transfer from Porriño to Vigo and overnight in Vigo.

This section of the Camino provides another beautiful day on the trail.  During our walk, we take time in the town of Vigo to explore the many beautiful gardens and wonderful beaches.  And, time permitting, we’ll board a ferry for a visit to the Cies Islands.  The Islands were declared a Nature Reserve in 1980 and were added to the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park in 2002.  The Islands also carry the status of a Protected Area for Birds and are home to one of the major colonies of the yellow-legged gull as well as more than 20,000 pairs of seagulls.  (Since Tui is only 120 km from Santiago, many pilgrims start their journey here to ensure they travel the minimum distance to receive their certificate of completion or Compostela.)

14/10 WALKING O PORRIÑO to REDONDELA→ 16 KM or 10 Miles: 3-4 H. We Transfer from Vigo to O Porriño to start our walk. At the end of our walk, we Transfer to Vigo. Accommodation in Vigo

Today’s walk has a combination of a few steep sections with a small climb to Capilla de Santiaguiño near the end of our walk and a more tranquil walk along the River Louro.  Because today’s walking distance is shorter, it’s possible we’ll have time to enjoy a bit of sailing on the bay near Viga.

15/10 WALKING REDONDELA TO PONTEVEDRA → 20 KM or 12 Miles: 4-5 H  Transfer to Redondela. Accommodation in Pontevedra

Today’s walk takes us through a major winemaking area known for the production of the famous Albarino wine.  Eucalyptus forests also grace our day’s path, providing shade and a calliope of color in the bark of the Eucalyptus.  Our path takes us to Puente de Pontesampaio, one of the most beautiful bridges in Galicia.  It was on this amazing 10-arch bridge that, in 1809, the last battle against Napoleon’s armies in Galicia was fought, ending the French occupation of Galicia. The city of Pontevedra, one of our local guide’s favorites, is entirely pedestrian and boasts a basilica and the chapel of Our Lady the Pilgrim – the patroness of all pilgrims that walk to Santiago along the Portuguese Way.  A walking tour of Pontevedra’s old town will delight.

16/10 WALKING PONTEVEDRA TO CALDAS DE REIS → 21 KM or 13 Miles:  4-5 H Accommodation in Caldas de Reis

More vineyards?  Yes, more tastings and, if weather permits, we may have the opportunity to participate in a harvesting of the grapes, a rare but wonderful opportunity.  On walk takes us through several small towns, Alba, A Portela, and Briallos, over a Roman Bridge, and into Caldas de Reis, known for its thermal springs and soothing massages for weary muscles.  And, we’ll meet some very special locals, the brother and family of Pati, our amazing local guide.  Word has it that Pati’s mom is offering homemade empanadas.  How could we resist?!  And, of course, Leo, Pati’s favorite canine, will win your hearts!

17/10 WALKING CALDAS DE REIS TO PADRÓN → 17 KM or 12 miles: 4-5 H We’ll transfer to Caldas de Reis to being our walk. Accommodation in Lestrove (Padrón)

Much of today’s trail is rural and quite enjoyable.  As we close in on Santiago, the bridge over the Ulla River will take us from the province of Pontevedra to the province of A Coruna. Peppers anyone?  Padron is widely known for its famous peppers and produces about 15 tons annually.  Also in Padron is the parish church where we can see the Pedron – a Roman votive altarpiece of granite that, tradition says, is where the boat with the mortal remains of the Apostle Saint James was moored – a must see.  We’ll also visit Pazo do Faramello, a manor house, with water mills, waterfalls, beautiful gardens, a baroque chapel, and a glass of wine.

18/10 WALKING PADRÓN to SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA → 26 KM or 15 Miles:  6-7 H Accommodation in Santiago

Today, the scenery is outstanding but also one of our longest walking days – our goal is to get safely, with some energy left, to Santiago. Excitement builds as we get closer to the Holy City. Following now-familiar yellow arrows and Camino markers to the Cathedral, we arrive in the Plaza del Obradoiro, the heart and soul of Santiago and a place of constant activity. Exuberant groups of pilgrims stand in awe in front of the grandiose façade of the Baroque Cathedral. Wrought-iron balconies, granite homes and public buildings lend a medieval air.

The medieval music of La Tuna (university troubadours dressed in 16th Century garb) pervades the Plaza. Some pilgrims have traveled for months, on foot, by bike or horseback. Though a variety of reasons (cultural, adventurous, or spiritual) compel us to experience this ancient pilgrimage – we arrive in Santiago united by our quest.  Dinner is celebrated this evening at an extraordinary dining establishment.  Tonight we enjoy a welcome rest at the famed Parador on the town square in close proximity to the cathedral itself.  Accommodation in Santiago.

19/10 SANTIAGO

After breakfast we meet in the lobby for a walking tour of Santiago.  In the Cathedral we take part in age-old rituals, such as “hugging” the bejeweled silver statue of St. James at the altar and placing our hands on the Tree of Jesse, a symbolic way to connect to the millions of pilgrims and travelers gone before us. The afternoon is free to explore this magnificent city and to find those souvenirs of your experience on the Camino.  We celebrate our time together with a magnificent farewell dinner in the Parador itself, a unique and memorable experience.  Accommodation in Santiago.

20/10 DEPARTURE Our tour ends after breakfast, but you can be sure that your experience on the Portuguese Camino and our stay in Santiago will be on your mind for future trips!

Depart or stay for a few extra days to enjoy the richness of Santiago or head to other destinations unknown.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

 

  • 11 Nights lodging (double occupancy) in beautiful and historical Paradores, luxury hotels and charming inns
  • Meals as listed
  • The best regional wines with your meals every night
  • All breakfasts – a mix of buffet and continental
  • 7 lunches
  • 10 dinners including our final banquet at the Parador in Santiago
  • An authentic Spanish Comida with wine
  • Support van which accompanies the group
  • Baggage transportation to and from your room each night
  • Expertise and services of a bilingual trip leader and resident of Spain
  • Walking The World guide
  • Detailed route instructions and maps with orientation meetings
  • A special Pilgrim’s Guide Book listing the historical points of interest
  • All special events, private tours and entrances into historical sites
  • All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service. (Does not include gratuities for trip leaders)
  • Transportation from initial rendezvous in Porto, Spain, to final drop-off in Santiago
  • Walking The World t-shirt
  • Good fun, humor and companionship

 

Dates:                              October 9-20, 2025

Land Cost:                      $4295.00  (U.S. Funds) 

Single Supplement:      $600.00 (U.S. Funds)

Lodging:                         Bed & Breakfasts

Trip Begins:                   Porto, Portugal                           

Trip Ends:                      Santiago, Spain

 

Walking The World

PO Box 40442   Grand Junction, Colorado  81504

Email:  [email protected]

Website: www.walkingtheworld.com

Ph:  970-498-0500

9/10 Arrive Porto.

Once you’ve arrived in Porto, checked into your hotel and had some time to relax, our local guide will greet you for our orientation meeting and a short walking tour of Porto.   Our walk starts with a visit to the Lello library, made famous by the scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in which the stairs of Hogwarts don’t stop moving and take wizards everywhere.  Then it’s off to the 18th century Torre dos Clerigos Tower for a perfect viewpoint over Porto. A must see is the Sao Bento railway station with its amazing interior tiles. Our hotel is near Porto’s riverside promenade with views across the river Douro to the many Port Wine establishments. (If you’ve ever wanted to try Port Wine, this is the time and place!) We finish the evening with a sumptuous dinner! Overnight in Porto.

10/10  WALKING SAN PEDRO DE RATES TO BARCELOS   15 KM or 10 miles: 3-4 hours. We transfer from Porto to Sao Pedro de Rates.

We start our walk in the town with the most Romanesque church in Portugal, the Igreja Romanica de Rates.  This is an important stop because Saint Peter of Rates, also known as Saint Peter of Braga, the first bishop of Braga, was ordained by Santiago himself. Both men met the same tragic ending, but both were also similarly rediscovered by a light in the sky.  Like Santiago, a church was built to house the remains of Saint Peter of Rates, a major reason the pilgrimage passes this way.  Our day includes a visit to a wine cellar with, of course, a tasting! Accommodation in Barcelos.

11/10 WALKING VITORINO DOS PIARES TO PONTE DE LIMA → 12 KM or 7.5 miles: 3-4 H  Transfer from Barcelos to Vitorino dos Piares.

This is a day to remember as one of the most beautiful.  And if you love wine, you’ll be doubly impressed.  Our walk takes us through an area famous for the Vinho Verde, or “green wine”.  Two major rivers flow through the northern area of the Vinho Verde area, the Mino and the Lima.  On their path to the Atlantic, these two rivers create excellent conditions for production of white wine. While about 85% of grapes produced in this area are white, red wines are increasing in production and popularity.  We’ll try samples of both.  In Victorino dos Piares, we visit a church where the priest himself makes the stamp for our credential, or passport, making a new one every day.  We’ll also visit Ponte de Lima, a former Roman settlement and one of the oldest chartered towns in Portugal.  Our day wouldn’t be complete without a sampling of the area’s cuisine and amazing desserts – the Charuta and the natas!  Accommodation in Ponte de Lima.

12/10 WALKING RUBIAES to TUI → 19 KM or 12 miles:  4-5 H We Transfer from Ponte de Lima to Rubiaes.

Today we cross the border between Portugal and Spain through the town of Tui. This is one of our easiest walking days and the last section of the Camino in Portugal as we head to Santiago. On our way to Tui, we stop in Valenca do Minho to explore one of the best kept fortresses in Europe.  Dating from the 13th century, the fort has three miles of walls that embrace the historical center of Valenca.  A walk of the fort’s perimeter provides superb views of the Minho River and Tui, Spain.  Valenca is also home to a beautiful cloister and, some say, the capital of Cod on the Iberian Peninsula.  Overnight in Tui.

13/10 WALKING TUI to O PORRIÑO → 16 KM or 10 miles: 3-4 H.  We Transfer from Porriño to Vigo and overnight in Vigo.

This section of the Camino provides another beautiful day on the trail.  During our walk, we take time in the town of Vigo to explore the many beautiful gardens and wonderful beaches.  And, time permitting, we’ll board a ferry for a visit to the Cies Islands.  The Islands were declared a Nature Reserve in 1980 and were added to the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park in 2002.  The Islands also carry the status of a Protected Area for Birds and are home to one of the major colonies of the yellow-legged gull as well as more than 20,000 pairs of seagulls.  (Since Tui is only 120 km from Santiago, many pilgrims start their journey here to ensure they travel the minimum distance to receive their certificate of completion or Compostela.)

14/10 WALKING O PORRIÑO to REDONDELA→ 16 KM or 10 Miles: 3-4 H. We Transfer from Vigo to O Porriño to start our walk. At the end of our walk, we Transfer to Vigo. Accommodation in Vigo

Today’s walk has a combination of a few steep sections with a small climb to Capilla de Santiaguiño near the end of our walk and a more tranquil walk along the River Louro.  Because today’s walking distance is shorter, it’s possible we’ll have time to enjoy a bit of sailing on the bay near Viga.

15/10 WALKING REDONDELA TO PONTEVEDRA → 20 KM or 12 Miles: 4-5 H  Transfer to Redondela. Accommodation in Pontevedra

Today’s walk takes us through a major winemaking area known for the production of the famous Albarino wine.  Eucalyptus forests also grace our day’s path, providing shade and a calliope of color in the bark of the Eucalyptus.  Our path takes us to Puente de Pontesampaio, one of the most beautiful bridges in Galicia.  It was on this amazing 10-arch bridge that, in 1809, the last battle against Napoleon’s armies in Galicia was fought, ending the French occupation of Galicia. The city of Pontevedra, one of our local guide’s favorites, is entirely pedestrian and boasts a basilica and the chapel of Our Lady the Pilgrim – the patroness of all pilgrims that walk to Santiago along the Portuguese Way.  A walking tour of Pontevedra’s old town will delight.

16/10 WALKING PONTEVEDRA TO CALDAS DE REIS → 21 KM or 13 Miles:  4-5 H Accommodation in Caldas de Reis

More vineyards?  Yes, more tastings and, if weather permits, we may have the opportunity to participate in a harvesting of the grapes, a rare but wonderful opportunity.  On walk takes us through several small towns, Alba, A Portela, and Briallos, over a Roman Bridge, and into Caldas de Reis, known for its thermal springs and soothing massages for weary muscles.  And, we’ll meet some very special locals, the brother and family of Pati, our amazing local guide.  Word has it that Pati’s mom is offering homemade empanadas.  How could we resist?!  And, of course, Leo, Pati’s favorite canine, will win your hearts!

17/10 WALKING CALDAS DE REIS TO PADRÓN → 17 KM or 12 miles: 4-5 H We’ll transfer to Caldas de Reis to being our walk. Accommodation in Lestrove (Padrón)

Much of today’s trail is rural and quite enjoyable.  As we close in on Santiago, the bridge over the Ulla River will take us from the province of Pontevedra to the province of A Coruna. Peppers anyone?  Padron is widely known for its famous peppers and produces about 15 tons annually.  Also in Padron is the parish church where we can see the Pedron – a Roman votive altarpiece of granite that, tradition says, is where the boat with the mortal remains of the Apostle Saint James was moored – a must see.  We’ll also visit Pazo do Faramello, a manor house, with water mills, waterfalls, beautiful gardens, a baroque chapel, and a glass of wine.

18/10 WALKING PADRÓN to SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA → 26 KM or 15 Miles:  6-7 H Accommodation in Santiago

Today, the scenery is outstanding but also one of our longest walking days – our goal is to get safely, with some energy left, to Santiago. Excitement builds as we get closer to the Holy City. Following now-familiar yellow arrows and Camino markers to the Cathedral, we arrive in the Plaza del Obradoiro, the heart and soul of Santiago and a place of constant activity. Exuberant groups of pilgrims stand in awe in front of the grandiose façade of the Baroque Cathedral. Wrought-iron balconies, granite homes and public buildings lend a medieval air.

The medieval music of La Tuna (university troubadours dressed in 16th Century garb) pervades the Plaza. Some pilgrims have traveled for months, on foot, by bike or horseback. Though a variety of reasons (cultural, adventurous, or spiritual) compel us to experience this ancient pilgrimage – we arrive in Santiago united by our quest.  Dinner is celebrated this evening at an extraordinary dining establishment.  Tonight we enjoy a welcome rest at the famed Parador on the town square in close proximity to the cathedral itself.  Accommodation in Santiago.

19/10 SANTIAGO

After breakfast we meet in the lobby for a walking tour of Santiago.  In the Cathedral we take part in age-old rituals, such as “hugging” the bejeweled silver statue of St. James at the altar and placing our hands on the Tree of Jesse, a symbolic way to connect to the millions of pilgrims and travelers gone before us. The afternoon is free to explore this magnificent city and to find those souvenirs of your experience on the Camino.  We celebrate our time together with a magnificent farewell dinner in the Parador itself, a unique and memorable experience.  Accommodation in Santiago.

20/10 DEPARTURE Our tour ends after breakfast, but you can be sure that your experience on the Portuguese Camino and our stay in Santiago will be on your mind for future trips!

Depart or stay for a few extra days to enjoy the richness of Santiago or head to other destinations unknown.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

 

  • 11 Nights lodging (double occupancy) in beautiful and historical Paradores, luxury hotels and charming inns
  • Meals as listed
  • The best regional wines with your meals every night
  • All breakfasts – a mix of buffet and continental
  • 7 lunches
  • 10 dinners including our final banquet at the Parador in Santiago
  • An authentic Spanish Comida with wine
  • Support van which accompanies the group
  • Baggage transportation to and from your room each night
  • Expertise and services of a bilingual trip leader and resident of Spain
  • Walking The World guide
  • Detailed route instructions and maps with orientation meetings
  • A special Pilgrim’s Guide Book listing the historical points of interest
  • All special events, private tours and entrances into historical sites
  • All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service. (Does not include gratuities for trip leaders)
  • Transportation from initial rendezvous in Porto, Spain, to final drop-off in Santiago
  • Walking The World t-shirt
  • Good fun, humor and companionship

 

Dates:     October 9-20, 2025
Land Cost: $4295.00  (U.S. Funds)
Single Supplement: $600.00 (U.S. Funds)
Lodging: Bed & Breakfasts
Trip Begins:  Porto, Portugal 
Trip Ends: Santiago, Spain

 

Walking The World

PO Box 40442   Grand Junction, Colorado  81504

Email:  [email protected]

Website: www.walkingtheworld.com

Ph:  970-498-0500