A FEW WORDS FROM YOUR TOUR GUIDE, AUTHOR OF ‘FINDING LOVE ON THE CAMINO’:

When I first heard of the Camino de Santiago decades ago, I knew immediately and instinctively that I had to walk it. Not just that I’d like to do so, it was a compulsion within me that grew over the ensuing years, but the time to act upon this impulse was never quite right. Not until the year 2007 did I finally get to set foot on the camino. And all my feelings about it were confirmed; it became the place of my deepest joy and assumed an extremely important role in the very center of my life; getting to share my passion and leading many delightful groups on various Camino routes over the years. 

I also undertook my own massively transformative Camino in 2017, the story of which you may peruse, should you so choose, in my book “Finding Love on the Camino” - it’s quite the tale! 

If you too are ‘Camino curious’ this tour could serve as a wonderful introduction to all things Camino. It’s a beautiful trip in its own right. That is one of the myriad wonderful things about the camino; it can be whatever you wish it to be; a one-off beautiful walk with great food,  fine wines, and gorgeous hotels, or the start of a lifelong love affair spinning off into multiple camino adventures. It’s entirely up to you. Though the Camino has a way of making you see things rather differently, so be prepared, you might start off thinking this is a one-off trip and then become hooked for life. 

Be sure to arrive a day early to explore this beautiful, bustling city. Set on the banks of the Douro river it is of course most famous for its port wine. But there’s so much more to explore here; gothic churches, flower lined  cobblestone streets, markets, fado music venues, quaint trams & world class cuisine to enjoy. You’ll definitely want to spend a day immersing yourself in this uniquely colourful place. 

This evening get to know your fellow walkers over a relaxed and delicious dinner, overlooking the iconic Don Luis bridge. 

(D)

*Overnight: 5-star hotel in Porto 

Today we bypass the less exciting scenery leaving Porto, driving to the village of  Matshinos to start our waterside walk. Crossing many of the wooden boardwalks so typical of this route. With the Atlantic Ocean tumbling constantly to our left. Meeting our first lighthouse along the way. Ending the day in Vila do Conde one of the oldest known settlements in Portugal. 

(B, D)

*Overnight: Boutique hotel in Vila do Conde

Today we combine beach walking with small towns and some forest paths. We will pass through the bustling seaside resort of Povoa da Varzim with its 12kms of beaches and seaside entertainments. Plenty of options for coffee stops along the way. Ending the day in the popular but less busy resort of Esposende with a more local feel to it. 

(B,D)

*Overnight: Esposende

Today we will turn inland a little and walk on quiet country lanes, crossing rivers and passing through woods. Until we reach one of the highlights of our trip, the beautiful posada of Viana do Castelo with its superb panoramic views and a sumptuous feast in its lovely dining room. Prepare to be pampered. 

(B,D)

*Overnight: Four-star hotel in Viana Do Castelo

Depending on weather conditions we will either walk the coastal route on beach paths, or if the sea is too lively we will take the inland route much of which is over paved country lanes. 

We will hop on the bus to take us to the lovely town of Caminha our home for the night. The last town of our camino in Portugal, it has a very special feel to it. It’s here that the Atlantic meets the river Minho. We shall be staying in a Brazilian mansion this evening!

(B,D)

*Overnight: B&B in Caminha

Today take a well earned rest. We will hop into the water taxi over to the pretty little fishing village of A Guarda for a superb seafood lunch. Those that wish can stretch their legs afterwards on to the  beach. Or simply rest and relax and pamper yourself in the sumptuous surroundings of the convent de San Benito. 

(B,L)

*Overnight: Historic Convent/Hotel in A Guarda

Time to put your walking shoes back on. We will visit the Cicstercian 12th century monastery of Oia in this quaint village with stunning sea views. Indulge yourself in the well equipped spa facilities. 

(B,D)

*Overnight: 4-Star hotel in Mougas

Today we follow the coastline past small towns before going uphill through lush forests for wonderful views back over the ocean. We end the day at another of the trip’s highlights; the elegant walled fortress parador of Baiona in a stunning setting over the ocean and its rias or estuaries. 

*Overnight: Baiona

Enjoy your last day of walking along the coastline before we turn inland tomorrow.   We will skip the deadly dull heavily industrialised walk into Vigo itself. The old centre of Vigo has a lovely antiquated charm of its own, a bit like stepping back in time. A blend of modern architecture and history awaits you. 

(B,D)

*Overnight: Four-Star hotel in Vigo

We will skip the walk out of the city and start at the senda de agua, the water route following the route of the old canal transporting water from the reservoir in Eiras to Vigo. It’s a lovely treelined stroll. Today we’ll see an influx of pilgrims from the inland route. 

(B,D)

*Overnight: Galician country house in Redondela

Easy walking today with some gentle undulations in the path, more forest walking and weaving our way through villages. And crossing the iconic Roman bridge in Arcade. The distinctive smell of a eucalyptus forest reminding us we’re nearing our goal.  We will take the alternative path along the river into Pontevedra. 

Tonight we’ll stay in another lovely parador, an old palace this time,  in Pontevedra,  this ‘mini Santiago’ has its own unique charm. 

(B,D)

Overnight: Four-start hotel in Pontevedra

Although we’re nearing Santiago we will continue to walk on small country roads and tracks today. The spa town of Caldas is one of the major health resorts of Galicia. We shall have a hearty meal in a local restaurant tonight - no menu they just serve the best and freshest produce of the day and it’s spectacular! 

(B,D)

Overnight: Four-start hotel in Caldas de Reis

Still on quiet country roads & paths. Padron is a hugely important point on the camino with a church here housing the the original mooring stone of St James’ boat which washed up here. We stay in a lovely Pazo - old country mansion that once belonged to the bishops of Santiago tonight. 

(B,D)

*Overnight: Four-star hotel in Padron

Still we get to walk along country lanes until we hit the outskirts of the city. We get to see the spires of the cathedral at Agros dos Monteiros and of course finish the day walking down the steps past the lone bagpiper serenading you into the cathedral square. 

(B,D)

*Overnight: Four-start hotel in Santiago

You will be taken to the airport via private transfer. 

(B)