Trip Overview

Pious Queen Isabela of Portugal first walked the Portuguese Camino to Santiago de Compostela in the 13th century. Follow in her footsteps on this eight-day hike through the history and pastoral beauty of Portugal and Galicia with AdventureWomen!

The Portuguese Camino, less traveled but infinitely beautiful, is an ideal way to experience the Camino de Santiago: historic, picturesque, and full of charm. In Porto, Portugal, meet your guide and the women with whom you’ll be walking the Way, getting a taste of Portugal before the journey begins. Your hiking guide will be with you throughout the trip to teach you about the Camino, the history of St. James, and the meanings behind the symbols you’ll see along the way. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

Visit Foz de Douro Lighthouse and walk the ramparts of the Fortress of Valença do Minho, an ancient river defense, try port wine tastings in the Ferreira Bodega (est. 1751), and then then get to know each other over a lively welcome dinner.

With your Pilgrim’s Passport in hand, depart Porto on a route with an ambience that’s conducive to friendly conversations with your fellow adventurers. You’ll feel like old friends by the time you arrive in Tui, Spain! Tui is a medieval border town and your entree to the Camino de Santiago. Stop to visit nearby Mos, a pretty, hilly hamlet of farms and vineyards which offers plenty of spots in which to dine and refresh on local wines, then continue past the beautiful Galician church of Santa Eulalia del Monte and the Pazo de los Marquis, then explore the castle of Soutomaior once owned by the early 1900s feminist Maria Vingals, a true Adventure Woman who loved to travel and was committed to women’s rights.

Continue your journey through medieval villages, exploring the preserved Roman quarter of Pontevedra along a detour unique to the Spiritual Way, which boasts the oldest roots of any of the pilgrimage paths. Enjoy a cooking class with a Galician chef before heading to coastal Cambados, the heart of Albariño, and a chance to sample some of these delicious Spanish wines! Explore the 16th-century Cistercian Monastery of Armenteira and walk the Armenteira River where 30 medieval grist mills still stand. From here, embark on a boat cruise taking the original path of a boat that bore the Apostle James’ remains, followed by a visit to the private palace of the Marquis Gonzalo Rivero de Aquilar, a knight of St. James.

The next day you reach the ultimate goal: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and the bestowing of your pilgrim’s Compostela certificate. You each may have had a different reason for hiking the Way, but everyone can agree that walking the Portuguese Camino together as women made this experience one for the ages.

Follow an ancient path to new friends and new memories on this unique hiking trip from Portugal to Spain on the Portuguese Camino to Santiago de Compostela.

Main Attractions

  • Hike each day on the Camino de Santiago through the beauty of the rural countryside in northern Portugal and southern Spain
  • Enjoy the best of Portugal’s and Spain’s vineyards as you learn about the local cuisine in this part of western Europe
  • Visit palaces, lighthouses, fortresses, and monasteries as you revisit history along this famous spiritual path
  • Triumph in your accomplishment as you gratefully accept your Compostela pilgrim’s certificate at the Cathedral at journey’s end

What You'll See and Do

  • Architecture
  • Cooking Class
  • Historical Sites
  • Local Delicacies
  • Sightseeing
  • Walking
  • Wine Tasting
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Porto
Welcome to Portugal and Spain! 2021 is a rare holy year on the Portuguese Way in Galicia, a portion of the historic Camino de Santiago route walked by centuries of pilgrims. Travel through the history and pastoral beauty of Galicia; this less traveled but infinitely beautiful route is the ideal way to experience the Camino de Santiago.

During your adventure, you’ll get to know your expert local guide versed in the history, culture, and cuisine of this sacred region. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

You will be met at the Porto Airport and transferred to your hotel. One group transfer is included (time TBD); private transfers at other times are available for an additional fee.

If you’d like to come in early, we can extend your stay at your hotel, but these hotels fill up early, so please ask us as soon as you can!

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman in your trip is excited to walk the Camino!
Dinner

Overnight: Carris Hotel Porto Ribeira

Day 2

Porto to the Portuguese Way
Take the morning to explore the town of Porto on your own. Head to the lighthouse in Foz de Douro for a spectacular view (accessible by tramway) over the ocean and take your time to discover the city’s hidden gems such as its train station, the Lello library, and its Cathedral.

After lunch on your own, head to the Fortress of Valença do Minho, whose walls and ramparts dominate the riverside and speak volumes about neighborly disagreements. The fortress has repelled innumerable Spanish and French invasions since the 13th century.

Walk just under two miles into the city of Tui, Spain. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Today’s Hike: 2 miles
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Parador de Tui

Day 3

The Portuguese Way
Today’s hike is fairly easy, mostly downhill, and then flat all the way to Mos. Follow the new “Camino Natural” signs which will bring you through forests to a pretty riverbank path and on to the village of O Porriño. From there, continue to the hamlet of Mos where you will be picked up and transferred back to Tui for the night.

Enjoy lunch on your own. You can stop during the hike in one of the several bars along the route or ask your guide for recommendations for restaurants in O Porriño.

After the hike, enjoy some free time to discover more of Tui and enjoy the swimming pool and other facilities of your hotel.

Have dinner this evening as a group. Share stories from the day’s hike and learn a bit more about each of the women on your trip.

Today’s Hike: 14 miles
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Parador de Tui

Day 4

The Portuguese Way
From O Porriño, continue your adventure slightly uphill along peaceful forest paths. Pass by some of the most interesting examples of Galician architecture, the church of Santa Eulalia del Monte and the Pazo de los Marquis in the parish of Mos. Enjoy beautiful views of the city of Vigo and its bay, the Rías Baias, and the Cies Islands (known for having some of the best beaches in the world). After a few hours of walking, you will reach Redondela.

The last part of the trail will be uphill along the coast with stunning views over Vigo Bay before entering peaceful oak forests. Stop for the day by the infamous bridge of Ponte Sampaio, where during the War of Independence, Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats.

Enjoy lunch on your own in Redondela, and then you will be transferred to your hotel. Visit the Fortress of Soutomaior this afternoon.

Today’s Hike: 11 miles
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Parador Pontevedra

Day 5

The Portuguese Way
After a 40-minute drive back to Ponte Sampaio, continue your journey through quaint medieval villages walking toward the city of Pontevedra. Enjoy some free time in the center of Pontevedra where you can explore and enjoy a coffee and lunch on your own before continuing your hike to Combarro.

Follow the inland Portuguese Camino for about an hour before reaching the separation point with the Spiritual Variant/the Maritime Way. This detour is relatively new – it was only accepted by the Pilgrim Office in 2013 but has the oldest origin of all Caminos. During the next two days, you will be following the detour toward Vilanova de Arousa, where you will board a catamaran and follow the final journey of the Apostle.

Along the way, pass the Monastery of San Juan de Poio and finish the walk in the beautiful town of Cambarro, famous for its numerous Horreos (a typical granary on pillars). You will be picked up and transferred to your lovely hotel for the evening.

Enjoy a cooking class and dinner with a Galician chef.

Today’s Hike: 12 miles
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Parador Pontevedra

Day 6

The Portuguese Way
After a short drive to the Monastery of Armenteira, continue your journey inland toward the Rio Ulla. Start the day with a visit to the 16th-century Cistercian Monastery of Armenteira, followed by a walk on the relaxing “Ruta da Pedra e da Auga” (the route of rocks and water) along the Armenteira river. This is a lovely section of trail in Galicia; follow a small river in the woodlands and pass more than 30 medieval water mills built to grind flour within two hours. Finish today’s hike at the 16th-century stone bridge of Pontearnelas.

Enjoy lunch on your own either at the end of the Ruta de Pedra or in Cambados.

Cambados is considered to be the capital of Albariño, one of the best white wines in the world. Enjoy an Albariño wine tasting and visit a winery before enjoying dinner as a group.

Today’s Hike: 8 miles
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Parador de Cambados

Day 7

The Portuguese Way
Drive to the harbor in Cambados and board a catamaran for a 90-minute cruise. Following the journey of the stone boat carrying the remains of the Apostle Saint James, you will sail toward Pontecesures next to Iria Flavia. Many miracles are said to have taken place during the crossing of the body of Saint James. Learn about the myths and legends of the region (including dragons, witches, and terrifying soul-seeking processions) from your guide.

Walk a short distance to the town of Padrón, where the stone boat is said to have moored with the body of the Apostle Saint James. The town is also famous for its mild green peppers, so be sure to order them for lunch! Lunch is on your own today.

After a break in Padrón, continue your journey through charming villages and hamlets until you reach the Pazo de Faramello, probably one of the most beautiful and important private palaces in Galicia. Hopefully the Marquis Gonzalo Rivero de Aguilar is available to show you through his family home and beautiful camellia garden. If he is not, someone else in his family will do the honors of showing you around. Gonzalo is a knight of Saint James. Share a glass of his homemade Albariño before returning to your hotel for the night.

Today’s Hike: 9 miles
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Gastronómico Casa Rosalía

Day 8

The Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela
After a short drive back to Faramello, the Camino will bring you through the charming Baroque sanctuary of A Esclavitude. You’ll also walk by the mysterious, abandoned ruins of the castle A Rocha Vella and the Chapel of San Martiño. Then, finally, from the hills of Agro dos Monteiros, you will get your first glimpse of Santiago de Compostela, which you will reach by following a pretty river path.

Enter the Old Town, and the Cathedral will present herself to you, beautiful and powerful from the Plaza del Obradoiro. Simply stop here to soak in the moment. Congratulations! You have finished the Camino de Santiago!

Enjoy lunch on your own in Santiago – there are many delightful restaurants nearby!

You will be presented with your Compostela, or Certificate of Achievement of the Camino de Santiago given by the Pilgrim Office. The Cathedral of St. James is currently undergoing renovations, so you can visit the Cathedral but there are not currently services for pilgrims to attend inside the Cathedral. (Note: the Cathedral should be open for 2021 as it is a Holy Year. Stay tuned)

Enjoy a farewell dinner to toast the end of a spectacular adventure. We’re sure that the Camino has helped you find what you were looking for, or that you have found something unexpected along the way!

Today’s Hike: 7 miles
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Compostela

Day 9

Depart Spain

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home. One group transfer is included; private transfers at other times can be arranged for an additional fee.

If you’d like to stay longer in Santiago, we can try to extend your hotel reservation, but please do not wait. 2021 is a Holy Year, and the hotels will fill up extremely early.
Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

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Traveling to Portugal



Arrival and Departure Information

September 2021 Departure:

Arrive: Arive in Porto, Portugal (OPO) on September 4, 2021 before 12:00pm. One group transfer is included (time TBD); private transfers at other times can be arranged for an additional fee.

Depart: Depart Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) on September 12, 2021 anytime. One group transfer is included (time TBD); private transfers at other times can be arranged for an additional fee.

May 2022 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive in Porto, Portugal (OPO) on May 1, 2022 before 12:00pm. One group transfer is included (time TBD); private transfers at other times can be arranged for an additional fee.

Depart: Depart Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) on May 9, 2022 anytime. One group transfer is included (time TBD); private transfers at other times can be arranged for an additional fee.

September 2022 Departure:

Arrive: Arive in Porto, Portugal (OPO) on September 4, 2022 before 12:00pm. One group transfer is included (time TBD); private transfers at other times can be arranged for an additional fee.

Depart: Depart Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) on September 12, 2022 anytime. One group transfer is included (time TBD); private transfers at other times can be arranged for an additional fee.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as High Energy. Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission!) to make the most of your adventure. We have a partnership with FitForTrips, a company that will design an individualized fitness plan for you with this itinerary in mind. Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 25% discount with the code FITWOMEN. Learn more on the FitForTrips website.

You should come with a flexible, adventurous, and enthusiastic spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor that adventure travel requires.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic. There are no immunization requirements for travel to Portugal or Spain, however your local travel clinic may have recommendations for you based on your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the pages about Portugal and Spain.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Preparation and Packing

Once you register for your adventure, we will send you a comprehensive preparation guide including weather information, gratuity suggestions, and a packing list.

As a reference, AdventureWomen typically suggests $200-250 for gratuities on most trips. Detailed information will be provided to you prior to departure.

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

September 2021 Departure Final Payment Due Date: June 6, 2021

May 2022 Departure Final Payment Due Date: February 6, 2022

September 2022 Departure Final Payment Due Date: June 5, 2022

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure days
  • Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
  • Fully-guided sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking hiking guide throughout the trip
  • Drinking water to refill personal bottles
  • Gratuities for baggage handling, waitstaff, hotel staff

Not Included

  • International airfare to Portugal and from Spain
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

Carris Hotel Porto Ribeira

This renovated historic building in the Ribeira district of Porto offers a comfortable room to begin your Camino adventure. Enjoy exploring Porto on foot from this well-located hotel.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi available for a fee

Parador de Tui

The Parador is in the center of Tui and is a faithful reproduction of a Galician country house. The hotel is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view of the mountains and river. The décor creates an ideal atmosphere in which to relax and get away from it all.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

Parador de Pontevedra

The Parador, once the residence of the counts of Maceda, is located in the old quarter of the magnificent city of Pontevedra. You will be welcomed by a stately carved stone staircase leading to comfortable guest rooms. The building combines regal, noble, and stately styles with charming rural elements.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

Parador de Cambados

The Parador de Cambados is located in an old country house known as Bazán, an elegant ancestral mansion. It offers bright, comfortable guest rooms and a delightful interior courtyard with a terrace café, where you will enjoy the sound of water splashing in the stone fountain and the peaceful atmosphere.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

Hotel Gastronómico Casa Rosalía

This 250-year-old farmhouse has been exquisitely renovated into a hotel blending historic charm with contemporary design. The Casa Rosalia is housed in a traditional wood and stone building and is surrounded by ancient houses and the picturesque green countryside of Galicia. Enjoy the well-preserved courtyard, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, or simply sunbathe in the garden.

Amenities: Coming soon

Hotel Compostela

Hotel Compostela is in Galicia Square, union of both the old city with its historical center and the new city with its hustle and bustle. Close to the hotel you can find the Alameda, a park from which you can enjoy some of the better views of the cathedral. There is a public market nearby where you can see and purchase the best ingredients of Galician cuisine.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi available for a fee

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary