Trip Overview

Pious Queen Isabela of Portugal first walked the Portuguese Spiritual Way on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in the 13th century. Follow in her footsteps on this eight-day, 61-mile hiking adventure enjoying the pastoral countryside, local wines, and cuisine of northern Portugal and the Galicia region in Spain!

The Portuguese Way on the Camino de Santiago is the less-traveled but infinitely beautiful Camino hiking route: historic, bucolic, and full of charm. You’ll hike 7-14 miles a day, covering 61 miles in total on this classic European walking tour through the Portuguese and Spanish countryside.

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. 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 hear traditional Fado over a beautiful welcome dinner. With your Pilgrim’s Passport in hand, depart Porto on a route with an ambiance that’s conducive to friendly conversations with your fellow adventurers. You’ll feel like old friends by the time you arrive in Tui, Spain, in the Spanish region of Galacia!

Tui is a medieval border town in Spain and your gateway to the Camino de Santiago. Stop to visit nearby Mos, a pretty, hilly hamlet of farms and vineyards, which offers plenty of spots 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. Later, explore the Castle of Soutomaior once owned by the early 1900s feminist Maria Vingals, a true Adventure Woman who loved to travel throughout Europe and was committed to women’s rights.

Continue your hiking journey in Spain as you discover medieval villages and explore 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 celebrity Galician chef before heading to coastal Cambados, the heart of Albariño, where you will have the chance to sample some of this area’s 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, you will embark on a catamaran cruise on the river following the route of an ancient vessel 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 your ultimate goal: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where you will proudly receive your pilgrim’s Campostela certificate. While each of you may have had a different reason for hiking “the Way,” everyone on this hiking adventure from Portugal to Spain can agree that walking the Portuguese Way on the Camino de Santiago has made this unique journey on foot one for the ages.

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 Campostela pilgrim’s certificate at the Cathedral at journey’s end

What You'll See and Do

  • Anthropology
  • Architecture
  • Boat Cruise
  • Cooking Class
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Hiking
  • Historical Sites
  • Local Delicacies
  • Natural History
  • Sightseeing
  • Walking
  • Wine Tasting
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

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
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

After settling in at your hotel, head out for a visit to the Ferreira Bodega this afternoon. The Ferreira Bodega is a Port winery founded in 1751. The tour has won awards as one of the best winery tours in the world. Enjoy the tastings!

Enjoy a welcome dinner and a Fado concert to kick off your trip!
Dinner

Overnight: Carris Hotel Porto Ribeira

Day 2

Porto to Tui
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 like its train station, the Lello library, and its Cathedral.

Afer lunch on your own, head to the Fortress of Valença do Minho, whose walls and ramparts dominate the riverside and speak volumes about neighbourly disagreements. The fortress has repelled innumerable Spanish and French invasions since the 13th century. During your visit of the inside of the fortress, you will meet a few women who will tell you about the local craft traditions of lace and porcelain.

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

Overnight: Parador Tui

Hiking: 2 Miles

Day 3

Tui
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. 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 you 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.
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Parador Tui

Hiking: 14 Miles

Day 4

Tui to Soutomaior
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 the 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 in Soutomaior.

Visit the Fortress of Soutomaior this afternoon.
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Pousada del Castillo de Soutomaior

Hiking: 11 Miles

Day 5

Soutomaior to Meaño
After a short drive back to Ponte Sampaio, continue your journey through quaint medieval villages walking towards 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 origins of all Caminos. During the next two days, you will be following the detour towards 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 at your hotel with a Galician chef. She has written several books and has been on Spanish television!
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Quinta de San Amaro

Hiking: 12 Miles

Day 6

Meaño to Cambados
After a short drive to the Monastery of Armenteira, continue your journey inland towards the Rio Ulla. Start the day with a visit of 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 grain 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 the Pazo’s private winery before enjoying a seafood dinner in a delicious restaurant in Cambados.
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Pazo a Capitana

Hiking: 8 Miles

Day 7

Cambados to Lestrove
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 towards 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. The Marquis Gonzalo Rivero de Aguilar will show you through his family home and beautiful camellia garden. Gonzalo is a knight of Saint James and is the only person allowed to enter the Cathedral of a horse. Share a glass of his homemade Albariño before returning to Lestrove for the night.
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Pazo de Lestrove

Hiking: 9 Miles

Day 8

Lestrove 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!

Learn about the importance of the Camino de Santiago and the history of Saint James. You will be presented with your Compostela, or Certificate of Achievement of the Camino de Santiago given by the Pilgrim Office, followed by the Pilgrim Mass with the Botafumeiro ceremony in the Cathedral of Santiago.

Enjoy a farewell dinner to toast the end of a spectacular adventure. A wise pilgrim once said that “the real Camino starts where the Camino de Santiago finishes but I will not be afraid because the Camino will always be there for me.” We hope the Camino has helped you find what you were looking for, or that you have found something unexpected along the way!
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight:Hotel Monumento San Francisco

Hiking: 7 Miles

Day 9

Depart Spain
Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home.
Breakfast

 

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

Traveling to Spain & Portugal



Arrival/Departure Information

May 2 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive in Porto, Portugal (OPO) on May 2, 2020 before noon.

Depart: Depart Santiago de Compostela, Spain (SCQ) on May 10, 2020.

September 27 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive in Porto, Portugal (OPO) on September 27, 2020 before noon.

Depart: Depart Santiago de Compostela, Spain (SCQ) on October 5, 2020.

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. Please contact us at:

(800) 804-8686 or (617) 544-9393
email: info@adventurewomen.com

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 and a minimum of 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.

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 here.

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 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 page about Spain.

Money

The currency of Spain is the Euro. Visa/MasterCard are generally accepted for purchases over €15. For snacks and lunches that are not included, you should budget €15-20/day. For meals in Porto and on the last day in Santiago, you should budget €50/day.

Suggested Gratuities: All of your guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff are well-paid and no gratuity is required on this trip but if you feel the person has gone the extra mile a small tip is always appreciated.

  • Main guide: €5 to €10 per person per day
  • Drivers: €5 to €10 per person per day

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!

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)

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.

May 2 Departure Final Payment Date: February 2, 2020

September 27 Departure Final Payment Date: June 29, 2020

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 based on double occupancy
  • Meals as noted in the itinerary
  • All transportation throughout the trip
  • Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
  • All activities as listed in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff
  • One AdventureWomen Ambassador

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages, unless otherwise specified
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guide(s) and driver

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.

Parador 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.

Pousada del Castillo de Soutomaior
Pousada del Castillo de Soutomaior is a small hotel set in landscaped grounds next to an ancient castle, surrounded by outstanding natural beauty. It’s a great place to relax and dine in style and features amazing views of the countryside including the surrounding mountains.

Quinta de San Amaro
The Quinta de San Amaro is a tastefully renovated Galician Manor in Meaño. This picturesque rural house offers access to a swimming pool, a unique walk-in horreo, and has one of the best restaurants in the region.

Pazo a Capitana
Surrounded by vineyards, this restored 15th-century house and estate is located nearby the historic center of Cambados. It offers rustic rooms and extensive gardens with fruit trees and a winery. Enjoy the spacious terrace, ponds, and streams on the grounds.

Paze de Lestrove
This emblematic 16th-century building, a recreational mansion that used to belong to Compostela’s archbishops, was erected on a walled plot of land with woodland and gardens. It is a short walk from the historic town of Padrón.

Hotel Monumento San Francisco
Located a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, right in Santiago de Compostela’s historic city center, this hotel has the tranquility and silence of an 18th- century Franciscan convent combined with all the services and comforts of a 4-star hotel.

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 to Bring

The weather from May - September should be sunny and pleasantly warm during the day and cool at night. The temperature can be fairly unpredictable, with cool and rainy weather one week and temperatures in the 90s the next week. Historically, the average high is between 65°F and 72°F.

You are allowed one checked bag with a maximum weight of 55 pounds and you should carry a day pack. The best clothing for the Camino is made of wicking materials which dry quickly, such as synthetic materials or merino wool. Avoid cotton as it takes much longer to dry and does not wick sweat away from the body.

Clothing and Gear

  • 1 small suitcase/duffel bag
  • 1 day pack with rain cover
  • 1-1.5 liter water bladder or two water bottles
  • Medium-weight, waterproof hiking boots (make sure they are broken in!)
  • 4-5 pairs wool hiking socks
  • 2-3 short sleeve shirts (quick dry recommended)
  • 1-2 long sleeve shirts (quick dry recommended)
  • 1 medium weight fleece sweater/jacket for cool evenings
  • 1-2 pairs of pants
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1-2 sets of nicer clothes for dinner
  • 1 bathing suit
  • 1 GoreTex, waterproof rain jacket
  • 1 pair GoreTex, waterproof rain pants
  • Hat for sun protection
  • 5-7 pairs underwear (quick dry recommended)
  • Sleepwear
  • Trekking poles (must be in checked baggage on flights, so be sure they collapse and fit into your luggage)

AdventureWomen Essentials

  • Travel documents (identification documents, airline tickets, money)
  • 2-3 spare passport photos in case your passport is lost or stolen
  • Write down/print out travel insurance number
  • Locks for your suitcase/duffel bag
  • Travel alarm clock with spare batteries
  • Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries
  • Binoculars (8x40/42 models are excellent choices; center focus models are easiest)
  • Digital camera, memory cards, battery charger
  • Power adapters/power bank
  • Sunglasses, case, and strap
  • Spare glasses, contact lenses, cleaner, saline, etc.
  • Money belt or neck pouch
  • Your AdventureWomen insulated bottle
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Hand wipes/hand sanitizer
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
  • Small packet of tissues
  • Tampons and panty liners (avoid plastic applicators)
  • Earplugs: We recommend Mack’s Pillow Soft White Moldable Silicone Snore Proof Earplugs. Available at most drugstores or at www.earplugstore.com
  • Assortment of stuff sacks and Ziploc bags
  • 1-2 bandanas/Buff
  • Reading material/journal and pens

Personal First Aid Kit

  • Prescription medicine you usually take (in original containers)
  • Personal epi pen (if you need one, don’t forget to pack it!)
  • Bandages, Gauze, Ace bandage, blister prevention
  • Antiseptic wipes/spray
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Cotton-tipped applicators
  • Oral rehydration tablets/packets
  • Antidiarrheal medication
  • Mild laxative
  • Antacid
  • Cold remedies
  • Ibuprofen/acetaminophen
  • Eye drops
  • Tweezers, scissors (travel size), safety pins

If you prefer to buy a complete kit, we recommend the Smart Travel first aid kit.

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