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The Portuguese Way to Santiago is a hiking route program that lins the major town of Ponte de Lima to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, along the beautiful and centuries old St. James path.
From Ponte de Lima deep in the Minho Region north of Porto to Santiago, you'll discover and admire one of the ways of pilgrimage in the Portuguese way. Like this you will experience one true way, away from the crowds of the French way and nearly discover yourself. Every day is a different scenery, offering country side views along the way, and the crossing of several small towns and cities along the way rich in culture will fill your Camino spirit. Churches, monuments, old crosses will tell the history of this less trodden way until you arrive at Obradoiro Square, just in front of Saint James Cathedral, in the heart of Santiago de Compostela.

Tour difficulty: Challenging

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Typical Daykeyboard_double_arrow_up
Day 1: Arrival - Welcome at Porto Airport
Transfer from Porto to Ponte de Lima (1h30), flying (00h45) or getting a Train to Porto (2h30). Ponte de Lima is a very unique town of our Minho region in Portugal. Situated at some 85km north of Porto this medieval town will receive you for a leisurely discover of its streets, ramparts, and squares. Ponte de Lima, located by the river Lima, was from roman time the only way to cross the river to the north, and since then grown in importance for the pilgrimage to Santiago. The roman bridge is still there!!!

Day 2: Ponte de Lima to Pecene/Rubiães. Hike Day (17km+530m)
The day starts from the doostep of your lodging and find its way to cross the Lima River by its older bridge. From Roman times to the more modern Pilgrims these are the first steps of this stretch of the Camino. The way goes up to overcome the highest point of the entire pilgrimage and to cross the beautifull countryside of northern Portugal. Away from the big roads and through the little way you'll get to Rubiães, your first stop.

Day 3: Rubiães to Valença do Minho. Hike Day (18km+220m)
Once again you'll start going up to a little sanctuary, just a few Km from your beginning of the day. From here the way will drop towards Valenca do Minho, the day is shorter than yesterday and also easier while descending. From wooden areas to agricultural field the scenery varies a lot. From well surfaced to dirt track the day will offer you a nice way to get to the border Town of Valenca do Minho. The last Portuguese burg and one of a kind! It's XVIII c. old fortress over the hill defending from the mighty Spaniards, nowadays only friends! Make sure you will explore the old fortress town.

Day 4: Valença do Minho to Porriño. Hike Day (22km+250m)
This is the day that enters into Galicia, Spain. The day begins exiting the old fortress via a small door. You'll descent to the river and cross the border to Galicia via the bridge. The path will enter Tuy and goes along the old town centre. Its Cathedral is one of the main monuments. For some of the way the Minho River will be always near until you stray away from Tuy. The day follows into Galicia, leaving the shores of the Minho. The path now follows along the river Louro, sometimes near it or a little away from it. The wooden areas nearby are of great help during sunny days. The day will end entering Porrino.

Day 5: Porriño to Redondela. Hike Day (21km+390m)
From Porrino to Redondela the Saint James Path follow the N550 at eyesight, but away from the car traffic. Following little back roads the way points north toward Santiago and along little hamlets. Another big Climb wait for the Pilgrim, almost 250m high is the pass that overlook to Redondela and the Ria de Vigo. The ocean enters into the land like the fjords of other areas. Yes, the water is salted! Redondela is now at reach with a nice descent.

Day 6: Redondela to Pontevedra. Hike Day (14km+250m)
From Redondela to Pontevedra the way is stunning. From ocean like fjord scenery to wooden forested area, old roman way and little villages in rural Galicia you will be amazed. While descending from a forested area you arrive to Arcade and its river crossing over one old bridge, just after some hundred meters the roman old way appear to you and lead you up the hill. Just after the pass and along wooden areas you'll reach Pontevedra outskirts and the old centre is already in reach. Esplanades, old medieval Pontevedra is superb.

Day 7: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis. Hike Day (23km+250m)
This longer day is relatively easy, almost all day following the railway towards Caldas de Reis. Exiting Pontevedra via the old Roman Bridge the path enters a rural area and one low land preserved area. Alba marshes wetland is some 80 acres and home to hundreds of plant species and 123 bird species. The way is wide and follow back roads with almost no traffic, giving peace to our steps, in the way stone carved crosses will appear, some preciously carved, that will prove that you are on the right path to Santiago arise. A few kilometres from Caldas de Reis there is the waterfall and watermills system of the Barrosa River. Following along the field you soon enter into Caldas de Reis. From here you follow the river up to your hotel.

Day 8: Caldas de Reis to Padron. Hike Day (20km+300m)
This day is a very nice day, as you come out of Caldas de Reis you will enter a nice walk along fields and forests going toward the pilgrim goal of the Saint tomb. At some point you follow the Ap9 motorway but at every time you're in the fields. At Valga you enter a very scenic foot path by the river and into a forest. Out of this forest and along little roads you reach Pontecesures and cross the river to reach Padron your last stop before Santiago de Compostela.

Day 9: Padron to Santiago de Compostela. Hike Day (25km+450m)
The day to reach Santiago de Compostela is probably the longest one, not only in Kms but also in mind, getting to Obradoiro and the Cathedral is by the end of the day. The Path leaves the town of Padron driving up north to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria de Iria Flavia, Episcopal center before its transfer to Santiago de Compostela. Rural Galicia will be present until you pass the Albergue of Teo. And as you reach the outskirts of Santiago the more urban and less appealing are the views. From the electric power station the view of Santiago and the end is remarkable but some kilometers are still to go....

Day 10: Walking in Santiago da Compostela. City Hike Day
This day is dedicated to walk along Santiago de Compostela old town center. If you have stamp your pilgrim passport it's also the best time to find your certificate. Santiago is well worth of a day, from the old part and the related religious buildings to the newly museum of the Galician people. Have some time to enjoy a good meal to the sound of the pipes.

Day 11: Departure - Farewell at Porto Airport
Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto City (3h00).
If you have some time: the afternoon is dedicated to visit the capital of the north of Portugal. Discover the ancient old quarter of medieval times, the Ribeira and Sé quarter. Wander, explore large avenues of late XIX early XX century and visit one of the most characteristic markets of the town, Mercado do Bolhão. Take a look to some of the old churches and modern architecture that also make Oporto a vibrant city.
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Price Includes:
- 10 Nights Lodging on Superior Accommodation. Breakfast included
- Transfer on day of arrival from Airport OPO to the Hotel, followed by Tour briefing
- Transfer from last Hotel to Airport OPO
- Pre Departure Information Pack
- Tour Information
- Information Book (includes Maps, Daily Information, Daily Maps, GPS Device Quick Manual) delivered at departure day at location
- GPS Track
- Mobile Telephone (free to call us 24h / day)
- Liability and Personal Accidents Insurance

Optional:
- Luggage Transfer During Tour (up to 4 people): +299€
- GPS Rental for Tour: +95€
- Guided Tour (please inquire)






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