Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
Portuguese Camino de Santiago
DURATION
Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
17 to 40 miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
2-Easier to Intermediate
STARTING FROM
$4595
SINGLES ADD FROM
$1,000
Trip Overview
Follow this fantastic historical pilgrimage route from Portugal to Spain by bike ... ending at the famous city of Santiago de Compostela. Known as the “Way of Saint James” or “El Camino de Santiago,” treks to this city have been popular for centuries. Much of our bike route is along the lovely coast — mostly on quiet roads and paths, with pristine beaches and sweeping views. Visit small villages, cross many rivers, and tour the delightful town of Porto. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage cities and taste fresh seafood, wine and other local specialties. Stay in a range of hotels that warmly welcome visitors … on a route that’s been traveled by pilgrims for centuries. Join us to follow in the footsteps of those seeking a fun challenge — or spiritual renewal — that echoes through the ages.
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Walking tour of Porto | Hotel Vila Galé Porto Ribeira
Meet the group at your first hotel in Porto, Portugal. This UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its port wine … but also for a rich heritage of ancient churches and monuments — such as the Porto Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco and the Bolsa Palace — and modern buildings, such as Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum. Start your trip with the group in the afternoon with a walking tour of the historic streets of this famous city and a tasting of Porto wines.
Meet the group at your first hotel in Porto, Portugal. This UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its port wine … but also for a rich heritage of ancient churches and monuments — such as the Porto Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco and the Bolsa Palace — and modern buildings, such as Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum. Start your trip with the group in the afternoon with a walking tour of the historic streets of this famous city and a tasting of Porto wines.
DAY 2 - Villages and coast to Ofir
Distance: 40 miles | Terrain: Easier | Hotel in Ofir
After breakfast, begin your cycling right from the hotel with a spin through the city of Porto. Enjoy bike paths alongside the Douro River 7 miles all the way to the seaport town of Leça da Palmeira — famous for its ancient lighthouse and fort. From here, ride along the Portuguese coastline past beaches and on boardwalks that provide spectacular ocean views. Consider stopping in the interesting and ancient village of Vila do Conde and the small fishing town of Póvoa do Varzim before getting to the village of Ofir — which is surrounded by dunes and pine trees and the clear waters of the Cávado River on one side and an expanse of ocean with a golden sandy beach on the other side.
After breakfast, begin your cycling right from the hotel with a spin through the city of Porto. Enjoy bike paths alongside the Douro River 7 miles all the way to the seaport town of Leça da Palmeira — famous for its ancient lighthouse and fort. From here, ride along the Portuguese coastline past beaches and on boardwalks that provide spectacular ocean views. Consider stopping in the interesting and ancient village of Vila do Conde and the small fishing town of Póvoa do Varzim before getting to the village of Ofir — which is surrounded by dunes and pine trees and the clear waters of the Cávado River on one side and an expanse of ocean with a golden sandy beach on the other side.
DAY 3 - Viana do Castelo and fortified town
Distance: 37 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Hotel in Caminha
Ride north today crossing the Cávado River to Esposende. After a short uphill section, you reach Viana do Castelo, jewel of the Costa Verde — with a medieval center, where you find good options for lunch. From here, you can see the “Monte de Santa Luzia” with its 20th century neo-Byzantine church on top of a 750-foot eucalyptus-clad hill. After Viana, continue riding north and inland on paved roads to Vila Praia de Âncora, and then continue on the coastal Camino route towards Caminha. Spend the night here right by the Minho River estuary, where the river meets the Atlantic. The village of Caminha is an ancient fortified border town situated at the mouth of the Minho River.
Ride north today crossing the Cávado River to Esposende. After a short uphill section, you reach Viana do Castelo, jewel of the Costa Verde — with a medieval center, where you find good options for lunch. From here, you can see the “Monte de Santa Luzia” with its 20th century neo-Byzantine church on top of a 750-foot eucalyptus-clad hill. After Viana, continue riding north and inland on paved roads to Vila Praia de Âncora, and then continue on the coastal Camino route towards Caminha. Spend the night here right by the Minho River estuary, where the river meets the Atlantic. The village of Caminha is an ancient fortified border town situated at the mouth of the Minho River.
DAY 4 - Crossing into Spain
Distance: 24 miles | Terrain: Easier | Parador Baiona
From Caminha, take the ferry across the Minho River to enter one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, Galicia. Continue straight to A Guarda where you visit its famous hilltop “castro” — the name for a Celtic settlement (Castro de Santa Tegra). From the fishing village of A Guarda, the route continues northward with breathtaking views of the ocean on your left. Tonight, you reach the seaside town of Baiona with its gorgeous marina. While in Baiona, visit the towns attractions — such as a museum with a replica of Columbus’s ship the “Pinta,” which landed here bringing the first news to Europeans of the day about the existence of the New World. On March 1, 1493, the first of Columbus’s caravels landed in Baiona during its return from the voyage of discovery to the New World.
From Caminha, take the ferry across the Minho River to enter one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, Galicia. Continue straight to A Guarda where you visit its famous hilltop “castro” — the name for a Celtic settlement (Castro de Santa Tegra). From the fishing village of A Guarda, the route continues northward with breathtaking views of the ocean on your left. Tonight, you reach the seaside town of Baiona with its gorgeous marina. While in Baiona, visit the towns attractions — such as a museum with a replica of Columbus’s ship the “Pinta,” which landed here bringing the first news to Europeans of the day about the existence of the New World. On March 1, 1493, the first of Columbus’s caravels landed in Baiona during its return from the voyage of discovery to the New World.
DAY 5 - Views around Vigo and Pontevedra
Distance: 40 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Parador de Pontevedra
After breakfast, head toward Vigo to enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the region … the Ría de Vigo, where seawater mixes with the river. The mouth of the river is protected by the Cies Islands, which are part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands. The Ría de Vigo features the picturesque islands of Toralla and San Simón. To the north is the Morrazo Peninsula. Descend into the busy city of Vigo, the largest Galician city. Then head toward Redondela, where the central Camino and the coastal Camino join. Pedal north to reach Pontevedra, your home for the night. Explore the well-preserved old town and Gothic Santa María la Mayor Basilica here. The Ruínas de San Domingos are the remains of a 14th-century convent.
After breakfast, head toward Vigo to enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the region … the Ría de Vigo, where seawater mixes with the river. The mouth of the river is protected by the Cies Islands, which are part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands. The Ría de Vigo features the picturesque islands of Toralla and San Simón. To the north is the Morrazo Peninsula. Descend into the busy city of Vigo, the largest Galician city. Then head toward Redondela, where the central Camino and the coastal Camino join. Pedal north to reach Pontevedra, your home for the night. Explore the well-preserved old town and Gothic Santa María la Mayor Basilica here. The Ruínas de San Domingos are the remains of a 14th-century convent.
DAY 6 - Mountain views & on to Padrón
Distance: 25 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Hotel Pazo de Lestrove
Today, you leave the water behind, and you notice another change in the landscape … since you return to inland Galicia with mountains and great views as a reward. Your destination today is Padrón, a village known for its green peppers, the Padrón peppers (pementos de Padrón). These were brought from South America 400 years ago by monks and then grown in the garden of a convent. Padrón peppers became a favorite on local dinner tables and are now known all over Spain. Take some time to visit the village, la Iglesia de Santiago, the Jardin Botanico or climb to the Santiaguiño do Monte — an archaeological site dating back to the Iron Age (3rd century BCE), commonly known as the place the apostle chose to preach the gospel. The town of Padrón is believed to be the place where the ship landed carrying the body of Saint James on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
Today, you leave the water behind, and you notice another change in the landscape … since you return to inland Galicia with mountains and great views as a reward. Your destination today is Padrón, a village known for its green peppers, the Padrón peppers (pementos de Padrón). These were brought from South America 400 years ago by monks and then grown in the garden of a convent. Padrón peppers became a favorite on local dinner tables and are now known all over Spain. Take some time to visit the village, la Iglesia de Santiago, the Jardin Botanico or climb to the Santiaguiño do Monte — an archaeological site dating back to the Iron Age (3rd century BCE), commonly known as the place the apostle chose to preach the gospel. The town of Padrón is believed to be the place where the ship landed carrying the body of Saint James on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
DAY 7 - Home stretch to the finish
Distance: 17 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Parador de Santiago "Hostal dos Reis Católicos"
A short ride through the countryside completes the last stage of the “Way of St. James” to reach Santiago de Compostela — one of the world’s most important religious and spiritual sites. It’s been popular since the Middle Ages as a religious pilgrimage to visit the remains of Saint James. In modern times, it’s been a social, physical and spiritual journey for many. Meet this afternoon for a guided walk to explore the Cathedral of Saint James and the historical center of Santiago … and celebrate your achievement on the Camino. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay in lodgings that once hosted royalty. Tonight, celebrate the end of your Camino tour with a farewell dinner.
A short ride through the countryside completes the last stage of the “Way of St. James” to reach Santiago de Compostela — one of the world’s most important religious and spiritual sites. It’s been popular since the Middle Ages as a religious pilgrimage to visit the remains of Saint James. In modern times, it’s been a social, physical and spiritual journey for many. Meet this afternoon for a guided walk to explore the Cathedral of Saint James and the historical center of Santiago … and celebrate your achievement on the Camino. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay in lodgings that once hosted royalty. Tonight, celebrate the end of your Camino tour with a farewell dinner.
DAY 8 - Departure Day
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. A shuttle is offered after breakfast to the Santiago Airport for your travels home. Or stay on for more travels in Spain!
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $750 holds your reservation for most tours. For tours less than 6 days, the deposit is $500.
What’s Included
7 nights’ lodging, 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners (2 dinners on your own), guided tour of the Santiago de Compostela cathedral, use of bicycle and helmet, experienced leaders, van support. Transfer to Santiago Airport on last morning after breakfast. Airfare not included.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $750 holds your reservation for most tours. For tours less than 6 days, the deposit is $500.
What’s Included
7 nights’ lodging, 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners (2 dinners on your own), guided tour of the Santiago de Compostela cathedral, use of bicycle and helmet, experienced leaders, van support. Transfer to Santiago Airport on last morning after breakfast. Airfare not included.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Hotel Vila Galé Porto Ribeira
Just a few minutes from the historic center and the main tourist attractions, but also close to Lordelo do Ouro, in a picturesque fishing area, Vila Galé Porto Ribeira is a charming hotel resulting from the renovation of four buildings in the Cais das Pedras area, close to Alfândega do Porto and approximately 15 kilometres from Sá Carneiro airport. With a painting theme, this hotel stands right in front of the Douro, with a privileged view of the river. It also takes advantage of its proximity to the riverside area of Porto and offers paper-free check in and service.
Parador Baiona
To the south of the Rías Baixas, protected by the sea and overlooking the beautiful Bay of Baiona, lies the Monterreal peninsula. Here you will find the Parador de Baiona, a historic fortress with spectacular views of the ocean. Halfway between a medieval castle and a stately Galician palace, the Parador has regal and elegant rooms, whose careful decoration will transport you to another era. The majestic stone staircase in the hall is stunning, and its immense garden is equipped with a large swimming pool, from where you can contemplate the entire bay.
Parador de Pontevedra
The Parador de Pontevedra is located in the historic center of the magnificent city of Pontevedra, in a 16th-century Renaissance palace that was the residence of the Counts of Maceda. At the entrance you will find a stately staircase of carved stone that will lead you to the cosy rooms. The building, decorated with antiques and valuable classical furniture, has a beautiful garden where you can stroll or sit down to enjoy the excellent local wines.
Hotel Pazo de Lestrove
This emblematic 16th century building, former recreational mansion of the archbishops of Santiago de Compostela, was built on a walled area of 50,000 square yards of forests and gardens. Enjoy the terrace, restaurant and lovely grounds of this welcoming hotel.
Parador de Santiago "Hostal dos Reis Católicos
The Parador de Santiago de Compostela is considered the oldest hotel in Spain. It is located in the Plaza del Obradoiro next to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most visited in the world, and has witnessed the movement of pilgrims throughout the centuries. It was founded as a Royal Hospital for the Catholic Monarchs to provide them with shelter and is now known as Hostal dos Reis Católicos. The historic building preserves the Plateresque façade on the outside, four cloisters, elegant corridors and hallways and spectacular rooms. It has an excellent collection of art work as well.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
v1.3.32