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Self-Guided Camino: The Portuguese Way- 1 Week

Spain
Available Departures: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

8 days from

US$855

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Walk & Trek
Self-Guided
MODERATE MODERATE

Delve into the journey of Pilgrims and walk from Tui to Santiago de Compostela at your own pace.

Trip Code: SGTS
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Self-Guided Camino: The Portuguese Way- 1 Week

Highlights
  • Complete the final stage of the Portuguese Camino from Tui to Santiago de Compostela
  • Discover Pontevedra where Columbus’ flagship was crafted
  • Enjoy delicious Galician cuisine and unwind with a glass of Albarino wine
  • Walk through the beautiful valley of Gandra River and relax in the thermal town of Caldas de Reis
At a Glance
  • Self-Guided
  • 6 days walking
  • Daily departures available
  • Final 117km of the Portuguese Way
  • Join In Tui/ Ends in Santiago
Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 4 nights Hotel
  • 2 nights Hotel with swimming pool
  • 1 nights Guesthouse
Overview

It is said that there is the Camino you walk and the Camino you live. This one week walking holiday allows you to live the final stage of the Portuguese Way from Tui to Santiago de Compostela. You will follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims through vineyards and valleys, and historic villages full of charm where you can embrace Galician culture. You will even spend the night in Pontevedra, where great explorer Columbus’s flagship, the Santa Maria, was crafted.


Along the way you will stay in a welcoming selection of hotels and guesthouses, close to the Camino on a bed and breakfast basis, giving you opportunity to dine on the fantastic seafood dishes the locals love so much. The jewel in the crown is your arrival at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, an emotional moment for many walkers as you realise your achievements over the past week, the memories you have made and the Camino you have lived!

Is this holiday for you?

This one week Camino is perfect for those looking to take on a spiritual challenge, your first long distance route or those who simply want to discover Galicia and all its splendid traditions. Guided by the traditional scallop shells and your route notes, you should be comfortable walking for 5-6 hours a day and an average of 15-20km on quiet paths, byways and cobbled tracks. The Portuguese Way fr …

This one week Camino is perfect for those looking to take on a spiritual challenge, your first long distance route or those who simply want to discover Galicia and all its splendid traditions. Guided by the traditional scallop shells and your route notes, you should be comfortable walking for 5-6 hours a day and an average of 15-20km on quiet paths, byways and cobbled tracks. The Portuguese Way from Tui is relatively quiet in comparison to the final section of other routes making it the perfect option for those looking to complete a Camino on the route less travelled. Staying in a great selection of hotels and guesthouses, we will transport your luggage for you so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the journey.

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Why KE?

Stand proud at the foot of Santiago de Compostela with your certificate of distance, in the knowledge that you completed the final section of the Portuguese Way under your own steam from Tui.

With your luggage transfers and your pilgrim kit included, all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and enjoy your journey.

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Itinerary

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Arrive in the historic town of Tui nestled on the banks of the river Mino below Monte Aloia. Depending on your arrival time you may wish to explore this once walled town and discover it's heritage as a key strategic location on the border with Portugal. Dating back to the 12th century the town has provided a longstanding safe crossing for pilgrims who wear the scallop shell of St James despite many battles with neighbouring Portugal. Steeped in history, we recommend taking time to stroll around the historic centre, visit the Romanesque and Gothic cathedral and enjoy a coffee on the bustling plaza.

Accommodation

Hotel
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Feeling rested your day begins by winding your way through the medieval streets. You will have time to stop and admire this famous cathedral before continuing on your way, crossing the Veiga Bridge to walk along the Valley of the River Louro, perhaps one of the most beautiful stretches of the route, before entering O Porrino, your final goal of the day.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Time

5-6 hours

Distance

20 KM
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Leaving O Porrino behind your walk today takes you further north passing through the hilltop village of Santiaguino das Antas with its pretty park, which houses the Chapel from which the town derived its name. There is time to take a welcome rest in the park before descending to the town of Redonela. This is a great spot to stop for a well-earned lunch and enjoy a typical Galician delicacy such as Caldo Gallego (a hearty stew with chorizo) to fuel you on your way. Continuing you will soon reach Outeiro de Penas for excellent views over the Ria de Vigo estuary, one of the most sublime natural harbours in the world. Your final goal is your hotel in Arcade at the head of the estuary, renowned for having the best oysters in Galicia.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Time

5-6 hours

Distance

22 KM
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This section of the Camino will take you out of Arcade passing fishing boats on the banks to cross the photogenic medieval bridge over the Verdugo River which feeds the Ria de Vigo. Reaching the opposite side you make your way through the pretty narrow streets, guiding you to the beautiful byways up to the rolling hills to Cacheiro. Crossing the hillside your route soon opens up to display colourful fields, vineyards and orchards. Winding your way across the fruitful landscape you soon reach the beautiful largely traffic free city of Pontevedra, your home for the evening. Once Galicia's largest city, Pontevedra has a fantastic old town to discover. It was here where Columbus' flagship, the Santa Maria, was constructed. Local legend says that Columbus was in fact a Pontevedra nobleman named Pedro Madruga who took on a new identity. We recommend taking time to explore San Francisco Convent, an impressive convent which is said to have been founded by Saint Francis himself back in the 13 century.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Time

3-4 hours

Distance

13 KM
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Before heading on your way this morning we recommend paying a visit to Pontevedra food market, Mercado de abastos. Split over 2 floors the market is bustling with locals, tourists and pilgrims in search of the fantastic fresh produce of Rias Baixas; seafood, Albarino wine and fantastic cheeses. The perfect place to pick up snacks for your journey. Leaving the city via the millennial bridge, O Burgo, you once again commence your journey to Santiago. Your way, today, will take you along the beautiful valley of the Gandra River as it winds its way to San Mauro. Continuing your path widens and you will begin to spot the first of the crosses of Saint James, some magnificently carved and making a serene and peaceful atmosphere. You will soon pass the curious church of Santa Maria where the Templar, a type of monk responsible for protecting pilgrims, were stationed. Your home for the evening is just beyond the church in the thermal town of Caldas de Reis.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

Meals

B

Time

5-6 hours

Distance

22 KM
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As you become ever closer to your final goal you will notice more crosses and an increase in small villages and towns to welcome pilgrims. This stage of the Camino will take you across medieval bridges and through some enchanting sections of scenery, first to the village of Cruceiro and on through forests and meadows to the church of Santa Maria de Carracedo. From here you follow the pretty scenery of the Valga River for some time before heading on to Pontecesures and perhaps a coffee stop before the final section of your route today. Feeling refreshed you cross the Ulla River to reach your accommodation in Padron, an important stop along the way for pilgrims. It is said that the granite block which was tied to the boat carrying Saint James is located under the altar of Santiago de Pedron.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

Meals

B

Time

5 hours

Distance

19 KM
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Today is the day you will complete the Camino de Portuguese from Porto! Leaving Padron you will make your way north passing Iria Flavia where the Church of Santa Maria was rebuilt in the 12th century in the place of the first cathedral in Galicia. You continue passing quaint Galician villages to reach the magnificent sanctuary of Nossa Senora da Escravitutes before making your way through the streets to finally begin to see your ultimate goal, Santiago de Compostela. Making your way further into the city you will soon arrive at the Faxeira gate, the entrance of the Portuguese Way to join fellow pilgrims from around the world in reaching the resting place of Saint James in the spectacular cathedral. This is a proud moment and you will have time to absorb it before making your way to your final hotel for a well-earned rest.

Obtaining the Compostela: To cope with large numbers of pilgrims during the busiest part of the summer months, the pilgrim office has installed a numbered ticketing system for processing your pilgrims' passport. Please be aware that you may have to return to collect your certificate the morning after presenting your passport.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Time

6 hours

Distance

23 KM
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Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and absorb the accomplishment of completing the Camino Portuguese before making your onward journey.

Meals

B
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The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Direction Direction
Trek

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Luggage transfers
  • Self-guided information pack containing your map and route notes
  • Pilgrim kit including a pilgrim passport and shell

  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to Tui
  • Travel from Santiago
  • City taxes (payable locally) usually under 5 Euros per person per night
  • Public buses and taxis
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Some meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Personal equipment
  • Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional

Each self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and a map or pocket guidebook of the area you are exploring. The route notes contain information about the places you will visit, about the local transport you might need, along with the detailed route notes for your daily walks or cycle rides. We even include some tips for the best places to stop for lunch.

You can expect to receive your Self-Guided Pack containing your route notes, a map or guidebook and all your relevant documents no later than 3 weeks before your holiday start date. We will send your documents using signed for courier so that you can track your package and know that they are safely on their way to you. For bookings of more than 4 people we will send an additional Self-Guided Pack. If you do not need this additional pack please inform our sales team. Your pack will be sent to the lead booker so please remind them to pack it before you set off.

Should your self-guided trip be part of a longer adventure requiring you to leave home more than three weeks before your holiday start date, please do inform our sales team so that we can make alternative delivery arrangements.

Our Self-Guided Holidays are perfect for your next family holiday and are suitable for children of all ages.

Our partner hotels and accommodations are able to provide cots for young children, and some offer family rooms. We can also arrange hire of children’s bikes and tag along bikes for our self-guided cycling trips and with trips such as Lake Constance and the Danube offering routes on designated cycle paths you can rest assured in keeping your family safe.

As a parent we trust that you know your own child’s capabilities, please read the itinerary details to ensure the distances covered each day are suitable for your family. If this is a first time walking holiday for your family, a centre based trip is a fantastic option as it allows you to easily opt out of a days walking if a day of building sand castles, swimming in the pool or visiting museums is calling.

Please discuss this further with our sales team who will be happy to assist in picking the best trip for your family.

This trip starts at your hotel in Tui. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a land only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. The nearest airport for this trip is Porto Airport with many departures from regional UK airports.

The public transport network from Porto is extremely good. If you are flying into Porto Airport it is possible to take the Metro to Porto city from where you can take the direct train to Valenca, just across the bridge from Tui. Once in Valenca you can either take the short bus or taxi ride to Tui itself. The journey from Porto takes approximately 3-4 hours and the metro runs every 20 minutes. For more information please visit www.metrodoporto.pt

Alternatively, we offer a private transfer from Porto Airport to your accommodation. Please ask our sales team for a quotation.

The trip ends in Santiago de Compostela. It is possible to return to Porto via Flixbus or train. The journey takes approximately 6 - 7 hours, for more information visit www.rome2rio.com Alternatively, it is possible to fly direct to London from Santiago de Compostela Airport or we can offer a private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto Airport. Please ask our sales team for a quotation.

This trip is on a bed and breakfast basis to allow you the most flexibility during your trip.

Water is drinkable from the taps on this holiday. Please fill your personal bottles for your day in the morning. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Galicia is a region of Spain which is passionate about food. Galicia’s cuisine is less about paella and more about delicious Pulpo a la Gallega, a traditional dish of the region which comprises of succulent boiled octopus on top of a bed of thinly sliced potatoes and topped with oil and paprika. And let’s not forget the tasty treat of Santiago, the Tarta de Santiago made from ground almonds and covered in icing sugar and the cross of Santiago. Yummy!

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

On this trip you will stay is a selection of comfortable guesthouses and 2* or 3* hotels each offering warm hospitality and close proximity to your route. Each hotel brings its own charm whether it's a small family run guesthouse offering beautiful gardens to relax or a 3* hotel with a relaxing communal lounge area or a swimming pool to cool down after a day on the on your feet.

All our accommodations are booked on bed and breakfast basis in a twin or double room and have wifi available too. Many accommodations have restaurants and some offer a set 'pilgrims menu', a tradition along the Camino and offer a hearty 3 course meal for approx. 15 euros payable locally. Please ask your host for more information.

It is possible to arrange additional nights accommodation if you would like to extend your time in Tui or Santiago. Please speak to our sales team for more information.

Your main luggage will be transferred between each of your hotels while you are out on your pilgrimage. We ask that you please ensure your luggage is under 15kg and that your luggage is ready for collection each morning. You will also need a daypack to carry your daily essentials with you.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

The advantage of a self-guided walking holiday is that you decide the pace however getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable your walks will be. You should be comfortable with walking 5-6 hours for consecutive days.

The climate in Galicia is mild with wet winter months and warm pleasant summers for walking with the cooling breeze of the Atlantic. The hottest months are July and August with temperatures reaching up to 25-30 degrees.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

  • Hiking boots with good grip soles
  • Functional base layer
  • T-shirts
  • Hat
  • Windproof jacket
  • Fleece / extra layer
  • Long/short hiking trousers
  • Hiking socks
  • Waterproof Jacket
  • Waterproof Trousers
  • Rucksack (approx. 20 l)
  • Small first aid kit for your rucksack
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Camera (batteries/memory card)
  • Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)
  • Power bank
  • Waterproof phone cover
  • Sun glasses
  • Personal wash kit
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags
  • Tupperware for picnics
  • Walking poles
  • Your self-guided route notes

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

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DATES & PRICES

2024

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

More Information

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Land Only Information

Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons on twin or double occupancy, however we can quote for any number of travellers, including solo travellers, contact our sales team for a quote.

All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this trip part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, ask our sales team to find out more about this.

Our sales team will be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights or alternatively you may wish to book your own flights with a low cost carrier from your nearest regional airport.

Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.

We offer some transfers to your hotel from the nearest airports, please refer to the 'joining arrangements and transfers' for further details for this trip.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

Changes to flights

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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