Portuguese Camino Trek

• Orientation Meeting: 6pm 

Say hello to Porto, one of the most romantic cities in all of Portugal. An orientation meeting with your group is scheduled for 6pm, but feel free to explore if you arrive before then. Since this trip spends very little time in this exciting city, you won’t regret flying in a day or two early to explore Porto before meeting up with your group. Lying along the banks of Douro River, Porto is a stunning city, rich in culture and history with soaring bridges, quaint eateries, and its famous riverside district with cobblestone streets dating back to the middle ages. After you meet your group for a briefing tonight, check out one of the local restaurants for a wonderful dinner. 

Please be sure to attend the orientation meeting this evening as you will need to provide insurance and emergency contact information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let the hotel or an Intrepid agent know. You can ask the hotel receptionist if you are unable to find the meeting place. If you want to book additional accommodations in Porto to explore the city and/or make sure you won’t be late to the orientation meeting, Intrepid will be happy to arrange them for you if availability allows. 

• Travel: Transfer to Oia 
• Meals Included: Breakfast 
• Hiking Distance: 12MI / 19KM

Today you will trek the first length of your Camino. You will be walking the final section of the Portuguese Coastal Walk and will in fact begin in northwestern Spain around 12.5 miles from the Portuguese border. You’ll be trekking from Oia, a small seaside village, to Baiona a picturesque city edged by the great Atlantic. This coastal walk is about 12 miles in length, but the views are worth every step. Once you come to Baiona, you can explore the city and visit the huge Monte Real fortress or sample the famous Rias Biaxas seafood and white wine. Rest up tonight before you set out on your way to Santiago de Compostela in the morning. 

• Hiking Distance: 16MI / 26KM

Today is another day of seaside trekking along the Atlantic coast as you make your way to the charming city of Vigo with a stop at Nigran along the way. While this entire hike is lovely, make sure to keep your eyes up when you come to the impressive bay of Vigo with the very famous Illas Cies natural park, formed by archipelagos of islands set in the glimmering sea that form the main attraction of the bay. If the weather is warm and you’d like a break from hiking, take a dip in the Atlantic at Praia America beach in Nigran. Continue on from here and arrive in Vigo in the late afternoon, ready for a relaxing day tomorrow. 

The schedule is cleared today so you can do as you please in Vigo. This rather large city— the most populated in the area— was once only a small fishing village that has grown into the bustling city it is today, nestled between the mountains and the sea. There is nearly no end of things to do here from strolling through the parquet Monte del Castro perhaps with a picnic lunch to sampling some of the local seafood such as oysters, gambas, lubinas, and much more. You can also amble through the gardens and ruins of the Castro Fortress, built in 1665 for defense against the British Royal Navy. This fortress is rather broken down today but still boasts fascinating history and, of course, stunning views. Gather your group together in the evening for a wonderful dinner of authentic Spanish food, perhaps at the Taberna A Pedra, a reasonably priced restaurant that offers all the seafood favorites. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Hiking Distance: 10MI /16KM

You’re almost finished with your coastal trek before you join up with the traditional Camino, but today make your way to Redondela. The Bay of Vigo is still the main focal point of your hike although from different angles today compared to yesterday. This trek is shorter than previous days, so feel free to take your time and enjoy the journey. Redondela is a wonderful stop along the coast at the northernmost end of the Bay of Vigo, so make sure to explore some of this fantastic coastal city including its sights and food.

• Activities Included: Oyster Tasting 
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch 
• Hiking Distance: 12.5MI / 20KM

Today is your last day along the coast, so soak up that seaside sun before you turn inland. On your way to Pontevedra today, visit the small fishing village of Arcade for an included lunch of oyster tasting. Perhaps even enjoy a glass of Albarino, locally grown of course, while you relax over good food. After another 3 hours or so of hiking, arrive at Pontevedra in the mid-afternoon. Take some time to amble about this lovely city with its Romanesque churches and charming town squares. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast 
• Hiking Distance: 13MI / 21KM

Your trek will take you inland today through groves of chestnuts trees and forests of pine and eucalyptus as you make you way to Caldas de Rei. See the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba on your way as you journey through the small town of Ponte Cabras. Also pass Lombo de Maciera with the famous statue of Saint James and the small settlement of Tivo featuring public washing baths and a beautiful fountain. Your accommodation tonight is in Caldas de Reis where you’ll arrive later in the day. 

• Activities Included: Bodega Visit and Wine Tasting 
• Meals Included: Breakfast 
• Hiking Distance: 12MI / 19KM

Depart from Caldas de Reis this morning to cross the River Umia and discover the hot springs that gave the city its name in the time when Rome ruled this area. Today’s trail has a bit of incline as it brings you up through airy woods to the town of Santa Marina. You’ll also get to enjoy an included visit to a local bodega today and learn about the history of — and taste—  the wine in this region. After a quick stop in Santa Marina, trek on through the pines to the Padron where your accommodations are waiting for you. 

• Activities Included: Pilgrim Passport Collection 
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner 
• Hiking Distance: 15.5MI / 25KM

Today is your final day of trekking on this trip, so make the most of it on this longer distance day. You’ll travel through tiny towns and through the historical sanctuary of A Escravitude. Keep your eye out for the ruins of Castro Lupario fort on a hilltop near the trail. As you travel towards Argo Dos Monteiros, see if you can spot the spires of the cathedral and the ruins of the A Rocha Vella castle. Once you arrive in town, stroll through Plaza del Obradoiro and through the gates of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Camino Portugal. This evening, wander the streets of this amazing city before joining your group for an included dinner as a celebration of the end of your trek. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast

With no walks or activities planned today for the group, your tour will come to an end after breakfast this morning and you will be free to leave whenever you’d like. If you want to spend more time here, Intrepid would be happy to book you additional accommodation should availability allow.