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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in comfortable hotels
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£860GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: PTS

Trip highlights

  • Monte Santiaguino where St James first preached in Iberia
  • Padron where the boat carrying St James mortal remains became shipwrecked
  • Arriving into Santiago and experiencing the satisfaction of reaching the end of the ‘Camino'
  • Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of Celtic, Roman and Christian wayfarers
  • Exploring the magnificent city of Santiago with its impressive architecture and cathedrals

Whilst the vast majority of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela follow the French route across northern Spain, a lesser known but equally impressive route approaches the cathedral from the south. This is the Portuguese pilgrim trail, which is considered to be the 'inspired' way. The sheer humble beauty of the paths and countryside provided many of its medieval walkers with inspiration for songs and verse. As the trail from Tui is more than 100km you will qualify for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival in Santiago. This is the last of four stages on our self-guided walking along the Portuguese Camino.

Countries:

Spain (Portugal if arriving into Valenca across the river from Tui)

Starting Point:

Tui

Finishing Point:

Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrival in the historic city of Tui on the Portuguese / Spanish border. Connected to the Portuguese town of Valenca by a 19th Century bridge over the River Mino, Tui is a walled town with a compact historic centre. The Cathedral is a central focus of the city perched on the top of the hill at the top of the town. You will need to visit the cathedral to collect your pilgrim passport. Overnight in Tui.

Meals:  Nil

Most of this first stage is woodland paths that follow the lovely Louro River valley, then along the N550 to the historical centre of O Porriño, a town famous for its pink granite due to its proximity to the granite quarries. Essentially now a sprawling industrial town, O Porriño is located at the intersection of two motorways and the main railway line passes through town, so rather than stay here overnight you return to your Tui hotel with a private transfer (included) at 4pm. Overnight in Tui.

Meals:  B

At 8:30am transfer back to O Porriño (included) to continue your walk. After a stage following and crossing the N550, ascend through mixed forest to Monte Cornedo and the Chans das Pipas plateau before walking down to the town of Redondela. From here you pass through tiny hamlets along a coastal inlet to reach Arcade. Overnight in Arcade.

Meals:  B,D

You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Pontesampaio. From here there's a short uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the path descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored here including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The Medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra.

Meals:  B,D

Most of this stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. Closer to Caldas de Reis the route crosses the N550 and follows it for short sections. Located between the Umia and Bermana rivers, the town of Caldas developed as a result of its thermal waters and continues to be a major health spa. The botanical gardens next to the river are lovely for some respite from the walk. Overnight in Caldas de Reis. Option to upgrade to a comfortable 4 star inn with pool - supplement applies. This must be requested when initially booking the trip. As of mid July the O Burgo bridge in Pontevedra is closed to pedestrian traffic, there is a temporary diversion of the Camino via the As Correntes bridge before returning to the usual route in A Santiña. The diversion is signed and local businesses and accommodation are aware, if you need to ask for directions.

Meals:  B,D

This is a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley before the path drops down into the Valga valley. There are two short stages of main road: leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Padron town is lovely, set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers, with some St James relics to be seen at the Igrexa de Santiago (church). Overnight in Padron.

Meals:  B,D

The final day takes you through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood, before a climb to reach Santiago. Closer to Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Overnight in Santiago.

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with booking an extra night or two if you'd like to stay longer in Santiago - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners (no dinner in Tui and Santiago). Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 7 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 4 star hotel/parador in Tui and Santiago, upgrade hotel option at Caldas de Rei - supplement applies. Upgrades must be requested at time of booking)
  • Transfers between Tui to O Porriño
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Tui and from Santiago de Compostela
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

MODERATE – GRADE 3 Daily walks are between 12-26km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails such as the GR11 can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 15 Nov

Notes

Note:
Option to upgrade hotel in Caldas de Reis, and to the Parador in Tui and Santiago de Compostela - supplements apply. Must be requested at time of booking.Note: parador upgrades rates are on a request basis. Upgrade to Parador in Cambados (20min from Caldas de Reis) or Pontevedra - available on request, please ask our team.

Priceper person from

£860GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Optional upgrade Caldas de Rei - twinshare pp supplement (B&B)GBP£30
  • Optional upgrade Caldas de Rei - single supplement (B&B)GBP£44
  • Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - departs daily from 14 April to 31 OctoberGBP£45
  • excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£80
  • Single SupplementGBP£250
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£300
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Caminhos de Santiago | Ways of St. James