Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

	The wildness of north Portugal and the verdant countryside of Galicia
	Medieval towns and villages
	Magnificent cathedrals and simple churches
	Ancient footpaths where you can always expect the unexpected

Walking tours in Portugal, Madeira and Azores

Most pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela follow the French route across North Spain. Although a dramatic route it is today a very well trodden path with walkers a plenty. Our pilgrimage will follow the Portuguese pilgrim trail, which is considered to be the 'inspired' way; the sheer humble beauty of the paths and countryside providing many of its medieval walkers with inspiration for songs and verse. Today this trail is hardly ever used, so overcrowding will not be a problem. This walk will qualify for the Compostela upon your arrival in Santiago.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Transfer from Porto to Tui, overnight in Tui.

Today begins with a visit to the Cathedral to collect our 'Credencials' before walking to Porrino. Most of this stage is along quiet country roads and woodland paths, 16km. Overnight Porrino.

Walking from Porrino to Arcade gently climbing up and over Monte Cornedo and through the town of Redondela, from here we pass through tiny hamlets on our way to the coast, 22km. Overnight Arcade.

A shorter walking day through quiet countryside to the old town of Pontevedra where there will be time to explore the beautiful historical centre, 12.5km. Overnight Pontevedra.

The Camino passes through woodland and gentle river valleys before reaching the spa town of Caldas de Reis, 23.8km. Overnight Caldas.

Today the route passes along two river valleys - Bermana and Valga and through mature woodland before arriving at Padron, 19.2km. Overnight Padron.

Walking from Padron through Galician villages and hamlets to Santiago, 25.6km, entering the city on foot, as have millions of pilgrims before us, overnight Santiago.

Day free in Santiago with the option of attending the Pilgrims mass in the Cathedral at midday, overnight Santiago.

Departure (if you need to return to Porto this can easily be done by bus)

Walking in Santiage, Portugal Walking pilgrimage to Santiago

Closest airport – Porto (arrival) Santiago de Compostela (departure)

Cost per person – 775 euro

(single room supplement - 110 euro)

Departure dates:

September 17 2011, April 28, July 28 & September 29 2012

(if you prefer you can also pay in GBP or USD at the current exchange rate at the time of booking)

	INCLUDED
	8 nights accommodation in a twin room with en-suite facilities. The accommodation is a mixture of old country houses, small inns and modest hotels.
	8 breakfasts
	7 dinners (last night free in Santiago)
	All transfers through out the week and movement of luggage
	Experienced walk leader
	Back up service of the luggage minibus (you can ride from hotel to hotel if you wish)
	NOT INCLUDED 1 dinner, lunches, flights and travel insurance