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 (it is very easy to fly from Santiago to the UK with Ryanair) or we can arrange a transfer back to Porto

	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
	2 dinners
	All transfers through out the week and movement of luggage
	Experienced walk leader
	Back up services of a minibus
	NOT INCLUDED 6 dinners, lunches, flights and travel insurance

Arrival Point – Porto Airport
(Ryan Air fly into both Porto and Santiago de Compostela, you could book to fly into one and out of the other)

Cost per person – Ł495.00, $990.00 or 720euro

Departure dates – May 24 & Sept 13 2008