Portuguese Way to Santiago HISTORICAL COASTAL FOODIES SUMMER

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1 Portuguese Way to Santiago HISTORICAL COASTAL FOODIES SUMMER

2 Portuguese Way to Santiago HISTORICAL COASTAL FOODIES SUMMER DESCRIPTION The Centennial Way to Santiago The Portuguese Way is a hiking route linking the major town of Ponte de Lima to Santiago de Compostela, along the beautiful old Saint James path. Every day is a different scenery, offering country side views, towns and cities rich in culture and filled with the camino spirit. Churches, monuments, old crosses will tell the history of this less trodden way until you arrive at Obradoiro Square, just in front of Saint James Cathedral, in the hearth of Santiago of Compostela. You will experience the true way, away from the crowds and near yourself discover. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Religious architetural sites Natural landscapes and countryside scenaries Delicious gastronomy and town esplanades TRIP INFORMATION Santiago de Compostela UNESCO World Heritage Center ACCOMMODATION Superior TOUR GRADE FIT DURATION 11 Days 10 Nights START END Ponte Lima Santiago Compostela DISTANCE km / Day ROUTE Mix between unpaved foot track, cobalt roads, paved little roads PROFILE Moderatly hilly

3 THE ITINERARY DAY 1 ARRIVAL Our Guide will welcome you at Porto Airport and drive to Ponte de Lima, a medieval town where you might discover old streets, ramparts and squares. The road of Ponte de Lima by the river Lima, was iun the roman time the only way up to the north, and tomorrow will be your way too. Today take your time and enjoy! ACCOMMODATION Lima Hotel & Spa DAY 2 PONTE DE LIMA to RUBIÃES The day starts from the doorstep of your lodging and goes towards north by the old roman bridge. You must know that these are the first steps of all Pilgrims since roman times, you will not just walk but be part of history. The way goes up to the highest point of the entire hiking program. Cross the beautiful countryside of northern Portugal and delight your eyes with the landscape plains. Away from the big roads and through a little road you ll get to Rubiães, your first night stop. ACCOMMODATION Casa da Capela HIKE 18 km + 530m DAY 3 RUBIÃES to VALENÇA DO MINHO After a great breakfast, you start up to the sanctuary of Rubiães a romanic arquitectural site. Take a deep breath and from there the way will drop towards Valença do Minho, the day is shorter and easier than yesterday. From forests to agricultural fields, from road tracks to dirt tracks the scenery varies a lot and will offer you a gorgeous way to the border town of Valença do Minho. There you will find the last Portuguese fortress, from the 18th century, make sure to explore the old town. ACCOMMODATION Pousada de Valença HIKE 18 km + 220m

4 DAY 4 VALENÇA DO MINHO to PORRIÑO Hiking along small fortresses, passing under old doors, travelling in medieval streets and crossing over ancient bridges, today you might feel like a pilgrim from the middle ages. The times have changed but the atmosphere, the landscape or the people s pure lifestyle did not. On the way you might enjoy the town of Tuy and spend some time in the center, the Cathedral is a must see. Very soon you arrive in Galiza, Spain and after a beautiful walk along the river, you find your accommodation in Porriño. ACCOMMODATION Hotel Parque Porriño HIKE 22 km + 250m DAY 5 PORRIÑO to REDONDELA The challenge for today is going towards Redondela, still on the Saint James path and following it close to the national road. Up the hill the hiking will be rewarding because at 250 meter altitude you can see the horizon, feel the wind and take some great photos over Redondela and Ria de Vigo. Before you arrive of the final town, the path will take you down where you have the opportunity to pass in some rural vilages full of streams and local people full of spirit. You will sleep in the town, but before enjoy the monuments in the center or have a beer while the sun goes down. ACCOMMODATION Pazo Torre de Agrelo HIKE 21km + 390m DAY 6 REDONDELA to PONTEVEDRA Your adventure starts in the beautiful town of Redondela and it will be gorgeous until the end. You will see a fjord-like scenery when you step inland in kilometers of forested areas and enter in little old roman villages. All of this following the camino spirit and atmosphere where people are friendly and hospitable. Passing the Arcade village and going up the small hill soon you arrive in Pontevedra, a wonderful town full of history and superb terraces to a have a delicious meal. ACCOMMODATION Parador de Pontevedra HIKE 15 km + 250m

5 DAY 7 PONTEVEDRA to CALDAS DE REIS After your breakfast and feeling fully energized you will start one of the longest days. The experience goes through old railways, rural paths and wetlands. Place of hundreds of species and biodiversity, you will be surrounded by some of the most beautiful and natural landscapes. Perfect to explore with all of your senses, step by step, you get closer to Caldas dos Reis, the final destination of the day. A few kilometers from Caldas de Reis there is the waterfall and the watermills system of Barrosa river, take a look before checking in in your hotel. ACCOMMODATION Torre do Rio Rural HIKE 23 km + 250m DAY 8 CALDAS DE REIS to PADRON Your eighth day begins with a nice walk along agriculture fields, in this fertile land with thermal waters. Towards Valga the path goes into a very beautiful scenery by the river and dark forest. Out of this forest and along little roads you reach Pontecesures a place full of religious architecture. Crossing the river arrive in Padrón your last stop before Santiago de Compostela, this town has beautiful gardens and monuments all around. Look for typical food and delight with a great dinner. ACCOMMODATION Hotel Pazo de Lestrove HIKE 20km + 300m DAY 9 PADRON to SANTIAGO Today is your last day of adventure! Santiago awaits you just 24km ahead. The day to reach Santiago de Compostela is probably the longest one, remember it is not about the kilometers but your positive mindset. The path leaves the town of Padrón going up north to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which was the episcopal center before it was transfered to Santiago de Compostela. Soon you reach the outskirts of Santiago. On the afternoon feel free to explore Santiago, the old quarter and the rest because there is a lot to see. ACCOMMODATION Hotel Virxe da Cerca HIKE 26 km + 450m

6 DAY 10 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Welcome to Santiago de Compostela! Today is dedicated to walk along the old town center. If you want to stamp your pilgrim passport this is the best time to do it and find the certificate. Santiago is well worth of spending your day. From the old part of town and the related religious buildings to the newly museum of the Galician people you will have a lot to see. Spend some time and enjoy a good meal to the sound of the pipes. ACCOMMODATION Hotel Virxe da Cerca DAY 11 DEPARTURE Time to say goodbye! Our Guide will pick you up at Hotel according schedule time. Take the best memories with you... All programs are specially designed for adventure lovers. Amazing experiences are guaranteed. We aren t responsible for possible side effects, that may include moments of extreme happiness, sense of freedom and desire to continue with us. Contact us for more information. Portugal Nature Trails is a registered trademark of Caminhos da Natureza Registered Company as RNAVT (National Registry of Travel Agencies and Tourism) and RNAAT (National Registry of Animation Agent and Tourism) Rua 7 de Junho,58, Leceia, BARCARENA PORTUGAL