Portugal & Spain El Camino Portugues Hiking Tour

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Hike on a less-traveled and more rural Camino route with stops at three UNESCO World Heritage cities - Lisbon, Porto, and Santiago de Compostela
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Savor a traditional local dinner over sounds of fado in Oporto, Portugal's foodie capital, and explore the Douro Port wine region
            [Description] => Savor a traditional local dinner over sounds of fado in Oporto, Portugal's foodie capital, and explore the Douro Port wine region
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Discover Portugal's oldest village and visit its oldest university.
            [Description] => Discover Portugal's oldest village and visit its oldest university.
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Leo S.

Leo was born in the mountains of Spain's Basque Country and made his home in Jaca, in the heart of the Pyrenees, where he spends his winters on backcountry skis. He has been guiding in the Pyrenees for many years, as well as in Nepal, Morocco, Tanzania, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Pakistan, India, and the French Alps. He has also taught skiing in Colorado. He is an International Certified Mountain Guide (UIAGM) and a professional ski instructor (ISIA). Leo is fluent in English, French, and Basque.

Fernando G.

Fernando is a IFMGA Mountain Guide with an extensive backgrouond in mountaneering and guiding. He has hiked the Great Himlayan Trail from India, Sikkim, Buthan, Nepal and Pakistán over a period of 6 months. Fernando was the first man to ever climb to the peak of Cho Oyu (26,906') solo and in Winter. He holds the world record of permanence in altitude, remaining at the summit of Aconcagua (22,841') for 66 days; and he has climbed Aconcagua 40 times. Fernando has been guiding in the Alpes, Andes, Himalaya and Pyrenees and other Mountains in Spain for more than 40 years.

David S.

David was born in Lisbon and is an expert walking guide and outdoor enthusiast. Having an academic background in anthropology, he's equally interested in the local history and rural culture of the region, where he has his family roots. David has also spent the last few years immersed in the study of the geography and flora of Northern Portugal. Married and father of three, David and his family now live between Barcelos and Ponte de Lima, right along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal\'s Enchanting Capital
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                    [ItinBlock] => Arrive in Lisbon in the afternoon, and transfer from the airport to the hotel. Relax and refresh, then meet your guides and group at 4:30pm in the lobby for introductions. Venture out to the city\'s historic district. Roam the maze of alleyways in the ancient quarter of Alfama, see the cathedral, and discover the elegant Chiado neighborhood. Marvel at the 12th-century Saint George\'s Castle, and take in the city panoramas from the iconic Santa Justa elevator. Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner.

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                    [Headline] => Asseiceira and the Templar City of Tomar
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Enjoy a scenic bus ride from Lisbon, heading north. Reach the sleepy Atalaia, a town with a rich farming history that sits between two rivers, Targus and Almonda. Visit the Igreja Matriz de Atalaia, then start your day\'s hike from this charming village. Along the way, enjoy spotting colorful wildflowers and marvel at eucalyptus plantations planted where oak forests used to be. Stop for lunch in Asseiceira, then transfer to Tomar, the city that grew out of the 12th-century Templar stronghold, and home to the Convent of Christ which today towers the town. Stroll through the town with your guides, from the Castle of Tomar to various monuments, arriving at the Praca da Republica and our hotel for the night.

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                    [Headline] => Take in the Coninbriga Roman Ruins
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After a bus ride to Algorve, start off hiking through forests and small villages to the town of Coninbriga. Founded by the Celts, the town flourished in the 2nd century under Roman rule. Explore the wonderfully preserved Coninbriga Roman Ruins, including the fascinating villas and splendidly kept floor mosaics. Transfer from there to the historic university city of Coimbra.
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                    [Headline] => University of Coimbra, the Land of Port, and Fado Music
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Visit Coimbra\'s landmark, UNESCO-listed university, the oldest in Portugal, founded in 1290. Afterwards, transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Operto, capital of port wine and beloved by foodies for its wine, cheese, croquettes, and cod. Today\'s urban hike will include the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar and its magnificent view of the Douro River, a walk along the river, a visit to a wine bodega, the Ponte Luis I bridge, the cathedral, Sao Bento station, the Clérigos Tower, and the Lello bookshop. After a rest at the hotel, enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant accompanied by fado music.
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                    [Headline] => Continue on to Beautiful Braga 
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After breakfast, transfer to San Pedro de Rates, a wonderful Roman-style church, for a visit before starting your hike from there. Trek between small villages along quiet pathways and sections of peaceful roads. Take time for lunch on the trail, then end the day in Barcelinhos in Barcelos and its gorgeous church, Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria Maior. From here, transfer to elegant Braga, famous for it religious festivals and Barqoue churches.
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Travel to Balugaes, the starting point of your hike to Ponte de Lima. As you walk this seven-mile section made up of dirt tracks, cobbled paths, and the occasional paved road, take in the vine-covered landscapes and small shrines along the way. On Rio Lima, you\'ll find the pretty Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest villages in the country with medieval houses, lovely flower gardens, pretty squares, and many ancient religious buildings.
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                    [Headline] => Hike the \"Queen Stage\"
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Start today\'s hike from Ponte de Lima, crossing the bridge over the Lima River. This is one of the most beautiful portions of the Portuguese Camino - the “Queen\'s Stage” - during which we will cross the hill of “the Witch” and hike up to Pilgrims Cross. Descend to the bus and transfer to Tui for two nights. 
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                    [Headline] => Venture on to the Final Portuguese City, Valenca
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Transfer back to Rubiaes, where we ended yesterday\'s hike and start walking along an old Roman road, between forest and small villages. After lunch and more urban terrain, arrive in Valenca, the last Portuguese city on the route, with a wonderful citadelle overlooking the Miño River, the natural border between Portugal and Spain. Once in Galicia in Spain, we will reach the hotel, where we will spend our second night. If time and energy allows, visit the 12th-century Santa María Cathedral in the Old City of Tui. 
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                    [Headline] => Cross the Verdugo River 
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In the morning, transfer to Arcade, where we begin our hike across the Verdugo River via the Pontesampaio Bridge. Walk through narrow streets and beautiful forest along the way. Prepare to be amazed by your arrival into Pontevedra and its old town.
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                    [Headline] => Travel Through Galicia to the Ultimate Goal, Santiago
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Transfer to Escravitude, near Padrón, famous for Padron\'s peppers, which you\'ll have opportunity to taste along the way, as well as for being the former Roman city where apostle Santiago\'s remains were brought from Jerusalem. As we hike along, notice the hórreos, granaries built of wood or stone in Galicia and raised from the ground to keep out rodents. Finally, at long last, arrive in Santiago and visit the Cathedral in the wonderful town square. Spend the night in one of Spain\'s oldest hotels, the Parador Nacional Reyes Catolicos Santiago de Compostela.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 35-minute private transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 42.879
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                    [Headline] => Bid Farewell to El Camino Portuguese
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With your Camino passport stamped, and your heart full, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and tour leaders. After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Santiago de Compostela for departures home.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Moderate hikes of up to 12 miles per day on well-marked trails and country roads with bus transfers to help shorten the hikes.
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Accommodations

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Comfortable and luxury historic hotels with modern conveniences, restaurants, and ideal locations.

Sofitel Lisboa Liberdade

Luxury Hotel

Poised on Lisbon's grandest and most exclusive boulevard of Avenida da Liberdade, the five-star Sofitel puts you close to the city's famous historic sights. The hotel's 163 rooms are all well-appointed, equipped with LCD TVs, minibars and Wi-Fi. Enjoy a snack or a nightcap at Matiz Lisboa restaurant and bar, or stay in shape with a workout at the fitness area.

Hotel Republica

Luxury Hotel

Designed and built entirely by Portuguese companies, this five-star boutique hotel oozes local vibes. Its 19 rooms come complete with many comforts, from marble bathrooms with walk-in showers to plush bathrobes. Right in the heart of town, the hotel places you perfectly for easy exploration of Tomar and its sights.

InterContinental Porto

Luxury Hotel

Located in the historic center of Porto, the InterContinental Porto is an urban, luxurious oasis of comfort. Each room offers modern amenities, including complementary Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and a marble bathroom with a bath and shower. Spend your free time by dining on the culinary delights of the exquisite three-course menu at Astoria Restaurant, pampering yourself with a massage & spa treatment, recharging your energy at the fitness center, or sipping on cocktails at the bar.

Inlima Hotel & Spa

Comfortable Hotel

Close to Lima River, this four-star hotel and spa has a laid-back vibe. Its lush garden and terrace, with Transparent Bar, are great for before-dinner drinks. The spa features a Turkish bath and a variety of massages and treatments. The hotel's 30 rooms are decked out in neutral colors and have everything you need for a pleasant stay.

Parador Nacional de Tui

Comfortable Hotel

A replica of a traditional Galician country house, Parador Nacional de Tui enjoys a central position in Tui, surrounded by mountains and overlooking the river. Its airy rooms feature traditional décor, and come complete with Wi-Fi, minibars and flat-screen TVs. The hotel's restaurant serves regional specialties, while its outdoors facilities include a lush garden, a tennis court, and a seasonal pool.

Parador Nacional de Pontevedra

Comfortable Hotel

Occupying a beautiful 16th-century Renaissance palace, this four-star hotel bedazzles with elegant details like the marble staircase in the lobby and the exposed beams in the bar. The rooms feature vintage furnishings, flat-screen TVs and mini refrigerators. The ambiance pairs perfectly with the convenient location, just minutes away from Basílica de Santa María a Maior.

Parador Nacional Reyes Catolicos Santiago de Compostela

Luxury Hotel

Known as Spain's oldest hotel, this luxurious parador is much more than just a place to stay. The historic building features four stunning cloisters, elegant hallways, a museum with a large collection of Madrid School paintings, and rooms with remarkable furnishings and unique details. Poised right next to the cathedral, it is in the very heart of Santiago.

Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas

Comfortable Hotel

The historic Quinta das Lagrimas is said to be the site of a 14th-century prince's forbidden love affair. Surrounded by botanical gardens, the grand palace exterior is complemented by charming modern rooms with a nod to the site's history. The garden spa includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Turkish bath and steam room. The restaurants focus on fresh ingredients, locally sourced, sometimes from the hotel's own garden.

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