Portugal & Spain El Camino Portugues Hiking Tour

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 San Sebastian

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.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal\'s Enchanting Capital 
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Arrive in Lisbon in the afternoon, and transfer from the airport to the hotel. Relax and refresh, then meet your guides and group at 5:30pm in the lobby for introductions. Venture out to the city\'s historic district. Roam the maze of alleyways in the ancient quarter of Alfama and discover the elegant Chiado neighborhood. Marvel at the 12th-century cathedral, 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] => Discover Atalaia & Hike to 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. Start your day\'s hike from this charming village. Along the way, enjoy spotting colorful wild flowers and marvel at eucalyptus plantations planted where oak forests used to be. Discover Tomar, the city that grew out of the 12th-century Templar stronghold, the Convent of Christ which today towers the town. 
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                    [Headline] => Take in Portugal\'s Ancient University of Coimbra 
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Head to the Condeixa-a-Nova countryside and discover Portugal\'s wonderfully preserved Roman ruins. Founded by the Celts, the town of Coninbriga flourished in the 2nd century under the Roman rule. Visit the fascinating villas and their splendidly kept floor mosaics. Hike 10 miles to the university city of Coimbra. Settle in the hotel, then roam the city center and discover its flagship landmark, the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra, the oldest one in Portugal, founded back in 1290. 
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                    [Travel_Type] => 45-minute private transfer
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                    [Headline] => Explore the Industrial Chic of São João da Madeira
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Take in the views on a 45-mile bus transfer to the village of Oliveira de Azemeis. Visit the São Miguel church, built in the early 18th century and dedicated to the city\'s patron. Enjoy its masterful tiling work before setting out on today\'s hike. Soak up the vistas of rolling hills and wild greenery as you make your way to São João da Madeira, a town in the wider metropolitan area of Porto. In the past, São João da Madeira had a thriving hat-making industry and still today showcases fine industrial heritage. 
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                    [Headline] => Savor Oporto\'s Bustling Food Scene & Listen to Fado
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5.5 hours/10 miles hiking 
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After a short transfer to Sao Salvador de Grijo, start your hike powered by fresh breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. Pass through the village of Vila Nova de Gaia that sits by the Douro River and cross the wonderful Ponte Luiz I bridge that joins the city of Vilanova with Oporto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oporto is loved by foodies for its wine, cheese croquettes and cod. Settle in the hotel, then visit the old city and delight in a local dinner over a fado show
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                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute private transfer
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                    [Headline] => Village Hikes to Fajozes - Povoa de Varzim 
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Leave the cityscapes and transfer to Leca do Bailo where you will have a chance to admire the Mosteiro de Leca do Balio monastery with an impressive fortified church. Your hike today is slightly shorter than on previous days, walking mainly on asphalt roads and passing through tiny villages. The hike ends in the stunning Costa Verde region, in Fajozes on the Atlantic shores, a perfect place to chill and kick back. 
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                    [Travel_Type] => 20-minute private transfer
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                    [Headline] => Travel from the Coast to Ponte de Lima
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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 occasional paved roads, 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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                    [Travel_Type] => 20-minute private transfer
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                    [Headline] => Cross Mino River into Galicia & Stay in Tui 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6.5 hours/12 miles hiking 
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A short bus transfer brings you to Sao Pedro de Rubiaes and its 12-century Romanesque church. Walk by villages and across the Miño River to enter Galicia in Spain. On the right riverbank, the lovely town of Tui grew out of a Roman settlement and over a tumultuous history as a border city. Today, its green hillslopes are tightly packed with residences. Visit the beautiful 12th-century Santa María Cathedral, the only one in Pontevedra province. Settle in the hotel for the evening. 
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                    [Latitude] => 41.897
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                    [Headline] => Make Your Way from Tui to Historic Pontevedra
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6 hours/11 miles hiking 
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Relax over a bus transfer to Arcade, known as the capital of oysters. From Arcade, hike along Brea Vella da Canicouva, a historic Roman road made up of massive slabs. Along the way, cross ancient bridges, ponder Roman history and Napoleonic era, drink from natural springs and marvel at sights like the 12th-century chapel of Santa Maria. Enjoy an easy evening in Pontevedra, a town replete with sacred heritage, such as the famous church of La Peregrina.
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                    [Latitude] => 42.429
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                    [Headline] => Reach Your Final Destination, Santiago de Compostella 
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Transfer to Caldas de Reis, a town poised on the Umia River and famous for its hot springs. Make your way through the pretty Bermaña valley and the narrow Valga River valley to Padrón, the former Roman city where apostle Santiago\'s remains were brought from Jerusalem. Marvel at the town\'s historic old quarter, then transfer to Santiago and settle in Spain\'s oldest hotel, the Parador Nacional Reyes Catolicos Santiago de Compostela. 
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                    [Travel_Type] => 45-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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Stay in comfortable 4-star and luxury 5-star accommodations, including 3 historic paradores

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.

Sapentia Boutique Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Staying at Sapentia in the heart of the UNESCO-protected area, you have the city in the palm of your hand. Delight in majestic panoramas from the rooftop terrace, sipping on a drink as the sun sets. The hotel comprises three interconnected buildings and 22 spacious units, with double rooms starting at 210 square feet. To honor the literary legacy of Coimbra, each room bears the name of a different writer.

Golden Tulip Sao Joao da Madeira

Comfortable Hotel

With a central location, modern design and contemporary comfort, the four-star Golden Tulip is the ideal place to unwind at the end of the day. Its 117 well-equipped rooms come complete with Wi-Fi, minibars, and en-suite bathrooms. The indoor pool is perfect for an after-hike swim. The restaurant O País and Da Ponte bar offer a menu of international and local dishes and drinks.

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.

Sao Felix Hill Side and Nature

Comfortable Hotel

Sitting at the top of Monte de Sao Felix, this four-star hotel showcases the beauty of Costa Verde in full splendor. Most of its 46 rooms feature panoramic views, as well as a range of amenities, from Wi-Fi and minibars to a pillow menu. At the Felix restaurant, delicious Portuguese and international specialties come served over stunning views of the Atlantic.

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.

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