Portugal & Spain El Camino Portugues Hiking Tour
A Scenic Pilgrimage From Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela
- Available: April, May, June, September, October
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels
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Group Size:
4-16 Guests
Min Age: 18
Highlights
- Hike on a less-traveled and more rural Camino route with stops at three UNESCO World Heritage cities - Lisbon, Porto, and Santiago de Compostela
- Savor a traditional local dinner over sounds of fado in Oporto, Portugal's foodie capital, and explore the Douro Port wine region
- Discover Portugal's oldest village, visit its oldest university, and stay in Spain's oldest hotel!
Itinerary
Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal's Enchanting Capital
Day 1
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.
Accommodation: Sofitel Lisboa Liberdade
Activity: City walking tour
Meals: Dinner
Discover Atalaia & Hike to the Templar city of Tomar
Day 2
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Republica
Activity: 6 hours/11 miles hiking
Transportation: 1-hour private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take in Portugal's Ancient University of Coimbra
Day 3
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.
Accommodation: Sapentia Boutique Hotel
Activity: 5.5 hours/10 miles hiking
Transportation: 45-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Industrial Chic of São João da Madeira
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: Golden Tulip Sao Joao da Madeira
Activity: 6 hours/11 miles hiking
Transportation: 45-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Savor Oporto's Bustling Food Scene & Listen to Fado
Day 5
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
Accommodation: InterContinental Porto
Activity: 5.5 hours/10 miles hiking
Transportation: 30-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Village Hikes to Fajozes - Povoa de Varzim
Day 6
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.
Accommodation: Sao Felix Hill Side and Nature
Activity: 4 hours/7 miles hiking
Transportation: 20-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel from the Coast to Ponte de Lima
Day 7
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.
Accommodation: Inlima Hotel & Spa
Activity: 4 hours/7 miles hiking
Transportation: 20-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Mino River into Galicia & Stay in Tui
Day 8
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.
Accommodation: Parador Nacional de Tui
Activity: 6.5 hours/12 miles hiking
Transportation: 20-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Make Your Way from Tui to Historic Pontevedra
Day 9
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.
Accommodation: Parador Nacional de Pontevedra
Activity: 6 hours/11 miles hiking
Transportation: 45-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reach Your Final Destination, Santiago de Compostella
Day 10
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.
Accommodation: Parador Nacional Reyes Catolicos Santiago de Compostela
Activity: 6 hours/11 miles hiking
Transportation: 45-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bid Farewell to El Camino Portuguese
Day 11
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,500 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,500 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,500 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,500 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,500 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2024 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
6 to 8 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
9 guests from $7,295 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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April, May, June, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. Moderate hikes of up to 12 miles per day on well-marked trails and country roads with bus transfers to help shorten the hikes.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
City walking tour
Day 2
6 hours/11 miles hiking
Day 3
5.5 hours/10 miles hiking
Day 4
6 hours/11 miles hiking
Day 5
5.5 hours/10 miles hiking
Day 6
4 hours/7 miles hiking
Day 7
4 hours/7 miles hiking
Day 8
6.5 hours/12 miles hiking
Day 9
6 hours/11 miles hiking
Day 10
6 hours/11 miles hiking
Accommodations
Stay in comfortable 4-star and luxury 5-star accommodations, including 3 historic paradores
Weather
Spring and fall mornings are cool but warm up to 70°F at midday, cooling back down to about 50°F in late afternoon.
FAQs
Which one of your Camino de Santiago trips should I do?
Both! Our Camino Portugués trip links nicely with some departures of our Camino Frances. Call for details!
Do I have to walk every step of the way?
No! We will provide ample vehicle support, so you can shorten your walks if you need to.
Will I receive the Pilgrimage Certificate at the end of this Camino?
No. The certificate of accomplishment is given to pilgrims upon completing at least the final 62 miles of the Way of St James. We will each get a Pilgrims Passport.
What is the cuisine of Portugal?
Northern Portugal is famous for its Bacalhau (cod) dishes, fresh shellfish, and Petiscos (Portuguese version of tapas.)
What type of scenery will we hike through?
Vineyards, rolling hills, olive groves, cobblestone streets, ancient bridges, old Roman roads, stunning coastal views, and historic hilltop villages!
I did your Camino Frances trip already. Will this Camino be similar?
Yes! We've designed our Camino Portugués to invite a return with the same team of lead guides, the same level of service, same standard of accommodations, and same level of challange.
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Guest Reviews
"The Camino de Santiago Trek with Mt. Sobek was the best trip my wife and I have ever done, and we have been on many. The guides are OUTSTANDING and provide history talks each evening. The food is fantastic and different in each region. The scenery and trails in the country and small villages is gorgeous, and the joy and commaraderie with your fellow Pilgrims made it all a wonderful experience. Trip of a lifetime!
Erik B.
MT Sobek Guest, Spain El Camino de Santiago Hiking
"After 35 years of overseas travel, I would rate Mt. Sobek's Camino trip as one of the best that we have ever experienced."
Larry A.
MT Sobek Guest, Spain El Camino de Santiago Hiking