Camino de Santiago: the Scenic Portuguese Route
Camino de Santiago: the Scenic Portuguese Route
Camino de Santiago: the Scenic Portuguese Route
11 Days
Visiting: Porto, Valença, Tui, Baiona, Vigo, Redondela, Pontevedra, Combarro, Avenida Covelo, Cambados, Padrón, Pontecesures, Santiago de Compostela, Ponte de Lima, Bom Jesus do Monte
Tour operator:
Tour code:
5380-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2994
$2694 (USD)
Operator discount: -$299
Tour Overview
Rediscover the wonders of nature and the stillness of the mind on this scenic blend of the Portuguese and the Spiritual routes of the Camino de Santiago. The walk will cover a total of approximately 75 miles. Take time to reflect, contemplate, meditate, and give this challenge the meaning you prefer, whether spiritual, religious, physical, or just an opportunity to meet like-minded people. After landing in Porto, start your journey by walking across the Portuguese-Spanish border on the bridge over the Minho river. Drive to the coastal town of Baiona and walk the Portuguese Way skirting the Atlantic Ocean to Pontevedra. From there, join the Spiritual Variant towards the Ulla River in Cambados and experience a boat cruise to Padrón. The Spiritual Variant is the name given to the route that joins the Camino Portugues, both the Coastal and Central route, with the Traslatio (or Transfer) route. It ends in Santiago de Compostela following the route taken by the remains of the Apostle James, from Jerusalem to Iria Flavia, near Padrón. Discover spectacular landscapes and seascapes, and seize the opportunity to discover historical places, and enjoy the authentic cuisine of the Galician region. Evening Mass will be available in most towns for those who wish to attend. In Santiago de Compostela you can attend Pilgrim Mass. You will receive the Compostela Certificate upon completion of the entire route on foot.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Porto,Portugal
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel and, if you have time, start exploring this lively city on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. In the late afternoon, meet your tour companions and your Tour Director, who will explain the dos and don’ts of the walk and give you some important advice. Take a pleasant stroll to a nearby restaurant for an included welcome dinner.
Day 2 : Porto-Valença Do Minho-Tui,Spain-Baiona
Location: Porto, Valença, Tui, Baiona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 3 km/2 mi - avg 40 min – difficulty 1/3. Time this morning for a quick guided orientation through Porto’s bustling city center with views over the Douro River, followed by free time or the opportunity to attend Mass in the Cathedral. After lunch, transfer by coach to Valença do Minho to walk a section of the Camino de Santiago into Spain across the Minho river towards Tui. Rejoin the coach to Baiona, on the Atlantic coast. Fun fact: Baiona was the first town in Europe to receive news of America’s discovery in 1493. We recommend touring the medieval fortress on the Monterreal peninsula, visiting the replica of Columbus’ ship la Pinta and discovering this beautiful beachside town. Today’s distance (by coach): 89 mi / 143 km
Day 3 : Baiona-Vigo
Location: Baiona, Vigo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Approximately 25 km/15.5 mi – avg 5 hrs – difficulty 2/3. This is the real start of your journey. May every step be a thought on peace and an extension of loving kindness. Leave Baiona behind, and follow the coast across the Rías Baixas through the beach town of Nigrán. Walk along long pristine beaches and admire the magnificent Cíes Islands from a distance. Vigo is Galicia’s most important harbor and busiest city. If you wish, attend Mass at Vigo Cathedral.
Day 4 : Vigo-Redondela-Pontevedra
Location: Vigo, Redondela, Pontevedra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 16 km/10 mi – avg 3 hrs – difficulty 2/3. Take in the stunning views of Vigo Bay, the Atlantic Islands, the Morrazo Peninsula, and Rande Bridge. After a pleasant walk on an unpaved path through woodlands, reach Redondela. Our driver will take you to the hotel in the centre of Pontevedra, where you will spend the next two nights. You may wish to visit the stunning Sanctuary of the Virgin Pilgrim and attend Mass.Today’s distance (by coach): 12.5 mi / 20 km
Day 5 : Pontevedra-Redondela-Pontevedra
Location: Pontevedra, Redondela, Pontevedra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Approximately 19 km/12 mi–Average 4 hrs, 30 min. – Difficulty 3/3. After a short transfer back to Redondela, continue your journey; first uphill by the coast with stunnning views over the Vigo Bay and across the infamous Ponte Sampaio bridge, where Napoleon’s Army suffered one of the greatest defeats during the War of Independence. Continue then mostly downhill, through peaceful oak forests and along the river to the center of Pontevedra, the city founded by the Romans and dedicated to the Virgen Peregrina (the Pilgrim Virgin). Your Mass option tonight is at Saint Francisco Convent. Take advantage of the vast choice of restaurants to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture. Today’s distance (by coach): 12.5 mi / 20 km
Day 6 : Pontevedra-Combarro-Covelo
Location: Pontevedra, Combarro, Avenida Covelo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 14 km/8.7 mi – Average 3 hrs – Difficulty 1/3. Leave the inland Portuguese Camino to take the Spiritual Variant, which follows St. James’ final journey. Legend says that a stone vessel carried the Apostle’s remains from Jaffa in Israel to Padrón along the River Ulla some 2000 years ago. Today, you will walk past the Monastery of San Juan de Poio and the beautiful town of Combarro, famous for its many horreos (traditional granaries on pillars). After Combarro, continue another two miles along the coast to reach the hotel.
Day 7 : Covelo-Cambados
Location: Avenida Covelo, Cambados
Meals Included: Breakfast
Approximately 20 km/12.5 mi–Average 4 hrs 30 min.–Difficulty 3/3. Expect a beautiful walk today, through vineyards and alongside refreshing streams in the forests. Stop at the 12th Century Cistercian Monastery of Armenteira, founded by the knight Ero in 1168. Follow the relaxing “Ruta da Pedra e da Agua”(the rock and water route), a forest path next to a water stream with over 30 medieval water mills. The destination today is Cambados, considered to be the capital of Albariño, one of the best white wines in the world. Mass is available at the impressive Santa Mariña Dozo Church.
Day 8 : Cambados-Catamaran Cruise To Padrón-Pontecesures-Santiago De Compostela
Location: Cambados, Padrón, Pontecesures, Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximately 24 km/15 mi–Average 5 hrs–Difficulty 3/3.Start the day on a high note: a one-hour catamaran cruise on the Ulla River, following the journey of the legendary stone boat that carried the remains of St. James. See the remains of the Catoira towers, which used to protect Santiago de Compostela from Viking attacks. Disembark on the outskirts of Padrón, famous for its “pimientos,” small, mild green peppers, usually served fried and salted. Only a few more miles to Santiago de Compostela! Enjoy a celebratory dinner upon completing your Camino de Santiago, served in a local restaurant in the old town. If you have walked all stages of the Camino, you will receive your Pilgrim Certificate.
Day 9 : Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day to rest and to discover Santiago after your Camino. Follow the Tour Director on a guided tour of the Santiago Cathedral and its squares, and attend the Pilgrim Mass in the Cathedral. You can join your Tour Director for a more detailed tour of the old town in the afternoon, go shopping, explore on your own, or just enjoy a well-deserved rest. Discover Santiago’s culinary specialties on your own tonight, and take in the special atmosphere of this historic town.
Day 10 : Santiago De Compostela,Ponte De Lima,Portugal-Dom Jesus Do Monte-Porto
Location: Santiago de Compostela, Ponte de Lima, Bom Jesus do Monte, Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Camino has come to an end, but there are more hidden gems to discover. Depart Santiago de Compostela by bus and explore Ponte de Lima, the oldest riverside town in Portugal, featuring an impressive Medieval bridge with an ancient Roman section over the Lima River. Next stop is the Sanctuary of Dom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the unique zigzag stairway dedicated to the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste—and the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. Continue to Porto. Today's Distance by coach: 165 mi / 265 km.
Day 11 : Porto
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take home with you the spiritual growth and appreciation for simple things. This is your most important souvenir of the Camino. Your vacation ends with breakfast.
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select faith-based dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Historic Centre of Porto|Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Routes of Northern Spain|Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga|Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily, 5 dinners
Notes
This is a walking tour. You will require a good level of physical fitness as well as some training before starting the walk. If unable to complete any of the stages on foot, transportation by taxi will be arranged at an extra cost. You will need to pack a backpack containing essentials for the day (such as water, raincoat, essential medication, money, sunblock, etc.) to carry during the walk.Hotel accommodations may be of simple standards, often with no elevators, but always with private facilities. Mass services are available in the evenings at most overnight towns/villages. (Mass services may be in local language and venues are subject to change).
Accommodation
Jaguar
The Hotel Jaguar Oporto is situated just minutes away from the heart of Porto and its busy "Rua de Santa Catarina" shopping street, there is a cozy restaurant serving breakfast and dinner and a funky bar for drinks. All of the 66 air-conditioned guest rooms are elegantly decorated, soundproofed and come with a kettle, safe, minibar, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Bahia Baoina
The Hotel offers a great beachfront location in Baiona. All rooms have simple and modern decor and include TV, desk and safe box. Bayona Restaurant offers traditional Galician Cuisine, alternatively, other restaurants and bars can be found just a short stroll away along the sea promenade.
Sercotel Baia de Vigo
The Hotel is located between Vigo's old town and Cies Island's departure pier, offering accommodation with a great view of the Vigo Estuary. All guest-rooms are equipped with hot tubs, flat screen tv and minibar. A restaurant with traditional Galician cuisine and a Cafe' Bar are available.
Rias Bajas
Located in the financial and commercial center of Pontevedra, the hotel is 100 m away from the old town. Restaurant offer local cuisine. All rooms come with Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heating.
Villa Covelo
This Hotel is placed along one of the alternative routes of the famous Camino de Santiago ( Portuguese Route). The 50 different type of rooms provide accommodation overlooking the sea or the Estuary of Ria de Pontevedra. The on-site restaurant offers typical Galician gastronomy. A snack bar, outdoor swimming pool and a relax area are also available.
Casa Rosita
Hotel Casa Rosita combines traditional architecture and decor with modern facilities. Guest-rooms are equipped with television, air conditioning and have a balcony. Ancient Saint Mary Church in Cambados is just 2 km , while Ruinas de Santa Marina is a short drive away.
Compostela
This hotel is perfectly positioned in the heart of Santiago de Compostela and is housed in an historic building with a beautiful facade and modern interiors in the famous Plaza de Galicia. The air-conditioned rooms are decorated in soft organic colors with hardwood floors and include Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and private bathrooms with a hairdryer. The bar-cafeteria serves a complete buffet breakfast every morning and there are plenty of bars, restaurants and artisan shops to be discovered within walking distance of the property.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Dates & Availability
Friday - Monday
Jun 07, 2024 - Jun 17, 2024Friday - Monday
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Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.