The Portuguese Way is a hiking trip that links the town of Ponte de Lima to Santiago de Compostela along the beautiful and old Saint James path. Every day offers different scenery, with countryside views, towns, and cities rich in culture and filled with the Camino spirit. Churches, monuments, and old crosses will tell the history of this less trodden way until you arrive at Obradoiro Square by the Saint James Cathedral. This is the heart of Santiago de Compostela! You will experience the purity of this religious experience, joined by other pilgrims, and discover more of Portugal, Spain, and yourself!
INCLUSIONS & HIGHLIGHTS
- 10 Nights charming/superior accommodations
- Breakfast daily, 8 Lunches and 9 Dinners
- Religious architectural sites
- Natural landscapes and countryside sceneries
- Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Douro River
- Ancient architecture and atmosphere
- Charming hotel and delicious gastronomy
- Santiago de Compostela, the most famous pilgrim destination
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Digital information booklet
- Camino passport stamps/certificate offered upon completion
- A 9 seat support vehicle
- English-speaking guide throughout
- Airport arrival transfers
- Women’s Travel Club tour host
ITINERARY
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Day 1 - Welcome to Porto!
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to our hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Accommodation: Sheraton Porto Hotel and Spa
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Day 2 - Ponte de Lima
Our guide will welcome you with one group transfer to Ponte de Lima.
This is a medieval town with narrow old streets, ramparts, and squares. The road of Ponte de Lima, which crosses the Lima River, used to be the only road north during the times of the Romans. Tomorrow, this will be your path as well! Today, take your time to enjoy yourself and relax.
Accommodations: InLima H & S Hotel (Dinner)
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Day 3 - Hike from Ponte de Lima to Pecene
Today, you will embark on a picturesque hike from Ponte de Lima to Pecene. This journey will take you through lush landscapes, charming villages, and scenic viewpoints, offering a perfect blend of nature and culture. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the serene countryside, pass by historical landmarks, and perhaps even encounter some local wildlife.
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Day 4 - Hike from Pecene to Tui
Take a deep breath and absorb your surroundings. Today will be slightly easier than yesterday, with your final stopping point in Spain. This route will take you through forests and agricultural fields on roads and dirt tracks. As you move on, notice the scenery! It is constantly changing and makes for a gorgeous trip, arriving at the town of Tui. The town provides a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Galician region, including a charming historic quarter with narrow streets, squares, and traditional houses and buildings.
Distance: 16km | Elevation Gain: +200m
Accommodations: Parador de Tui (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
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Day 5 - Hike from Tui to Porrino
On this day, you will hike along small fortresses, travel in medieval streets, and cross over ancient bridges.
You will pass through small old doorways that will make you feel like a pilgrim from the Middle Ages! The times have changed, but one thing is for sure: the landscape and the people’s pure lifestyle remain the same. On the way, enjoy the town of Tuy and spend some time in its center! The cathedral is must-see. Soon, you will arrive in Galiza, and after a beautiful walk along the river, you will find accommodation in Porriño.
Distance: 17km | Elevation Gain: +200m
Accommodations: Parador de Tui (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
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Day 6 - Hike from Porrino to Redondela
The challenge for today will be heading towards Redondela, which still lies on the Saint James path along the national road.
There will be some uphill hiking today, but it will be greatly compensated with a stunning view of the horizon. Feel the breeze on your face and take some awesome photos of Redondela and Ria de Vigo. Before you arrive at the final town, the path will take you down to some rural villages with water streams and local spiritful people! You will be sleeping in town, but before you call it a day, enjoy the monuments in the center and have a beer as the sun goes down.
Distance: 18km | Elevation Gain: +300m
Accommodations: Parador de Pontevedra (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
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Day 7 - Hike from Redondela to Pontevedra
Your adventure today will start in the beautiful town of Redondela, and it will be gorgeous!
You will see fjord-like scenery when you step inland through kilometers of forest areas that will take you to little and old Roman villages. All this while following the Camino spirit and atmosphere, where people are always friendly and hospitable. As you pass Arcade Village, you will go up a small hill that will take you to Pontevedra. It is a wonderful town full of history and superb terraces where you can have a delicious meal.
Distance: 21km | Elevation Gain: +300m
Accommodations: Parador de Pontevedra (Breakfast)
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Day 8 - Hike from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
After your breakfast, and once you feel fully energized, you will start one of the longest days of the trip!
The experience will take you through old railways, rural paths, and a section of wetlands. This is a place of extreme biodiversity, with many different species calling it their home. The beauty of the natural landscape makes this place even more special. Explore this day with all your senses, step by step, as we head to Caldas dos Reis. Open yourself to the smells, tastes, sounds, and textures of nature! When you arrive in town, make sure to visit the waterfall and the watermill system of the Barrosa River before you check into your hotel.
Distance: 24km | Elevation Gain: +300m
Accommodations: Torre do Rio (Breakfast)
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Day 9 - Hike from Caldas de Reis to Padron
Your eighth day will begin with a nice walk along fertile agricultural fields blessed by their thermal waters.
As you head towards Valga, the path will take you through beautiful scenery by the river and a dark forest. As you head out of this forest, you will hike along little roads that will take you to Pontecesures, a place full of religious architecture. You will then cross the river and arrive in Padrón, your last stop before Santiago de Compostela. This town has beautiful gardens and monuments to appreciate. Look for typical food and delight yourself with a great dinner.
Distance: 22km | Elevation Gain: +200m
Accommodations: Hotel Corona de Padrón (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
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Day 10 - Hike from Padron to Santiago de Compostela
Today will be the last day of your adventure! Santiago is awaiting you and lies just 26 km ahead.
This day will be the longest but also the most significant, so make sure to keep a positive mindset. The path will leave the town of Padrón and head up north to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which was the episcopal center, before being transferred to Santiago de Compostela. Soon, you will be arriving on the outskirts of Santiago. During the afternoon, feel free to explore Santiago and its old quarter. There is so much to see here! Make sure to check out all the religious buildings and the new museum of the Galician people, which is filled with things to see. Later, you can enjoy a fantastic meal while listening to the sound of the pipes!
Distance: 26km | Elevation Gain: +500m
Accommodations: Virxe de Cerca (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
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Day 11 - Depart Santiago de Compostela
Congratulations on completing the Portugal Camino Trail trek! You can now reflect on the beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and personal challenges overcome along this remarkable journey, filling yourself with a profound sense of achievement.
After breakfast its time to say good-bye to this amazing destination and fabulous new friends. Transfer to the airport as needed for your journey home.
(Breakfast)
**Prices are subject to change and availability. Space is limited, and activities and specific hotels are subject to change. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
IMPORTANT DETAILS & PRICING
Rates
Double Occupancy: $5,619 USD per person (sharing a room)
Single Occupancy: $6,799 USD per person (your own room)
If you would like the double occupancy rate but don’t have a roommate, we will match you with a suitable roommate. The single occupancy rate will give you your own room. Single occupancy may be limited. CAD = Canadian dollars. USD = United States of America dollars. Conversion to USD is approximated by current exchange rates and is subject to change. You will be charged in CAD, and your bank may charge a slightly different rate or fee.
Payment Schedule
Payment of $750 is due at time of booking.
Final payment due: June 15, 2025
*All payments are non-refundable Please see full terms and conditions. Prices are subject to change based on availability.
Activity Level
High Activity
This is a hiking tour. You will be walking between 16 and 26 km per day.
Minimum: 8 members
Maximum: 16 members
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Visa and passport handling fees
- Meals not listed in itinerary
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities on personal purchases
- Optional Activities
- Expenses of a Personal Nature
- Gratuities
- Early check-in and late check-out of hotel
Tour Host
Women’s Travel Club tours are hosted tours. Your tour host is in addition to local tour guides. Your Women’s Travel Club tour host is your tour concierge and there to make sure every part of the tour runs smoothly. Our trained hosts are seasoned travelers who are with you every step of your tour so that you only have to worry about enjoying yourself and having fun.
The Women’s Travel Club Tour Host for this tour is TBA.
Flight Information
The Women’s Travel Club recommends booking flexible or refundable air tickets when possible.
Arrive to Porto, Portugal, – Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) at any time on or before the first day of the tour.
Depart from Santiago de Compostela-Santiago-Rosalia de Castro Airport (SCQ) anytime on the last day of the tour.
If you would like assistance booking international flights for your tour, please use the form below. The Women’s Travel Club Flight Desk will work with you to arrange the best options.
Our flight management fee is CAD 100.00 + HST per tour.
Flight Quote
Travel Insurance:
Out-of-country medical insurance is required. We strongly recommend that you obtain cancellation and interruption insurance to protect your investment.
Use this link to request an insurance quote.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Sheraton Porto Hotel and Spa
Sheraton Porto Hotel and Spa is situated in the heart of the business and leisure district. The spacious and modern guest rooms feature large floor-to-ceiling windows and are fully equipped with amenities.
Guests can choose from multiple dining options. Porto Novo Restaurant offers a buffet lunch with international cuisine and classic dishes in a comfortable atmosphere. The New Yorker Bar provides a variety of beverages, including Port wines, original cocktails, and a wide selection of wines from around the world. The New Yorker Restaurant & Piano Bar serves international dishes in a casual yet modern setting for both lunch and dinner.
The hotel’s Spa offers a range of treatments, including body scrubs, massages, facials, and a steam room. Additionally, guests can access the fully equipped Sheraton Fitness Center and the indoor swimming pool.
InLima H & S Hotel
InLima H & S Hotel is situated in the heart of Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest village. The hotel features 30 rooms, each with a balcony offering river views and modern amenities.
Guests can enjoy breakfast at the Transparent Bar or unwind with cocktails and appetizers on the terrace. The hotel also boasts a Spa with a range of relaxing massages.
Parador de Tui
Located on the border between Galicia and Portugal, in the heart of Tui and adjacent to the banks of the Miño River, you’ll find the Parador de Tui. This establishment authentically replicates the architecture of a traditional Galician manor, nestled in a scenic landscape of mountains and rivers. It serves as an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking to harmonize their love for the outdoors with activities like canoeing. The hotel boasts refined lounges, comfortable rooms, a spacious garden with a swimming pool, and a tennis court, providing an all-encompassing experience for its guests.
Parador Pontevedra
Situated in the historical heart of the splendid city of Pontevedra, the Parador de Pontevedra occupies a 16th-century Renaissance palace once belonging to the Counts of Maceda. Welcoming you at its entrance is an impressive carved stone staircase that guides you to the inviting rooms within. Adorned with antiques and valuable classic furniture, the building also features a charming garden, providing a serene space to stroll or relax while savoring excellent local wines.
Torre do Rio
Spread across 10,000 square meters, our haven is meticulously designed to offer a space for disconnecting and unwinding. Just over 1 km from Caldas, a renowned thermal village steeped in tradition, our team is fully prepared to indulge you. Surrender to the intimate atmosphere and allocate the time you deserve, a luxury often elusive in the hustle of daily life.
Torre do Rio, a refurbished 18th-century textile complex nestled along the meandering Umia river, embodies the essence of Galician style in the heart of nature. Every aspect seems meticulously crafted to allow you to savor the tranquility and magic of the surroundings.
Nestled in the privileged area of Salnés, our tower, boasting three centuries of history, is distinguished for both its thermal and gastronomic offerings. Caldas, situated less than 1 km away, and Cuntis, within 10 km, boast natural water spas. Additionally, exploring the Roman bridges and the breathtaking Umia river waterfall, just a stone’s throw from our facilities, is a must.
Torre do Rio also enjoys proximity to other captivating towns and villages along the Ría de Arousa, including Vilagarcía, Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra, Vigo, Isla de Arosa, Cambados, Sanxenxo, and O Grove.
Hotel Corona de Padrón
Hotel Corona de Padrón is located 18 miles from Casa do Cabildo and just a 13-minute walk from the Rosalia de Castro House Museum, along with many nearby restaurants and attractions. The hotel offers 30 modern rooms with amenities, and some rooms feature a balcony.
Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast each morning and evening meals at the hotel’s restaurant. There is also a Bar and Snack Bar available for light meals.
Virxe de Cerca
The Hotel Virxe da Cerca offers a combination of location, comfort, and elegant simplicity for its guests. Situated just 400 meters from the Cathedral and facing the Santiago Food Market, it provides an unexpected haven of peace. The hotel seamlessly merges two buildings, each with two centuries of history, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of Santiago de Compostela.
Visitors are encouraged to let themselves be surprised by the interior of the hotel.
**Occasionally, due to situations beyond our control, specific hotels may change. Any accommodation changes will be to a similar hotel.
FAQ's
Through our own clients and networking clubs we have realized a general desire for women to travel but they don’t always have a companion. We developed the Women’s Travel Club for these women to have a fun and safe group to travel with. We offer a wide range of destinations, so that there is something for everyone.
We have women of all ages, with the average being 45 to 65 years. However, we do have regular travelers anywhere from 30 years to over 80 years of age.
We do not include international flights in the price of our tours. Not including the cost of international flights in the cost of the tour allows members the flexibility to get the flight schedule, price and class of service that best suits them. The Women's Travel Club flight desk will be happy to help arrange your international flights.
Yes, we always negotiate the best possible single supplement rate for our trips. Single spots fill quickly and may be limited so we suggest you book early for a single spot.
Yes, each of our booking forms has an area for you to request to be matched with a roommate. We get some general information that will help us match you with a great new friend.
Portugal is a Schengen area country. Canadian and US citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area for up to 90 days. However, travel requirements may change at any time. Please visit your governments travel recommendations page. Canada - Canada Travel Recommendations & Information USA - USA Travel Recommendations & Information
Spain's weather in September is generally warm and pleasant, with countrywide temperatures averaging around 77-82°F (25-28°C) during the day and dropping to around 68-72°F (20-22°C) at night.
Sep 27 - Oct 08, 2024 
