At a Glance
Immerse yourself in the opulence of two enchanting regions from the cultures, cuisine and traditions of Portugal to Spain. Savour breathtaking scenes that will leave you completely mesmerised as you traverse historical sites, towering mountains and beautifully handpicked sections of the Camino leading to Santiago on this 6-day hiking voyage.
Your trip begins in Porto, Portugal, where you shuttle north to Vitorino dos Piães and set out on foot along a popular picturesque section of the Caminho Portugues. Explore the oldest town in Portugal and check out its historic namesake Medieval Stone Bridge. Hike up Mount Santa Tecla to an area of intriguing circular castros, remains of an ancient fortified settlement built by some of Galicia’s Celtic invaders. Explore one of Spain’s most spectacular national parks. Go on to Faro Island ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- All luggage and shuttle transfers as specified
- 5 nights accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking, activities and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Today, you meet your tour leaders at 9 am in the lobby of the Sheraton Porto Hotel and Spa. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and hiking boots. Bring along your luggage and a daypack containing anything you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). After assembling in Porto we shuttle north to Vitorino dos Piães where we set out on foot along a popular section of the Caminho Português, one of the traditional pilgrimage paths that originate in Lisbon lined by alluring vine tunnels that winds through the lush farmland, vineyards and charming villages. Along the way, we break at a traditional Quinta (farm) for a sumptuous lunch of regional fare. |
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Keep on walking to the beautiful Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal, and check out its namesake mediaeval stone bridge. You can catch a lift from here in the shuttle or keep exploring the town before heading to the 5-star Torre de Gomariz Wine & Spa Hotelz, and our well-appointed home for the next two nights. Settle into your room, enjoy a dip in the pool or a drink on the terrace, while taking in amazing views of the surrounding land. Tonight, we gather for a welcome reception followed by a delicious meal and fado, the moving traditional music of Portugal. Torre de Gomariz Wine & Spa Hotel was once a medieval estate filled with noble history and baroque architecture. Today, those ancient touches have been restored to create a luxurious 5-star oasis surrounded by lush greenery. |
Torre de Gomariz Wine & Spa Hotel (5*), Cervães
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
MORNING ROUTE TWO HIKING OPTIONS: AFTERNOON ROUTE TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Today after a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we begin our hike by crossing the Porte de Lima. While hiking along the Camino, you may notice that the Galician sea scallop shell is widely used on signposts and worn by pilgrims. A symbol of the Camino, the shell's grooves unite at a single point, representing the different trails that all end at Santiago de Compostela. Historically, the pilgrims may take home the shell as proof that they completed the arduous journey. |
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After lunch, you begin a challenging climb into the beautiful La Bruja Mountains, after which we return to our hotel, where there's time to take a refreshing swim in the pool, bask in the lush scenery at the garden patio or pamper yourself with a rejuvenating massage (Note: Spa treatments are not included in the trip price. Advance reservations are recommended). We meet again this evening for a delicious meal at the hotel, accompanied by fado, the immensely beautiful traditional music of Portugal. |
Torre de Gomariz Wine & Spa Hotel (5*), CervãesBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
FOUR HIKING OPTIONS: Saying goodbye to Portugal and hello to Spain’s Galicia region today, we head northward on the Camino da Costa, located along the coastline. Shuttling just over the border into Spain, hike up Mount Santa Tecla to an area of intriguing circular castros, remains of an ancient fortified settlement built by some of Galicia's Celtic invaders. Learn and explore the ruins of Celtic heritage that dates back over two millennia, after which we head downhill to the coastal town of A Guarda for a spectacular lunch at a local restaurant, savouring the region’s fruit of the sea and other delicacies. |
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We later arrive at the Parador de Baiona, a historic hotel located above the sea with amazing views over the town of Baiona and the Sapphire Ocean. Take a short stroll into lovely Baiona, a picturesque fishing town filled with traditional old houses for dinner on your own this evening, and perhaps you will get to try the zamburiñas (scallops) or the merluza a la gallega (hake with paprika and potatoes). For meat lovers, Galicia is also famous for its spectacular chuleton de buey (beef steak). |
Parador de Baiona (5*), BaionaBreakfast, Lunch |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Take a break today from the Camino and board a private boat to explore one of Spain’s breathtaking national parks, the Cies Islands Nature Reserve. The rugged archipelago is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including the world's largest colony of seagulls who nest in the craggy cliffs. When on Faro Island, move up through coastal scrub to its namesake Faro (lighthouse) for birds-eye views over the Atlantic Ocean, Vigo River, and neighbouring isles. Make your way down to the beach for a swim in the crystalline waters. The reserve’s beaches are said to be among the world’s most beautiful and their limited capacity has preserved the peaceful ambiance. After a casual lunch by the beach, exploration continues on the island. |
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Shuttling to Santiago de Compostela, our final destination for some relaxation. We will be spending the next two nights at the luxurious Hotel A Quinta da Auga, a peaceful hotel that blends the old-world charm with modern elegance, set along the Sar River on the outskirts of Santiago. In the evening, we are treated to a local wine tasting followed by a delicious dinner at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant. |
A Quinta Da Auga Hotel Spa Relais & Chateaux (5*), Santiago de CompostelaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
MORNING ROUTE TWO HIKING OPTIONS: AFTERNOON ROUTE TWO HIKING OPTIONS: After breakfast, we head into the Galician countryside where we walk along sections of the final stages of the Camino Frances. The Camino Frances which originates in the French Pyrenees and runs across northern Spain is the most popular route to Santiago, and for many pilgrims, this journey is a communal experience so, expect a welcoming atmosphere and friendly conversations along the way. Head out on the trail past eucalyptus forests, verdant pastures and small hamlets. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in the small rural Sedor village. |
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After a delightful picnic lunch, we shuttle to the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela to walk the final couple miles into the famed eponymous Cathedral. You can choose to continue to head to the hotel on foot, spend some time exploring this fascinating town or shuttle back to the hotel to rest and relax. A nice spa session might do you some good. This evening, we head back into town for a farewell reception followed by dinner at the historic Parador Hostal Dos Reis.
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A Quinta Da Auga Hotel Spa Relais & Chateaux (5*), Santiago de CompostelaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx. 5km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 152m (500 ft) Today, if you choose, we set out early from the hotel for one last ramble through the gorgeous Galician countryside and sample the Camino Finisterre—the extension of the Camino that takes you to the end of the earth. We meet again at the city centre for a guided tour of the cathedral and old town, the spectacular Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a World Heritage site that marks the official end of the Camino de Santiago. Legend holds that the burial grounds of the Apostle Saint James are located here. Take in the buzzing atmosphere as a local guide will lead us through the grounds. After an amazing tour, bid your trip leaders and fellow adventurers a fond farewell before shuttling to the Santiago airport or back to Porto, where we will drop you off at the Sheraton Hotel to continue your journey onward. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Porto, Portugal
- The finish point is Santiago de Compostela, Spain or Porto, Portugal
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Porto. The nearest airport to Porto is Porto International Airport which is 10.9 km away. Other nearby airports include Vigo Airport, 119.7 km and Santiago de Compostela Airport, 195 km.
Portugal
Portugal is famous for its typical Mediterranean climate with warm days and year-round sunshine, although Lisbon can be quite cool with breezes off the coast. Be prepared for high temperatures and dry heat from late June through early September and more mild temperatures later in fall. Summer temperatures near sea level may average up to 76 °F (24 °C) but are rather lower at exposed higher elevations. Winter temperatures average 37 to 40 °F (3 to 4 °C) but tend to be milder south of the Douro. Annual rainfall averages more than 40 inches (1,000 mm).
Spain
The climate of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, is temperate oceanic, being strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with mild, rainy winters and mild or pleasantly warm summers. The city, a famous pilgrimage destination and is located in the north-west of Spain, at an altitude of 260 meters (850 feet). The wind blows frequently, and can be strong, especially between October and April. Fog is another feature of this climate: it can form all year round, when there is no wind, and even on summer nights. The daily average temperature ranges from 8 °C (46.5 °F) in January and February to 19 °C (66 °F) in July and August.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
