At a Glance
Experience the best of Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago Deluxe Walk, where you'll explore handpicked sections of this ancient trail, rich cultures, and exquisite cuisines all in one trip. Enjoy a guided journey from Portugal to Spain, with highlights including the wild beauty of Ons Island in one of Spain's stunning national parks. Walk in comfort along these historic paths, fully immersing yourself in the timeless spirit of the Camino.
Your unforgettable adventure begins in Porto, a gorgeous World Heritage city. Soak in the serene forest as you trek an easygoing stretch of Caminho Portugues (Portuguese Way). Hike through remote green hills and picturesque aldeas (villages). Walk around the hilltop Tui, Camino Portugues’s first town. Follow the Louro River through grassy wetlands, riparian forests, and lush hills. Travel ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Brief orientation in Port
- 5 nights of accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin-share basis
- Private guided tours; an average of 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Van shuttles to support various route options
- All luggage transfer and porterage
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 9:30 a.m. at Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Please ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day’s hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night’s accommodations.) Note that most of our walking paths are on pavement on our first day. On this day, you may find it more comfortable to wear running shoes (or something similar) instead of hiking boots. !Bem-vindo a Portugal! The country’s Minho wine region and Spain’s tranquil Galician countryside are culturally diverse, rich in traditions and history, and geographically varied, making them perfect for walking and hiking. This week, you’ll experience the area’s renowned Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, a historic pilgrimage system that meets at Santiago de Compostela. Christians have treaded these routes since the Middle Ages, and today, pilgrims and adventurers make the same spectacular journey. In addition to holding significant spiritual value, Camino offers paradisal scenery and a remarkable display of European artistic and architectural evolution. After meeting in Porto, we shuttle north to Castelo de Neiva, a windswept town on a thick forested coast. We navigate an easygoing stretch of the Caminho Portugues, one of the traditional pilgrimage paths that originate in Lisbon. Adorned by gorgeous vine tunnels, the route winds through the verdant farmland, vineyards, and charming aldeas (villages) that characterise Portugal. Along the way, we get our first taste of the area’s history, passing the majestic Igreja de Santiago church dating back to the 9th century. We take a break at a traditional Quinta (farm) for a homemade regional fare lunch. If you still want to conquer more miles, trek through the area’s hunter-green forests after lunch, passing more historic buildings, like the nearby Benedictine monastery of Sao Romao, with its stunning baroque church. |
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Tonight, we reside at Pousada Viana do Castelo, a historic building renovated to perfection in 1979, with rooms overlooking the ocean and verdant terrain. Settle into your room, relish a relaxing dip in the pool, or savour a drink at the bar, soaking in expansive views of the Lima River, mountains, and iconic Santa Luzia Basilica. We convene tonight for a welcome reception at the hotel, followed by a festive welcome dinner featuring mouthwatering local and international dishes. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Savour a hearty breakfast this morning before we begin our hike. Head straight to the Trilho dos Canos de Agua trailhead from our hotel doors, which starts close to The Romanesque-Byzantine-inspired Basilica de Santa Luzia. You will want to have your camera with you because the picturesque views around Santa Luzia are rated some of the best in the world by the National Geographic Magazine. Encircled in awe-inspiring vegetation is an old water trail from the mountain mines above Viana do Castelo down to its historic centre, which we follow. Viana do Castelo is an architectural treasure with magnificent mediaeval and modern buildings. Trek past palaces, ruins, and cathedrals that mirror an impressive variety of architectural styles as you make your way to a nearby Quinta, where your tour leaders have arranged a delectable lunch, including an array of small plates containing cod fritters, tortillas, olives, sausage and more. |
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This afternoon, we navigate the coast, connecting with the Camino on tree-lined paths that provide sweeping views of the glistening sea. Get some rest in the van as you return to our hotel, where there is time for a rejuvenating dip in the pool or indulge in a relaxing massage. (Spa treatments are at own expense). We savour a delectable medley of Portuguese specialties for dinner tonight at a local restaurant in town. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Adeus Portugal, hola Spain. This morning, we leave Portugal for Spain’s Galicia, a region decorated with gorgeous mountains, verdant landscapes, melodious local dialects, and more. Heading north, we shuttle over the Minho River to Tui, the first town of the Caminho Portugues in Spain. Moving inland, we tread along stunning riverside greenery, following a branch of the Louro River through grassy wetlands, coastal forests, and moss-coloured hills. Take a break at the charming Ponte das Febres, a popular stop for hikers on the Camino, where an array of local picnic foods are laid out for lunch. Keep going on foot past dense foliage and native flora to arrive at the arched front entryway of the concerted Galician country house, Pazo Los Escudos Hotel & Spa, a historic manor seated above the sea. We have enough time for a scenic walk through its stretched-out gardens or to the white-sand beach just down the hill, where you can dip your toes in the sapphire ocean. |
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For dinner tonight, we visit the hotel’s Galician restaurant featuring mariscos (seafood)---you might be tempted to try the zamburinas (scallops) or the merluza la gallega (hake with paprika and potatoes). Galicia is famed for its divine chuleton de buey (beef steak) if you prefer to turf and surf. |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Today, we leave the Camino to traverse one of Spain’s most breathtaking national parks, the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia. After breakfast, we board a private boat bound for the Ons Islands Nature Reserve. Available data shows people have lived on Ons Island since the Bronze Age. It’s possible the island had a monastery in the 15th century, and remnants of a tomb from this era, known as ALaxeenar do Crego, can be seen near one of its beaches. Our walk features seaside trails and leafy vegetation on inland paths. It winds to a local seaside restaurant where you may want to try “Pulpo de Ons.” Presently, only about 80 people live in Ons full-time. A reasonable amount of these people are fishermen who help catch Ons’ famed octopus. It is fished from the ocean nearby and, according to today’s menu, is prepared island-style with potatoes, a little oil, garlic, onion, and paprika. |
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Following that, we continue exploring on foot or stretch out on a gold-sand beach to soak in the sun before we join a shuttle to our final destination, Parador de Santiago de Compostela, our elegant home for the next two nights. This majestic hotel is famed as one of the oldest in the world and has been popular among pilgrims journeying to the cathedral since as early as the 15th century. Tour the lively Santiago de Compostela in the evening and savour the experience. Its Old Town has been a World Heritage Site since 1985 and is famous for its tasty eateries and stunning museums, churches, and university buildings. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: We enjoy breakfast and set out into the Galician countryside to walk along a section of the final stages of the Camino Frances. The Camino Frances is the most popular route to Santiago, and it originates in the French Pyrenees and runs across northern Spain. Many pilgrims view this journey as a communal experience, so expect a welcoming atmosphere and friendly chat. Head out on the trail past scented eucalyptus forests, green pastures, and tiny hamlets. We eat lunch at a traditional restaurant in a small village surrounded by other pilgrims replenishing their energy to continue the journey. |
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Following lunch, we shuttle to the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela to cover the final miles that lead into the cathedral. You can also spend some time touring the town or check in at the hotel. We head back into town in the evening for a spectacular farewell reception and dinner at the historic Parador Hostal Dos Reis. If you want to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, feel free to skip the reception and find a seat for the 7:30 p.m. mass, finishing just in time to savour dinner with the rest of the group. After eating, there is still plenty to do—Santiago stays lively until the early morning hours. |
Today, enjoy a guided tour of the cathedral and old town, which displays Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture magnificently. The remarkable Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a World Heritage site that marks the official end of the Camino de Santiago. According to legend, the burial grounds of the Apostle Saint James are located here. In the 9th century, King Alfonso II ordered that a chapel be built on-site, and from century to century after that, it evolved into a Romanesque church and the striking baroque cathedral that stands today. Following a local guide, take in the bustling atmosphere as we step into the cathedral alongside hundreds of pilgrims waiting to receive their Compostela, a certificate of accomplishment for completing the Camino. This journey may mean different things to different people—a spiritual journey or a break from their busy lives. If you’d prefer a more relaxed start to the day, you can skip the tour and sleep in our majestic hotel. Then savour a tapas lunch before you bid your tour leaders farewell and shuttle to Porto. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is 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's and Spain's Atlantic coast enjoys a moderate climate with summertime temperatures that are usually quite comfortable. However, this region is prone to variable weather, including heat and year-round rain that can strike at any time of the day. In order to make your trip as enjoyable as possible, please come prepared for rain and cooler temperatures. Waterproof, breathable rain gear is a must; a sweater or light jacket for evenings is highly recommended.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
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.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
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.