WALKERS’ WORLD
Camino de Santiago (St James Way)
 PORTUGUESE CAMINO           SELF-GUIDED 

6 night walk  (can be modified to 7 or 8 nights)

Day 1 -  Valenca
Arrive in Porto and continue by train to Valenca  (direct train about 2 hours). Overnight on Valenca. Accommodation is at the Pousada Valenca located inside the Fortelez (a medieval fortress) and tucked away in a tangle of cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. The stunning hotel has beautiful views of the valley and river separating Portugal and Spain.

Day 2 -Porrino to Redondela
This morning a taxi will take you across the border into Spain through the town of Tui with its impressive Romanesque Cathedral dating from 1120 and on to Porrino where the official 100 km Camino walk begins. Today's walk has a steep hill up to Monte Coronedo but the reward is a lovely view of the sea in the distance (and perhaps a cold drink and a good lunch). Accommodation in a simple guest house.
Walking distance 16 km.

Day 3 -  Redondela to Pontavedra
This morning continue walking from Redondela. The trail passes through eucalyptus forest and along the way pass a Roman milestone marking the ancient Roman road Via XIX which linked the coast to inland towns in the era of Roman occupation. Cross the Rio de Vigo to Ponte Nova and in the afternoon have a lovely rural walk to Pontevedra. This is a lively Galician provincial capital with a delightful medieval area. Accommodation is in a 3-star hotel in the central area (or an optional upgrade to the Parador)  19 km
 
Day 4  - Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
From Pontevedra walk on small country roads and tracks. There is a gentle climb at San Mauro and from San Mauro continue to the spa town Caldas de Reis the "Royal Spa" where pilgrims bathe their feet in a fountain fed by natural warm spring water.  Caldas de Reis has been known since Celtic times for the thermal waters which have gushed from its ground. It was a major spa for Romans and has an abundance of Roman archaeological remains.  Today it is considered to be the health resort of Galicia. Accommodation is in a spa hotel where you can sample the thermal baths and have a dip in the pool.   23 km 
THIS DAY CAN BE SPLIT INTO TWO   with walks of 11 and 12 km.

Day 5  - Caldas de Reis to Padron
Today's route is on quiet country roads and natural pathways with a few gentle climbs.  The name Padron means "mooring stone". Just up river is Iria Falvia which is the town legend claims St James' body arrived in Spain two thousand years ago. Under the altar in Padron's church one can see what is said to be the original mooring stone for St James' boat.  Accommodation is in a lovely Pazo (a restored traditional manor that was once the country estate of the Bishops of Santiago) 19 km

Day 6 - Padron to Santiago
The final walk is along pretty country lanes passing through Iria Flavia as well as other small villages and hamlets before arriving at the baroque sanctuary of A Esclavitude. On a hilltop to the left stands the mysterious, abandoned ruins of the hillfort Castro Lupario and a few kilometres later you will come to the oldest wayside cross in Galicia. As you near Agro dos Monteiros it is now possible to see the towers of Santiago Cathedral. Finally, the Camino passes by the ruins of a castle and enters Santiago.  It is tradition to head for the Cathedral, collect the Compostela certificate then relax and celebrate.  Accommodation is in a four star hotel in Santiago's old quarter near the Cathedral. 
26 km      THIS DAY CAN BE SPLIT INTO TWO with walks of 12 and 14 km  by staying at a small inn at Parado do Franco.

Day 7 - Tour ends after breakfast (or perhaps stay another night in Santiago)