Portuguese Way Camino: Pilgrimage Hiking
June 4-12, 2026
9 days
Full Price: COMING SOON
Activity Level — Energetic
Travelers should exercise regularly.
Trip Overview
For a thousand years, pilgrims have traversed The Camino de Santiago.
Now, it’s your turn to follow in their footsteps on this legendary trek as you dedicate a week to walking along the ancient trails that cut across the lush landscape of Northern Spain.
Join like-minded travelers and English-speaking tour leaders on “The Way” for a pilgrimage created to nourish the body, mind, and soul.
This is not a race.
This is a slower-paced Camino experience where we average about 10 miles per day and cover a total of 117 kilometers (72 miles).
The Camino knows no gender, age, race, or skill level. Get ready to meet travel friends from all over the globe and all walks of life. This is the magic of the Camino.
Need to Know:
Completing this tour will make you eligible to receive the Compostela, the official certificate of completion issued by the Pilgrim’s Office.
An expert Camino tour leader will be with you every step of the way to share facts about the history of this sacred trail and tips on how to make the most of the journey.
A support van will assist with luggage, freeing you up to travel light (you will carry your day pack).
All hotels, breakfasts, and delicious Galician dinners with wine are included.
Snacks and water provided in the support van.
Recommendations for an even better journey:
We highly recommend that you fly into Porto a few days earlier before the trip starts to see this amazing city and get on local time. Book a room at Torel Saboaria or Eurostars Aliados in central Porto for a beautiful stay in the city.
You can bring 1 piece of luggage no more than 40 lbs + your day pack + a purse.
Note: All tours include a pre-journey planning session over Zoom where you will meet your guides and other participants.
Read this Packing List.
“I just completed walking the El Camino (112 Kilometers) with this group. From start to finish they were professional, knowledgeable, funny, kind and supportive. I cannot wait to book my next trip through Bold Spirit.”
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Visit medieval towns along the route in Portugal and Spain.
Walk one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage trails.
Soak up the history of the Camino and Santiago de Compostela.
Indulge in delicious Galician cuisine.
Traverse varied landscapes while giving your body a good workout.
Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels along the trail.
Take part in a tour of Santiago de Compostela’s historic center with a local guide.
Bask in the beauty of late spring in Northern Spain.
Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love travel as much as you do.
Learn about the Compostela, the scallop shell, and other Camino traditions.
Shop along the cobblestone streets of Santiago de Compostela.
Visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this spiritual journey.
Activity Highlights
Walking ancient pilgrimage pathways
Archaeological sites, historical sites, medieval villages
Local Galician cuisine
Beautiful Santiago de Compostela stay and visit
Connecting with other Bold Spirit travelers and other pilgrims on The Way
“I had a wonderful trip with Bold Spirit Travel. I thought it was well organized and thought out. We stayed in interesting locations and ate great food. I would definitely travel with Bold Spirit again.”
DETAILED Itinerary
Day 1: Howdy, Pilgrim
Fly into the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, Portugal, or take the train from Lisbon to Porto to meet the group.
Our private driver will pick the group up at our central meeting spot in Porto.
There will be one group transfer and you will receive more information on where to meet the group closer to departure.
Hop in the minbus and you’re off to the charming village of Valença. Enjoy free time to look around this historic town and do some shopping. You will have time to have lunch on your own.
Next, we will transfer to Tui. Check into your hotel room in Tui and get settled.
Later, enjoy orientation with your tour leaders and a group welcome dinner where you will get to know your walking buddies—we start our trek tomorrow.
*We highly recommend that you fly into Porto a few days before the trip starts to see this amazing city and get on local time. Book a room at Eurostars Aliados or Torel Saboaria in central Porto for a beautiful stay in the city.
Meals included: Welcome dinner
Hotel: Three-star hotel in Tui
Day 2: Walking the Walk—Tui to O Porriño
Good morning, Pilgrim!
A filling breakfast is offered at the hotel.
Boots on and day packs prepped, we are ready to begin the first leg of our walking journey.
The route today has a great variety of scenery: expect natural woodland paths, quiet country roads, and lots of vines--both grape and kiwi, all indicative of the fertility of the Minho Valley.
You’ll grab lunch on your own along the trail when you feel like it (your tour leaders will have suggestions for you).
Our group will stop in O Porriño at the end of the day and transfer back to the hotel.
Wash off the trail dust and relax a bit before a hearty communal dinner served at the hotel. Our group meals include 2 glasses of wonderful Spanish wine per person.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Three-star hotel in Tui.
Miles walked: 10.5
Day 3: Taking the High Road—O Porriño to Redondela
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and fill your water bottle for today’s trek.
We pick up the Camino in O Porriño. The town is famous for its pink granite and is also home to the stunning edifice of the Casa Consistorial, built in 1919 by the town’s own architect, Antonio Palacios.
Onward and upwards we go, ascending to the Capilla de Santiaguiño de Antas on Monte Cornedo. We are rewarded with sweeping views of the valley of Redondela as we descend through rambling vines and charming lanes to the town below.
Lunch is on your own. Eat at a local restaurant along the way with a walking buddy or grab a quick bite sola. Our guide will always recommend a restaurant for lunch.
Our group will travel together each day, but that does not mean we are joined at the hip. Your pace may be faster or slower, depending on the day.
You do not need to keep up with the fastest walker. You do not need to be the fastest walker. It’s not a race, it’s an experience.
You might feel chatty in the morning and need space for self-reflection in the afternoon. You do you. There is time and space for it as you make your way along the Camino.
We’ll continue to Redondela where we will stop for the day.
At the hotel, freshen up and then swap trail stories over drinks. Enjoy a delicious Spanish dinner at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Three-star hotel in Pontevedra
Miles walked: 10.5 miles
Day 4: Royal Roads—Redondela to Pontevedra
You’re awake early for breakfast at the hotel before lacing up and heading down the trail.
You have been walking for a couple of days now. You are finding your stride and getting used to the rhythm of the Camino.
Onward from Redondela, we traverse ancient stone paths - the Camino Reales - through quiet woodlands. At times we cross a busy road and then drop back into the woods.
We have two significant but beautiful climbs today. You’ll tackle these ascents on either side of the small fishing town of Arcade, the “oyster capital” of Galicia. Arcade is a totally charming waterside village. Stop here and have another coffee or a fresh orange juice. Take in the bridge and the peacefulness of the place.
The afternoon is mainly shady eucalyptus woodland before our final stop in the city of Pontevedra, a lively town with a wonderful central plaza perfect for a post-hike drink.
Take some time to rest up and maybe rinse out a shirt or two.
Dinner is on your own this evening.
Go out and see what Pontevedra has to offer with a Bold Spirit Camino friend!
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: Three-star hotel in Pontevedra
Miles walked: 12 miles
Day 5: These Boots Were Made for Walkin’—Pontevedra to Briallos
After breakfast at the hotel, lace up those boots and grab your walking sticks, because we’re off to Briallos today.
Today is a peaceful day of gentle walking in the rural countryside with minimal services. The forest paths, replete with eucalyptus and pine, are calming places to get into the zone of simply walking and meditating on the rhythm of breath and body.
You’ll end your walk today in Briallos and transfer to Meaño to check into your hotel.
Enjoy dinner with your walking buddies tonight after some needed R&R.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Two-star rural hotel
Miles walked: 10.5
Day 6: On the Road Again—Briallos to Valga
Start the hike today in Briallos where you left the trail yesterday.
You’ll pass through historic Caldas de Reis this morning, a town famed for its thermal waters. The Celts and Romans settled here for this reason and named it Aquis Celenis.
Caldas de Reis has been enticing travelers for centuries to come and “take the waters.” Do as the pilgrims before you did and soak your feet in the lavadero filled with hot spring water.
Just like on other days, lunch is on your own when you want it.
Our private driver will take us from Valga to Padrón where we will spend the night.
Enjoy dinner together at our accommodations.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: 4-star Pazo rural hotel
Miles walked: 10.5
Day 7: The Journey, Not the Destination—Valga to A Picaraña
You’re getting closer to our final destination, Santiago de Compostela. But today, we will enjoy the journey.
You’ll visit Padrón on the trail today. This town is an important moment in your Camino journey because of its long-held association with the legend of Santiago. It was here that the Apostle Saint James first preached on the rocks above the town and a miracle occurred: he made a spring appear using his staff. Additionally, the story goes that it was also in Padrón that the boat carrying Santiago’s body from Palestine was moored.
Don’t forget to sample the spicy side of Padrón. The village is well-known for its little green peppers which are fried whole in olive oil and are highly addictive! Eating them is a gamble because one in every five or six has a spicy kick.
Expect a day traversing gentle terrain through the sleepy villages allowing our final, up-close glimpse at how locals live and the simplicity of rural Galician life.
Have a quiet lunch on your own or grab a bite with friends you’ve connected with along the Camino.
At A Escravitude, our climb begins as we ascend through pine forest on alternating woodland tracks and country roads, with a short stretch of main road, followed by rolling hills.
Our driver will meet us in Cruces and take us to our hotel for some much deserved refreshments and dinner.
Tomorrow, you will arrive in Santiago. Enjoy this last night on the trail.
Meals included : Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: 2-star hotel in Brión
Miles walked: 9.5
Day 8: You did it!— A Picaraña to Santiago de Compostela
This is our last day walking the Camino together. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then lace up your boots. It’s time to see the finish line!
Leaving behind A Picaraña, we begin a gentle descent through a scattering of villages. Along the way, we’ll get a brief glimpse of Santiago de Compostela and its cathedral spires.
Eventually, we’ll arrive in “civilization.” The last few kilometers are along busy sidewalks before entering the medieval heart of the city.
The walking portion of our journey ends today at the steps of the cathedral.
You will have time today to get the Compostela, your official certificate stating that you completed the Camino! Your tour leader will help you with this process.
At the hotel in central Santiago, settle in and grab a shower. Rest your feet for a bit or head out and explore this incredible town.
We have much to celebrate. Walking so many miles is a great accomplishment, and while your feet may be tired, your heart will be full.
Together, we will meet at the hotel for a special dinner together. Raise a glass for your fellow pilgrim! We did it!
Note: You will need to attend Pilgrims’ mass the following day since we will not arrive in Santiago in time today for the 12:00-noon mass.
Meals included: Breakfast, Celebratory Dinner
Hotel: 4-star hotel in Santiago de Compostela
Miles Walked: 9.5
Day 9: Buen Camino!—Santiago de Compostela
Today, it’s time to see what Santiago is all about. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel followed by a two-hour walking tour of Santiago and the cathedral with an expert guide. Fall in love with a city that has been stealing hearts for centuries and learn more about the pilgrims who came before you.
After our walking tour, you may want to attend Pilgrims’ Mass at the Santiago Cathedral.
Then, it’s time to say farewell to your Bold Spirit Travel buddies and tour leaders. You have shared a lot on this trip and you’ll likely make plans to connect again in the future.
Check out of the hotel and then take a taxi to the Santiago airport.
You can fly home from Santiago on Iberia Airlines (most flights stop in Madrid), or fly to Madrid and head home from there. Another option would be to return to Porto or Lisbon and fly home from those international airports. Make sure your flight leaves today after 2:30PM so you do not miss this morning’s walking tour.
Extending Your Stay:
Choose to book one or two more nights at a hotel in Santiago and explore a bit more. We have found that most guests want at least one more night in this dynamic city. This will allow you to really see Santiago. Maybe you would like a foot massage or perhaps you’d like to visit the Pilgrim’s Museum? The city’s food market is wonderful (and a great place for lunch) and there is lots of shopping along Santiago’s charming lanes.
Or keep walking. Many pilgrims keep going after arriving in Santiago, continuing on to Finisterre where the trail ends at KM 0 at the Atlantic Ocean. Walking to Finisterre takes another five days and you will need to book your own accommodations.
If you don’t have time for another five days on the trail, book a day trip on a guided bus tour and see the coast and Finisterre. This all-day tour requires that you book at least two more nights in Santiago (we have a contact for you to do this). Guests tend to love this extra side-trip to see more of Galicia and the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Meals included: Breakfast
Miles walked: Zero!
“I wanted to walk the Camino but didn’t want to fuss with booking hotels or finding restaurants. Bold Spirit Travel provided just what I needed. The three guides on the trip were really helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable. I always knew where I needed to go and felt safe the entire way. Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful group of women during my adventure.”
What’s Included:
Eight nights at beautiful hotels, inns, and B&Bs (based on double occupancy; if you don’t want a roommate, opt for the single upgrade option)
An English-speaking Bold Spirit tour leader accompanying you every step of the way
All meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary (breakfasts, most dinners)
Group transfer from Porto to our hotel in Tui on the tour start date
Private land transfers for the Bold Spirit group throughout the entire adventure
A small group experience
Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
Checkpoint stops on the trail with snacks
Private WhatsApp group for your group of travel buddies
Support van along the trail
A planning guide & packing list to get you ready for this Bold Spirit adventure
A pre-tour Zoom call to meet other travelers
What’s Not Included:
Round-trip airfare—you need to arrive in Porto and meet us for the transfer
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Cost for additional activities such as massage or a day trip to Finisterre
Meals not outlined in the detailed itinerary; lunches are not included but there are stores along the route and small bars/restaurants that cater to pilgrims
Alcoholic beverages, unless otherwise specified (most dinners include wine)
Personal expenses, such as souvenirs
Travel insurance (must have emergency evacuation medical insurance)
Optional private room upgrade
Early hotel check-in
Telephone charges
Room service/minibar
Laundry
Dinner on Day 4 in Ponteverdra
What to Bring on This Adventure:
Comfortable trekking shoes and sandals
Day pack or bag
Reusable water bottle
Staying in Touch with New Bold Spirit Friends
For each Bold Spirit group, we will set up a WhatsApp group so you can stay in touch with the inspiring women you meet on your trip.
Travel Insurance
Insurance is recommended for your Bold Spirit trip. We highly recommend that you obtain adequate coverage for cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage, and personal effects. Your deposit and final trip balance can then be recovered via a claim to your insurance provider in the event that you must cancel your adventure due to unforeseen circumstances.
Check out insurance options at Squaremouth. TinLeg, or Atlas Journeys. Note that if you want Cancel for Any Reason insurance, you need to get it within 10 days of your first deposit for the trip.
Other Considerations
Our itinerary is subject to change based on availability and unforeseen conditions.
The minimum group number for this trip to run is six participants.
You will have a private driver and van support for the entire hike. Store your luggage and walking poles in the van if you need to.
You’ll stay in hotels, family-run Pazos, renovated farmhouses (Casa Rurales), pousadas, and Galician manor homes located in villages a short distance from the Camino trail or right on the trail. Rooms have private bathrooms but the smaller inns may or may not have AC, hairdryers, or televisions.
Optional single private upgrade, subject to availability.
Food Options: We can accommodate pescatarians, vegetarians, etc. However, this is rural Spain and there are limited vegetarian and vegan options. Pack a trail mix and protein bars, especially if you are vegan.
Lunch is not included, but there are stores along the route for picnic ingredients. There are also small bars along the trail that serve lunch.
Luggage Limits - You can bring 1 piece of luggage no more than 40 lbs + your day pack + a purse. Consider packing carry-on luggage only.
You must abide by Spanish rules and COVID protocols. Bold Spirit Travel is not responsible if you cannot enter Spain due to lack of vaccination or other entry requirements.
Your deposit for this trip is non-refundable. We use the deposit money to secure your hotels and guides, this is why it is non-refundable. Please get travel insurance in case you have to cancel for an unforeseen reason. Email us with questions about this.
Refund amounts are determined as follows:
120+ days before trip: Full refund minus non-refundable deposit
120–90 days before trip: 50% of balance minus non-refundable deposit
90 days or fewer before trip: No refund
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