The Spiritual Way to Santiago

Premium Tour

Length

10 Days

Dificulty

Moderate

Start & End

Valença do Minho - Santiago

Distance

161 Kms

Accommodation

Standard / Superior

Rated 4.5 out of 5

OVERVIEW

The Spiritual Way is a Variant of the pilgrimage that shares some stages with the Portuguese way of Compostela, in which one part recalls the arrival of the boat from Pontecesures arriving by the Ulla river. Each day presents a different setting, offering views of the countryside, towns and cities rich in culture and full of the spirits of the road. Churches, monuments, old crosses will tell the story of this less traveled path until reaching the Plaza del Obradoiro, right in front of the Cathedral of Santiago, in the heart of Santiago de Compostela. You will experience the discovery of yourself far from the crowds and close to yourself.

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED

● Daily breakfast
● Private ensuite rooms on a twin share basis
● Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
● Pilgrim Pack, pilgrims passport and shell
● Camino guide book
● Organizing a support vehicle if needed
● Travel Insurance
● 24/7 Spanish support assistance

EXCLUDED

● Flights/trains
● Drinks/Lunch
● City Tax

OPTIONAL INCLUSIONS

● Single room Supplement
● Superior Accommodation
● Extra nights
● Day trips
● Airport transfers
● Dinners
● Accommodation in Parador de Santiago

ITINERARY

After arriving at Porto (Or Santiago de Compostela) airport or Train Station, Our Guide will meet you at your Hotel and brief you about your tour, handling you all the information pack of the journey. Transfer to Your first Hotel will be provide from Porto or Santiago depending on your city of arrival. If time allow visit Valença do Minho fortress and the old quarter walled center

Hiking along small fortresses, passing under old doors, travel in medieval streets and crossing over ancient bridges, today you might feel like a middle age pilgrimage. The times has changed but the atmosphere, the landscape or the people lifestyle do not. On the way you might enjoy the town of Tuy and spend some time in the center, the Cathedral is a must see. Very soon you arrive in Galiza, Spain and after a beautiful walk along the river, you find your accommodation in Porriño.

The challenge for today goes towards Redondela still the Saint James path, part following close to the national road. Up to the hill the hiking will be rewarding because at 250 meter high you can see the horizon, feel the wind and take some great photos over Redondela and Ria de Vigo. Until the town as you descend, you’ll have the opportunity to pass by some rural villages.

Back to the forest track just out of the logging, toward one of the smallest days of your entire journey and Pontevedra! Up the hill to Arcade, along forest to reach the end of the Ria and cross the Sampaio Bridge at Arcade, one from the XVIc. It is here to help you getting over Verdugo River to one of the oldest part of this Saint James way, the roman way. This part of the way was the Vía XIX that came all the way from Braga (Pt) to Lugo and As- torga. This part goes up thru forest and rural countryside. A peaceful part of the Camino that end up in the 80000 inhabitants of Pontevedra. Pontevedra is a magnificent place to hang out by the end of this small day, a lot of history is present in the old centre, from churches to monasteries and narrow streets…

After your late breakfast, feeling full of energy you will begin one of the shorter day of the tour. The experience is to follow the exit from Pontevedra along the Portuguese road, and shortly after the wetlands. Place of hundreds of species and biodiversity, where you will be surrounded by one beautiful and natural landscapes. The section of the Spiritual variant begins just after this area. Not far after diverging from the Portuguese way you will pass by the Monastery of Poio, which is about half day of hike towards Combarro. Combarro is a typical town with sailor charm in the Rias Baixas. The sea front can offer very beautiful sceneries, as the town itself…

Exiting Combarro towards Armenteira and its monastery the path climbs allowing magnificent views over the estuaries, from both sides when reaching the top. Part of the day follows the Auga Route, a hiking that goes along the river Armenteira. As you reach River Umia, you are arriving at your day stage end.

Today we return to the river Umia to follow the Camino along his banks and leave Ribadumia. After crossing the bridge Amela , the path leave the river bank. Now is the yellow arrow to be followed towards the sea and the port of Vilanova de Arousa.

This is a quite different day! We start with a boat ride up the river Ulla. About 2000years it was the barge that bring Saint James body up to actual Pontecesure. We take the same path, “almost”. So part of the day is by boat, just a few kilometres awaits you at the end of the day. Take the day as a preparation for your last big day of the Pilgimage.

Today is your last day of hiking adventure! Santiago awaits you just 25km ahead. The day to reach Santiago de Compostela is probably the longest one, not about the kilometers but mindset. The path leaves the town of Padrón going up north to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, episcopal center before its transfer to Santiago de Compostela. Soon you reach the outskirts of Santiago. On the afternoon feel free to explore Santi- ago, the old quarter and the rest there is a lot to see.

After Check out we will transfer you to the airport, train or bus station.

ACCOMMODATION

Standard Hotels & Country Houses

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Standard hotels along the Camino de Santiago offer typical hotel amenities and services. They provide private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, and room service.

Country houses, also known as “casas rurales” in Spanish, offer a more rustic and traditional experience. They are often found in smaller villages and rural areas along the Camino.

Superior Collection & Historic Hotels

We have selected 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered. Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available,

There are several historic hotels and inns along the route that offer pilgrims and travelers a unique and memorable experience. These establishments often have a rich history and character, making them more than just a place to stay.

ON THE TRAIL

Terrain: The terrain is relatively gentle, and you’ll pass through scenic countryside, charming villages, and forests. There are some hills and moderate elevation changes, but it’s not overly strenuous.

Food and Cuisine: You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious Galician cuisine, including fresh seafood, pulpo a la gallega (octopus), and other regional dishes. Don’t forget to try the local Albariño wine.

Waymarking: The route is well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols, making it easy to navigate.

MAP

REVIEWS

Publicado en Google Google
William Wade profile picture
William Wade
30 Noviembre 2024
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This past September Helder Cerejo from The Way Tours put together an outstanding bike trip for 10 of us. The route from Sintra Portugal to Santiago Spain that was planned and pre- ridden by Helder himself, following the Portugal Camino, was challenging and breathtakingly scenic. Helder did an exceptional job in supporting the ride while allowing us to explore and ride at our own pace. He was personable and flexible making everyone feel comfortable. Helder was very particular with following our requests, be it booking quaint and unique accommodations, to renting quality gravel bicycles. The entire trip was a once in a life time experience. This was our second experience with The Way Tours and as previously, they did not disappoint.
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kristen S google profile picture
kristen S google
22 Noviembre 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
We had a fantastic almost 2 week bicycle trip through Portugal with The Way Tours in August 2024. Our tour director Helder was wonderful. He was kind, funny, organized, at every stop, was where he said he would be, had food and water for us along the way. When it rained, he picked me up in the van. He had a well organized itinerary on paper and digital. He did two city walking tours for us as well. The bikes they had for us were very good. We did a road/gravel trip and the bikes handled everything well. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip. I have too many great pictures to upload.
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Greg Longson profile picture
Greg Longson
20 Noviembre 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
Fantastic cycling trip on the Camino from Sinatra, Portugal to to Santiago De Compostella. Hélder was a excellent guide and I would recommend The Way Tours to anyone looking to cycle the Camino.
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Greg Longson profile picture
Greg Longson
20 Noviembre 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
The Way Tours trip cycling from Sintra to Santiago De Compostela was a fantastic experience. Very well organized and wonderfully supported by our guide Helder Cerejo. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to cycle the Camino.
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Lidia R.C. Viaxeira Li Li profile picture
Lidia R.C. Viaxeira Li Li
7 Diciembre 2021
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Agencia especializada en el Camino de Santiago
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Fernando Conchello profile picture
Fernando Conchello
18 Julio 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
In 2019 I hiked The Portuguese Costal Camino. It was an amazing experience. I love hiking the Camino — even more not having to worry about anything because everything was so well planned. Our guide Helder took really good care of every single detail, allowing me to just focus on hiking and enjoying the beautiful landscape.
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Susana Alvarez De Neyra profile picture
Susana Alvarez De Neyra
18 Julio 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
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Lorenzo Merin profile picture
Lorenzo Merin
27 Junio 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
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ML GE profile picture
ML GE
5 Junio 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
El camino tiene otro aliciente añadido al ir de la mano de the Way Tours. Muy profesionales , entusiastas de su trabajo, muy cercanos, experiencia recomendable al cien por cien. Repetiré seguro.
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manchuence Peregrino profile picture
manchuence Peregrino
3 Junio 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
He podido disfrutar de dos viajes con The Way Tours y solo tengo palabras de agradecimiento por el excelente servicio recibido. Muy profesionales y buenos conocedores de los Caminos de Santiago.

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