The Spiritual Way to Santiago

Self-Guided Camino

LENGTH

10 Days

DIFICULTY

Moderate

START & END

Valença do Minho - Santiago

DISTANCE

161 Km

LODGING

Standard / Superior

From 1.120€ / per person
4.5/5
LENGTH

10 Days

DIFICULTY

Moderate

START & END

Valença do Minho - Santiago

DISTANCE

161 Km

LODGING

Standard / Superior

From 1.120€ / per person
4.5/5

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • World Heritage
  • Medieval route
  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino Trail
  • Qualify for your Compostela
  • Local producers
  • Romanesque art
  • Delicius gastronomy
  • Well-located private accommodation with your own bathroom

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.

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

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

HOW TO BOOK?

PAYMENT METHODS

E-mail : info@thewaytours.com

Wire Transfer

Secure Payment: PayPal, Visa, Master Card

Phone : + 34 633 317 697

We will respond to your enquiries within 24 hours

Bookings

HOW TO BOOK?

E-mail : info@thewaytours.com

Phone : + 34 633 317 697

PAYMENT METHODS

Wire Transfer

Secure Payment: PayPal, Visa, Master Card

We will respond to your enquiries within 24 hours

Request your tailor made tour







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