A lifetime experience…

Twelve centuries of history

Architectural history

Rich gastronomy

Centuries of traditions

Culture and hospitality

Luxuriant nature

A journey of faith and reflection

WalkingEscorted tour

Groups 4-15Accommodation

Meals

Highlights

The Portuguese way to

The way to Santiago de Compostela is an ancient pilgrimage route that

provides unforgettable experiences to those who travel along it.

A Pilgrimage is an act of faith. It is a Way and, as such, it presupposes an

itinerary but it does not stop at that. It must be associated with an

intention and an objective, nourishing the motivation and awakening

inner search, thus bringing about spiritual enrichment.

RIO LIMA

RIO MINHO

RIO LÉREZ

VIANA DOCASTELO

VIGO

SANTIAGO DECOMPOSTELA

PONTEDE LIMA

VALENÇA

TUI

RUBIÃES

REDONDELA

CALDAS DE REIS

PADRON

PONTEVEDRA

OCEANO ATLÂNTICO

LISBOA

MADRID

PONTE DE LIMA

SANTIAGOCOMPOSTELA

PORTO

LISBOA

MADRID

PONTE DE LIMA

SANTIAGOCOMPOSTELA

PORTO

Santiago de Compostela

info@portugalgreenwalks.com

www.portugalgreenwalks.com

1st STAGE • Ponte de Lima – Rubiães • 19kmWe leave the medieval town of Ponte de Lima crossing the huge Romanesque-Gothic bridge over the river Lima, with its 22 arches. After arriving on the other side of the bridge, we turn to the right plunging into the rural world, represented by the farming parish of Arcozelo, but after Labruja, agriculture is scarce and the landscape until Portela Pequena is mountainous and covered with trees.These 2 uphill kilometres out of Labruja are the most exhausting of the whole Way. Halfway up we find the Cruz dos Franceses and then climb to the Forester’s house. From the top of the hill, to the end of the stage, next to the Romanesque church of Rubiães, is a short distance and easy to walk.

2nd STAGE • Rubiães – Tui • 22kmWe will start this day by crossing the Romanesque Peorado Bridge over the river Coura and from there we have an easy climb until S. Bento da Porta Aberta, the site of a famous religious festival.We continue to Fontoura through fields and shrub land until we reach the fortified town of Valença. We cross Rio Minho over its metal bridge inspired by the models of the famous Gustave Eiffel and, on the other side, we walk the streets of the medieval town of Tui until reaching its famous Cathedral where our day’s walking ends.

3rd STAGE • Tui – Redondela • 31kmThis is the longest stage! It starts in front of the Cathedral of Tui; we then pass through the tunnel of the Convent of Clarissas and then the Churches of Santo Domingo and San Bartolomé. After crossing the Veiga bridge we will reach one of the most beautiful stretches of the whole route – the Valley of the River Louro.As we continue we will reach the Industrial Estate and will enter the city of Porriño, where we head north. Along the way we will pass close to the Pazo de Mós, Santiaguiño de Antas and Chan das Pipas. Here we start a steep descent leading us to the end of this stage in the centre of Redondela.

4th STAGE • Redondela – Pontevedra • 18kmThe 4th stage is the shortest and easiest! We leave Redondela through by-ways until we reach Outeiro de Penas, a place with an excellent view over the Ria de Vigo.Then we will reach Arcade, a place renowned for having the best oysters in Galicia and then on to Pontesampayo.Just between these places, we will cross a long medieval bridge over the Verdugo River and then enter a cluster of narrow streets that will guide us to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Caminho: the very old by-ways which climb up the slope of Canicouva until Cacheiro. After crossing the mountains, the track widens again, now dominated by fields, vineyards and orchards until we reach Pontevedra, for a well deserved rest.

5th STAGE • Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis • 23kmWe start this stage at the historical centre of Pontevedra walking from the old city to the millennial bridge, O Burgo, over the Lérez River. We continue along the beautiful Valley of the Gandra River until San Mauro. From there, the path widens and as we walk further you will experience a peaceful and serene atmosphere.From here we start seeing the first crosses, some of them magnificently carved. We enter Caldas de Reis alongside the church of Santa Maria, close to the bridge of Umia River, where this stage ends.

6th STAGE • Caldas de Reis – Padron • 19kmAnother easy day! We leave Caldas de Reis along some enchanting stretches of the Way, across the medieval bridge of Bermaña River and follow a path that leads us to the village of Cruceiro, on an unforgettable stretch through forests and meadows. We pass near the church of Santa Maria de Carracedo and then we will cross a particularly lush landscape along the side of the Valga River continuing to S. Miguel de Valga, where we head to Pontecesures. After crossing the Ulla River we arrive at Padron, the place where, according to legend, the stone ship with the body of the Apostle James (Santiago) was moored. Our day’s walking ends here.

7th STAGE • Padron – Santiago • 24kmWe start this last stage by leaving Padron and heading north until reaching the church of Santa Maria de Iria Flávia. It was here that two great Galician writers lived, the poet Rosália de Castro and the Noble award Camilo José Cela, who was born next door to the church.We continue through Galician villages until the magnificent sanctuary of Nossa Señora da Escravitute. From here we will reach Rua de Francos following broad streets and narrower shortcuts. From here we finally start to see Santiago de Compostela and a bit further, at Agro dos Monteiros, we can see the towers of the Cathedral for the first time.After crossing the Sar River, we continue through the suburbs of the city that lead us to the Faxeira gate, the entrance of the Portuguese Way in this old city.Through a labyrinth of streets we continue to Obradoiro square and to the Cathedral itself were the Apostle waits for us.

Amongst Christians Pilgrimages can be traced back to the Old Testament, to the Exodus of the Chosen People to the Promised Land. Jesus Christ also went on a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem.Jerusalem and Rome were great centres for the spreading of Christianity, the former by virtue of being the Holy City where the Son of God gave himself up to redeem Humanity and the latter by the distinction of being the Holy See. However, Santiago has had the privilege of being, throughout the Second Millennium, the great confluence of the European road network along which the preaching of the Gospels spread, and which formsthe basis for the civilization of this old continent.

We may, therefore, say that the Ways to Santiago de Compostela provide the common denominator in European culture. Therefore, in a Europe which more than ever wishes to see itself strong and cohesive, speaking in one voice in all its languages, these routes which provide public areas for convergence and harmony, should be respected and promoted. Along them, any Pilgrim feels like a citizen of the World, allowing him to acquire a perspective in his convictions in an ecumenical atmosphere of openness and tolerance.

The Way to Santiago is a millennial route followed by millions of Pilgrims from the beginning of the 9th century, when the tomb of the Apostle James (Santiago) was discovered.Since then, people from all over the world walk the ways that lead to the Cathedral where relics of the Holy Apostle are venerated; giving rise to a phenomenon that survives and gets stronger day by day.

Pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela starting from Portugal intensified in the 12th century with theindependence of the country, giving a greater importance to the royal route Porto / Barcelos / Ponte de Lima / Valença where other roads converge. It also reinforced this route as the principal and most important Portuguese way to Santiago.

The Portuguese Way to Santiago uses ancient paths that crisscross forests, villages, historical towns and cities as well as bridges left by the Romans. The path is still marked by chapels, churches, convents, shrines, and crosses in which we can see the image of the Apostle James (Santiago).

Many people have walked this Way, travellers, muleteers, merchants and pilgrims, but also, kings, nobles and clergy. However, the Way is also an opportunity to discover the hospitality of the people of Northern Portugal and Galicia. Its huge architectonical heritage, its centuries-old cultural traditions and its rich gastronomy are of great historical value.

Accept our chal lenge and discoverthe Portuguese way to Santiago

DAY 65th Stage: Pontevedra – Caldas de ReisThermal SPA treatmentAccommodation and dinner at 2* Hotel

DAY 76th Journey: Caldas de Reis – PadronAbarinõ wine tasting Accommodation and dinner at a manor house

DAY 87th Stage: Padron – Santiago de CompostelaVisit to Santiago de CompostelaFarewell dinner with ´Queimada Galega´ Accommodation at 4* Hotel

DAY 9Free morningTransfer to Oporto Airport

Length of the tour9 Days/8 Nights

( 7 days walking)

Group SizeMinimum: 4 Pax

Maximum: 15 Pax

AvailabilityMarch to November

Starting on Saturday

Description

DAY 1Arrival at Oporto AirportTransfer to Ponte de LimaWelcome dinner4* Hotel accommodation

DAY 21st stage: Ponte de Lima – RubiãesVisit to the historical centre of Ponte de LimaVisit to the International Garden Festival4* Hotel accommodation

DAY 32nd Stage: Rubiães – TuiVisit to the Cathedral of Tui and to the Walls of Valença4* Hotel accommodation

DAY 43rd Stage: Tui - RedondelaAccommodation and dinner in a Manor House

DAY 54th Stage: Redondela - PontevedraVisit to the historical centre of PontevedraAccommodation at 4* Hotel and dinner

The price includes• Services of guide throughout• Accommodation and breakfast at the indicated overnight stops(These might be changed in case of unavailability)• 8 Dinners and complementary activities as listed in the program• 7 packed lunches with sandwiches and fruit (during the walk) • 9 seater support vehicle available daily• Transportation to/from accommodation• Presentation of Pilgrim’s certificate • Support service during the daily walking stages, provision of water and energy supplements• Supply of raingear for participants when necessary• 24 h availability of support and assistance• Transfers from/to the airports (Oporto or Santiago)• Insurance

Rua Francisco Mendes, 30, 3º esq • 4715 243 Braga • Portugal • +351 936 077 462