Portuguese Way Porto to Santiago de Compostela 16 days escorted by Bronny Tudor 2716 April Days - departing 12 May 2018 Porto escorted by Bronny Tudor Embark on a 16 day, 250 kilometre pilgrimage through Portugal and Spain to Santiago de Compostela on this stunning route. Discover the wild Atlantic beauty and sandy beaches of Northern Portugal and Southern Galicia, taste delicious seafood and wine, stay in fishing villages and be refreshed by the maritime feel of our newest Coastal Camino. Why not continue your journey with an optional extension of the tour to walk to the most western point of Continental Europe, witnessing some truly beautiful sites along the way. $4390* per person twin share departing Porto 7 Day Continental Europe extension from $2155*per person twin share
Portuguese Way Porto to Santiago de Compostela Portugal emerged as a country in 1143, and is steeped in history. From the mid-12 th century, the way of Saint James and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela has been a feature on the paths and roads across Portugal. This route was used by Queen Isabel of Portugal (1271 1336) to make at least one pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The hospitality offered to pilgrims started in the Middle Ages by monks and clergymen and still continues today along the less travelled Portuguese Way ('the friendly Camino') where all villages and towns participate with their generosity and warm welcome. The route heading north through rural areas, along the Atlantic coast has the sun on your back all the way to Santiago, with farmhouses, forests, rolling hills and cobbled stone paths a feature of the journey. Following the Atlantic Coast towards Santiago de Compostela, the Portuguese Coastal Way starts in the colourful UNESCO-listed city Porto and will take you to charming seaside towns and villages in Northern Portugal before crossing to Galicia in Spain, and the heart of the Rías Baixas. Discover the wild Atlantic beauty and sandy beaches of Northern Portugal and Southern Galicia, taste delicious seafood and wine, stay in fishing villages and be refreshed by the maritime feel of our newest Coastal Camino. Walking the Camino is an opportunity for reflection and a chance to shake your worries for another time and place. Commencing in Porto, a beautiful town that should not be missed, you will start your walk to Santiago de Compostela, a journey that will be etched in your memory for a lifetime. This itinerary is carefully designed for easy to manage walking days. There is a basic level of fitness required and some uphill stretches in part, however, given you only need to carry a lightweight day bag and your water supply, which can be replenished in the various villages on route, and other essentials such as snacks, it makes this trip very manageable for most active walkers. The accommodation is a mix of centrally located hotels and Casa Rurals (Portuguese/Spanish privately owned accommodation). The meals are also a highlight. On occasion mama will be in the kitchen preparing a three course hearty meal known as the pilgrim s staple which comes complete with a bottle of wine. There is also a variety of impressive cuisine from Michelin recognised chefs, and all dietary requirements are taken care of in advance. The language is Portuguese and Spanish. English is difficult to find, which adds an exciting dimension and a great reminder that you are travelling in a foreign land. What s included in the price? 16 Day escorted tour 15 nights accommodation in a mixture of hotels/casa Rurals 15 breakfasts and 11 dinners Luggage transfer each day between accommodation Optional Extension - Walk to Finisterre the most Western point of Continental Europe: 6 Nights/7 Days 12 May: Walk from Santiago de Compostela to Negreira (21km) 13 May:: Walk from Negreira to Santa Marina (21km) 14 May: Walk from Santa Marina to Olveiroa (13km) 15 May: Walk from Olveiroa to Cee (20km) 16 May: Walk from Cee to Finisterre (16km) 17 May: Return to Santiago by local bus 18 May: Your journey ends today in Santiago Inclusions: Escorted by Bronny Tudor 6 nights accommodation in hotels and/or Casa Rurals 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners Luggage transfer each day between accommodation Additional Cost: from $2,155.00 per person twin share
Day 1 - Friday 27 April Porto Porto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, and has a population of 1.4 million. It was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. One of Portugal s internationally famous exports, port wine, is named after Porto. The Porto region is also a major producer of cork. We meet in the reception of our hotel at 6.30pm for a briefing and introduction, followed by a welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner Day 2 - Saturday 28 April Porto to Vila Do Conde This morning we take a private transfer to Capela Boa Nova to shorten the walk and avoid the industrial outskirts of town. Commence walking to Vila do Conde. The first stage hugs the Atlantic coastline and passes fishing villages, forests and the prehistoric site and archaeological remains of Castro S.Paio dating from the Iron Age. The ocean and miles of golden sandy beaches will guide us to the town of Vila do Conde, an ancient medieval shipyard full of historical and architectural interests. Walking: 19km, estimated time approximately 5 hours Day 3 - Sunday 29 April Vila Do Conde to Esposende This morning we will transfer from Vila Do Conde to the picturesque town of Povoa de Varzim. The Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte, is in sight all the way to the old fishing village of Esposende. Day 4 - Monday 30 April Esposende to Viana Do Castelo Transfer to Belinho and continue north admiring the views and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. En route to Viana do Castelo pass Eiffel s old iron bridge over the River Lima. Legend has it that the Romans were so impressed by Viana s beauty when they reached the town in the first century BC that they thought they had reached paradise. Walking: 18km, estimated time approximately 6 hours Day 5 - Tuesday 1 May Viana Do Castelo to Caminha Transfer to Carreco Igreja. Leaving the coast temporarily to a landscape of old farms from the 19th century. Continue all the way to the old fishing village of Ancora. From there we return to the coastline and walk to Caminha. Walking: 19km, estimated time approximately 5 hours Day 6 - Wednesday 2 May Caminha to Vila Nova de Cerveira Leave the medieval town of Caminha to follow the river Minho. Arrive at the famous villages of Seixas and Lanhelas. A climb to Gondarem is rewarded with an astonishing view over the river and the Spanish territory beyond, just before Vila Nova de Cerveira. Walking: 15km, estimated time approximately 3-4 hours Walking: 20km, estimated time approximately 6 hours
Day 7 & 8 - Thursday 3 May and Friday 4 May Vila Nova de Cerveira to Tui Today we reluctantly farewell Portugal, however we will be embracing Spain. We make our way to Tui, a city notable for its collection of historical buildings, in particular the cathedral, an obligatory stop on the Camino de Santiago. The historical centre of this city is an old walled section from the 13 th century, which has been declared an historical-artistic heritage site. On our way to Tui our itinerary will cover mainly very quiet rural roads until we arrive in the sleepy town of Valenҫa. We are now approximately 100 kilometres from Santiago. The following day is yours at leisure to enjoy this lovely town that sits on the bank of the River Minho. Perhaps enjoy a walk through the winding streets up to the hilltop cathedral or just laze in the main square surrounded by Galician buildings. Walking: 17km, estimated time approximately 4 hours Meals: 2 x Breakfasts and 1 x Dinner Day 9 - Saturday 5 May Tui to O Porrino O Porriño is an industrial town and its main industry is granite production. However you won t be disappointed with the walk and the city square has some excellent places for tapas. Walking: 17km, estimated time approximately 3-4 hours Day 10 - Sunday 6 May O Porrino to Redondela An easy walk to Redondela, a small fishing village just off the Camino. It is renowned for its delicious oysters and fish. Our accommodation is by the water. Perhaps take a swim before the tasty evening meal. Walking: 17km, estimated time approximately 4-5 hours Day 11 - Monday 7 May Redondela to Pontevedra We wind our way through the old town of Redondela towards Pontevedra, which has some of the most beautiful historical-artistic monuments in Galicia. Enjoy the narrow local roads at the beginning of the route today. There are a few food temptations along the way. Walking: 19km, estimated time approximately 4 hours Day 12 - Tuesday 8 May Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis Welcome to the flattest stage of the Camino. It runs along dirt roads, mostly weaving among village houses and fields. Leaving Praza da Ferreria, we cross Pontevedra s old town and go over the O Burgo Bridge, entering the green landscapes of rural Galicia, one of the most unforgettable provinces in Spain. Arrive in Caldas de Reis, the home of some thermal springs. Walking: 21km, estimated time approximately 5 hours
Day 13 - Wednesday 9 May Caldas de Reis to Padron The road out of Caldas de Reis takes us straight to the fields, before reaching the outskirts of Padrόn, famous for its celebrated writers monuments bearing witness to these include the Rosalia de Castro House and Museum and the Camilo José Cela Foundation. It is also renowned for its peppers some very spicy!! Walking: 18km, estimated time approximately 4-5 hours Day 14 - Thursday 10 May Padron to Santiago de Compostela Our destination today is Santiago de Compostela - a rare and special city with a particular magic. Its historical centre has been designated a World Heritage Site. There are many churches and religious buildings. The most important being the impressive cathedral, which is both Baroque and Romanesque at the same time and contains the sepulchre of the Apostle St James (known in Spanish as Santiago). The plazas of A Quintana, Praterias, Acibecheria and O Obradoiro surround the cathedral and each one stands as an open-air museum. Plaza de O Obradoiro marks the location of the Hostel dos Reis Catόlicos, which is today a parador hotel, the office of the vice-chancellor of the city s university and the Pazo de Raxoi, which is home to the regional government and the City Hall. The cathedral marks the beginning of Rúa da Raiña and Rúa Franco, which are laden with bars and restaurants where we can enjoy all the specialities of Galicia. At the end of the street, the beautiful Paseo da Ferradura offers impressive views of the city on one side and the university campus on
the other. Another part of the historical centre contains the beautiful marketplace, which is of neo-romanesque style. It is impossible to summarise the beauty of this great city in only a few lines. Wander around the streets and enjoy the character of this amazing city, which is enjoyed by pilgrims from all around the world. Time to sample some tapas and to reflect on the journey that has lead us to Santiago de Compostela. On arrival, pilgrims gather in the square in front of the cathedral to congratulate each other and celebrate the amazing journey. It is usually an emotional day and it is worth attending a pilgrim s mass which usually takes place at midday and in the evening. Walking: 15km, estimated time approximately 4 hours Day 15 - Friday 11 May Santiago de Compostela Today is free to discover this incredible city. Our arrival should coincide with the Bofumeria display. Please note that this is not guaranteed to occur every Friday so we hope that we ll be lucky! Day 16 - Saturday 12 May Santiago de Compostela Although the trip finishes after breakfast today, the memories of the Camino will live on. 7 DAY FNISTERRE EXTENSION Day 16 - Saturday 12 May Santiago de Compostela to Negreira Having celebrated the achievement of walking The Way, the icing on the cake is continuing to the End of the World. From Santiago, pass through quaint rural hamlets over your 4-hour walk to Negreira. A highlight of this section of the walk is crossing over the stunning Roman bridge that lies over the River Tambre in Ponte Maceira. Walking: 21km Day 17 - Sunday 13 May Negreira to Santa Marina It is very obvious you have moved away from the main thoroughfare. Not everyone has the time nor the opportunity to compete the additional 90km. Tonight break your journey at Santa Marina. Walking: 21km Day 18 - Monday 14 May Santa Marina to Olveiroa Pilgrims are few and far between on the beautiful walk between Santa Marina and Olveiroa. It is one of the most beautiful sections of the walk with 360 degress of lush greenery and the Reservoir of Fervenza glimmering in the distance. You will notice that the Spanish dialect in this region is Gallego, a combination of Spanish with Portuguese and Celtic. Walking: 13km
Day 19 - Tuesday 15 May Olveiroa to Cee Your day begins with stunning views over the River Xallas and surrounding forest. Woods, fields and horses feature on your path to the coastal town of Cee. The farmland offers a lovely bucolic landscape until you catch your first glimpse of the sea on your descent into Cee. Walking: 20km Day 20 - Wednesday 16 May Cee to Finisterre Arriving into Finisterre is a moving experience. Usually very few people take this secluded track, which adds a special touch. There is an exhilaration whilst standing at the End of the World, looking out to sea and reflecting on your journey. Walking: 16km Day 21 - Thursday 17 May Finisterre to Santiago Today you can relax and reflect on the past three weeks whilst you travel back to Santiago for your final night. Day 22 - Friday 18 May Santiago Although the trip finishes after breakfast today, your memories of the Camino will live on. Meet Bronny Tudor Bronny joined Peregrine Travel in 1986. She has travelled all over the world and to all seven continents, including more than twenty visits to Africa, one of which saw her summiting Kilimanjaro. Bronny has walked in many European countries including France, Italy, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Spain, Hungary and the UK. In America she has walked most National Parks and extensive sections of the Appalachian Trail on the eastern coast. She has trekked in Nepal in both the Everest and Annapurna regions. Bronny has also explored China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and South America. She has sailed both Polar Regions to the Antarctic twice including The Falkland Islands and South Georgia and to both the Canadian High Arctic and Scandinavian High Arctic circumnavigating the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago the home of the polar bear.
Portuguese Way Porto to Santiago de Compostela $4390.00* per person twin share ex Porto Though every effort will be made to fulfil commitments as per the brochure and itinerary Peregrine Travel Centre undertakes no liability should circumstances beyond its control prevent such undertaking being possible. Peregrine Travel Centre reserves the right to change the itinerary, dates, prices, inclusions, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. It will not be liable to refund passengers for any reason whatsoever including failure to reach expectations, inability to participate in other activities or inclusions. By booking a tour the passenger acknowledges and agrees that though every effort will be made to ensure your personal well-being, Peregrine Travel Centre accepts no liability for any additional charges, including transport, meals or accommodation costs, incurred as a result of fault, misdemeanour or third party failures, the non-provision of services, strikes, cancellations, delays, illness or accident. Peregrine Travel Centre expressly renounces all claims should you incur additional expense as a direct or indirect consequence of the tours, foods or beverages or transport or any ancillary service provided throughout the tour. Though all practical assistance will be given, no responsibility is assumed or undertaken by Peregrine Travel Centre for loss of money, credit cards, traveller s cheques, baggage or personal belongings. Peregrine Travel Centre collects personal information which may be forwarded to 3 rd party suppliers i.e. airlines/wholesalers/tour operators to assist in the fulfilment of your travel plans. Your personal information is not on sold or divulged to any other organisations. No details of your travel arrangements will be released to anyone unless advised to us prior to travel. *Tour price is per person, twin share and based on minimum 12 people travelling. Price subject to availability, exchange rate and currency surcharges. Not included in the price: flights, items of a personal nature, meals & drinks not listed in itinerary, gratuities, souvenirs, insurance and local taxes. Single supplement is $1,165.00. Further conditions apply. PAYMENT A non-refundable deposit of $1,150.00 per person is payable on booking. The final balance of the monies will be due by Thursday 15 February 2018. Peregrine Travel Centre reserves the right to amend the tour cost if the exchange rate alters significantly. - Cash, personal or bank cheque, direct deposit or electronic funds transfer to our bank account Bank: Westpac Bank BSB: 035006 Account No: 150990 Account Name: Peregrine Travel Trust Account REF: SURNAME Portuguese Way April 2018 - Credit card; (service fees apply as follows: 1% Visa/Mastercard, 3% Diners/Amex) PLEASE NOTE: Electronic Funds Transfer Payments usually take 24 to 48 hours to appear in our bank account. Please allow for this when timing your payments for a due date or airline ticketing deadline. We cannot pay tour operators or airlines until funds have appeared in our account. This may affect your quoted price if payment deadlines are missed. Receipts will be sent to you on the day when funds appear in our account. TOUR CANCELLATION Cancellations must be in writing. The following scale will apply: Deposit - non-refundable After final payment, 100% cancellation fee applies. These cancellation fees are not negotiable, therefore we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Peregrine Travel Centre Adelaide P: 08 8223 5905 E: adventures@peregrinetravel.com.au 1/192 Rundle Street, Adelaide SA 5000 www.peregrinetraveladelaide.com.au