Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant – 9 Days

OVERVIEW

The Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant is said to be the first ever Camino (Primitivo being the first ‘pilgrimage’ route).  It follows the last part of the journey of the remains of Saint James (Santiago in Spanish) from Jerusalem to the Iberian Peninsula.

The walk includes a boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures and what is said to be the most important part of the Variante Espiritual route. The Spiritual way splits from the Camino Portugues after Pontevedra and rejoins it again in Pontecesures. This is an excellent way to obtain the Camino Passport.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 9 days of Portuguese Camino de Santiago walking from accommodation to accommodation.
  • Walk the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino without the massive crowds via the Ruta da Pedra and La Translatio
  • 8 nights in 2 to 3-star accommodations that capture the spirit of the region
  • Breakfast every morning
  • Pilgrim kit: passport (credentials) and shell (Viera), walking 128kms on the Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant pack free
  • Enjoy the feeling of walking into Santiago de Compostela, soak up the vibrant Spanish culture of the old town and the Plaza Obradoiro

AT A GLANCE

TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
PRICE FROM
$ 785 per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 265 per person

ITINERARY

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Walk 128km of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (way of St James)from Porto all the way to Santiago de Compostela
  • 8 nights accommodation in 2 to 3 star character filled hotels (an upgrade to 4 star and better accommodation is available.)
  • Boat trip La Translatio
  • Breakfast on every day of the walk
  • On the ground support from local representatives
  • Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the best tapas plus a lot more)
  • All luggage transfers
  • Take advantage of nearly 30 years of experience in organising self-guided walking holidays

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

Comfort is always a priority; at the end of each day, we ensure a hot shower, a comfortable bed, an en suite and plenty of quiet. We know that a comfortable night’s sleep ensures you’ll wake refreshed and primed, ready for the next day’s walking after a full breakfast. All the 2-3-star accommodations have been handpicked to reflect the character and history of the region.

It’s not by chance that when walkers visit Portugal, they almost immediately fall in love with the food and wine here. In Portugal, all the dishes, recipes and ingredients have a story to tell. This is a world you’ll experience both on foot and with your knife and fork. The Camino travels through many towns that are renowned for excellent authentic traditional food. In the North, it is worth frequenting Spanish Tapas bars to experience the wide range of local delicacies available.

Both Portugal and Spain have very old and sophisticated wine industries, and some of the wines you’ll find on this walk you won’t find anywhere else. Please note, alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

GENERAL INFO

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AVAILABILITY

This tour is available from the start of March through November. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.

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THE WALKING

The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.

You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.

A moderate active lifestyle makes walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way.

For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use for your own device.

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)

WEATHER

The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.

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HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Sarria and finishes in Santiago. The best way to reach Sarria is by arriving at one of the following airports: Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport.

The most straightforward way to reach Sarria is from Santiago, around a 2hr 30min train or bus journey changing once in Ourense. If you would prefer a private transfer we can always arrange these for you.

From Madrid, it is around a 7-hour journey from the main Chamartin train station and around an 8-hour journey from Bilbao Station

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INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

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CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    Details
  • 15 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $ 805

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 315
AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
oderate
PRICE FROM
$ 785 per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 265 per person
Overview

The Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant is said to be the first ever Camino (Primitivo being the first ‘pilgrimage’ route).  It follows the last part of the journey of the remains of Saint James (Santiago in Spanish) from Jerusalem to the Iberian Peninsula.

The walk includes a boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures and what is said to be the most important part of the Variante Espiritual route. The Spiritual way splits from the Camino Portugues after Pontevedra and rejoins it again in Pontecesures. This is an excellent way to obtain the Camino Passport.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 9 days of Portuguese Camino de Santiago walking from accommodation to accommodation.
  • Walk the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino without the massive crowds via the Ruta da Pedra and La Translatio
  • 8 nights in 2 to 3-star accommodations that capture the spirit of the region
  • Breakfast every morning
  • Pilgrim kit: passport (credentials) and shell (Viera), walking 128kms on the Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant pack free
  • Enjoy the feeling of walking into Santiago de Compostela, soak up the vibrant Spanish culture of the old town and the Plaza Obradoiro
Itinerary
What’s Included
  • Walk 128km of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (way of St James)from Porto all the way to Santiago de Compostela
  • 8 nights accommodation in 2 to 3 star character filled hotels (an upgrade to 4 star and better accommodation is available.)
  • Boat trip La Translatio
  • Breakfast on every day of the walk
  • On the ground support from local representatives
  • Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the best tapas plus a lot more)
  • All luggage transfers
  • Take advantage of nearly 30 years of experience in organising self-guided walking holidays
Accommodation & Dining

Comfort is always a priority; at the end of each day, we ensure a hot shower, a comfortable bed, an en suite and plenty of quiet. We know that a comfortable night’s sleep ensures you’ll wake refreshed and primed, ready for the next day’s walking after a full breakfast. All the 2-3-star accommodations have been handpicked to reflect the character and history of the region.

It’s not by chance that when walkers visit Portugal, they almost immediately fall in love with the food and wine here. In Portugal, all the dishes, recipes and ingredients have a story to tell. This is a world you’ll experience both on foot and with your knife and fork. The Camino travels through many towns that are renowned for excellent authentic traditional food. In the North, it is worth frequenting Spanish Tapas bars to experience the wide range of local delicacies available.

Both Portugal and Spain have very old and sophisticated wine industries, and some of the wines you’ll find on this walk you won’t find anywhere else. Please note, alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

General Info

AVAILABILITY

This tour is available from the start of March through November. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.

THE WALKING

The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.

You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.

A moderate active lifestyle makes walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way.

For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use for your own device.

WEATHER

The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Sarria and finishes in Santiago. The best way to reach Sarria is by arriving at one of the following airports: Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport.

The most straightforward way to reach Sarria is from Santiago, around a 2hr 30min train or bus journey changing once in Ourense. If you would prefer a private transfer we can always arrange these for you.

From Madrid, it is around a 7-hour journey from the main Chamartin train station and around an 8-hour journey from Bilbao Station

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com

Map
Departure Dates
  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 15 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from $ 805
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 315
Faqs

FAQS

Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?

Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.

Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

Q: Can my children walk with me?

We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.

Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Q: Can we reduce the days walked?

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 8 days and 7 nights.

Q: Can we extend the days walked?

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 40 days or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.

ENQUIRE NOW

If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.
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