Compare Camino de Santiago: the Scenic Portuguese Route by Cosmos vs Spain and Portugal Highlights by Eskapas

Day 1: ARRIVE IN PORTO, PORTUGAL

Check into your hotel and, if you have time, start exploring this lively city on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. In the late afternoon, meet your tour companions and your Tour Director, who will explain the dos and don’ts of the walk and give you some important advice. Take a pleasant stroll to a nearby restaurant for an included welcome dinner. (Dinner)

Day 2: PORTO-VALENÇA DO MINHO-TUI, SPAIN-BAIONA

Approximately 3 km/2 mi - avg 40 min – difficulty 1/3.
Time this morning for a quick guided orientation through Porto’s bustling city center with views over the Douro River, followed by free time or the opportunity to attend [M] Mass in the Cathedral. After lunch, transfer by coach to Valença do Minho to walk a section of the Camino de Santiago into Spain across the Minho river towards Tui. Rejoin the coach to Baiona, on the Atlantic coast. Fun fact: Baiona was the first town in Europe to receive news of America’s discovery in 1493. We recommend touring the medieval fortress on the Monterreal peninsula, visiting the replica of Columbus’ ship la Pinta and discovering this beautiful beachside town. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Today’s distance (by coach): 89 mi / 143 km

Day 3: BAIONA-VIGO

Approximately 25 km/15.5 mi – avg 5 hrs – difficulty 2/3.
This is the real start of your journey. May every step be a thought on peace and an extension of loving kindness. Leave Baiona behind, and follow the coast across the Rías Baixas through the beach town of Nigrán. Walk along long pristine beaches and admire the magnificent Cíes Islands from a distance. Vigo is Galicia’s most important harbor and busiest city. If you wish, attend [M] Mass at Vigo Cathedral. (Breakfast)

Day 4: VIGO-REDONDELA-PONTEVEDRA

Approximately 16 km/10 mi – avg 3 hrs – difficulty 2/3.
Take in the stunning views of Vigo Bay, the Atlantic Islands, the Morrazo Peninsula, and Rande Bridge. After a pleasant walk on an unpaved path through woodlands, reach Redondela. Our driver will take you to the hotel in the centre of Pontevedra, where you will spend the next two nights. You may wish to visit the stunning Sanctuary of the Virgin Pilgrim and attend [M] Mass.(Breakfast,Dinner)
Today’s distance (by coach): 12.5 mi / 20 km

Day 5: PONTEVEDRA-REDONDELA-PONTEVEDRA

Approximately 19 km/12 mi–Average 4 hrs, 30 min. – Difficulty 3/3.
After a short transfer back to Redondela, continue your journey; first uphill by the coast with stunnning views over the Vigo Bay and across the infamous Ponte Sampaio bridge, where Napoleon’s Army suffered one of the greatest defeats during the War of Independence. Continue then mostly downhill, through peaceful oak forests and along the river to the center of Pontevedra, the city founded by the Romans and dedicated to the Virgen Peregrina (the Pilgrim Virgin). Your [M] Mass option tonight is at Saint Francisco Convent. Take advantage of the vast choice of restaurants to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture. (Breakfast)
Today’s distance (by coach): 12.5 mi / 20 km

Day 6: PONTEVEDRA-COMBARRO-COVELO

Approximately 14 km/8.7 mi – Average 3 hrs – Difficulty 1/3.
Leave the inland Portuguese Camino to take the Spiritual Variant, which follows St. James’ final journey. Legend says that a stone vessel carried the Apostle’s remains from Jaffa in Israel to Padrón along the River Ulla some 2000 years ago. Today, you will walk past the Monastery of San Juan de Poio and the beautiful town of Combarro, famous for its many horreos (traditional granaries on pillars). After Combarro, continue another two miles along the coast to reach the hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 7: COVELO-CAMBADOS

Approximately 20 km/12.5 mi–Average 4 hrs 30 min.–Difficulty 3/3.
Expect a beautiful walk today, through vineyards and alongside refreshing streams in the forests. Stop at the 12th Century Cistercian Monastery of Armenteira, founded by the knight Ero in 1168. Follow the relaxing “Ruta da Pedra e da Agua”(the rock and water route), a forest path next to a water stream with over 30 medieval water mills. The destination today is Cambados, considered to be the capital of Albariño, one of the best white wines in the world. [M] Mass is available at the impressive Santa Mariña Dozo Church. (Breakfast)

Day 8: CAMBADOS-CATAMARAN CRUISE TO PADRÓN-PONTECESURES-SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Approximately 24 km/15 mi–Average 5 hrs–Difficulty 3/3.
Start the day on a high note: a one-hour catamaran cruise on the Ulla River, following the journey of the legendary stone boat that carried the remains of St. James. See the remains of the Catoira towers, which used to protect Santiago de Compostela from Viking attacks. Disembark on the outskirts of Padrón, famous for its “pimientos,” small, mild green peppers, usually served fried and salted.

Only a few more miles to Santiago de Compostela! Enjoy a celebratory dinner upon completing your Camino de Santiago, served in a local restaurant in the old town. If you have walked all stages of the Camino, you will receive your Pilgrim Certificate. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 9: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Enjoy a full day to rest and to discover Santiago after your Camino. Follow the Tour Director on a guided tour of the Santiago Cathedral and its squares, and attend the Pilgrim [M] Mass in the Cathedral. You can join your Tour Director for a more detailed tour of the old town in the afternoon, go shopping, explore on your own, or just enjoy a well-deserved rest. Discover Santiago’s culinary specialties on your own tonight, and take in the special atmosphere of this historic town. (Breakfast)

Day 10: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–PONTE DE LIMA,PORTUGAL-DOM JESUS DO MONTE-PORTO

The Camino has come to an end, but there are more hidden gems to discover. Depart Santiago de Compostela by bus and explore Ponte de Lima, the oldest riverside town in Portugal, featuring an impressive Medieval bridge with an ancient Roman section over the Lima River. Next stop is the Sanctuary of Dom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the unique zigzag stairway dedicated to the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste—and the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. Continue to Porto. (Breakfast)
Today's Distance by coach: 165 mi / 265 km.

Day 11: PORTO

Take home with you the spiritual growth and appreciation for simple things. This is your most important souvenir of the Camino. Your vacation ends with breakfast. (Breakfast)

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Spain

Upon arrival at Madrid, meet with our driver and transfer with ourto your hotel in Madrid city-center. late after-noon our guide will pick-you up from your hotel to begin two-and-a-half hour private walking touraround the brightest and most symbolic places in Madrid. Throughout the tour, we’ll tell you the most curious stories and legends of Madrid while we visit, among others, the following points of interest: Plaza de Callao, Gran Vía, Palacio Real, Ópera, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Congreso de los Diputados, Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá.

Overnight: Madrid Meals: Not Available

Day 2: Prado Museum & Royal Palace

After breakfast you will meet our guide at 9:45 am by the statue of Francisco de Goya, just in front of the main ticket offices to the Prado museum. First of all we’ll visit this legendary gallery, home to some of the most important works of art in the world.

With a tour lasting an hour and a half, we’ll explore the main halls of the Prado Museum. Among the main works on display are “3 de Mayo en Madrid” by Gayo, “ the Maninas” by Velazquez and “The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. And you’ll also be able to see other works by masters such as El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Sorolla and other greats in the history of art.

With the tour of the Prado museum over at around 11:30 am, we’ll take a walking tour around Madrid, a guided tour on which we’ll see some of the most emblematic spots in the Spanish capital, such as the Congress, the iconic Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Oriente.

Day 3: Madrid – Avila – Salamanca – Porto

Cathedral at Salamanca reflected viewed behind bridge of enrique esteven on river Tormes, Spain.

We’ll leave from central Madrid at 8:30 am, heading to the Castilla-León region, where our first stop will be Ávila. After admiring the impressive Medieval wall that surrounds the old town, you’ll have free time to explore the city.

Continuing onwards, we’ll reach Salamanca, where we’ll leave you discover the beautiful historic centre at your own pace: you’ll soon see why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, we’ll head over the border to Portugal and we’ll spend the night in Porto.

Overnight: Porto Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Porto

After breakfast at the hotel in Porto, we’ll spend the day exploring the city, famous for its magnificent bridges over the Douro River.

Late afternoon at 06:00 pm, you will have a reservation at Fado Show at Ideal Clube. Porto’s famous Ideal Clube de Fado is located on 56, Rua da Galeria de Paris. Enter its doors and immerse yourself in the passion of fado music. This typical Portuguese genre of music has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is a cultural symbol of the country. This is the only show in Porto dedicated exclusively to traditional Fado!

What’s more, this 60-minute show also includes a glass of port wine and a chat with thre musicians! If you wish, although the show starts at 6 pm, you can come half an hour earlier to chat with the musicians and learn more about fado. Overnight: Porto Meals: Breakfast, Fado Show with one glass of Porto.

Day 5 Porto – Coimbra – Fátima

We’ll leave Porto behind and head south to Coimbra a picturesque Portuguese town famous for its traditional music, known as fado. We’ll then make our way to the sanctuary of Fátima, one of the most important Catholic centres of worship in southern Europe, before spending the night in this sacred town.

Overnight: Fatima Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Fátima – Batalha – Nazaré – Alcobaça – Lisbon

Bright and early on the morning of day four, we’ll leave Fátima behind and head for Batalha, a well-known town that stands out for its Manueline monastery. We’ll continue our tour south visiting Nazaré, one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Portugal, before making a stop in Alcobaça whose Medieval monuments are sure to captivate you

We’ll finish the day in Lisbon, where we’ll spend the night.

Overnight: Lisbon Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal at sunset. A popular destination for traveling through Europe, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

We’ll spend this day , exploring the beautiful city of Lisbon, one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe.

Overnight: Lisbon Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Lisbon – Cáceres – Madrid

We’ll leave Portugal behind and travel back to Madrid, stopping on the way in the historically rich Cáceres, packed with Renaissance palaces, Islamic architecture, Medieval fortress-houses, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the old town, its Medieval neighbourhood and the Plaza Mayor.

Overnight: Madrid Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Madrid – Cordoba – Seville

After breakfast, depart from Madrid at 8:30a. Admire the landscapes of Castilla La Mancha, Don Quixote’s birthplace, until you get to Despeñaperros, a canyon carved out by a river and entrance into the Andalusian autonomous community.

Cordoba is a city where many civilizations once flourished including the Moors, the Romans, Jews and Christians. Follow your guide into the impressive multiarched Mosque-Cathedral, symbol of the sophistication of the Islamic Spain. Next, you’ll visit the old Jewish Quarter which is packed with pretty white house full of plants and flowers hanging from the balconies and peaceful interior patios.

In the evening, you’ll head to Seville.

Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast-Dinner

Day 10: Seville

Today, you’ll discover Seville’s most symbolic landmarks and learn why it is one of the most-visited cities in Spain. You’ll stroll to the cathedral and its renowned bell tower called Giralda.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood and wander through the lush María Luisa park and admire the surprising Plaza de España. After the guided tour, you’ll have to time to walk around and try the region’s delicious gastronomy.

At nightfall, and after enjoying dinner at your hotel, you can delight in a Flamenco show (optional).

Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast-Dinner

Day 11: Seville – Granada

Board the coach and head east to<strong> Granada</strong>, through the route of the Caliphate, the last bastion of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Upon arrival, you’ll walk through the charming streets and admire its many palaces, monuments and landmarks and you’ll visit one of the country’s iconic symbols, the renowned Alhambra and the gardens of the Generalife.

Overnight: Granada Meals: Breakfast-Dinner

OPTIONAL: Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic tour of Granada and delight in a Zambra show, a type of Flamenco dance, typical of the Gypsies of Granada in the Sacromonte neighborhood (optional).

Day 12: Granada – Valencia

After breakfast, continue the journey to Valencia, by crossing Murcia and Alicante. Discover this charming city full of contrasts with a monumental historic center and fabulous Modernista architecture, like the City of Arts and Sciences.

At night time, you’ll have time to amble around the city and try one of its traditional Valencian paellas.

Overnight: Valencia Meals: Breakfast </span></div>

Day 13: Valencia – Barcelona

In the morning, you’ll continue to explore Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain and its most impressive landmarks.

In the afternoon, you’ll hop on a luxury air-conditioned coach and head north to Catalonia, crossing Tarragona, until you get to Barcelona where you’ll spend the night.

Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast </span></div>

Day 14: Barcelona

After breakfast, you’ll discover this captivating seaside city accompanied by your English-speaking guide and penetrate its old town to understand why it is one of the most visited destinations in Spain. Packed with Modernista landmarks and Antoni Gaudí’s emblematic buildings, including Casa Milá, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, you’ll not want to leave. Then, you’ll head to the Parque Montjuïc, where you’ll enjoy some stunning views of the city>

View of the entrance to the Park Guell by Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Wander along the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter and you’ll have the afternoon free to keep on exploring the city but at your own pace. We recommend going to its beaches, trying its typical dishes and then enjoying the city’s lively night life.

Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Barcelona – Zaragoza – Madrid

After a whole day in Barcelona, you’ll get on the coach and drive to Zaragoza, situated on the banks of the Ebro River, which is the Iberian Peninsula’s largest river. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to discover its cultural heritage and walk back in time to when the Iberians, Romans, Moors, Jews and Christians erected the city little by little. The city’s most emblematic buildings are: </span><span data-offset-key="cc25b-0-5">the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar the Lonja Cathedral of the Savoir.

Day 16: Madrid Departure

After breakfast, private transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Please note that check-out time is usually noon. End of our services.

Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast