Compare Best of Spain & Portugal by G Adventures vs Camino de Santiago: the Scenic Portuguese Route by Cosmos
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 14 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 3,229 | $ 2,749 |
| Price Per Day | $ 231 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | 13 breakfasts, 2 dinners | N/A |
| Description |
Dynamic culture, compelling history, to-die-for cuisine — the Iberian Peninsula really is a true example of riches for every sense and interest. On this adventure, you’ll soak up the Moorish history of Lisbon and Cordoba, be treated to a lively flamenco performance in Seville, explore the astounding red-clay fortress of the Alhambra, and witness Gaudí’s Barcelona with your own eyes. If that sounds like a lot, be prepared; we’ve only just begun. |
Rediscover the wonders of nature and the stillness of the mind on this scenic blend of the Portuguese and the Spiritual routes of the Camino de Santiago. The walk will cover a total of approximately 75 miles. Take time to reflect, contemplate, meditate, and give this challenge the meaning you prefer, whether spiritual, religious, physical, or just an opportunity to meet like-minded people. After landing in Porto, start your journey by walking across the Portuguese-Spanish border on the bridge over the Minho river. Drive to the coastal town of Baiona and walk the Portuguese Way skirting the Atlantic Ocean to Pontevedra. From there, join the Spiritual Variant towards the Ulla River in Cambados and experience a boat cruise to Padrón. The Spiritual Variant is the name given to the route that joins the Camino Portugues, both the Coastal and Central route, with the Traslatio (or Transfer) route. It ends in Santiago de Compostela following the route taken by the remains of the Apostle James, from Jerusalem to Iria Flavia, near Padrón. Discover spectacular landscapes and seascapes, and seize the opportunity to discover historical places, and enjoy the authentic cuisine of the Galician region. Evening Mass will be available in most towns for those who wish to attend. In Santiago de Compostela you can attend Pilgrim Mass. You will receive the Compostela Certificate upon completion of the entire route on foot. |
Day 1 Lisbon
Arrive at any time. If visiting the historic district of Belém is on your bucket list, we recommend arriving early on this day to explore its major sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.
If you'd like to independently explore Lisbon before your tour begins, consider booking pre-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Lisbon before Day 1 of this itinerary.
Day 2 Lisbon
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Lisbon. The rest of the day is free for exploration. In the evening enjoy a Fado performance and traditional Portuguese dinner in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods.
Opt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.
Opt to pre-book a spot on the Eats, Street Art and Undiscovered Lisbon tour during your free time in Lisbon.
Day 3 Lisbon/Coimbra
Leave Lisbon behind and head north to the small hill town of Batalha, best known for its ornate gothic monastery built to commemorate Portugal's victory in the infamous battle of Aljubarrota. Visit the historic Monastery of Batalha with free time to wander the grounds. Continue to the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra.
Day 4 Coimbra
Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra. Opt to visit the famous Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 (and also the inspiration for Harry Potter's Hogwarts). Explore the winding streets and the riverfront filled with restaurants and bars, or opt for a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Aveiro or the pilgrimage sites of Fátima.
Day 5 Coimbra/Porto
Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the morning, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.
Day 6 Porto
Free day to explore Porto. Opt take a cruise down the Douro River, or explore the city which gained UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1996. In the evening enjoy a visit to the port wine cellars and a tasting.
Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting.
Day 7 Porto/Madrid
Catch a flight to Madrid and spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace.
Kindly note there is a 20kg luggage weight restriction on this internal flight. Please make sure to plan your packing with this in mind.
Day 8 Madrid
Take a brief orientation walk with your CEO, then enjoy a full day to explore this bustling capital. Discover Plaza Mayor or opt to visit the famous Royal Palace. Indulge in delicious Spanish tapas or get your art fix at the Prado Museum.
Day 9 Madrid/Granada
Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk. Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with its narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset.
Day 10 Granada
Enjoy a guided visit to the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra. In the evening, opt to go for a stroll and check out the local tapas and wine bars.
After visiting the Alhambra, opt to take a wander through this historic city. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. Granada is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.
Day 11 Granada/Cordoba/Seville
Travel to Seville via picturesque Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). In the early evening, continue towards Seville and end your day with free time to get to know the city.
Day 12 Seville
Spend a day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Opt to explore the district of Santa Cruz, the Alcázar palace or the world's largest Gothic cathedral. In the early evening, end your day with a dramatic flamenco performance.
Take the time to see all this great city has to offer. Opt to explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, or the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter— a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares. Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.
Day 13 Seville/Barcelona
Hop on the train and get comfortable on the journey north to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported paella cooking class, followed by a group dinner to round out the day.
Day 14 Barcelona
Depart at any time.
We highly recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Barcelona after your tour ends. Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
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)
