Compare Camino de Santiago: the Scenic Portuguese Route by Cosmos vs Highlights of Southern Poland by Intrepid Travel

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 Krakow

Czesc! Welcome to Poland. Your adventure begins in Krakow with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in the city a little early, why not use this time to get your bearings. Krakow is striking with contrasts – you’ll find a medieval Old Town with a large youthful influence, renowned fine dining restaurants side by side with food trucks, and a vibrant Jewish quarter with some elegant speakeasies and hidden bars nearby. After your meeting, you'll have an option to head out with your group to dinner – your leader will know of some great options.

Day 2 Krakow

This morning, you’ll get to know Krakow a little better. Join your leader for a walk to the Jewish quarter and gain an appreciation for how the community have revived their cultural identity. Finish off your visit with a local delicacy – a zapiekanka (toasted baguette). Then, you’re free to choose how to spend your afternoon. You might take a leader-led walk around Krakow’s Old Town – Rynek (main square) is one of the oldest and most recognisable medieval squares in Europe. Or, you can take the opportunity to visit Auschwitz. A walk through the camp with a local guide is a truly sobering experience and helps to understand the sheer scale of the tragic loss of life that occurred here. Otherwise, you might decide to take a guided tour of Nowa Huta – a former communist town turned eastern Quarter of Krakow.

Day 3 Wroclaw

Say farewell to Krakow as you board a morning train to Wroclaw. Wroclaw is the cultural centre of southwest Poland, sitting on the banks of River Oder for over 1000 years and shaped by influences of Czech, German and Polish rule. Arrive around midday, then follow your leader on an orientation walk to this city's medieval square. Maybe try a nearby basement brewery for lunch. In the afternoon, take part in a traditional pottery making workshop – trying your hand at hand moulding or on a potter's wheel. Then, spend the evening how you’d like. You might check out Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island), or wander around Old Town on a hunt for the numerous dwarf sculptures. Don’t miss out on appreciating Wroclaw from River Oder or experiencing the vibrant cultural scene – your leader will be on hand to give recommendations on local hotspots.

Day 4 Szklarska Poreba

After breakfast, travel by train to Szklarska Poreba. Sitting in the Sudeten Mountains, Szklarska Poreba is a winter resort town, renowned for its mountain hiking, cycling and skiing. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, you’re free to explore the town and its surroundings. Perhaps head to Szklarki Waterfall, known for both its beauty and for being where Wim Hof developed his famous cold temperature meditations. Or you might like to examine the more than 3000 artefacts in the Mineralogical Museum, encountering samples from outer space in a ski village. In the evening, your leader will be able to suggest local dinner spots.

Day 5 Szklarska Poreba

Today, get set for a leader-led walk through the high peaks and dense green forests of Karkonoski National Park. Starting from your accommodation, you’ll hike along wide trails with a gentle climb – if needed, there are plenty of spots for a rest. The scenery will slowly unfold around you as you head towards Wysoki Kamien Observation Tower. Sitting on the eastern summit of the Izerskie mountains, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the national park and the Karkonosze mountains. Make your way back to town, then finish your day with an included traditional Polish dinner. Be sure to toast today’s efforts!

Day 6 Warsaw

This morning, leave Szklarska Poreba and transfer to Jelenia Gora, before boarding a public bus to Warsaw. Poland’s capital has a rich history shown in its mix of Gothic, neoclassical and Soviet-era architecture, and also a new, cosmopolitan touch. After arriving in the early afternoon, why not head out to a local craft beer bar for lunch? Then, get your bearings during on orientation walk of the city, visiting the Warsaw University rooftop gardens, which demonstrate how creative architecture can make our cities green and friendly. You might decide to finish your day by sharing a final dinner with your fellow travellers – be sure to sample some of Poland’s signature dishes (and the local vodka, of course).

Day 7 Warsaw

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Warsaw, just get in touch with your booking agent and they’ll be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).