About the Experience
There are over a dozen ways to Santiago and the spaghetti trails run from Italy, France and Portugal with a sacred union in Santiago where apostle Saint James lies in wait.
This Camino Portuguese pilgrimage is 114km long and threads through verdant tunnels of eucalyptus trees, tangles of kiwi orchards, century-old vineyards, cerulean estuaries and fishing harbours humming with activity.
Cross over smooth cobblestones pushed by coastal Atlantic winds, soak in the rejuvenating waters of Calads de Reis’ natural hot springs and be sure to pull up a seat to oysters served every which way in Arcade (Galicia’s oyster capital). Marinated, drizzled with lemon or stuffed in a savoury empanada (Galician pie), the “truffles of the sea” are a prerequisite for the miles ahead as is the celebrated local Albariño white wine.
Along “The Way” you will collect Camino passport stamps in your “credencial” at several landmarks (churches, hostels, bars, cafes) that will entitle you to receive the official Compostela in Santiago. Pilgrims who are awarded the Compostela must travel at least 100km on foot (or in the saddle of a horse or bike!). The unique ink stamps will remain in your heart like a tattoo (that you won’t regret!).
Expect Romanesque architecture, savoury Padrón pepper lunches, knock-out views of the Cíes Islands and the reliable Camino camaraderie that makes the pilgrimage route a rare and coveted experience.
About the Experience
There are over a dozen ways to Santiago and the spaghetti trails run from Italy, France and Portugal with a sacred union in Santiago where apostle Saint James lies in wait.
This Camino Portuguese pilgrimage is 114km long and threads through verdant tunnels of eucalyptus trees, tangles of kiwi orchards, century-old vineyards, cerulean estuaries and fishing harbours humming with activity.
Cross over smooth cobblestones pushed by coastal Atlantic winds, soak in the rejuvenating waters of Calads de Reis’ natural hot springs and be sure to pull up a seat to oysters served every which way in Arcade (Galicia’s oyster capital). Marinated, drizzled with lemon or stuffed in a savoury empanada (Galician pie), the “truffles of the sea” are a prerequisite for the miles ahead as is the celebrated local Albariño white wine.
Along “The Way” you will collect Camino passport stamps in your “credencial” at several landmarks (churches, hostels, bars, cafes) that will entitle you to receive the official Compostela in Santiago. Pilgrims who are awarded the Compostela must travel at least 100km on foot (or in the saddle of a horse or bike!). The unique ink stamps will remain in your heart like a tattoo (that you won’t regret!).
Expect Romanesque architecture, savoury Padrón pepper lunches, knock-out views of the Cíes Islands and the reliable Camino camaraderie that makes the pilgrimage route a rare and coveted experience.
DAY ONE: VIGO
At 6 PM, meet your steely Wild Women guide and girl pack in a central hotel lobby in the beating heart of Vigo, a lively port town in southern Galicia. Tonight the only requirement is to eat, drink and be merry! Learn more about your fellow pilgrims over a shared dinner at one of Vigo’s popular eateries. If you arrive early, be sure to wander down Calle de Las Ostras (“Oyster Street”). You might be shell-shocked!
Meals Included: Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Hotel Ciudad de Vigo
Hiking Distance: Just happy wandering! As far as you’d like!
DAY TWO: VALENCO DO MINHO
We’ll drive due south and begin with a dose of history in Valença, a walled town of Roman origins located on the left bank of the Rio Miño (river).
From the Fortress, there’s a bird’s eye view of Tuí International Bridge(or Valença, depending on which side you are standing on) that connects Portugal with Spain. The bridge was completed in 1878 under the direction of Gustave Eiffel (yes, the Eiffel Tower guy!). We will walk in Eiffel’s footsteps across this landmark bridge which does double-duty as the border between Portugal and Spain. Tonight we will spend the night in Tui, close to the Rio Miño, and revel in the river valley’s natural oooh and ahhhs.
Be sure to poke around the city’s cobblestone streets and yesteryear vibe. Have your camera batteries charged for the 12th century cathedral in the medieval center. Amateur architects will appreciate the Gothic and Romanesque-style design and remains of the impressive walled enclosure.
The Camino Portuguese route is a beautiful balance of woodland paths, and rural roads. The vineyards and kiwi orchards demonstrate the fertility of the Minho Valley. Kiwi production has doubled since the 1980s–don’t leave the area without trying a yellow-fleshed kiwi!
After hugging the riverside trail into Orbenlle, you will board the bus to visit the southernmost tip of coastal Galicia. In Santa Telca, you can explore the 1st Century Celtic high above the churning Atlantic and Miño Rio estuary.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep:
For April departure: Pazo Lareche
For Sept departure: Ciudad de Vigo
Hiking Distance: 12.5 km / 7.77 miles (optional 3.5 km / 2.17 miles with 350m elevation loss)
DAY THREE: O PORRINO
Today we will drive inland to the pulsating center of O Porriño to continue the Camino journey. This town is famous for its startling pink granite and stunning Casa Consistorial edifice built in 1919.
After a steady climb, we will linger in the little hamlet of Mos to check out the Pazo de Marquesas and Church of Santa Eulalia del Monte.
Then (insert a big slug of water here), it’s onwards and upwards to Capilla de Santiaguiño de Antas on Monte Cornedo (232m)! The reward is found in the sweeping Redonela valley views before descending to the town below. Redondela is best known for its incredible arteries of 19th century viaducts, Iglesia de Santiago (look for the emblematic rose window) and Santiago Matamoros statue. If the church is open, it has a particularly special stamp for your credencial.
From Redondela, the trail ascends past meticulous gardens and vineyards to a little bar in Cesantes where we will end our day. It’s not an oasis! Drink in the views of Puente Rande over the Ria de Vigo with a Estrella Galicia, a family owned brewing company founded in 1906. Cheers!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep:
For April departure: Pazo Lareche
For Sept departure: Ciudad de Vigo
Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11.18 miles
DAY FOUR: ONWARDS TO PONTEVEDRA
From Cesantes, the Camino moves seamlessly from a coastal section to the ancient stone paths of the Camino Reales to woodland. There are two significant climbs to challenge your quads. Before and after the small fishing town of Arcade (yes, the ‘oyster capital’ of Galicia), get your heart valves pumping after some bivalves! There are several cafés and water fountains along the morning route to fuel up. The vineyards of Rias Baixas will become a familiar site for the next couple of days.
In the afternoon, the walk is mainly shady under the towering stands of eucalyptus until the compact and enchanting city of Pontevedra. During the golden age (circa the 15th and 16th century) it was reputed for its port and sardine fishing but in 1951, the city centre was declared a Historic Artistic Site. On your to-do list: 18th century Shrine of Virgen Pergrina, the patron saint of Pontevedra, Gothic Santo Domingo (now part of the Museum of Pontevedra), the plasterwork of Real Basilica Menor de Santa Maria la Major, the Church and Convent of San Francisco and lively plazas buzzing with music, locals sharing pesticos (tapas) and bouncing soccer balls.
You will be staying in Pontevedra and can walk directly to your hotel after taking in the sights, sounds and perhaps some spider crab croquettes or tempura shrimp? Dinner will be wherever you choose and there are many tempting options from gastrobars to cafes.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep:
For April departure: Pazo Larache
For Sept departure: Ciudad de Vigo
Hiking Distance: 17 km / 10.56 miles
DAY FIVE: CALDAS DE REIS
After departing the old town of Pontevedra with a sigh, look for the excavations of the original Roman bridge foundation and a replica Milário (Roman milestone) just before crossing the grand 12th century O Burgo bridge. Today’s walk moves through pastoral countryside following the infrequently used railway line. The fragrant forest paths (inhale here: eucalyptus and pine!) are an ideal place to zen-out and tune into the bird life in the treetops. The Camino passes by several cruceiros (crosses) and the 12th century statues of Santa Maria de Alba and charming chapels of San Amaro and Santa Lucia.
After the village of San Amaro, there is an optional detour to chill out by the waterfalls of Parque Natural de Ria Barosa. If there have been heavy rains, the falls will be at a peak. There are also shaded picnic tables and cat nap-friendly spots to recline.
At day’s end, you will land in Caldas de Reis, prized for its thermal waters. Caldas de Reis would have been on Tripadvisor back in the day if there were such a thing. Celts and Romans instinctively knew long ago to come and ‘take the waters’. Pilgrims know of the healing powers too and we encourage you to rest and restore in the natural bathtub. The tradition involves soaking your weary feet in the lavadero filled with hot water. Across the Roman bridge, quench your deep-down body thirst at the cold spring. The group will spend the night in this tranquil spa town so enjoy the om to the fullest.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Pousada Real
Hiking Distance: 23 km / 14.29 miles
DAY SIX: THE LEGEND OF SANTIAGO
Today is short and sweet on the walking front with a few hills to conquer and mesmerizing forest tracks of eucalyptus and pine, ubiquitous gorse and broom. The climb to O Pino is through sleepy countryside villages and hills that offer views to distract! The Camino passes four churches before Padrón, the most remarkable one being the Santa Marina de Caracedo on the edge of the village of Campo.
Arriving into Padrón is a monumental stage as it is the last town before Santiago. The legend of Apostle Saint James suggests that he first preached on the rocks above the town and a miracle occurred; a spring appeared using his staff. It was also here that the boat that carried Santiago’s body from Palestine was moored. For trivia junkies: The town takes its name from the ‘Pedrón’; a stone that the boat was reputed to have been tied to. The original stands beneath the high altar in the neoclassical Church of Santiago alongside the canal.
The town is dominated by the Convent and Fountain of Carmen, both imposing and magnetic. Behind them, and above on the hill, is the Chapel of Santiaguiño and the Santiaguiño do Monte, a shrine formed of the rocks where Santiago first preached. A narrow pathway of 126 steps will take you there and it’s way more rewarding than 30 minutes on the Stairmaster!
Padrón is also famous for its little green peppers which are fried whole in olive oil. Like Doritos, you can’t stop at one. Eating them is a gamble though, much like wasabi peas as one in every five or six has a spicy kick that will reignite any dull taste buds!
After a short shuttle, you can kick off your boots and unpack at the rural retreat where you will stretch out for the next two nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Casa Rosalia
Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11.18 miles
DAY SEVEN: MOVING ON TO MILLADOIRO
Today, we will set our focus on Santiaguiño do Monte in Padrón. The Camino’s gentle terrain will then guide us through the tiny, rural Galician villages of Romeris, Rueiro and Villar before visiting the Baroque sanctuary at A Escravitude.
Continuing on through mystical woodland tracks and country roads (with a short stretch of the main road) the trail ribbons over rolling hills to the village and ancient oak trees of Rua do Francos (home to one of the oldest wayside crosses in Galicia). After emerging from the woodland wonder of eucalyptus, pine and oak canopies, there’s a long climb to the modern suburb of Milladoiro, a satellite community of Santiago. Can you feel the pulse of being so close to the epicentre? Jump on the shuttle back to our hotel for a penultimate night together with the group on the cusp of reaching hallowed Santiago.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Casa Rosalia
Hiking Distance: 19 km / 11.81 miles
DAY EIGHT: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Wistfully, join your fellow pilgrims on the Camino one last time today. With Milladoiro over our shoulders, begin a gentle descent through petite villages. Scan the horizon for Santiago de Compostela and its cathedral spires–the final destination! Insert the Chariots of Fire theme song here! Or, whatever puts a charge in your step. The final few kilometers and signature scallops and yellow arrows follow sidewalks (look for the cat crossing signs!) into the medieval heart of Santiago.
Our Portuguese Camino ends on the steps of the cathedral. Tonight, we will celebrate over dinner and revel in the accomplishment and feat of our feet!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Virxe de Cerca
Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
DAY NINE: BUEN CAMINO
After a leisurely breakfast (don’t forget to get your sweet fill of the regional tarte de Santiago!), a local guide and historian will enlighten the group on a two-hour tour of the city and cathedral. We will finish in time to attend the Pilgrims Mass which is an emotional event of redemption and reflection. The tour will conclude around 2PM so we recommend that you spend another night in Santiago (not included in the trip package) or choose an evening flight departure. The afterglow is the best! Wander with other pilgrims in the revelry and relief of the kilometers behind you.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 0 on the Fitbit!
ITINERARY ROUTE
Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!
- Arrive into Vigo-Peinador Airport(VGO)
- There are several ways to get to the rendezvous point and meet with your fellow Wild Women and guides. Check out the link below to explore your options:
Vigo Airport (VGO) to Hotel Cuidad de Vigo
Group Rendezvous Point
- Date: Day 1
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: Meet your group and guides at the Hotel Ciudad de Vigo, Rúa de Concepcion Arenal, 5, 36201 Vigo, Pontevedra
- The tour will officially conclude on the afternoon of Day 9. We highly recommend spending another night in Santiago or to book a red-eye flight out of Santiago. You’ll want to celebrate and enjoy the fever pitch, trust us!
- Departure Airport in Santiago de Compostela: Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ)
Drop-Off Point:
- Date: Day 9
- Time: 2 PM
- Location: Virxe de Cerca, Santiago de Compostela
Megan and Zale | ****Now Boarding Travel Specialist
Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
- Passport
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules..
Important: A copy of your passport must be emailed to the Wild Women Expeditions office by 130-days pre-trip.
- Visa
Citizens or residents of EU & Schengen countries do not need a visa to enter Vigo.
Visitors from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand & the USA also do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
For other countries, please check with a Spanish embassy or consulate.
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
It is customary to leave a tip to thank waiters and other service providers. At restaurants, bars and coffee shops, it is customary to leave 10% of the total amount of the bill; if the service was really impressive, you may wish to leave up to 15%.
- Rooming Arrangements
Our trip prices are based on shared rooms (minimum of two people per room—yes, you get your own bed!). We’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share a room with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share a room with your travel partner.
- Private Upgrade
Subject to availability. If you have already indicated this preference on your registration form, you will be emailed a quote once availability is confirmed. If you are interested in this option, but didn’t indicate this on your form, please email us at support@wildwomenexpeditions.com with your request.
- Camino Restrooms
There are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants along the Camino route that are available for toilet breaks. There aren’t many sections of the route where you will have to hold it for more than 5 km. Most bars and cafes allow you to use their toilet providing you buy a coffee or something from them.
Of course, in times of emergency (and if you feel comfortable) you can do your thing on the route. Please be respectful and carry your waste with you in a plastic bag and properly dispose of it.
- Internet / WiFi / Cell Coverage
Some accommodations will have WiFi (although it is often just in the lobby and public areas) and others will not (do to the historic nature of the hotels and thick, impenetrable walls!) but you will be able to find free WiFi in the bars and restaurants in the town/village that you are in. Just request the password and buy a pastry, coffee or beer as thanks!
Using a Spanish SIM card from providers such as Yolgo, Orange, Movistar and Vodafone, is one of the easiest way to make calls. You can purchase SIM cards with pay-as-you-go credit which will cost you from around10 euro. You can purchase very inexpensive phones locally, or you can bring your own unlocked phones.
- Potable Water
Purified water is provided throughout the expedition.
On the Camino route you will find several public water fountains and taps to refill your water bottle. Signs will indicate “agua potable” if the water is monitored and safe to drink.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
- Hotel Ciudad de Vigo
- Pazo Larache (April 22nd departure only)
- Pousada Real
- Casa Rosalia
- Virxe de Cerca
Today, nearly 300,000 pilgrims a year make this remarkable journey on foot, by bike, by horseback or in a wheelchair to the shrine.
Movies:
Books:
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
Currency exchange locations can be found in shopping malls or international airports. If you plan to exchange money in Portugal, be prepared to show your passport at the bank.
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
Be sure you know your PIN number (not letters) before departure. ATM machines are not always frequently found in smaller villages. Note: you will pay an additional service fee for ATM withdrawals. Look for ATM machines that advertise the PLUS logo. Visa Plus is a worldwide interbank network that provides cash to Visa cardholders and connects all Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards, as well as ATM cards issued by various banks worldwide bearing the Visa / Electron logo. Note that smaller restaurants or cafes may not accept credit or debit cards. Cash is often the most convenient way to pay.
- Budgeting
When budgeting for this trip, remember to account for lunches as a separate expense. The ‘menu del dia’ or ‘menu del peregrino’ is available in local cafes will cost between 9 and 12 euros. These enormous three-course meals include wine and are an incredible value.
Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their Medical Travel Insurance or personal expense.
Getting Fit
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.
That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Rev up your ticker!
Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high-intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way, the aim is to get your heart rate up.
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Hill Training.
The most spectacular views aren’t from the bottom of a valley – so the places we go on our trips aren’t flat. A little time training on hills and stairs is an investment that’ll pay off big-time when you’re on your trip. When it comes to hills there’s no hurry – get into a slow steady rhythm and you’ll be at the top before you know it.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Practice ‘backpacking’.
Grab your backpack (or borrow one) and head for the hills! If you’re bringing your own backpack, practice adjusting the various straps so you know how it feels in different positions. We aren’t multi-day hiking every day, but you’ll be carrying a day pack almost everyday, so it’s well worth a bit of practice. Backpacks sit differently and so change your centre of balance when it’s full of gear so make sure you put a few pounds of weight in it in training.
- Break in your hiking boots.
Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
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Starting At$3,995Deposit$495Duration9 DAYS
- 🇺🇸USD PRICEFOREIGN EXCHANGE FEES MAY APPLY
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What's Included
- All breakfasts and dinners are included in the price of this tour. Lunches are not part of the package but there are several stores along the route for picnic fixings or a sweet pick-me-up. There are small bars that cater to pilgrims and a few pop-up food trucks as well. Fret not! The van will also be stocked with hit-the-spot snacks and water. We will do our best to accommodate any unique dietary requirements but please let us know in advance. Note: Red velvet cupcakes are not a dietary requirement!
- We’ve got your back–and pack! You will have a private driver and van or bus support for the entire hike. Store your luggage in the van or bus if you don’t want the weight of the world on your shoulders!
- Accommodations for 8 nights in local hotels. All rooms have private bathrooms but the smaller inns have no phones or TVs in the room. We’re guessing that you won’t even notice!
- Daily route maps with historical tidbits that will make you Jeopardy! ready
- One or two local Wild Women English and Spanish-speaking female guides to help navigate menus and pronunciations!
- A guided tour of Santiago upon arrival (time subject to change just like the weather and hairstyles!)
- Tips for guide(s) have been included in trip price
- Optional single private upgrade, subject to availability
- All applicable taxes are included in the trip price