ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

The Minstrels’ Way 2008 - the Camino of St. James

A guided walk from the north of Portugal to Santiago de Compostela

The Portuguese Way to Santiago is a humble, beautiful road running between cruceiros (monumental crosses) and the tolling of church bells around rural north Portugal and Galicia. Travellers should not expect the great mountains and the scorched plateaus of the well-known French Way that is more epic while the Portuguese Way is considered to be the ‘inspired’ route. Neither El Cid or Charlemagne will appear along the trail but in the depths of the hedgerows or behind some oak or sitting at the foot of an ancient cross you can sense the presence of former minstrels who walked this way. Minstrels such as Martin Codax, Mendino and Bernal de Bonaval who exchanged songs with friends as the sun turned to gold on the carved stone.

This tour takes you along the very best stretches of the route and we plan to experience ‘ pilgrimesque politics’ as described in considerable detail by Nicola Albani in the 18th century living as well as possible and enjoying everything the route has to offer.

PRICE

£455.00 per person.  Single supplement on request. Departures on 24th May and 13th September 2008

INCLUDED

Transport and transfers through out by minibus, Accommodation in a twin/double in a mixture of old country houses, inns and modest hotels.  Breakfast each morning, 2 dinners.  Experienced guide, transfer of luggage and back up service of a minibus during the walks.

NOT INCLUDED

Flights to and from Portugal/Spain, meals not mentioned above, drinks and travel insurance.

Departure dates 2008:

24th May and 13th September


To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

Day 1 - Transfer from Porto to Ponte de Lima (about 1hour) for overnight.

Day 2 - Walk from Ponte de Lima to Rubiaes through the vineyards of the Minho, a walk of peace and tranquility.
19 kms/12 miles. Overnight Ponte de Lima.

Day 3 - Walk from Rubiaes to Tui, passing through tiny Portuguese villages and the historic town of Valença do Minho, passing  over the international bridge designed by Eifel. 19 kms/12 miles. Overnight Tui.

Day 4 -Transfer to Redondela (30mins) to begin our walk to Pontevedra through the heart of Galicia. 20 kms/15 miles. Overnight Pontevedra.

Day 5 - Transfer to San Antonio and walk from there to the old spa town of Caldas de Reis and through through beautiful valley to Padron.
20 kms/15 miles. Overnight Padron.

Day 6 - Walk from Padron to Santiago to enter the holy city of Santiago de Compostela on foot, a wonderful end to the pilgrimage.
24 kms/15 miles. Overnight Santiago de Compostela.

Day 7 - Day free in Santiago, with the chance to attend the midday Pilgrim mass in the cathedral, with, if you are lucky, the giant censor swinging around the interior. Overnight Santiago.

Day 8 -Transfer back to Porto in the morning for those who wish (about 2 hours).

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

The walking en-route is considered moderately easy there are no really steep climbs. The pace will be relaxed - this holiday is to be enjoyed not endured. There will always be a minibus on hand if you decide that your legs need a rest.

GROUP SIZE

minimum 6, maximum 16

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HIGHLIGHTS

If you have done this walk before, we would like to hear ofyour personal highlights. Mail Us

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation with private facilities in old country houses, inns and modest hotels.

GETTING THERE

Airports in Porto and Santiago de Compostela.  You will be collected from Porto airport on Day 1. Ryan Air fly into Porto and Santiago de Compostela as do TAP and British Airways or Iberia.

WHAT TO TAKE:

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, swimming costume, water bottle, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.

GALLERY

View our images of Portugal.

 

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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