Cruise ’N Hike in Portugal
Departing in
Cruise ‘N Hike in Portugal
April 6 – 25, 2022
Pre-Booking Only!
Thousands of people from all over the world plan a Camino Adventure to Santiago de Compostela every year. For some it is a Pilgrimage, for some, it is a personal challenge or fitness goal and for all, it is a Bucket List Item. In our first 12 days, we’ll be slowing down and enjoying Easy Walking on the Portuguese Coastal Camino covering the 125kms through breathtaking scenery with incredible food and wine history and tastes. This self-guided walk will allow us to travel together or not; we may be at the same accommodation or not; we may stop at a cafe for a break, lunch together or not, dinner maybe together or not. We will challenge ourselves as we immerse ourselves in the local way of life, soak in nature, enjoy peace and times alone or with new friends. Our last week we’ll transfer to Porto where we will meet our comfortable River Cruise. We’ll unpack once and appreciate gliding along the Douro River on this very special Cruise ‘N HIke focused itinerary with a complete hiking program and also a non-hikers program in case you would prefer a less active day or excursion.
Inclusions
- Holiday Pack with Route notes, maps, Pilgrim Passport and luggage tags
- 24/7 Camino support during the walk
- Transfer Porto Airport to Baiona
- Transfer Santiago de Compostella to Porto
- Superior Collection – best hotels where available
- Daily luggage transfer while on the Camino
- Breakfast daily
- 8 dinners on the Camino hike
- All meals while on the River Cruise
- All beverages while on the River Cruise
- Onboard gratuities
- Middle Deck accommodation on the River Cruise
- Hikers and Non Hikers program onboard the River Cruise
- Transfers from the ship to the Porto Airport
- Walking, Wining & Dining Fellowship Leader
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Porto
Welcome to Portugal!
On arrival in Porto, we will transfer to Baiona. Have the day to acclimatize, explore a bit, stretch our legs, savour our 1st authentic dinner, enjoy a good night’s sleep and be ready to start fresh tomorrow.
Accommodations – TBA
Sample Hotel: Parador Conde de Gondomar 4* (superior)
Meals – none
Day 2 – Baiona to Nigran
26 km today. Enjoy the fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo, and maybe even take in a swim in Nigran.
Accommodations – TBA
Sample Hotel: Hotel American 4* (superior)
Meals – B
Day 3 – Vigo to Redondela
15 km today. Enjoy a more relaxed pace with a shorter distance.
Accommodations – TBA
Sample Hotel: Duarte (standard)
Meals – BD
Day 4 – Vigo to Redondela
15 km today. Enjoy a more relaxed pace with a shorter distance.
Accommodations – TBA
Sample Hotel: Pazo Torres de Agrelo (superior)
Meals – BD
Day 5 – Redondel to Arcade
8 km today. Today is our last day along the coast. Be sure to enjoy the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade.
Accommodations – TBA
Sample Hotel: As Chivas CR (superior)
Meals – BD
Day 6 – Arcade to Pontevedra
12 km today. We will cross the Verdugo river over Ponte Sampaio. It is in this bridge where Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats in Galicia. From Ponte Sampaio, the Camino continues along a cobbled road taking pilgrims to the 13th century Church of Santa Maria, where you can enjoy magnificent views over the Bay of Vigo while walking towards Pontevedra.
Accommodations – TBA
Sample Hotel: Parador Pontevedra 4* (superior)
Meals – B
Day 7 – Pontevedra to Velbon
12 km today. Enjoy a comfortable walk today, being sure to take your time and enjoy the views, have conversations and live like a local.
Accommodations – TBA
Sample Hotel: Casa Rural Os Carballos Barro (standard)
Meals – BDDay 8 – Valbon to Caldas de Reis
Day 8 – Valbon to Caldas de Reis
10 km today. We will walk through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In Ponte Cabras, take a minute to admire the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira you will spot a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way. We’ll pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain.
Accommodations – TBA
Sample Hotel: Torre do Rio (superior)
Meals – BD
Day 9 – Caldas de Reis to Cernadas
8 km today. Enjoy another comfortable walk today.
Accommodations – TBA
Sample Hotel: Casa do Rio Pontecesures (standard)
Meals – BD
Day 10 – Cernadas to Padron
10 km today. We’ll cross the river Umia and the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The Camino trail takes us once again to forests, gradually climbing to the village of Santa Marina. After a descent we’ll cross the river Fontenlo before making our way through the pine forests to today’s final destination; the town of Padron believed to be the arrival point of the body of Saint James when it was brought to Santiago de Compostela by ship.
Accommodation – TBA
Sample Hotel: Hotel Pazo de Lestrove (superior)
Meals – BD
Day 11 – Padron to Teo
12 km today. Enjoy a lovely walking day today with some rolling terrain.
Accommodation – TBA
Sample Hotel: Pazo de Adran (superior)
Meals – BD
Day 12 – TEO to Santiago de Compostela
13 km today. Santiago de Compostela is a gem of a city: small enough to be explored and be discovered on foot but always vibrant and lively. Wander the cobbled street of its UNESCO-listed old town, go for a stroll in the Alameda park and discover regional flavours in the local market (Mercado de Abastos) and the many restaurants and bars.
Accommodation – TBA
Sample Hotel: Parador Reyes Catolicos 5*L (superior) Our Superior accommodation includes a complimentary spa in Santiago.
Day 13 – Transfer Santiago de Compostela to Porto
After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we’ll enjoy our transfer back to Porto where we are welcome to board the MS Infante Don Henrique at 5 PM. Settled into our middle deck cabins we’ll meet our crew and certified Hiking Guide at a welcome cocktail reception and then have a presentation of our hiking program. This evening we may enjoy a cruise to the mouth of the Douro River to enjoy the sunset.
Accommodation – MS Infante Don Henrique
Meals – BD
Day 14 – Porto – Regua
We’ll set out for a guided tour of Porto. The afternoon will be spent sailing towards Regua. Enjoy an evening of dancing or a stroll through the city on your own.
Day 15 – Regua – Pinhao – Vega De Terron
Hikers’ Program: Hike to Provesende. You’ll wind your way up through the low brush, green forests, and rolling hills to one of the oldest villages in Portugal, Provesende. (2.5-3 hour hike, 7 km, 320 m elevation gain)
Non Hikers’ Program: Trip to Vila Real and stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Mateus Palace. The afternoon will be spent sailing through the very heart of the most famous vineyards in Porto. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 16 – Vega De Terron – Salamanca – Barca D’Alva
Join us on a guided tour of Salamanca, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We’ll return on board at the end of the afternoon. enjoy an evening of Flamenco entertainment.
Day 17 – Barca D’Alva- Senhora Da Ribeira
Hikers’ Program: vultures; Cliff This hike begins in a wild mountainous setting with magnificent panoramic views of the Douro River and Spain. Picnic lunch. (Length 3 hours, 8 km with about 530 m of elevation gain)
Non-hikers’ Program: Excursion to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
We’ll return on board. The afternoon will be spent sailing to Senhora da Ribeira. Tonight’s our gala evening and dinner.
Day 18 – Senhora Da Ribeira – Ferrados – Pinhao – Regua – Bitetos
Hikers’ Program: Hike through the vineyards. Discovery of a real paradise where nature has been protected (picnic lunch). Length 4 hours, 14 km with about 500 m descent.
Non-hikers’ Program: Wines of Porto excursion with a tasting of Porto wines. We’ll cruise to Bitetos, reaching it in the evening. Enjoy an evening of Fado entertainment.
Day 19 – Bitetos – Porto
This morning will be spent sailing to Porto.
Hikers’ Program: Hike along the banks of the Douro River to its estuary, admiring breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. Length 2.5 hours, 8 km on flat level ground
Non-hikers’ Program: Excursion of Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal in the 12th century.
Enjoy an evening of traditional folk entertainment.
Day 20 – Porto
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9 AM.
** Prices are subject to change and availability. Space is limited and activities and specific hotels are subject to change. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Details & Pricing
Rates
- Double Occupancy – $8,885 CAD per person
- Single Occupancy – $10,946 CAD per person
- Deposit of $1,800 CAD per person due at time of booking
- Final Payment due January 10, 2022
*All payments are non-refundable. Please see the full terms and conditions.
Activity Level
- High – Moderate Activity
- The included activity in this tour is fairly moderate but there are more active activities available. You should be able to walk for extended periods of time on uneven and possibly slippery terrain.
Group Size
- Minimum – 10
- Maximum – 20
Exclusions
- International Airfare (can be arranged by Travel By Kim)
- Travel Insurance
- Visa/passport handling fees
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic Beverages while on the Camino
- Onboard Gratuities of 80 Euro (cash) Per Person on the River Cruise
- Optional Tours/Activities
- Expenses of a Personal Nature
Tour Leader
Kim Paquette
Kim Paquette is a Globetrotter and Specialist in the Art of Travel. She specializes in Ultra Luxury and group travel for the active 55+ persons. She has worked in the travel industry for 21 years and has visited more than 70 countries.
Flight Information
We will notify you once this tour is a guaranteed departure. Please do not book your flights until you have been notified.
Travel By Kim will assist with making your flight arrangements. Please email kim@thetravelqueen.ca to request flight options and quotes for a service fee of CAD $113 which will be charged at the time of quotation. If you prefer to arrange your own flights please forward a copy of your itinerary to kim@thetravelqueen.ca.
** NOTE: Please do not book any flights until tour is confirmed.
Arrive: Porto Airport
Depart: Porto Airport
Travel Insurance
Out of country medical insurance is required. We strongly recommend that you obtain cancellation and interruption insurance to protect your investment.
Accomodations
On the Camino our specific nightly accommodations will be advised closer to our departure and will be supplied with our detailed route map, directions and instructions.
On the Duoro River – MS Infante Don Henrique
Renovated in 2014 this 4 passenger deck vessel carries 138 passengers with 71 cabins. Each cabin has TV, bathroom with shower and toilet, safe, independent air conditioning, 220V electricity and WIFI.
There is no laundry service on board the ship.