Guided Portuguese Camino Walk for Senior Travellers

Make your own way to Vigo (in Spain) and the joining hotel. Meet your tour guide at 6 pm (18:00) followed by free time to explore the city and a welcome dinner. Vigo is a typical Galician town with a wide sandy beach. Its old quarter Casco Vello is home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María. Nearby is the archaeological site of Castro de Vigo, on the slopes of O Castro Mountain. Time permitting you can explore its nature trails and climb to the top, where there are the remains of the old walled city and lovely views of the Vigo estuary.

The route as we leave Vigo is mainly uphill, and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city and harbour. Continue onto a plateau before descending into Redondela. Enjoy our final steps on the Coastal Route - at Redondela we join the main Portuguese (central) Camino. Redondela has a rich natural and cultural heritage and some lovely beaches including Cesantes. Distance 15km/9.4mi, highest point approx 160m

From Redondela we are now on the main Portuguese Camino route. It's a short walk to Arcade, a nice quiet town on the Atlantic coast which is known for its oysters. Arcade has charming old stone houses set on green hills and tranquil bays. Its arched bridge spans the River Verdugo and dates from Roman and medieval times. Stroll the cobblestone streets and narrow lanes through old neighbourhoods where many homes still have traditional 'horreos' (granaries). There are are several beaches and small coves, perfect for swimming (weather permitting). Overnight Arcade. Distance 8km/5mi, highest point approx 160m

We start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge of Ponte Sampaio at the mouth of the river Verdugo. The bridge is famous for having been the scene of the last battle in Galicia against Napoleon’s army during the War of Independence. From here there's a short uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the trail descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored here including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. We have an afternoon guided visit of the historic centre with its maze of cobbled laneways, tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra, where we stay for two nights. Distance 13km/8.1mi, highest point approx 140m

Most of today's stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. In the afternoon we transfer back to Pontevedra and our hotel. Distance: 9km/5.6mi, highest point approx 100m

Today's walk takes us through typical villages, offering a mix of cultural and natural heritage. At the half way mark, we can visit the waterfalls of the Barosa River Natural Park (1km round trip). Near to our destination for today, Caldas de Reis, the route crosses the N550 and follows this road for short sections. Located between the Umia and Bermana rivers, Caldas de Reis is known for its thermal waters. The botanical gardens next to the river offer a lovely respite from the walk. Overnight Caldas de Reis. Distance 12km/7.5mi, highest point approx 60m

Today's walk is more undulating, with moderate gradients, past fields, forests and small villages. We walk through the Bermana river valley then the path descends to the Valga valley. There are two short stages of main road: leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Herbón, a small village belonging to the municipality of Padrón, is where the famous "Pimientos de Padrón" are grown. Padron town is lovely, set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers. Igrexa de Santiago (church) is a significant site on the Camino - the "Pedron" (mooring stone) is on display under the altar. Overnight Lestrove/Padron, where we stay for two nights. Distance 18km/11mi, highest point approx 140m

We continue on our camino to Rua de Francos, a small town along the way. In the afternoon we'll visit the gardens of a nearby pazo, enjoying the traditional Galician architecture and landscapes. Transfer back to Lestrove/Padron and our hotel. Distance 11km/6.9mi, highest point approx 100m

We transfer to recommence our walk. Our last walking day takes us through pine, oak and eucalyptus woods following a mainly paved path. There is a gradual climb to Agro dos Monteiros in O Milladoiro and further along, another to reach Santiago. On arrival we'll have an afternoon guided visit of Santiago, including the cathedral and historic old town. Distance 13km/8.1mi, highest point approx 240m

The trip concludes in Santiago after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Santiago or visit Cape Finisterre, please ask for our rates.