Introduction to the Camino de Santiago
The Way of Saint James
The Portuguese Way is 625 kilometers (390 miles) long and starts in Lisbon, but the Compostela is granted for anyone walking a minimum of the last 100 kilometers. Our objective is to trek the last 120 kilometers, starting in Valença, Portugal.
The Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is the objective of the pilgrim. The route taken is secondary and myriad routes have been forged over the centuries, from north, south, and east, and many points between. The French Way is the most traveled, not surprisingly since most of Christian Europe would logically arrive from the north and northeast. Second in popularity was the Camino Portuguese, the route we will be hiking.
A ”Compostela” is a certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims who complete the trek. According to the Roman Catholic Church, the Compostela certificate has proffered a special remission of sins to the pilgrim since the Early Middle Ages—starting in the 5th and 6th centuries.
Visitors come from all over the world to embark on this trek, some for spiritual reasons, some to mark a life turning point, others seeking contemplative value by pressing a very deliberate “pause” button, some simply out of curiosity or the thrill of a challenging, long-distance hike.
Whatever the reason, only good can arise from hiking through a foreign land in the company of friends, rubbing shoulders with walkers from all points of the compass, and slowing the pace of life to engage in the oldest form of transport known to man.
Join us for this stimulating and rewarding WAI pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, the Way of Saint James.
Including:
- All land travel as outlined—a bus is available to the group throughout the itinerary depending upon road access to the trail of the day
- Superior tourist-class or better hotel accommodations (no hostels)
- 19 meals: all breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners as denoted (BLD)
- 6 Camino walk routes as listed, with opt out opportunities every 2 hours
- 1 additional walk in Portugal
- Walking fees for those collecting IVV credit (both Portugal and Spain) if sanctions approved
- 1 Camino Credential per person
- WAI guide service throughout (2 guides)
- Cultural & historical expertise of national guides (at least 2) throughout
- All tipping for guides, coach drivers, and group meals
- Pricing is based on double occupancy; a limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement. We also offer a roommate matching service.
Activities/Visits to:
- Guimarães, Portugal walk
- Ponta de Lima, Portugal walk
- Valença, Portugal walking tour
- Santiago de Compostela walking tour
- 2 cultural dinners
- Countless opportunities to visit churches and religious monuments along the Camino
- More fun and educational stops than we can list!
Optional Excursions:
- Day in Porto (Day 1)
- Galicia Seafood & Sunset Dinner (Day 5)