Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostella

Arrive to Porto airport by 12.30 to enable enough time for the 2pm transfer to Caminha. Caminha is a historic town located on the mouth of the Minho River. You will have time to explore the old town with many Renaissance and Gothic influences, houses around the main town square date from around 1551. There are also some Roman artifacts and medieval fortifications

Today you follow the Minho River upstream to Vila Nova de Cerveira.  This village known locally as the Village of Arts due to the large number of sculptures found in squares and parks. It has a medieval castle to explore with impressive fortifications with stunning landscapes over the River. In the evening why not stroll though the narrow streets, find a relaxing bar and indulged in some local wine, just bliss!

The highlight today apart from the beautiful scenes to admire is passing through the historic city of Valenca, which sites on the border of Spain and Portugal.  Although Valenca dates from Roman times the walled city is from 17^th and 18^th century. Inside the fortifications and houses, shops and restaurants. There is also a famous bridge that crosses the Minho River to Tui in Spain. This dates from 1879 when it was constructed for road and trains. Tui also has much Roman and Gothic architecture.

The landscape now is a little more hiller with lush green rolling hills. Today you walk though O Porrino know locally for a granite which is mined in the hills. You will see a granite influence is many of its houses and architecture within the town. You now continue to Redondela where you shall stay the night. You shall see two large railway bridges which were built in the 18^th century in the age of the railways!

A beautiful walk today as you head towards Pontevedra via forests of eucalyptus trees providing welcome shade during the summer months. Passing through several small villages to day and the further you get along the trail the very nature of pilgrims become more evident. Pontevedra has a wonderful historic centre, of which the cathedral of Santa Maria a Maior dating from the 16^th century is well worth a visit. It was consecrated as a basilica on January 10, 1962, by decree of Pope John XXIII. Walk across the Burgo Bridge crossing the Lerez river dates from the 12^th century.

Walking through an undulating terrain crossing vineyards and through little villages you make your way to Caldas de Reis. A section of todays route takes you along the Lerez river with fine views to admire. Caldas de Reis is known within Spain for its thermal waters and its Roamn baths.  Why not indulge in taking a dip in the healing waters! The town is typical of a Galicia with its stone houses and pretty squares.

Now you are getting closer to Santiago and Padron has a role to play in the Way of St James. Here you shall see the Church of Santiago or the Parish Church of St James. The last construction was in the 19^th century but there are known elements of the Church dating from the 12^th and 15^th centuries.

Today is all about reaching Santiago de Compostella as expectation has been growing. You will find and historic town with cobbled streets and large main square with the Cathedral overlooking it.  This square is the meeting point of many pilgrims whom, have come from all over via different routes, some may have been walking for weeks to reach here.  Why not join in the church service that takes place daily or just stroll through the allies and take in the atmosphere.  Maybe you wish to sit, think and watch the day go by!

After breakfast and schedule to your flights a transfer is included to Santiago airport if required.