Discover Spain and Portugal on the Portuguese Camino
July 10 - 24, 2013

Wednesday, July 10
Travel to Lisbon (on your own)

Thursday, July 11
Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal

We’ll gather at our hotel near Lisbon at 3:00 pm for a Welcome Rendezvous as we begin the Portuguese Camino de Santiago de Compostela. After your orientation, take a peaceful stroll on your own to the beach. Or, if you’re feeling adventuresome, there will be free time to stroll to the beach a five minute walk away.

Later, we meet at the Riviera Hotel for a delightful Welcome Dinner.

Lodging: Riviera Hotel in Carcavelos, Portugal
Meals:Dinner included

Friday, July 12
Discover Lisbon from Belém to St. George Castle

You’ll enjoy an interesting drive alongside the Tagus River into Lisbon. We’ll stroll up medieval alleys to the Afama District and the Moorish hilltop citadel, São Jorge Castle, and a panoramic view of vibrant Lisbon.

We’ll eat lunch at the Zambezi Restaurant, which offers a wonderful blend of cuisines from Mozambique and Portugal, while enjoying a view overlooking the river.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the seafaring Belém District, home to many of the city's historic buildings. You'll rediscover Portugal's Golden Age of Exploration at the heroic Monument to the Discoveries and the Monastery of Jerónimos. Later, treat yourself to tea and the signature pastries of Belém, an indulgence not to be missed. 

If you’re still craving adventure, spend the rest of the afternoon and evening on your own exploring The Tile Museum, the Berardo Museum, or the Design Museum, capped with a celebratory raising of the glass at the 19^th century Port Wine House. There’s no end to the list of attractions in Lisbon.

Activity Level: Light walking = 5-6 km/3-4 mi on hills)
Lodging: Riviera Hotel in Carcavelos, Portugal
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included (Zambezi Restaurant)

Saturday, July 13
Explore the Magical Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle in Sintra, Portugal

Today you’ll travel by bus to Sintra, an inspirational hilltop town near Lisbon. We’ll climb along the walls of a Moorish Castle, and take in the beauty of the Pena Palace a 19^th century Romantic home to the Portuguese royals with magnificent views of the Atlantic.    

There’ll be free time in Sintra to eat lunch and shop for local handicrafts. The return trip to the hotel will include a stop at Cabo da Roca, the western-most point of continental Europe, and a drive by Guincho Beach, famous for international wind surfing competitions.

This night you have the option to enjoy dinner and a performance at a Lisbon Fado House. Fado – sometimes called the Portuguese blues – is a wonderfully emotive and moving music genre heard only in Portugal. (This event is not included in the tour package).

Activity level: Light walking (2-5 km/2-3 mi with some hills and stairs)
Lodging: Riviera Hotel in Carcavelos, Portugal
Meals: Breakfast included

Sunday, July 14
Travel to Braga, Portugal with a stopover in the University City of Coimbra

Heading north, our first stop is Coimbra, Portugal’s ancient University City which was established in 1290 by King Dinis I. Enjoy a brief walking tour through the University of Coimbra's maze of narrow lanes. One of the oldest universities in Europe, the school is steeped in tradition, including the Joanina Library, established in 1717, where hundreds of live bats protect its 30,000 books from insects!

A 20-minute walk brings us to a delicious lunch at the historical Quinta das Lágrimas, the “Estate of Tears”, site of a tragic 14^th century love story. By afternoon, we arrive at our hotel with time to explore the ancient Roman city of Braga, especially the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Braga.

Activity Level: Light walking = 3-6 km/2-4 mi on mostly level terrain
Lodging: Hotel Don Sofia in Braga, Portugal
Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch  (Quinta das Lagrimas, Coimbra)

Monday, July 15
Tour Guimarães, Portugal, the European Capital of Culture 2012

Guimarães is often referred to as the "Birthplace of the Portuguese Nationality." A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has had an important role in the formation of Portugal since it was settled in the 9th century. The medieval streetscapes of Portugal’s “Cradle City” are being reborn as a cultural center to the city’s many young people.

You’ll complete the day with a sunset walk up the Santuário Bom Jesús do Monte, a Baroque hilltop pilgrimage site. Our ride back to the hotel features sweeping views overlooking Braga.

Activity Level: Light walking = 3-6 km/2-4 mi on mostly level terrain and stairs
Lodging: Hotel Don Sofia in Braga, Portugal
Meals: Breakfast included

Tuesday, July 16
Begin the Camino de Santiago  

Stage 1 - Valença, Portugal to Redondela, Spain

Traveling by bus to the beautiful city of Valença, we start our walk by crossing the Minho River - the border between Portugal and Spain. Tui, and its picturesque streets, waits on the other side of the border to welcome us to Spain. Approaching the Plaza de San Fernando, we’ll enjoy beautiful views of the 12^th century cathedral.

From Tui's old port, the Camino winds its way up to the old town, following the so-called Camino da Barca. Then through the Tunel das Monxas, the Camino enters a very steep section and leads to the evocative bridge of San Telmo. Travelling over a less abrupt terrain, we come to the town of O Porrino, using transportation to avoid its industrial area.

Activity Level: Moderate walking = 22 km/14 miles on hills, stairs, and uneven terrain
Lodging: Pazo Torres de Agrelo in Redondela, Spain
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included (at the Pazo)

Wednesday, July 17
Camino de Santiago  

Stage 2 - Redondela, Spain to Pontevedra, Spain

The terrain becomes easier as we cross the Louro valley. With the valley to the east, we will climb gently to arrive at the Chapel of Santiaguino de Antas, a pleasant place to take a rest.

We then enter a wide expanse of woodland. Surrounded by pine trees, the Camino starts its descent through the hamlet of Setefontes and comes to Arcade. Reaching the historic site of Ponte Sampaio, our path crosses the Verdugo River. During the War of Independence, Napoleon's army suffered one of its greatest defeats in Galicia at this very bridge.

Heading up a cobbled footpath, we come to the 13th century church of Santa Maria. Views of the Bay of Vigo are stunning!

Activity Level: Moderate walking = 20 km/12 mi on hills, stairs and uneven terrain
Lodging: Parador de Pontevedra in Pontevedra, Spain
Meals: Breakfast included

Thursday, July 18
Camino de Santiago  

Stage 3 - Pontevedra, Spain to Caldas De Reis, Spain

Passing chestnut groves, the Camino leaves Pontevedra and runs parallel to the railway for a bit. Passing through the hamlet of Ponte Cabras, we encounter the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba, tucked away among pine and eucalyptus trees.

Emerging from the dense woods of Lombo da Maceira, you'll see a statue of Saint James the Pilgrim, his cane pointing the way to proceed. The lovely village of Tibo – with its fountain, public washing place, and stone cross – brings us to Caldas de Reis.

Activity Level: Moderate walking = 21 km/13 mi on hills, stairs and uneven terrain
Lodging: Balneario Davila in Caldas De Reis, Spain
Meals: Breakfast included

Friday, July 19
Camino de Santiago  

Stage 4 - Caldas De Reis, Spain to Padron, Spain

Leaving Caldas De Reis, we take a bridge over the River Umia which leads to a fountain of hot spring water. The famous springs have lent their name to this picturesque town since ancient Roman times. Entering the woods again, the Camino make its way gently uphill to the hamlet of Santa Marina.

Now walking downhill, we cross the river Fontenlo. And finally, following a Camino lined with pine trees, we catch up with the Fontenlo as we arrive in Padron, Spain. Padron is famous as the first land sighted by the ship bearing the body of Saint James.

Activity Level: Moderate walking = 18 km/11 mi on hills, stairs and uneven terrain
Lodging: Guesthouse A Casa Antiga do Monte in Padron, Spain
Meals: Breakfast included

Saturday, July 20
Camino de Santiago  

Stage 5 – Padron, Spain to Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The Camino passes through many small villages and hamlets before arriving at the Baroque sanctuary of A Esclavitude. On a hilltop to the left stands the mysterious, abandoned ruins of the hillfort Castro Lupario. Just a few kilometers later, we come to the oldest wayside crosses in Galicia. Nearing Agro dos Monteiros, it is now possible to see the towers of the Cathedral de Santiago. Finally, the Camino passes the ruins of a castle known as A Rocha Vella before entering the City of the Apostle, Santiago de Compostela.

Activity Level: Moderate walking = 24 km/15 mi on hills, stairs and uneven terrain
Lodging: 3* hotel in Santiago, Spain city centre
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included

Sunday July 21
Morning Tour of Santiago de Compostela, Pilgrim’s Mass and Afternoon Journey to Corcubión

We’ll begin with a tour of the ancient Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in the peaceful morning hours to capture its beauty before the crowds gather. We’ll eat a hearty breakfast and prepare for the Pilgrim’s Mass at noon.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a bus ride to Corcubión with its carefully-conserved old quarter and seafront promenade facing the old fishing harbor. And, we’ll reserve some time to rest!

Lodging: Corcubión, Spain
Meals: Breakfast included

Monday, July 22
Walk to Finisterra “The End of the Earth”

Travel from Finisterra, Spain to Porto, Portugal

During this morning’s walk, we are treated to fabulous views of coastal cliffs and coves on the way to Cape Finisterra and its lighthouse. At the end of our journey, we travel by bus to Porto, Portugal.

Activity Level: Moderate walking = 15 km/9 mi on hills and uneven terrain
Lodging: 3 or 4* in Porto, Portugal
Meals: Breakfast

Tuesday, July 23
Discover Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage City

Porto, a World Heritage City located on the Douro River, and Gaia, on the opposite bank of the Douro, meet as the center of the Port wine cellars. Our journey starts with a visit to the Stock Exchange Palace, continues at the gilded Church of Santa Clara, and then takes us to São Bento Train Station, famous for its tile decoration.

Later, we’ll enjoy a boat ride on the river, take in the sights, sample some Port, and reflect on our adventures. During our last evening, we’ll enjoy a wonderful Farewell Dinner, sing the Luther College song, and toast each other with “Bon Camino”!

Lodging: 3 or 4* hotel in City Centre Porto, Portugal
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included

Thursday July 24
Morning check out and departure

We will guide you to the airport, train station, metro or taxi, or help you on your way to more Portuguese adventures as we say “Farewell” and “Bon Camino”!

Please note:
The daily itinerary may change slightly so we can experience
serendipitous moments which may occur along the way.

The 2013 Camino trip includes:

· Three full-time Camino de Santiago de Compostela veterans who will serve as your guide, your cheerleader, and your mentor.  Besides leading you on the Way, each day your guides will make the fascinating history of the Portuguese Camino come alive!

· Admission to:

o Lisbon walking tour
o São Jorge Castle
o Monastery of Jerónimos tour
o Monument to the Discoveries
o Pena Palace
o Moorish Castle
o Bom Jesus
o Coimbra University Campus walking tour
o Quinta das Lágrimas
o Porto walking tour
o Porto's Stock Exchange Palace
o Porto boat ride on the River Douro
o Port wine tasting

· Farewell dinner

· All group transportation from Lisbon to Coimbra, Braga, Guimarães, Valença, Finisterra and Porto

· Portage service during Camino de Santiago walking days

· Luther College luggage tags

· Camino de Santiago Pilgrim’s Shell and Credential (passport stamp book)

· 13 nights’ accommodation in comfortable hotels and paradores

· All breakfasts, two lunches and four dinners

· Gratuities

· Maps and brochures throughout the trip