Marissa Massa
Cirillo Travel Group, LLC
El Camino - Portugal Costal Route Aug 29 - Sept 6 2026
Aug 29, 2026 to Sep 6, 2026
Portugal
El Camino Highlights Walk
9 Days | 85 Miles Walked
Trip Overview
Hike a handpicked selection of the most beautiful walking trails from Porto to Santiago de Compostela
From Porto, the Portuguese Camino splits into two: the Central Route and the Coastal Route. While many pilgrims simply follow one path on their way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, we hike the very best sections of both, while also taking an extra-special detour to navigate the lesser-trodden Spiritual Variant, said to be the original route of Saint James. The result is an unforgettable week of walking through the most picturesque sections of northern Portugal and Spain, ending with a showstopping arrival in the holy town of Santiago de Compostela.
- Start City: Porto
- End City: Santiago de Compostela
- Six days of point-to-point walking with luggage transferred
- Meals: 8 Breakfasts
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Accommodations:
- 1 Superior night (hotel),
- 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 casa rural)
- Adult min age: 16
- Min group size: 6
- Max group size: 16
Is This Trip for You?
It consists of six full walking days and one partial walking day with a 2 hour boat trip on Day 7. Your luggage is transferred between hotels, so you need only take a backpack on the walks. The terrain and path type varies and includes good quality coastal paths, gravel tracks, and forest trails. The walks are not technically difficult . The walks are not technically difficult; however, you will need to cover distances of up to 27km, and on most days, there are some steep ascents and descents, so a good fitness level is required. Low altitude throughout.
The distances walked on some days are long and you are expected to walk five full days in a row so there is a high chance of blisters. We recommend comfortable shoes and bringing several types (boots, running shoes, strap sandals), allowing you to alternate.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
--- ITINERARY ---
DAY 1 - Start Porto
Depending on the time of your arrival in Porto, your trip leader will arrange a short orientation tour in the historic centre. There is plenty to see, and we recommend travelling a day earlier if you are interested in exploring the city more.
If 5 booked travelers in our group is reached, Cirillo Travel Group will host a special complimentary Welcome Drinks meet-up to get to know your fellow travelers!
Accommodation: Legendary Porto Hotel (or similar)
DAY 2 - Transfer to Matosinhos; walk until Vila do Conde; transfer to Viana de Castelo
After breakfast, we have a short transfer (approximately 30 minutes) up the coast and begin our walk in the fishing town of Matosinhos. This section is part of the Litoral Camino, which follows the Atlantic coastline along a series of boardwalks and promenades. We stop for lunch along the coast with a chance to try the local fish. After, we carry on walking next to the sea until we reach the coastal town of Vila do Conde where we finish walking and have a transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to the picturesque medieval city of Viana de Castelo, our destination for the night. We can walk around the medieval city centre where we see the cathedral and church and enjoy a drink by the old port.
Accommodation: Hotel Melo Alvim (or similar)
DAY 3 - Walk to Caminha; transfer to Valenca
This morning, we walk directly from our hotel on winding country lanes and forest trails, enjoying sea and mountain views. We walk through sleepy Portuguese villages on the hills parallel to the coast enjoying ocean views from time to time. We have a forested stretch to a high point, then we descend to Vila Praia de Ancora where we stop for lunch. Vila Praia de Ancora is a former fishing village and has become a popular seaside resort with a 17th century fort, stunning sandy beaches and dunes. After, we walk parallel to the sea on flat terrain to reach the fortified border town of Caminha, which sits on the mouth of the Minho river. We have free time to explore the centre of this walled town before we transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to Valenca, another walled city which is now a shopping town known for producing linen, towels and handcrafted souvenirs.
Accommodation: Hotel Lara (or similar)
DAY 4 - Walk along the Louro river to O Porriño
After breakfast, we walk directly from the hotel and say goodbye to Portugal by crossing the Ponte Rodo bridge into Spain. We first explore the Spanish border town of Tui, home to a magnificent Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, before heading towards the town of O Porriño. We pass the Pilgrim monument in Tui, depicting a large stone carving of a pilgrim, before we follow the scenic Louro river through pretty woodlands and along the river paths between Orbenlle and O Porriño. O Porriño is an industrial and mining town, known for its pink granite. On arrival, we have a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to Pontevedra and enjoy time to walk around the old centre. This evening, we can enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants with terraces.
Accommodation: Hotel Galicia Palace (or similar)
DAY 5 - Walk to Armenteira; transfer to O Grove
Today we start our special detour on a partly coastal section of the Portuguese Camino, named the Spiritual Variant. This pilgrimage route is considered by many to be the original path of Saint James, and therefore the origin of all the Caminos de Santiago. After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head west towards the sea, where we walk through the pretty landscapes of O Salnés, crossing the village of Poio, home to a 17th-century Benedictine monastery, and the compact fishing village of Combarro. We finish the day walking through the forest to Armenteira where there is a 12th-century monastery still fully running today. From here, we have a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Louxo La Toja (or similar)
DAY 6 - Transfer to Armenteira; walk to Vilanueva de Arousa
After breakfast, we take a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to Armenteira. From here, we start one of the most beautiful stages of the Camino, taking a trail parallel to the River Armenteira called the Stone and Water Route (named for the 51 ancient mills and waterfalls it passes). The lush green of the forest, the gushing cascades, flowing river, and ancient mills combine to make a particularly scenic stretch. In the afternoon, we take a path alongside the Rivier Umia passing Albariño grapevines and fields and finishing by the sea. Our hotel is within walking distance of a beach, so you can swim in the sea or hotel pool.
Accommodation: Hotel Dinajan (or similar)
DAY 7 - Boat to Pontecesures; walk to Padron; afternoon at leisure
We start with a short walk to the harbour in Vilanueva de Arousa, where we board our boat to enjoy one of the only water-based pilgrimage trails in the world, the Translatio, which is also our last stretch of the Spiritual Variant. This waterway route consists of 17 stone crosses that mark the Apostle’s final journey – the captain will point these out, while also highlighting mussel farms and the ninth-century Oeste Fortress, built to defend against Viking invaders.
Once we reach the town of Pontecesures, we walk the final stretch of the day, passing the statues of Padron’s most famous residents, Nobel Prize-winning novelist Camilo Jose Cela and poet Rosalia de Castro. We arrive just in time for lunch – we recommend trying Padron peppers, a local speciality.
Accommodation: Casa Rural – Casa Antiga de Monte (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8 - Walk to Santiago de Compostela
On our last day of walking, we pass through typical Galician villages and woodland before arriving in Santiago de Compostela. Our route passes the Igrexa de Santa Maria de Iria, a church destroyed in the 10th century by the Andalusi military leader Almanzor, before being rebuilt two centuries later. It is also where Camilo Jose Cela is buried.
Upon arrival in Santiago, as part of the centuries-old tradition, we make our way through the city streets and crowds to Plaza del Obradoiro, which is dominated by the cathedral, where we can observe a mass service that may include the impressive Botafumeiro incense swinging, although it cannot be guaranteed.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a walking tour of the town, which includes a visit to the cathedral where Saint James is said to have been buried. In the evening, we have our farewell group dinner in a nice restaurant in Santiago centre, an excellent chance to relive our adventures together.
If 5 booked travelers in our group are reached, Cirillo Travel Group will host a special complimentary Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez (or similar)
Complimentary Upgrade to Terrace Room INCLUDED when booking with Cirillo Travel Group ($90 Value)
DAY 9 - End Santiago de Compostela
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home.
The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to the group and start your return journey home. If you’ve still got the appetite for more exploration, speak to Marissa at Cirillo Travel Group to book further nights in our Santiago de Compostela or Porto hotels, Add on a Duoro River Cruise or customize your own pre-post extensions in Spain, Portugal or beyond!
Meals included: Breakfast
***Choose to add on more time in Santiago de Compostela, add a Post-Extension in Porto or add on a Post-Duoro River Cruise or request custom travel plans to extend your trip on the next page!
*Itinerary Subject to change by Viking Cruises.
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What's Included:
- Six days of point-to-point walking with luggage transferred
- 8 Nights of Accomodations
- Meals: 8 Breakfasts
- Airport Transfers from and to Porto (OPO) if arriving and departing August 29 and September 6 2026
- If 5 travelers are booked into our group, Cirillo Travel Group will host a complimentary welcome drink event and farewell dinner for our travelers.
- Complimentary Travel Planning Services for Optional Pre & Post Add-Ons are available, or we can customize one for you! (Additional Cost of Travel will apply)
What's not included:
- Flights and US-based Airport Transfers
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Flights are not included in this travel package - they must be booked on your own, directly with the airline. This allows guests to use points/miles or choose their favorite airline. Airline confirmations are shared with Cirillo Travel Group so we can coordinate your transfers as needed.
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Flights should be booked landing in PORTO (OPO ) Airport before 1:00 PM on August 29 and departing from PORTO (OPO ) Airport AFTER 3:00 PM September 6, 2026, unless adding pre/post extensions or early arrival.
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Please share flight confirmations with cirillotravelgroup@gmail.com as soon as your flights are booked so we may organize your airport transfers. Ideally, flights are booked and provided to Cirillo Travel Group on or before Final Payment date.
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- Tour Director Gratuities at your discretion - As a guideline, we recommend a contribution between €20 and €25 per client per week.
- All Meals not listed above
- Trip Insurance (Cirillo Travel Group will provide a trip insurance Add-On included with your booking on the next page. The policy covers the value of this trip and provides Trip cancellation, Trip interruption, and Medical and Dental Coverage.) You can select the policy you'd like or sign to waive insurance. (Additional Fee)
If you would like to extend your time in the Portugal, Spain or beyond pre or post-this tour - please email Marissa at Cirillo Travel Group to discuss. cirillotravelgroup@gmail.com
**Cirillo Travel Group strongly recommends travelers' passports be valid for six (6) months or more after your date of entry for all international travel.
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Exclusive Pricing *Based on Double Occupancy
*Exclusive Pricing is dynamic and we will try to keep it as up to date based on most current offers and promotions.
25% Deposit Per Person Due at Booking - $1100
Final Payment Due: May 15 2026
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Booking Closes June 1, 2026 or if all departure spaces are sold out (16) - Bookings after June 1, 2026, will be on a waitlist and could be subject to a higher rate.
**Cirillo Travel Group strongly recommends travelers' passports be valid for six (6) months or more after your date of entry for all international travel.
Terms & Conditions & Cancellation policy:
The below cancellation fee table for reference:
If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. Since we incur costs in cancelling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below):
| Period before departure in which you notify us | Cancellation charge |
| From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation. | Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs. |
| 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation. | 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs. |
| 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation. | 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs. |
| 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started | 100% of the total holiday cost. |
If You Change Your Booking
If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made, and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure, provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveller are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.
If We Cancel Your Booking
Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants, logistical problems a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.
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Cancellation by Traveler |
Travel arrangements for any member of the party may be canceled at any time by written notice by the person who made the booking. Notice of cancellation must be made in writing directly to Cirillo Travel Group (hereinafter referred to as "the Provider") . If notice of cancellation is received by the Provider before final payment is due (see Table), the deposit will be retained. If cancellation is made after final payment is due cancellation fees will apply (see Table above). If a person in a party cancels and there is a room change caused by this cancellation, charges for the new room type will be the responsibility of the remaining party. If a guest fails to join the trip on the day of departure, cancellation fees will be 100% (unless the guest notifies us of the delay and joins the trip later at their own expense). Cancellation fees as per the Table apply to additional accommodation and/or chargeable transfers prior to and after the trip, itinerary extensions or cruise reserved through the Provider. Cancellation fees and charges will include any amounts that we have paid or have contractually committed to pay to third parties to deliver your travel arrangements which we cannot reasonably recover (for example payments made or due to tour operators and hotels). Any payments we have made to third parties will only be refunded to you once we have deducted the above cancellation fees and charges and once we have actually recovered the amounts from the third parties. All cancellation fees as per the Table are additional to any cancellation fees or other charges that may be levied by the Airline for your flights booked outside of this package. Travel Protection Plan premiums are non-refundable. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under your insurance, you may be able to reclaim these charges from the insurer under the provided policy. You are responsible to make the claim to the insurer. |
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Cancellation by the Provider |
The Provider reserves the right, to modify or cancel any trip, accommodation, in-destination activity or arrangement, (definite or not), at any time. Cancellation due to Failure to Pay: If full payment is not received by the final payment due date (see Table), The Provider has the right to cancel your reservation and no refund will be made. The Provider will not be responsible for lost reservations. Cancellation due to Force Majeure Events: Cancellation due to Events other than Force Majeure Events: Cirillo Travel Group is not responsible for other travel arrangements that you or your party have made outside Cirillo Travel Group, and which are affected by our cancellations. |
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Early Return, Illness or Absence |
Early return expenses are the guest’s responsibility. There is no refund for absence or early departure from a trip, including but not limited to missed hotels, transfers, meals or sightseeing or optional extensions. Cirillo Travel Group provides a protection policy quote that covers the dates and value of the purchased package but urges you to purchase travel insurance that covers such circumstances if additional travel is planned outside of the quoted itinerary. The Provider makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursement, scope of coverage, or other aspects of any travel insurance policy or claim. |
Available Packages
BOOK YOUR SPOT - Portugal Costal Route Camino Highlights Walk
Available until
June 1, 2026
- 16 left
Starting At: $4,200.00
Deposit: $1,100.00 per person
Exclusive Pricing *Based on Double Occupancy
*Exclusive Pricing is dynamic and we will try to keep it as up to date based on most current offers and promotions.
$1100 Deposit Per Person Due at Booking
Final Payment Due: May 15, 2026
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Booking Closes September 1, 2026 or if all cabins on sailing are sold out - Bookings after September 1, 2026, will be on a waitlist and could be subject to a higher rate. Bookings made after June 1 2026 may be subject to payment in full at time of booking.
**Cirillo Travel Group strongly recommends travelers' passports be valid for six (6) months or more after your date of entry for all international travel.
Extra Options
PRE-NIGHT Porto - August 28-29 2026
Available until
June 1, 2026
- available
$400.00
Deposit: $100.00
POST-NIGHT Porto - SEPT 6-7 2026
Available until
June 1, 2026
- available
$400.00
Deposit: $100.00
CUSTOM PRE OR POST EXTENSION
Available until
August 1, 2026
- available
$0.00
Deposit: $100.00
CUSTOMIZE (Pre or Post)
Flexible Lengths
Let us help design a custom pre/post extension based on your desired destinations and budget.
Idea Starters Pre-Walk
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Early Arrival 2-3 Nights in Porto
- Early Arrival 2-3 Nights in Lisbon
- 8-Day Douro River Cruise (AmaWaterways or Viking)
- 8-Day Douro River Cruise (AmaWaterways or Viking)
- Extension to San Sebastian, Spain
- Extension to Barcelona
- Extension 2-3 Nights in Porto
- Extension 2-3 Nights in Lisbon
+TBDpp
$100.00 per person deposit will be applied toward the balance of the custom package Cirillo Travel Group puts together for you!
ROOMMATE MATCH PROGRAM
Available until
September 1, 2026
- available
$0.00
TRIP INSURANCE - PER PERSON - $499
Available until
August 1, 2026
- available
$0.00
- Emergency Medical - $50K
- Emergency Medical Transpo - $1,000,000
- Baggage Loss - $2K
- Bag Delay - $600