June 15-22, 2023
Walking El Camino de Santiago is one of the most highly sought pilgrimages in the history of humanity. The Camino de Santiago, or ‘The Way of St. James’, is a pilgrimage of medieval origin (800 AD) to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in northwest Spain. Today, nearly 350,000 trekkers from around the world continue to complete the Camino each year. Technically, you can start your Camino anywhere on the European continent!
Join WTA to journey on the El Camino hiking trail for two full days before exploring the beautiful cities of Porto and Lisbon in Portugal. Starting in Arzúa, you will pass through cool, green forests and farmlands. Following old paved Roman roads and picturesque medieval bridges, this little taste of the original route will give you a couple of days of peace and solitude. On this route, you will experience the classic French path, many times referenced in books and movies around the world.
Walking El Camino de Santiago will lead you to the beautiful country of Portugal. In Portugal, you will visit the cities of Porto and Lisbon. World-famous for its Port wine, Porto boasts sunny days and splendid weather. On to Lisbon, this thriving city is jam-packed with great food, overflowing with history, and teeming with local culture. A unique combination of active adventure and leisurely exploration, this is a trip you cannot pass up!
Note: This trip is not for the faint of heart as it requires walking long miles for two full days at the start of the trip. Proper attire and preparation are required.
We recommend leaving the US on June 14 so that your flight arrives the morning of June 15 – early enough to participate in Day 1’s activities. Should you wish to arrive on June 14 instead, pre-trip hotel charges will be added to your final bill.
Travel
ITINERARY
Day 1 – June 15 – Arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), and spend the night in Madrid. We will visit Plaza de Mayor and have our welcome dinner at one of the best bodegas in Madrid.
Day 2 – June 16 – We will take private transportation to your accommodations in Arzúa. After settling into your hotel, join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 – June 17 – Today, you will begin your walk and hike the El Camino trails, traveling up to 12 miles on foot. The first leg of your walk will end in the town of El Pedrouzo where you will stay overnight in a local hotel. The small village of El Pedrouzo belongs to the parish of Arca and is the capital of O Pino, a town that has been shaped around the Camino de Santiago.
Day 4 – June 18 – After a hearty breakfast, your group will start day two of your El Camino journey, hiking up to 12 miles today. Enjoy your pilgrimage and take in all it has to offer. This day’s walk will conclude in Santiago de Compostela, which is the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. It is known as the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and the alleged burial site of the Biblical apostle St. James.
Day 5 – June 19 – FREE Morning in Santiago de Compostela. In the afternoon, your group will be transferred by private van to Porto, Portugal. After checking into your hotel, you will have a FREE Evening to explore the city.
Day 6 – June 20 – Enjoy a private tour of Porto and explore the famous Douro Valley winery where you will take part in a wine-tasting tour. The Douro region in Portugal, “Enchanted Valley”, has incredible sights and amazing vineyards. You can relax and indulge in some delicious wine and food at the local “quintas” before embarking on an evening train to Lisbon, Portugal. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel.
Day 7 – June 21 – FREE Day in Lisbon. Take time to explore Lisbon by going on a walking tour in the historic district to explore colonialist history and ornate architecture. Or take in all the beauty by visiting the Monastery. Perhaps an iconic Lisbon tram ride is your style to get a full view of everything the city has to offer. This evening, join your fellow companions to celebrate your pilgrimage on the El Camino trails.
Day 8 – June 22 – A private transfer will take you to Humberto Delgado Airport Lisbon (LIS) for your connecting flight to the US.
Note: Your arrival and departure airports are different – you will need to book a multi-city ticket.
*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and it is subject to change.
Ease
PRICING: $4,995
Comfort
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 8 days & 7 nights’ accommodations
- Single occupancy, boutique hotels
- Airport transfer
- Local transportation
- Guided El Camino Walk
- Wine Tasting Tour
- FREE DAYS to explore
- Daily breakfast
- Daily group lunch (excluding FREE DAY)
- Daily group dinner (excluding FREE DAY)
- COVID antigen testing for USA re-entry, if applicable
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) (arrival airport)
- Airfare from Humberto Delgado Airport Lisbon (LIS) (departure airport)
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals not listed above
- Optional excursions and tours not listed above
- Gratuities and tips for personal services
Style
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Your trip is a BIG investment. If you cannot afford to lose the money you have invested to travel, for whatever reason, WTA strongly recommends you consider travel insurance. We encourage you to do your due diligence by researching and finding the best plan for YOU.
Suggested Travel Insurance companies are below. Ensure you inquire about a “Cancel for Any Reason” plan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Traveler must make a NONREFUNDABLE deposit payment of $400 at time of registration to secure her spot.
- Monthly minimum payment of $400 is required every month until paid in full to keep your reservations current.
- Trip balance must be PAID IN FULL by March 15, 2023.
- Penalty of $250 will be assessed on any balance due after the March 15, 2023 final payment deadline.
- Cancel by April 15, 2023 for a 50% refund (not to include your nonrefundable deposit).
- NO REFUNDS after April 15, 2023.
- Please contact wtaadmin@womentravelabroad.com with any questions.