WALKERS’ WORLD
Caminho do Santiago (St James Way)

Portuguese Route

Where we stay:
Our accommodation is at comfortable three and four-star hotels, Pousadas and Paradors. Many have old-world atmosphere and all have modern comforts. All rooms in the hotels we use have a private bathroom.   The following are samples of the accommodation we usually use. 

Porto - We stay at the four star Hotel Carris Porto Ribiera. Located in the old quarter of Porto, overlooking the river Douro, the Carrís Porto Ribeira is very close to Ribeira Square. Air conditioned rooms have mini-bar, safe, TV.

Vila do Conde The Hotel Brazao is located in the historic section of the town. It is a 17th century building that has been converted to a modern comfortable hotel.

Viana do Castelo -  Located on a hill above the town, the historic Pousada Viana do Castelo is surrounded by green gardens and woods. There is a magnificent view of the city and over the delta of the Lima River and a large expanse of golden sand beaches bathed by an ocean of intense blue.  Our alternate hotel is the 4 star Dona Aninhas. Facing the Lima River, the hotel is a two minute walk to the city centre.

Valenca -  We stay at the Pousada de Valenca.  This Pousada is in the small town of Valença which, throughout history, was the last Portuguese stronghold before the Spanish border.  The hotel is located  within Valença's fort which was originally built in the 13th century to defend the town against the Spanish on the other side of the Minho River.  There is a stunning view of the river and of Tui, on the opposite side. Air conditioned rooms have TV and mini-bar. A swimming pool, terrace and bar await tired walkers at the end of the day.

Baiona -  The Parador at Baiona is one of the most unique Spanish Paradors. The building is part medieval fortress and part seigniorial Galicia mansion. It commands an impressive site above the ocean within a walled enclosure and has a beautiful pine forest on either side. There is an inviting swimming pool. Air conditioned rooms have TV, mini-bar, safe.

Pontevedra -  The Parador at Pontevedra is located In the historic centre of the city amid the enchanting streets of Pontevedra.  Our alternate hotel is Hotel Rias Bajas, also located in the city centre.

Caldas de Rei -  Our private coach takes us 20 minutes off the Camino to the Pazo o Rial, a lovely castle converted to a 4 star hotel.  In a location of outstanding natural beauty, the hotel has a swimming pool and is just a short walk to the beach.  Air conditioned rooms have private bath, TV.  WIFI is available in the public areas.

Padron -  Pazo de Lestrove is our final accommodation before reaching Santiago. A "pazo" meant a country estate of the Spanish nobility and usually consisted of a stately manor house or castle surrounded by gardens and outbuildings such as a chapel. This pazo was once the country escape for the Bishops of Santiago.. Today is is an atmospheric country hotel complete with swimming pool.  Air conditioned rooms have private bathroom, TV, minibar.

Santiago - In Santiago we stay at either at the Hotel Virxe de Cerca or the Pazo de Altamira.
The Virxe de Cerca is an 18th century former Jesuit residence located in the old quarter near the Cathedral.  It is an atmospheric hotel that still has the stone walls of its historic past but now is a comfortable hotel surrounding a garden courtyard. Rooms are equipped with hairdryer, safe, satellite TV, minibar, and air conditioning.
The Pazo de Altamira is a small boutique hotel located a short walk from the Cathedral. The first class hotel stands atop what was once part of the Palace of the Count of Altamira and bits of the original wall has been carefully preserved.  Air conditioned rooms are modern and comfortable with private bathroom, hairdryer, minibar, TV.

Meals: Breakfast is always included (usually a buffet).  During the day we stop in villages where there are small restaurants or shops where you can purchase lunch. Ten dinners are included and allow everyone to sample regional cuisine which changes along the route. The food is excellent and plentiful and accompanied with local wine. Vegetarians can be accommodated. 

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