Trail | On the Way of St James: the Portuguese route

On horseback along the historic pilgrim paths (8 days)

Trail | On the Way of St James: the Portuguese route

On horseback along the historic pilgrim paths (8 days)



Trail | On the Way of St James: the Portuguese route

On horseback along the historic pilgrim paths (8 days)


Kurzinformation

Webcode: GAL009P

Programmart: Trail
Reisezeit: Apr-Oct
Unterkunft: Country and 4*-Hotels, Pazos
Verpflegung: Full board
Zimmer: Double
Sprache: English, Spanish
Nichtreiter: yes
Kinder: upon request
Eigenes Pferd: no

Gruppengrösse / Mitreiter
Min: 4
Max: 20

 

Beschreibung & Reiseverlauf




For many centuries pilgrims followed this path - the Way of St. James. Since they came from all over the world, there are also different routes. Whether they came from France, Portugal, the north or along the sea, they all lead to Santiago de Compostela in the Spanish province of Galicia.
Our partner offers you the unique opportunity to discover the Way of St. James on horseback. Everything will be taken care of - the food is excellent and you will stay overnight in the most beautiful accommodations along the Way of St. James. You have the choice between the traditional French Way, the Portuguese Way, the Northern Way and the Sea Route.

The Portuguese Way of St. James is said to have existed already in the Middle Ages. Bridges, country chapels, sanctuaries, stone crosses, ancestral homes and historic towns are found along a route that begins in Portugal and ends in front of the tomb of St. James. The Portuguese Way of St. James is a route with important monuments and a strong cultural background that goes far beyond architecture.

Every day you will cover about 30-35km on horseback and spend 6-7 hours in the saddle.


 

Reiseverlauf





Tour itinerary from Porto:

For the 8-day tour you will be picked up in Vigo and brought to Barcelos, where you will spend the first night in a beautiful country hotel.

Ponte de Lima is the destination of the next riding stage. Until you arrive here, you will roam beautiful landscapes and pass by old impressive churches. Due to the course of the Way of St. James, parts of the "randonnée équestre" of the Portuguese Way cannot be avoided on tarred roads.

Tui is the starting point of the Portuguese Way in Galicia and destination of the next day. From Tui, the route continues via A Ponte das Febres and A Madalena on a Roman road to Redondela, where you will come across the monastery of Vilarella, which is well worth seeing. You will ride through the town, where the historic 16th century hostel "Casa da Torre" is located, one of the main hostels on the Portuguese Way. After Redondela, the trail continues through a forest to Soutoxusto. Passing by pine trees, you will reach the village of Sete Fontes and then Arcade, famous for its delicious seafood that you can taste. After the lunch break you will ride to Pontesampaio, where the Way of St. James crosses the river Verdugo. This is where one of the greatest defeats of the Napoleonic army during the War of Independence took place. Through places like Bértola, the Way of St. James finally approaches Pontevedra, where you will stay in a small, lovingly run hotel.

Today you will ride through mountainous terrain, past old mills and through fairytale pine, deciduous and eucalyptus forests to Padrón, where you will spend the night in a noble former bishop´s residence - a medieval, very inviting ambience will inspire you! When the accommodation in Padrón is fully booked, you will stay in Catoira in a very idyllic small hotel.

Today is the last riding stage to Monto del Gozo! On the way, as in the previous days, you will often pass old churches worth seeing. From the famous Monto del Gozo, the mountain of joy, you can enjoy the view over Santiago de Compostela and catch the first glimpse of the towers of the cathedral. You will stay overnight in a luxurious 4-star hotel, which is located a little below Monto del Gozo and also offers a view of Santiago.

After a hearty breakfast, you will make your morning pilgrimage into the city on foot (or by car) to pick up your pilgrim´s pass, the Compostelana. At 12 noon you will then attend mass in the impressive cathedral before being taken to the airport, train or bus station of Santiago de Compostela in the afternoon.

Subject to change due to unforseeable incidents.

 

Unterkunft



You will stay in the best hotels, country houses, pazos and paradores.

Pferde, Reiten & Zaumzeug


Pferde: Andalusian and Spanish mixes with good character, persistent and sure-footed.

Sattel & Zaum: Spanish saddles and bridle (English, Brazilian or Western saddles are also available on request).

Reiterfahrung: The riding tempo on the riding tours is moderate. However, due to the sometimes challenging terrain and occasional gallops, you should have sufficient riding experience and be confident in all gaits.

Kundenmeinungen & weitere Informationen

Kundenmeinungen, Informationen zum Land (wie z.B. Visabestimmungen) und Wetterinfos finden Sie bei und nur online, da sich diese täglich ändern können. Gehen Sie dafür bitte online auf www.equitour.com/gal009p.htm

 

Preise & Termine

In a nutshell

Webcode: GAL009P

Program Type: Trail
Travel Time: Apr-Oct
Lodging: Country and 4*-Hotels, Pazos
Catering: Full board
Accomodation: Double
Language: English, Spanish
Non Riders: yes
Kids: upon request
Own Horse: no

Group Size
Min: 4
Max: 20


Your Expert:

Kontaktformular


For many centuries pilgrims followed this path - the Way of St. James. Since they came from all over the world, there are also different routes. Whether they came from France, Portugal, the north or along the sea, they all lead to Santiago de Compostela in the Spanish province of Galicia.
Our partner offers you the unique opportunity to discover the Way of St. James on horseback. Everything will be taken care of - the food is excellent and you will stay overnight in the most beautiful accommodations along the Way of St. James. You have the choice between the traditional French Way, the Portuguese Way, the Northern Way and the Sea Route.

The Portuguese Way of St. James is said to have existed already in the Middle Ages. Bridges, country chapels, sanctuaries, stone crosses, ancestral homes and historic towns are found along a route that begins in Portugal and ends in front of the tomb of St. James. The Portuguese Way of St. James is a route with important monuments and a strong cultural background that goes far beyond architecture.

Every day you will cover about 30-35km on horseback and spend 6-7 hours in the saddle.

Itinerary

Tour itinerary from Porto:

For the 8-day tour you will be picked up in Vigo and brought to Barcelos, where you will spend the first night in a beautiful country hotel.

Ponte de Lima is the destination of the next riding stage. Until you arrive here, you will roam beautiful landscapes and pass by old impressive churches. Due to the course of the Way of St. James, parts of the "randonnée équestre" of the Portuguese Way cannot be avoided on tarred roads.

Tui is the starting point of the Portuguese Way in Galicia and destination of the next day. From Tui, the route continues via A Ponte das Febres and A Madalena on a Roman road to Redondela, where you will come across the monastery of Vilarella, which is well worth seeing. You will ride through the town, where the historic 16th century hostel "Casa da Torre" is located, one of the main hostels on the Portuguese Way. After Redondela, the trail continues through a forest to Soutoxusto. Passing by pine trees, you will reach the village of Sete Fontes and then Arcade, famous for its delicious seafood that you can taste. After the lunch break you will ride to Pontesampaio, where the Way of St. James crosses the river Verdugo. This is where one of the greatest defeats of the Napoleonic army during the War of Independence took place. Through places like Bértola, the Way of St. James finally approaches Pontevedra, where you will stay in a small, lovingly run hotel.

Today you will ride through mountainous terrain, past old mills and through fairytale pine, deciduous and eucalyptus forests to Padrón, where you will spend the night in a noble former bishop´s residence - a medieval, very inviting ambience will inspire you! When the accommodation in Padrón is fully booked, you will stay in Catoira in a very idyllic small hotel.

Today is the last riding stage to Monto del Gozo! On the way, as in the previous days, you will often pass old churches worth seeing. From the famous Monto del Gozo, the mountain of joy, you can enjoy the view over Santiago de Compostela and catch the first glimpse of the towers of the cathedral. You will stay overnight in a luxurious 4-star hotel, which is located a little below Monto del Gozo and also offers a view of Santiago.

After a hearty breakfast, you will make your morning pilgrimage into the city on foot (or by car) to pick up your pilgrim´s pass, the Compostelana. At 12 noon you will then attend mass in the impressive cathedral before being taken to the airport, train or bus station of Santiago de Compostela in the afternoon.

Subject to change due to unforseeable incidents.


Accomodation
You will stay in the best hotels, country houses, pazos and paradores.


Saddle & Tack: Spanish saddles and bridle (English, Brazilian or Western saddles are also available on request).

Experience: The riding tempo on the riding tours is moderate. However, due to the sometimes challenging terrain and occasional gallops, you should have sufficient riding experience and be confident in all gaits.

Horses: Andalusian and Spanish mixes with good character, persistent and sure-footed.


In a nutshell

Webcode: GAL009P

Program Type: Trail
Travel Time: Apr-Oct
Lodging: Country and 4*-Hotels, Pazos
Catering: Full board
Accomodation: Double
Language: English, Spanish
Non Riders: yes
Kids: upon request
Own Horse: no

Group Size
Min: 4
Max: 20





All itineraries, prices & dates subject to changes © EQUITOUR International Riding Vacations, Switzerland