Explore the heart of Portugal's inland countryside
Enjoy the buzz of a student and historic city in Coimbra
Discover a land full of traditions, home of portuguese horseriding and bullfighting
Indulge yourself in en-suite rooms and with a high level of comfort all along the way.

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Departures:

>Self-Guided
Any time, all year round!

>Guided
See Guided Departures page

The Portuguese Way became very popular after the country gained its independence in the mid 12th century. Nowadays, some people claim the Portuguese Way offers one of the richest cultural and architectural heritages of the whole of the existing Caminos. The Portuguese way starts in Lisbon and crosses Lisboa, Alentejo and the Central and Northern regions of Portugal. It then enters Spain in Tui to continue North through Galicia and towards Santiago de Compostela!

This 2nd section of the Portuguese Way stretches between Santarem and Coimbra, through the province of Ribatejo, the only one in the whole of Portugal that does not border either the Atlantic Coast, either Spain. So this walking holiday explores the heart of Portugal, a region of traditions and with cities full of history such as Santarem, Tomar or Coimbre, this part of the Portuguese Way is yet to be discovered!

DAY 1 – Santarem
The city of Santarem is perched on top of a hill, overlooking the Rio Tejo valley. Santarem is a charming historic and human-size city where visitors can wander around the tortuous streets and enjoy the relaxing Portuguese way of life.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities

DAY 2 – Santarem to Golega (30km, 7h30, +50m -125m)
Leaving Santarem, we soon find ourselves walking along quiet country lanes as today the Camino heads North East, mostly following Rio Tejo. It passes through very few yet charming villages, a land of campinos (cattle herders), horses and bulls (as the region is famous for bullfighting). This is a long walking day but the flat terrain makes it easy enough to complete.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 3 – Golega to Tomar (29km, 7h15, +350m -200m)
We start this day heading towards one of the country's nicest manor house, Finca da Cardiga. Then we continue through the quiet hilly countryside, passing through a few scattered villages. The day finishes on Praza de la Republica in Tomar, in the heart of the old city.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Accommodation: En-suite. 2* accommodation or equivalent. You hotel is located in the centre of Lalin, 2 kilometre off trail. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 4 – Tomar to Alvaiazere (31km, 8h15 +550m -450m)
Today announces a change of terrain as we go up and down along several wooded valleys, roman roads, farm tracks. This day is often seen as challenging but it is also one of the most rewarding of this section.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 5 – Alvaiazere to Ansiao (16km, 4h +325m -450m)
Leaving Alvaiazere, we start with a steep climb up followed by an as steadly descend. The Camino continues up and down through crop fields and olive groves and along the medieval route that brings us to Ansiao.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Accommodation: En-suite. 2* accommodation or equivalent. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 6 – Ansiao to Condeixa A Nova (16km, 4h, +200m -150m)
We leave Ansiao crossing a 17th century bridge Ponte da Cal and heading towards Netos. Then the landscape alternate between pine and eucalyptus woods, olive groves and small towns. We finally make our way to Condeixa a Nova.

Town: ATM, Shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 7 – Condeixa A Nova to Coimbra (29km, 7h15, +350m -475m)
The first half of the day runs through the countryside with lovely vineyards, olive groves and woodlands. As we approach the University city of Coimbra, the area becomes more populated and the last climb up of this section is towards alto de Cruz de Mourocos (Alt. 190m) overlooking Coimbra and the Rio Mondego valley. Coimbra is a nice and lively city, home of one of the oldest university in Europe!

Town: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 – Coimbra
After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

Town: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast

• Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
• Rooms en-suite
• Half-Board during the hike
• Detailed Walking Notes
• Map
• Pilgrim passport

• Flights
• Insurance (recommended)
• Drinks
• Dinners in Santarem and Coimbra
• Transfers from/to airport