A few days since our wonderful week walking Portugal’s coast and beaches and missing it already. Luis and Alex were the perfect guides, with exceptional local knowledge and a phenomenal work ethic! Breath taking scenery and unspoilt beaches, and great way to get fit! Nesting storks and peregrine falcons were such a bonus! Fine hotels throughout, topped off with a touch of luxury in Sagres, restaurants and food excellent all shared with a great group of like-minded travellers.
The festoons on the trip were amazing along with the experiences and activities along the way. I would recommend that the walking tour in Tangier is dropped as it was rushed and wasn’t of much interest to myself or the group, instead spend more time in Chefchaouen. I would also have liked more time in Lisbon but I understand this is a new trip split into two from an old tour. I also thoroughly enjoyed the second night of Fes where the local guide took us out for the night, this should be included in future trips as it was a highlight for the whole group. Finally the best part about this trip was our guide Laura. She’s was amazing at every turn from her knowledge to her energy. There is nothing she wasn’t willing to do to make our experience better and of the many tours I have done she is the best and my favourite guide I have ever had and hope to travel with her again.
The Porto to Tui section of the Portugese camino is far quieter than Sarria to Santiago in Spain, which has its own charms but requires more thought about where to stop. The route gets progressively more rural (and hillier!) passing through some delightful villages and small towns. The cathedral in Tui makes a good end point for those just doing this section of the Camino.