Tour Itinerary
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Thursday, May 22, 2025
Welcome to Spain!
Your vegan tour guide will meet you at our hotel in Santiago. Feel free to rest or to explore the city on your own.
When booking flights, use airport code SCQ for the Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
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Friday, May 23, 2025
Today we travel by private shuttle to Peneda-Gerês National Park in the mountains of northern Portugal. Arriving at the Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Peneda (Our Lady of Peneda Sanctuary), we have the chance to explore the sancutary and nearby trails. We break for lunch at Meadinha Rock, whose sheer face is known in rock climbing community as “Portugal’s Yosemite.” Peneda Falls adds a dramatic flair to the already picturesque scene. A loop trail takes us up to a lake above the falls, offering up stellar views of the many peaks and valleys that surround us.
The sanctuary we see today was built in the 19th century, but pilgrims have been coming to this site for at least 700 years to venerate Our Lady of the Snows. This tradition dates back to the 13 century, when, according to local lore, the virgin mother twice appeared to a young shepherdess. In Portugal, the natural world cannot be appreciated separately from centuries of tradition.
After our hike we’ll head deeper into Peneda-Gerês National Park and arrive at our hotel to relax and recover before tomorrow’s adventures.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distances: 3–7 km (2–4 mi)
Optional Activities: Rock climbing
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Saturday, May 24, 2025
From our base in the village of Gerês, we are free to explore the many peaks, viewpoints and waterfalls in the area. Our destination is the Miradouro da Pedra Bela, one of the park’s most iconic overlooks. You can set off directly from our hotel, or be transported closer to the top for a shorter, gentler hike.
After breaking for lunch at a boulder patch with an incredible view, you have the option to continue hiking on to Cascata do Arado (Arado waterfall) or to be transported back to the hotel. Additionally, transportation is available to Lindoso Castle.
In the evening we’ll drive up the mountain to eat in Campo de Gerês, a historic village that offers us a peek into Portugal’s past as we walk across its Roman bridges. We have the chance to stroll around and admire the Old Town before heading back to our hotel.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distances: 3–16 km (2–10 mi)
Optional Activities: Paddle boarding, canyoning, mountain biking
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Sunday, May 25, 2025
Today we travel by private shuttle to Ponte de Lima, where our cycling adventure begins with a tour of the ecovía (nature path) along the River Lima. Following the river westwards towards the Atlantic Ocean, we arrive at our hotel in Viana do Castelo in time for lunch.
The highlight of the day is taking the funicular (or the long staircase) up to the top of Monte de Santa Luzia. From its hilltop perch, the Santuário de Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia Sanctuary) offers panoramic views of both mountains and sea, as well as Viana do Castelo itself.
In the evening we gather for dinner in one of Viana do Castelo’s many vegan-friendly restaurants.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling Distances: 29–78 km (18–48 mi)
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Monday, May 26, 2025
Today is our first day traveling along the Camino de Santiago. Our morning is dedicated to soaking in the seaside views and pedaling past historic forts, windmills, and sandy beaches. We meander through local communities like Afife and Âncora before arriving at our hotel in Caminha.
The afternoon provides ample opportunity to rest—or to continue riding/walking along the Camino as it traces the Minho River, whose waters mark the border between Portugal and Galicia, Spain.
In the evening we’ll gather for dinner at a local vegan-friendly restaurant.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling Distances: 25–66 km (15–41 mi)
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Paddle boarding, surfing, kite surfing
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Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Take a rest day. You’ve earned it! If you decide you wish to explore, your guides are ready to help. Caminha is conveniently located only a short distance by train to many nearby historic towns. A ferry across the Minho River takes you into Galicia, where you can hike up to Castro de Santa Trega— the ruins of an ancient Celtic settlement with panoramic views of both mountains and sea.
A visit to nearby Modelo beach might rejuvenate you. Better yet, simply stay in your hotel room and unwind by reading a good book. There is no wrong way to spend a rest day.
In the evening we’ll reconvene for dinner at a local vegan-friendly restaurant.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Paddle boarding, surfing, kite surfing
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Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Today’s ride takes us through the borderlands along the Minho River. We bid farewell to Portugal and ride across the border into Galicia, Spain, arriving in Tui in time for lunch.
Tui is
In the evening we’ll gather for dinner at a local vegan-friendly restaurant.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling Distances: 32–62 km (20–38 mi)
Optional Activities: Kayaking, paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, historic boat tours
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Thursday, May 29, 2025
Today we’ll take the ferry to explore the Cíes Islands.
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In the afternoon we’ll continue on to our hotel in
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distances: 3–7 km (2–4 mi)
Optional Activities: Rock climbing
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Friday, May 30, 2025
Today we’ll cycle
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In the afternoon we’ll continue on to our hotel in
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling Distances: 3–7 km (2–4 mi)
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Saturday, May 31, 2025
Tour Itinerary
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This tour begins and ends in Bilbao, Spain.
Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for international travelers that is easily accessible by air, train, or bus.
When booking flights, use airport code SCQ for the Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport.
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Meals included: Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Spain! Our adventure begins in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia’s historic capital.
Your tour leader (that’s me!) will meet you at the hotel and be available should you need any assistance. Once every traveler has arrived and had a chance to settle in, we’ll briefly gather to discuss the week ahead before getting to know one another over dinner at a local vegan restaurant.
If you arrive early, feel free to explore on your own and acquaint yourself with this one-of-a-kind city. I recommend checking out the Cidade da Cultura de Galicia, located on a hill overlooking the historic Old Town. It’s stunning to look at, is full of interesting art, and offers terrific views of the city.
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Destination: Picos de Europa National Park
Today we’ll travel by private shuttle to the Senhora da Peneda Sanctuary. Here, an enormous crag (Meadinha Rock) towers over the landscape, its sheer face rising 300m (980 ft). While the current sanctuary was built in the 19th century, pilgrims have been drawn to the natural beauty of this place since the middle ages. Every September, hundreds flock from across the region to celebrate Our Lady of the Snows. Portugal’s only national park, Gerês was established in 1971 to protect not only the rich biodiversity of its steep mountain valleys, but the many medieval castles and villages scattered across these mountains.
In the afternoon we’ll continue on to our hotel in Ponte de Lima, a small town famous for its Roman bridge built in 1 AD.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activities
Visit to the Senhora da Peneda Sanctuary
Guided hiking tour of Meadinha Rock and Lake Pantano
Optional Activities
Bike ride along the Lima River EcoTrail
Walk along the raised boardwalks of the Vez River EcoTrail
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Destination: Picos de Europa National Park
Today we’ll travel by private shuttle to explore the Mata de Albergaria, an area of the park that preserves an ancient Roman road and the oak forest that surrounds it. After a morning of hiking over Roman bridges and up to panoramic views, we’ll eat lunch at Lindoso Castle, a well-preserved 12th century fortification with nearby traditional granaries (espigueiros) that are a symbol of the Minho region.
If you’re interested in outdoor pursuits besides hiking, we’ve partnered with a local guiding company to offer canyoneering, mountain biking and paddle boarding tours in the national park.
In the evening we’ll continue on to Viana do Castelo, famous for its beaches and for the Santa Luzia Basilica, visible from its hilltop perch for miles in every direction.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activities
Visit to Lindoso Castle
Guided hike to the peak of Pé de Cabril (2-3 hours; moderate)
Waterfall hike (1 hour; easy/moderate)
Optional Activities
Guided canyoneering tour of the Portuzelo River (3 hours; easy/moderate)
Guided e-MTB tour of the Serra Peneda trails (3-5h; moderate)
Paddle boarding along the Lima River (2 hours; easy)
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Destination: Viana do Castelo
Today we have the opportunity to rest and recover, whether that means reading a book in the hotel or laying out on the beach. If you prefer an active recovery approach, you have plenty of options for exploring.
Viana do Castelo has dozens of restaurants with vegan options, In the afternoon we’ll continue on to our hotel in Ponte de Lima, a small town famous for its Roman bridge built in 1 AD.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activities
Hotel pool & spa
Beach trip to Praia do Paço
Optional Activities
Walk or bike the Viana do Castelo oceanside geopark trails
Visit the historic windmills and seaside fort in Areosa
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Destination: Borgarfjordur / Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Meals included: Breakfast & DinnerToday you’ll board a private vehicle and drive to Borgarfjordur area and visit the spectacular waterfalls of
Hraunfossar (Lava waterfalls) and Barnafossar (Children’s waterfalls). Continue to Deildartunguhver – Europe’s
hottest water spring.In the afternoon, we will head to our hotel in the southern part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Included Activities:Borgarfjordur – Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
Borgarfjordur – Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfall
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Destination: Reykjavik
Meals included: Breakfast & DinnerToday drive back to Reykjavik for a short tour with your leader to get to know the main sights of this eclectic city.
Included Activities
Reykjavik – Leader-led walking tour
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Destination: Reykjavik
Meals included: BreakfastYour adventure comes to an end after breakfast. As there is not much time spent in Reykjavik on this trip, you may
want to consider booking some additional days in the capital. If you wish to spend more time here, we’ll be happy
to help! -
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