Portuguese Camino - Lisbon to Coimbra

Portuguese Camino - Lisbon to Coimbra

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11 Days From

$1490

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey along the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon to Coimbra, a self-guided walking tour that immerses you in the rich cultural tapestry of Portugal. Traverse through charming villages and pilgrimage sites, explore the historical wonders of Tomar and Coimbra, and marvel at the Roman ruins of Conimbriga. Delight in the culinary offerings of the region and visit the UNESCO-listed monastery in Belem. Experience the serene beauty of Portugal's market gardens and riverside villages, and wander through Templar country to the Convent of Christ. Enjoy comfortable accommodations with luggage transfers, and receive a digital information pack to guide your adventure. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, promising an unforgettable exploration of Portugal's heartland. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Discover the small villages and pilgrimage sites along the Camino Portugués on foot.

  • Explore historical Tomar and Coimbra, and visit the ruins at Conimbriga.

  • Visit the UNESCO-listed monastery in Belem and the Alfama district in Lisbon.

  • Walk through the market garden of Portugal and riverside villages to Santarem.

  • Pass through Templar country and visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar.

  • Cross flat rural plains, woodlands, and vineyards to Alvaiazere and Alvorge.

  • Explore the Roman ruins at Conimbriga and the historic university town of Coimbra.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal

Location: Lisbon, Belem, Alfama

Accommodation Name: hotel

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the world’s oldest cities: known as Olispio by the Romans, settled by the Visigoths and the Arabs before becoming the base for the “Discoveries’ – Columbus, Magellan and Vasco de Gama all set sail from here. An earthquake in 1755 destroyed many buildings and dramatically brought an end to this powerful empire. The UNESCO-listed monastery in Belem still stands and is definitely worth a visit, as is the Alfama district for ‘fado’ (music) – or simply enjoy a stroll through the streets of this beautiful city. You will find the first waymark of your Portuguese Camino at the Cathedral. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Transfer to Santa Iria de Azoia, walk to Vila Franca de Xira (4.5hrs)

Location: Povoa de Santa Iria de Azoia, Alhandra, Vila Franca de Xira

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to Povoa de Santa Iria de Azoia (at 8.30am, 20mins) where your walk commences. Initially walking through industrial outskirts and modern suburban developments, the last 4km from Alhandra to Vila Franca is riverside and pleasant. Once a Crusader town, Vila Franca is known today for breeding fighting bulls (its Festa do Colete, ‘running of the bulls’, is held in early July). Nearby is a large wetland reserve, home to vast flocks of migrating fowl. Overnight in Vila Franca de Xira.Distance 16km/10mi, ascent/descent approx 130m/427ft(It is possible to walk from Lisbon however the day is very long, approx 9-10hours. Lisbon-Santa Iria is 20km/13km with hills).

Day 3 : Along the river to Azambuja (5-6hrs)

Location: Azambuja

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue along the river, through flat agricultural land – and a couple of industrial zones – to Azambuja, gateway to the fertile floodplains of the Tagus. Azambuja was home to one of Portugal's most famous female matadors, Ana Maria, and its 'running of the bulls' festival is held in May. Overnight in Azambuja.Distance 20km/12.5mi, ascent/descent approx 75m/246ft

Day 4 : Through ‘the market garden of Portugal’ to Santarem (8hrs)

Location: Tagus River, Santarem, Igreja de Marvila, Portas do Sol

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s walk follows farm tracks through ‘the market garden of Portugal’, the rich flood plains of the Tagus. Here you’ll find fruit, vegetables and vineyards. Wander through riverside villages before a short uphill to Santarem. Once an administrative centre of the Romans, the town was settled by the Moors and considered unassailable until its recapture by the Portuguese in 1149. The beautiful main square is surrounded by churches, and don’t miss the ceramic tiled Igeja de Marvila and the view from the Portas do Sol. Overnight in Santarem.Distance 33km/20.5mi, ascent 247m/810ft, descent 148m/485ft

Day 5 : Walk to Golega (8hrs)

Location: Azinhaga, Golegã, Paul do Boquilobo Nature Reserve

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s walk again follows rural tracks and lanes and passes through villages along the Tagus. If the weather is dry, consider leaving the new path to visit the town of Azinhaga, birthplace of Portugal’s 1998 Nobel Prize winning writer, Jose Saramago. At Golega, the 16th century Parish Church has a beautiful Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) gate and its museum owns a collection of sculptures by Martins Correia. Nearby is the Paul do Boquilobo Nature Reserve, the marsh habitat and breeding ground of several species of water fowl (April to June). Golega’s famous horse fair is held in the first two weeks of November and accommodation is scarce. Overnight in Golega.Distance 33km/20.5mi, ascent 264m/866ft, descent 347m/1138ft

Day 6 : Through Templar country to Tomar (7-8hrs)

Location: Quinta da Cardiga, Tomar, Convent of Christ

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk along the Tagus via the abandoned manor Quinta da Cardiga with its Manueline portal and 16th and 17th tiles. From here, the countryside changes from alluvial plains to undulating hills as you head away from the river. Continue through woodlands and several villages then follow the Nabao river to historic Tomar. In the late 12th century, Tomar’s castle was the headquarters of the Portuguese Templars and the town remains an archetype of Templar layout and architecture. Don’t miss the richly embellished Charola or Round Church in the Convent of Christ. Lots to see and a great feel make Tomar an ideal town to have a rest day (must be arranged at the time of booking). Overnight in Tomar.Distance 30km/18.8m, ascent 588m/1929ft, descent 562m/1844ft

Day 7 : Through diverse landscapes to Alvaiazere (8hrs)

Location: Alvaiazere

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This is a stage with very diverse landscapes. It crosses pastures with holm oaks, olive trees and some pines, interspersed with areas of orchards and fruit trees. There are constant ascents and descents and the walk is peaceful despite being long/ demanding and mostly on paved roads. Overnight in Alvaiazere.Distance 31km/19mi, ascent 960m/3150ft, descent 700m/2296ft

Day 8 : Walk to Alvorge (6hrs)

Location: Ansiao, Alvorge

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's stage has beautiful stretches among olive and holm oak trees, but with rocky paths and paved tracks. There are many little hamlets en route and the mid-way town of Ansiao has a Saturday farmers' market. Cross the 17th bridge leaving Ansiao before heading along forest track through pines and eucalypts, where sap is collected in the traditional method. Continue to the attractive Alvorge for your overnight stay.Distance 23km/14mi, ascent 663m/2175ft, descent 681m/2234ft

Day 9 : Continue to Condeixa a Nova (6.5hrs)

Location: Conimbriga, Condeixa a Nova

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's walk takes you through a variety of landscapes and across undulating terrain, mostly through farmlands and passing woods. You pass the Roman ruins at Conimbriga where you can stop and discover the many mosaics before continuing to the town of Condeixa a Nova. Overnight in Condeixa a Nova.Distance 22km/14mi, ascent 370m/1214ft, descent 558m/1830ft

Day 10 : On to Coimbra (4hrs)

Liudmila Rodriguez Quintero Santa Clara, Cuba
Alejandro Guinaga Santa Clara, Cuba
Santa Clara
Coimbra, Portugal

Location: Palheira, Cruz dos Mourocos, Santa Clara, Coimbra

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you continue walking along paved roads and through small hamlets. The trail is undulating around the town of Palheira. Along the way, Cruz dos Mourocos has remnants of a Roman aqueduct and the town of Santa Clara has a dramatic and somewhat macabre story: Dona Ines de Castro secretly wed Pedro, son of King Alfonso IV, and was tragically murdered by the King as he feared her Spanish heritage. On his father’s death and subsequent coronation, Pedro exhumed Dona Ines' corpse, crowned it and forced courtiers to pay homage and kiss her decaying hand, in revenge. Cross the Mondego River to Coimbra, a thriving university town with many historic buildings. Overnight in Coimbra.Distance 17km/10.6mi, ascent 380m/1247ft, descent 460m/1509ft

Day 11 : Trip concludes

Coimbra, Portugal
Paul Allen Porto, Portugal

Location: Porto, Coimbra

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip concludes after breakfast - or continue along the next stage of the Portuguese Camino to Porto. Coimbra is also a great town for an extra night or two, please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    10 nights in comfortable hotels

  • Transfer from Lisbon to Santa Iria de Azoia

    The tour includes a transfer from Lisbon to Santa Iria de Azoia on day 2.

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer is included with a maximum of 20kg per piece.

  • Digital Information Pack

    A digital information pack with route notes, maps, and GPX is provided.

  • Pilgrim Passport

    A pilgrim passport is included in the tour.

  • Emergency Hotline

    An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.

  • Travel to Lisbon and from Coimbra

    Travel to Lisbon and from Coimbra is included.

What's Not Included

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

    Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not provided.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday, no guide is provided.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees not listed as included

    Entrance fees to attractions are not included unless specified.

  • Transfers unless listed as included

    Transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned.

  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage

    Any additional transfers required to skip a stage are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for luggage exceeding the 20kg limit.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal expenses are not included.

Grading

GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 15-33km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads and on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road and there are often alternative routes available. Route finding is reasonably straightforward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago). Our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. ...more ...less

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a transfer from Lisbon to Santa Iria de Azoia, and luggage transfer with a maximum of 20kg per piece. Travel to Lisbon and from Coimbra is also included.

Accommodation

Enjoy 10 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, offering a cozy and welcoming stay throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 10 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, ensuring a cozy and welcoming stay throughout the journey.

  • Is luggage transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included in the tour. You are allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 10 breakfasts, which are usually continental and include breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Other meals such as lunch and dinner are not included.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    No, this is a self-guided walking holiday, so no guide is provided. However, a digital information pack with route notes, maps, and GPX is included to assist you.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection.

  • What is the difficulty level of the walks on this tour?

    The tour is graded as GRADE 3, with daily walks ranging from 15-33km on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, from relatively flat to hilly. A good level of fitness is required to participate fully.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is mandatory for participants to have their own travel insurance.

  • What happens if I need to skip a stage during the walk?

    Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage, but these are not included in the tour package.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure. ...more ...less

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards. ...more ...less

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable. ...more ...less

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip. ...more ...less

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable. ...more ...less

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided. ...more ...less

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile. ...more ...less

Cathy Eaton (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is...

07-Nov-2024

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is a predominantly coastal walk from the very lovely French town Collioure to Cadeques in Spain. There are 2 routes to choose each day and each have different elevation and distance. On day 5 (the 4th day of walking) there is an option to climb up to a monastery. Try not to do this on the only day it is closed (as we did) - Monday. In my opinion the day between Cerbere and Llanca was the best - really pretty coastal scenery and included some rock hopping around the sea edge. The hotels were all family run and comfortable but usually a bit out of the centre. The luggage transfers worked well. (We didn’t have supplied luggage labels and so used sticky sports tape each day to label the next hotel name). Breakfasts were all excellent, dinners varied a bit - but they were adequate. I thought the trip was good value. The trails were not crowded and I recommend October as a good time for this hike. There is little shade so it would be extremely hot at the peak of summer. ...more ...less

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done. ...more ...less

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client. ...more ...less

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Portuguese Camino - Lisbon to Coimbra

11 Days Starting in Lisbon, Portugal and ending in Coimbra, Portugal

Visiting: Lisbon, Belem, Alfama, Povoa de Santa Iria de Azoia, Alhandra, Vila Franca de Xira, Azambuja, Tagus River, Santarem, Igreja de Marvila, Portas do Sol, Azinhaga, Golegã, Paul do Boquilobo Nature Reserve, Quinta da Cardiga, Tomar, Convent of Christ, Alvaiazere, Ansiao, Alvorge, Conimbriga, Condeixa a Nova, Palheira, Cruz dos Mourocos, Santa Clara, Coimbra, Porto ...more ...less

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

PC1

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1490 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 07-Mar-2025 but subject to change.