After breakfast it is time to begin our second day of walking on the Camino Portugués, from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães. Today we will embark on our toughest climb for some wonderful views of the natural landscape at the highest point on the Camino Portugués: Alto da Portela Grande. The yellow arrows as well as our knowledgeable Fresco Tours guides will keep us on track to the top, where we can relax at our checkpoint before beginning our descent into the valley.
Our path down from Alto da Portela Grande is along the Roman Via XIX, the Roman roads built from about 300 BC through the expansion of the Roman Empire. At the time they were constructed they were used to efficiently facilitate the transportation of armies, officials, civilians, communications, and trade goods. Now we get to walk the same stones! On our path we will pass an ancient mile marker also constructed by the Romans that reminds us of the distance to Santiago and the journey we have already completed.
After a full day of rewarding walks and delicious food, your Fresco Tours guides will sit down with the group for the evening meeting where we will talk about tomorrow’s walk. Here, we will explain the map, including the terrain, the checkpoints of the support vehicle, and our picnic point, to get us ready for the next day.
