Porto · Braga · Bom Jesus Shrine · Tui · O Porriño · Redondela · Pontevedra · Caldas de Reis · Padron · Santiago De Compostela
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Porto · Braga · Bom Jesus Shrine · Tui · O Porriño · Redondela · Pontevedra · Caldas de Reis · Padron · Santiago De Compostela
Join us on this adventurous walking Pilgrimage on the Portuguese Route of the Way of St. James, “O Caminho do Santiago!” Begin in Porto for this 11 day journey that will span 160 miles, 75 of them, walked by you! The Pilgrimage will be led by a Priest who will say Mass daily and be available for Spiritual Direction throughout, as well as a local professional guide who will lead you through the Portuguese countryside, stopping at significant churches and sites along the way. Along the way, you will walk through tranquil woods, farmland, peaceful hamlets, and gorgeous riverside towns. Travel through cities like Braga, O Porriño, Redoncela, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padron, and finally finish in Santiago de Compostela at the final resting place of St. James the Apostle. This walking pilgrimage will immerse you into Portuguese culture, deepen your connection to St. James and your faith, and surely plant seeds that will bear spiritual fruit for years to come. Buen Camino!
What to Know Before You Go on the El Camino Pilgrimage
Your trip includes
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Round trip airfare from Chicago (ORD)
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Surcharges
- Classic & Quaint Hotels and Inns along the Camino in double occupancy
- ~ 1 night: May 13 - 14: Vincci Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ~ 3 nights: May 14 - 17: Hotel Alfonso I, Tui, Spain
- ~ 3 nights: May 17 - 20: Hotel Rural Campaniola, Pontevedra, Spain
- ~ 2 nights: May 20 - 22: Gran Hotel Los Abetos, Santiago De Compostela, Spain
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- Base Price: 2 Travellers in 1 Room: Queen or King Bed or 2 Twin beds
- Optional - Additional Cost:
- ◦ Solo Traveler: No Roomate
- ◦ Triple Room: Upon Request
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- Post Tour hotel accommodations:
- ~ 1 night: May 22 - 23: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal
- ~ 2 nights: May 23 - 25: Hotel Estrela De Fatima, Fatima, Portugal
- Breakfast and Dinner daily
- 7 Lunches during walking days (few would be picnic lunches)
- Wine and mineral water with dinners
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Whisper headsets where needed
- Assistance of a professional local Catholic Guide
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
- Flight bag & Digital PDF confirmation of all travel documents
El Camino Accommodations:
Please be advised that we book you in the best available accommodations that are along the Camino trail. There are a limited number of places to stay along the Camino trail, without having to walk extra miles away from the Trail, and then back to the Trail to continue walking the route. These places range in Star Rating – simply because luxury hotels just do not exist.
Not Included
- Lunches and beverages not mentioned, Tips to your guide & driver.
Itinerary
While you will be removed from the routine of your everyday life, rest assured you will be taken care of with outstanding accommodations, meals and transportation with van / bus driving parallel to the path you walk each day. Should at any point you feel tired, need water, or any medical assistance, it will be readily available to you at check points that are set up along the way on your path. Tourists pass through places, places pass through Pilgrims.
*Important Notice:
This itinerary involves an average of 10 – 15 miles daily of walking/hiking. It is essential that participants be in fit condition in order to complete the journey. We will have assistance vehicles (motor coach) available to assist pilgrims who are unable to complete a particular leg of the journey.
Day 1 | Monday, May 12: Departure from the USA
Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.
Day 2 | Tuesday, May 13: Arrive Porto
Upon arrival in Porto, you will collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the Arrival’s Hall where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Make your way to the bus where your group will transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon we will visit Sao Francisco Church with beautiful Gothic interior. Following Mass, we visit The Clerigos Church with iconic bell tower, continue panoramic view of the Dom Luís Bridge, Church of Saint Ildefonso , a baroque style church with tile façade and the Maria Pia Bridge. Return to your hotel for restful overnight in Porto before your walking tour begins!
Day 3 | Wednesday, May 14: Porto – Braga – Bom Jesus Shrine – Tui
This morning, you will enjoy breakfast , followed with a transfer to Braga. Braga is a lively city, one of the oldest in the country. Visit the Shrine of Bom Jesus do Monte (“ Good Jesus of the Mountain “ ) to celebrate Mass. n 1722 the Archbishop of Braga authorized the construction of a Sacred Way, for the faithful to walk the Stations of the Cross for penance and contemplation. In the afternoon walk a brief 3-4 miles. Continue to the cathedral town of Tui in Galicia. Tui is seperated from Portugal by the River Minho. Check into for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 | Thursday, May 15: Tui – O Porriño
(WALKING DAY, 11.8 MILES / 19KM)
Today is the day that your walking pilgrimage (El Camino) to Santiago de Compostela officially begins! Following breakfast, your group will be walking across tranquil woods, farmland and peaceful hamlets. With the guidance of Our Lord, and through the spirit of St. James the apostle, you will become an authentic pilgrim by journeying along the physical road, as well as, the spiritual one. Your first official day of walking will culminate in O Porrino. Enjoy dinner followed by an overnight.
Day 5 | Friday, May 16: O Porriño – Redoncela
(WALKING DAY, 9.9 MILES / 16KM)
This morning, you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel and journey from O Porrino, through the woods to the Rendoncela. Known for its famous railway viaducts built in the nineteenth century. Due to these infrastructures Redondela is known under the nickname “Village of the viaducts.” Dinner and enjoy a restful overnight in Tui.
Day 6 | Saturday, May 17: Redondela – Pontevedra
(WALKING DAY, 11.8 MILES / 19KM)
Breakfast will be served at your hotel. Your pilgrimage continues as you will travel from Redondela to Pontevedra, historically famous, culturally rich and has a significant number architectural attractions worth seeing. It has a very well preserved medieval town center along with many small and popular squares. View the “Capela da Virxe Peregrina” , a highly unusual building situated in the square of the pilgrim. This chapel is unique and distinctive. It was built in 1778 and is positioned on the main pilgrim’s route that leads to Santiago de Compostela from Galicia’s neighbor Portugal. As you explore Pontevedra , you will notice joy etched in the faces of the pilgrims. Although they have traveled a long distance, they are not weary. With God and St. James guiding their paths, excitement and anticipation continues for their arrival in Santiago. Dinner and overnight in Pontevedra.
Day 7 | Sunday, May 18: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis
(WALKING DAY, 14.3 MILES / 23KM)
After breakfast we will continue our journey to Caldas de Reis. Today we will pass through the villages of Alba, A Portela and Briallos. In Alba the Church of Santa Maria de Alba is beautiful, in A Portela you will find the church of San Mamede and in Briallos, a small village of 400 people where there is an albergue. Arrival in Caldas de Reis, this town is well known for its hot springs and it sits at the confluence of Bermaña and Umia rivers. Dinner and overnight in Pontevedra.
Day 8 | Monday, May 19: Caldas de Reis – Padron
(WALKING DAY, 11.8 MILES / 19KM)
This morning, you will enjoy breakfast. Today’s route passes through San Miguel de Valga, Cimadevila, Fontelo and the river Ulla. The church of Santiago de Padron is a very important stop for pilgrims. Inside the church, under the altar, we can find the Pedrón, a granite block that was tied to the boat that carried apostle St James. Tonight we’re staying at Padron, which is significant as this is where Saint James Santiago first preached the word of the Lord. Enjoy dinner followed by a good night rest.
Day 9 | Tuesday, May 20: Padron – Santiago De Compostela
(WALKING DAY, 15.5 MILES / 25KM)
Today, you will culminate the walking portion of your journey! The walk continues in the same direction as the previous day. You leave Padrón and go past the church of Santiago towards the Colegiata of Iria Flavia, where Nobel Literature Prize Camilo José Cela is buried. The day continues through Osebe, on paths and main roads, through villages and woodlands, until you reach O Milladoiro, here you will know that you are approaching Santiago because at this point, you will be able to see the spires of the Cathedral. Following lunch, you will complete your walking journey and arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Upon arrival, feel free to say a small prayer in thanksgiving to Our Lord for keeping you safe throughout the walking pilgrimage. At this time, you will check-in to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore Galicia’s capital, Santiago. This evening you will enjoy dinner on your own followed by a very restful overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 10 | Wednesday, May 21: Santiago De Compostela
This morning you will awaken in the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela! Formed by Galician granite, this Cathedral is one of the finest architectural examples in Europe as it encompasses Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. Additionally, the Cathedral contains numerous and valuable pieces of art that truly captivate the eye. Upon entering the Cathedral, tradition will lead as you will hug the dazzling statue of St. James. Following this intimate embrace, you will descend into the crypt where the Patron Saint of Pilgrims’ relics are kept. Following your visit, you will enjoy free time for lunch on own before your sightseeing tour of the city. Some stops on your tour include the Obradoiro Square, Fonseca Palace, Gelmirez Palace, Franco Street, and much more. Your evening will be free to spend at your leisure and dinner on your own. You will spend a final overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 11 | Thursday, May 22: Return Home
Your last day in Spain will begin with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a transfer to the Santiago Airport for your return flight(s) home. You will say hasta luego (see you later) to your new friends made on this journey.
Or for pilgrims taking Post Tour to Lisbon and Fatima.
*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of places to be visited. Occasionally local religious holidays, national days, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of visits or the missing of certain visits.
Optional Post Tour to Lisbon & Fatima
May 22 – 25, 2025
- Post Tour hotel accommodations:
- ~ 1 night: May 22 - 23: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal
- ~ 2 nights: May 23 - 25: Hotel Estrela De Fatima, Fatima, Portugal
- Breakfast and Dinner daily
- Wine and mineral water with dinners
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Whisper headsets where needed
- Assistance of a professional local Catholic Guide
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
- Flight bag & Digital PDF confirmation of all travel documents
Anticipated Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 | Thursday, May 22: Santiago de Compostela - Lisbon
After breakfast, we depart for Lisbon. This afternoon we will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of the coastal city of Lisbon. We will stop at the St. Jerome’s Monastery, built to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for guiding Vasco da Gama on his voyage that linked Europe and Asia. Continue and drive by the Belem Quarter that contains the iconic entryway to the Lisbon harbor, the Belem Tower. This important landmark has many beautiful sculptures, such as depictions of, St. Vincent and Our Lady of Safe Homecoming. We will continue and pass by the “25th of April Bridge”, inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, California. The Ponte 25 de Abril is the oldest bridge that connects the Tagus River of Lisbon. Following, we will drive by the Discoveries Monument. This memorial commemorates the Great Explorers who, as a result of their explorations, brought Portugal to a standing of wealth and power during the Age of Discovery. This ship’s prow-shaped structure stands where the Great Explorers began their expeditions. Enjoy a view of the Basilica of the Star, the Rossio Square, Commerce Square, and the Marquee of Pombal Square. Our last stop will be St. Anthony’s Church to celebrate Mass. Although this patron Saint of lost things is known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), he was originally born in Lisbon, Portugal. This Church is built upon the site of St. Anthony’s birth and is also where Saint John Paul II visited in 1982. The former Pope stopped at this Church, on his way to Fatima, to pray to Our Lady in thanksgiving. Saint John Paul II recognizes Our Lady as saving him from being killed when he was shot one year prior, in 1981. After Mass, we will check-in at the hotel and enjoy a welcoming dinner followed by a restful overnight.
Day 2 | Friday, May 23: Lisbon – Santarem – Fatima
Today, we will head to Fatima. On the way, we will stop at St. Stephens Church in the town of Santarem to celebrate Mass and venerate the 13th century Eucharistic Miracle. Continue to Fatima – this hamlet of Aljustrel, is the birthplace and home of the three shepherd children. Dinner and overnight in Fatima.
Day 3 | Saturday, May 24: Fatima
Today will surely be a memorable experience as you pray and meditate at one of Our Blessed Mother’s apparition sites. Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children; Lucia (age 10), Jacinta (age 7), and Francisco (age 9). These apparitions occurred monthly from May until October of 1917. Historically, as the entire world was in turmoil amidst World War I, the most prominent message from Our Lady of Fatima was to pray for world peace. In her messages to the children, specifically in the second secret, she mentioned the destruction of the world. Our profoundly reflective day begins with a visit to the Little Chapel of the Apparitions simple, yet modern, which is the site where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13th in 1917. Follow with a visit to the stunning neoclassical Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This Sacred space contains the tombs of St. Francisco, St. Jacinta, and Sister Lucia. View the monument that commemorates the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the square. Our Lady’s messages included consistent reminders to pray the Rosary – the Basilica honors this, by featuring fifteen altars dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. While in the Basilica, you will feel, through the love of Our Lord and Lady, the many graces received here. Visit the museum with the exhibition: “Fatima: Light and Peace”. Continue with a visit to the Holy Trinity Basilica. After free time for lunch, we will experience Christ’s unconditional love by participating in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra. “The Sacred Way” marks the path the shepherd children took to the first apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. The path is composed of fifteen small chapels in commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord. The fifteenth station, the Resurrection, can be found close to the Chapel of Calvary, dedicated to St. Stephen, King of Hungary. The day ends with a visit to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady’s August 19th, 1917 Apparition, which was also the first and third apparition of the Angel. Your night will conclude with private devotions and a candlelight procession, requested by Our Lady (1917). Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night’s rest in Fatima.
Day 4 | Sunday, May 25: Fatima – Lisbon – USA
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, leave by motorcoach and transfer to Lisbon airport for return flights home.
Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?
Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: sales@206tours.com
