Portugal and Spain – Santiago de Compostela – walking pilgrimage

CHICAGO - PORTUGAL

We begin our journey with the meeting of the group at ORD airport in Chicago. After passport and baggage check-in, we fly to Portugal in Europe.

LISBON - FATIMA

Exploring LISBON – the capital of Portugal.

Our journey begins with a visit to the Belem District. We head to the Jeronimos Monastery, reach the Monument to the Discoveries, and explore the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. The next destination on the itinerary is the Bairro Alto district, from where we walk through the old town and see other extraordinary and charming places in Lisbon.

We transfer to Fatima, have dinner, and stay overnight in a hotel in Fatima.

Portugal and Spain – Santiago de Comostela – walking pilgrimage

FATIMA

Morning Holy Mass is followed by breakfast. Right after that, we proceed to the Sanctuary and the site of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima in 1917.

On this day, we also visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary with the graves of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, and the monument of John Paul II.

In the afternoon, we embark on the Way of the Cross, and then explore Valinhos – the site of the Angel’s apparitions.

Return to Fatima for dinner. In the evening, we will participate in a candlelit Rosary procession.

Overnight stay in Fatima.

FATIMA - OIA

We start the day with Holy Mass, followed by breakfast, and then we check out of our hotel.

On this day, we have a visit to Coimbra, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal and the former capital of the country. We explore the University of Coimbra – the oldest academic institution in the country, and then the Old Cathedral. The last stop in Coimbra is a tour of the chapel in the convent of the Carmelite sisters, where Sister Lucia resided.

We then travel towards the town of Oia in Spain. Oia is a place where the coastline withstands the tumultuous waves of the ocean. The pride of the town is the former Cistercian monastery, Santa María la Real, a Romanesque building from the 12th century with a Baroque facade from the 18th century.

Overnight stay in Oia.

OIA - BAIONA

We begin the day with breakfast at the hotel and then commence the journey along the Atlantic Ocean coastline, walking along an almost deserted path to Baiona.

The distance of the route is approximately 17 km.

BAIONA - VIGO

Today, we meander through hilly terrain along a less frequented section of the Camino Portugués. We pass through the Roman-era bridge in the town of A Ramallosa and head towards Vigo – the largest city in Galicia. At the bottom of the Ria, on which Vigo is situated, lie many galleons that once brought gold from America.

While journeying on the Camino, you have the opportunity to witness numerous platforms for shellfish farming, for which the region is renowned, as well as many sandy beaches, incredibly popular among the residents of Galicia for summer relaxation.

Accommodation.

Start of the Camino Portugués trek at around 9:00 AM (the departure time depends on weather conditions and the group’s fitness level);

• Hiking duration: approximately 5-6 hours;
• Total ascent: about 220m;
• Total descent: about 220m;
• Distance of the route: approximately 25km.

VIGO - REDONDELA

After two days of hiking, we have a short walking stage ahead along the so-called “Senda del Agua” (Water Path). Throughout, beautiful views of the bay emerging from the forested groves accompany us, along with the sound of water flowing down from the hills surrounding Vigo. We reach Redondela at a leisurely pace, where the coastal trail merges with the main route of the Camino Portugués. We spend the night in the “town of two viaducts,” as Redondela is known due to the two 19th-century railway viaducts present in the city.

For today, it’s advisable to pack dry provisions as we won’t come across places during the day where we can sit down for a meal or enjoy coffee or tea. Overnight stay.

• Start of the Camino Portugués trek at around 9:00 AM (the departure time depends on weather conditions and the group’s fitness level);
• Hiking duration: approximately 4 hours;
• Total ascent: about 400m;
• Total descent: about 420m;
• Distance of the route: approximately 14km.

REDONDELA - PONTEVENDRA

Today, two highlights await us, along with historic bridges dating back to the Roman Empire. For breakfast, we can pause in the charming town of Arcade, nestled by the Vigo Bay.

In the afternoon, we reach the culmination of our journey – Pontevedra. It’s worth strolling through the narrow streets of the old town in the evening and admiring remarkable landmarks such as the shell-shaped sanctuary, Santuario de la Virgen Peregrina, or the Franciscan convent attributed to St. Francis of Assisi.

Accommodation.

• Start of the Camino Portugués trek at around 9:00 AM (the departure time depends on weather conditions and the group’s fitness level);
• Hiking duration: approximately 5-6 hours;
• Total ascent: about 350m;
• Total descent: about 330m;
• Distance of the route: approximately 20km.

PONTEVEDRA - CALDAS DE REIS

We leave Pontevedra, crossing the O Burgo Bridge, and then enter a vast forest complex rich in hundreds of plant and bird species. Not far from the Valbon Bridge, we pass by a typical Galician cross with a figure of Saint James, indicating the direction of our journey to Santiago.

For the overnight stay, we reach Caldas de Reis, renowned for its thermal waters that have been known since Roman times. Accommodation.

• Start of the Camino Portugués trek at around 9:00 AM (the departure time depends on weather conditions and the group’s fitness level);
• Hiking duration: approximately 5-6 hours;
• Total ascent: about 200m;
• Total descent: about 200m;
• Distance of the route: approximately 22km.

CALDAS DE REIS - PADRON

We are gradually approaching the goal of our pilgrimage. This stage is relatively straightforward with one not very challenging ascent. We pass through villages where we can stop for a break and a meal. After Pontescures, we cross the Ulla River. Finally, we reach one of the most significant places associated with the cult of Santiago – the town of Padron.

According to legends, it is here that our saint took his first steps during the evangelization of Spanish lands, and after his beheading in Jerusalem, his remains were transported to Padron. The boat carrying the saint was moored to a stone pillar, which is now located under the presbytery in the local church.

Accommodation.

• Start of the Camino Portugués trek at around 9:00 AM (the departure time depends on weather conditions and the group’s fitness level);
• Hiking duration: approximately 6 hours;
• Total ascent: about 160m;
• Total descent: about 170m;
• Distance of the route: approximately 17km.

PADRON - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After an early breakfast, we set out on the final stage of our journey. We steadily ascend, encountering several uphill and downhill sections along the way. By the afternoon, we reach Santiago de Compostela – the culmination of our pilgrimage. We embrace the statue of the saint and descend into the crypt where he is buried. Those interested can participate in a holy mass for pilgrims. Afterward, we check into our hotel and have free time to explore the city.

• Start of the Camino Portugués trek between 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM (the departure time depends on weather conditions and the group’s fitness level);
• Hiking duration: approximately 6-7 hours;
• Total ascent: about 460m;
• Total descent: about 200m;
• Distance of the route: approximately 25km.

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA- PORTO

Today, we travel from Santiago de Compostela in Spain to Porto in Portugal, a city renowned for its splendid wines of the same name. We visit Praca de Liberdade with the monument of Peter IV, pass by the city hall, Sao Bento train station, and then head towards the Se Cathedral, Igreja dos Carmelitas, and Igreja dos Congredados.

On this day, we also explore the Ribeira district along the Douro River waterfront. We cross the famous bridge, offering a panoramic view of Porto.

A visit to Porto wine cellars awaits us, where we have a wine tasting and learn about the production process. There is an opportunity to purchase wines. For those interested, there is an optional boat cruise for an additional fee of 30 Euro/person. At the end of the day, we travel to Fatima for dinner and overnight stay.

FATIMA- NAZARE

After the morning Holy Mass at the Sanctuary, followed by a summary of the pilgrimage, we have time for individual prayer and reflection.

On this day, extraordinary attractions await us: relaxation by the ocean on beautiful beaches, exploring Nazaré – including Sitio with the 17th-century church Nossa Senhora da Nazare (Our Lady of Nazaré), bathing, beach leisure, and rest. We return to Fatima for dinner and overnight stay.

FATIMA

The second-to-last day of the trip dedicated to relaxation and beach time. In the evening, a farewell dinner.

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THE PROGRAM IS A FRAMEWORK. THE ORDER OF IMPLEMENTATION OF INDIVIDUAL POINTS OF THE PROGRAM MAY CHANGE. HOLY MASS (IF POSSIBLE IN SELECTED SANCTUARIES). PLEASE REMEMBER THAT PASSPORT MUST BE VALID MINIMUM  6 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF RETURN AND CONTAIN 2 BLANK PAGES FOR ENTRY/EXIT STAMPS.