Walking Pilgrimage Along the Camino Portugues Espiritual

Join Brother Bede Maxson, O.S.B., in Walking the Camino Portugues Espiritual. It follows the Camino Portugues, which passes through Portugal with this unique difference – the last ½ of this particular Camino path follows in the footsteps that tradition tells us the Disciples of Saint James travelled when they transported the Apostles’ remains from the Holy Land to Spain.

Starting along the breathtaking Galician coast in Baiona, our pilgrimage transitions onto the deeply historic Variante Espiritual. This sacred path retraces the Traslatio—the legendary maritime route taken by the disciples as they carried the body of Saint James the Apostle to his final resting place. Moving from the quiet beauty of ancient pine forests to the solemn stone walls of the 12th-century Monastery of Armenteira, this trek offers a unique balance of rigorous physical devotion and deep spiritual renewal. Our journey culminates with an unforgettable boat procession up the River Ulla and a triumphant entry into Santiago de Compostela, where we will pray before the relics of Saint James.

Come step away from the noise of the world, carry your intentions on foot, and encounter Christ on the Way.

Cost: $3,025 (max price for double-occupancy)

Cost: $3,450 (max price for single-occupancy) 

Deposit: $750

*Final price will be determined by final number of pilgrims

Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart U.S.A. (June 3)

Today you will depart on your overnight flight to ultimately arrive in Porto Airport in Porto, Portugal, on June 4.  Make arrangements to arrive by the early afternoon.

Day 2 – Arrive in Porto – transport to Baiona (June 4)

After arriving in Porto, we will be transported by bus to Baiona, where we will stay the evening.

Day 3 – Baiona to Vigo  – 17 miles (June 5)

Today you will follow the coast from Baiona to Nigrán and finally to the city of Vigo. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo, with the magnificent Illas Cíes and its Natural Park in the horizon. On a hot day, stop at the blue flag beach Praia América in Nigrán for a quick swim.

Day 4 – Vigo to Arcade – 14 miles (June 6)

From the city of Vigo, you will continue on your coastal Camino with the Bay of Vigo to your left. Today is a shorter day so you can enjoy a more relaxed pace. On your way to Redondela (where you will join the original Portuguese Camino) you will spot the bay in the distance. A short climb takes pilgrims to the chapel of Santiaguiño (Little St James) de Antas, a lovely place where you can rest your legs and feet for a while. After the chapel, the Camino route enters pine forests. Before you reach Arcade, famous for its oysters and your stop for the night, you will pass the village of Setefontes.

Day 5 – Arcade to Pontavedra – 8 miles (June 7)

Today quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade. Your final point is the city of Pontevedra, with its pretty historic centre. At today is quite a short day so you will have time to explore the old town, with its many Romanesque churches and quaint granite squares.

This walk from Pontavedra begins the alternative Camino Espiritual

Day 6 – Pontavedra to Caroi-Armenteira – 13.5 miles (June 8)

Shortly after leaving Pontevedra you will veer off the Portuguese Camino and head west towards the sea. While most of todays walk is inland it follows the coast for a few kilometres through the town of Combarro. From here you will climb to the Monasterio de Armenteira in Caroi.

Easy Option: You can choose to split this day between Pontevedra and Caroi in two and stay in the town of Combarro.

Day 7 – Caroi-Armenteira to Villanova de Arosa – 15.5 miles (June 9)

Although today’s walk is longer than the day before, it follows a relatively easy route as it descends from Caroi and then travels alongside the rivers Armenteira and Umia. It then heads towards the coast and your finishing point for today, Vilanova de Arousa.

Day 8 – Villanova de Arosa to Padron – Boat ride and then 1 mile walking (June 10)

From Vilanova de Arousa you will take a boat which follows the River Ulla to Pontecesures. From Pontecesures it is a short walk (2km) to Padrón. The boat trip takes about 1 hour and as you make your way upstream you will be taken past the sights of the river: mussel farms, the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park and of course the stone crosses on the river banks which mark the route of the Ruta del Mar de Arousa (Sea of Arousa Camino).

Pilgrims taking the boat trip still receive their Compostela in Santiago.

If you are cycling, you have the option to cycle the 36km to Padron or you can also take the boat. We will organize your luggage transfer directly to your accommodation in Padron.

Padrón is a lovely little town on the banks of the River Sar. It is believed to have been the arrival point of the body of Saint James when it was brought to Santiago de Compostela by ship.

The boat ride and short walk to Padron ends the alternative Camino Espiritual

Day 9 – Padron to Santiago de Compostela – 15.5 miles (June 11)

Walk into Santiago de Compostela!!  Santiago de Compostela is a gem of a city: small enough to be explored and discovered on foot but always vibrant and lively. Wander the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed old town, go for a stroll in Alameda Park and discover regional flavours in the local market, Mercado de Abastos, and the many restaurants and bars.

Day 10 – Additional day in Santiago (June 12)

You have an entire day to enjoy the city of Santiago de Compostela. Visit the impressive Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the finest pieces of architecture in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may opt to descend the stairs to visit the crypt and pray in the presence of the relics of St. James, tour the Portico de la Gloria (Gateway to Heaven), an unparalleled masterpiece, or walk to the top of the Cathedral for a panoramic view of this glorious city.  We will gather one final time at a communal meal to reflect on the pilgrimage.

Day 11 – Return to U.S.A. (June 13)

Camino Ways will provide transport back to the airport in Santiago for return flight back to U.S.A.

What is included?
Transport from airport in Porto to Baiona
Boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Padron
Transport to Santiago airport
Two Benedictine Monk Assistants
Daily Mass
Opportunity to pray the Liturgy of the Hours twice a day
Daily reflections
Custom booklet for each pilgrim
Selected accommodation with private bathroom on a bed & breakfast basis
Online travel documents on your mobile phone (including e-books and online route maps).
24/7 Assistance Line for operational support while travelling.
Luggage transfers from site to site
Community breakfast and evening meals (except the evening of June 12)

What is not included?
Flights
Lunches
City taxes
Passport, visa, or luggage fees during flights
Any personal purchases
Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
Meals while traveling
Drinks at meals, other than wine at dinners
Recommended travel protection (optional add-on)
Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Cancellation policy

Pilgrims who cancel before Monday, February 1 will have their deposit refunded.
Pilgrims who cancel between Monday, February 1 and Monday, March 1 will not have their deposit refunded.
Full payment must be made no later than Monday, March 1.
Pilgrims who cancel between Monday, March 1 and Monday, April 5 will receive 50% of the total cost of the trip refunded.
Pilgrims who cancel after Monday, April 5 will not receive any refund.

Deadline to secure your spot: Monday, February 1, 2027.