May 5 – 15, 2024
Portugal / Spain
Retreat & Pilgrimage
Includes hiking the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is one of the oldest Christian pilgrimage routes in the world.
But it’s more than just a road. It is an opportunity to reflect on life, partake in adventure,
exercise, make new friends, and listen to the voice of God.
You’ll walk your way into a renewed sense of God’s goodness, your unique purpose, and
the tools to help you live with more freedom, joy, peace, and health!
Your journey will start with a 3-day retreat in Porto, Portugal followed by a 7-day pilgrimage on
the Camino de Santiago through the beautiful countryside of Portugal & Spain.
Before you set off on the Camino, you’ll hear powerful teachings, spend time getting to know
your fellow Pilgrims, have some quiet time, eat amazing food, exercise, worship, laugh and grow!
The retreat will be at the beautiful estate of Casa de Vilela outside of Porto.
After the retreat, we will set out on our 7-day pilgrimage where we’ll walk between 7-20 miles each day.
We will have a relaxing rest day in the middle of the week at the historic city of Pontevedra.
Each night we will gather for slow-paced dinners, drinks, and great conversation.
We will also offer stretching sessions on some evenings to keep your body at its best.
This experience is limited to 16 people — women, men, solo, or couples all are welcome!
16 spots available
Included In Your Trip:
10 Nights Lodging
All Meals Except 2 Dinners & 1 Lunch
Drinks: Coffee, Wine, Beer & More
Exercise Band & Loop
Teachings & Workouts
Handouts & Trail Book
One On One Coaching Session
Not Included In Your Trip:
Airfare
Transportation from airport to retreat
Transportation after the pilgrimage to
your next destination
Cost Per Person:
Double Occupancy: $3,295
Single Occupancy: $4,245
Deposit Due To Reserve Your Spot:
$750
Coming alone? We will pair you with someone of the same gender. You will have your own bed in the shared room.
Daily Plan
May 5-7
Once you land in Porto you will taxi over to the beautiful retreat location, Casa de Vilela just outside Porto. This 18th-century manor house is steeped in history and is beautifully decorated. The grounds include a private swimming pool, fountain, hiking trails, a chapel, and plenty of space to relax.
During the 3 days at the retreat, you will join in daily teachings, discussions, workouts, and gourmet meals plus have plenty of time to get to know each other and relax. We will take an afternoon to explore the amazing city of Porto too!
Click Here For Retreat Itinerary
May 8
After an early breakfast we will be driven to the start of our pilgrimage. Today we will walk a little over 12 miles. You’ll say goodbye to Portugal as you cross the metal bridge over the River Minho and enter Tui. Take your time to visit the magnificent cathedral. From Tui, you’ll follow the Louro valley, walk along a forest track and across a stone slab bridge into a wetland area where you should spot plenty of birdlife. Reach the city of
O Porriño with its magnificent Gothic town hall building.
During dinner we will talk about our amazing day and then head to sleep at Hotel Azul
May 9
Today will be another 12-mile day. We will head out from O Porriño and make our way through the forest of Chan das Pipas. A short, steep climb up the Road of the Knights is rewarded with amazing seascapes. You will reach Redondela, where the central route and the coastal route merge. Finish this stage in the coastal town of Arcade, a small town renowned for its oysters.
May 10
We will then begin our 9.3 mile trek through one of the most beautiful sections of our pilgrimage. Climb the ancient stone paths of the Verea Vella da Canicouva and explore the 13th-century church. We will finish in the town of Pontevedra where we will have time to do some shopping at the historic city center and have dinner on our own. We will stay at the beautiful Parador de Pontevedra which is situated in the heart of the city for 2 nights!
May 11
Today we will take a day off from the physical part of our pilgrimage. We will all gather to share our experiences from the Camino thus far. We will also have time to develop a personalized plan that will help you to put into action all that you feel God is speaking into your heart. Our plans will include simple steps that you can begin taking as soon as you get home; steps that will lead you toward physical and spiritual health!
You will also have the afternoon to explore the city and then you will have dinner of your own.
May 12
Today we will hike just over 13 miles into Caldas de Reis. We will venture through the pleasant countryside. This stage is fairly long but not demanding, and you will have the opportunity to rest your feet in Caldas de Reis’ thermal springs when you finish your day.
May 13
Today’s route leaves Caldas de Reis and takes you on a soft climb to the charming woodlands of Valga. You’ll see many churches and stone crosses on the way to Padrón and take in the Bermana and Valga river valleys. Padrón is the place where St James remains were brought to following his martyrdom in Jerusalem. We will walk 12 miles and finish at the Pousadas de Compostela property. It is a spectacular place to stay!
May 14
Your final stage! We will walk mostly through rural settings, but there are still pleasant sections through oak, pine, and eucalyptus woodland. Enter the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela and relish the end of your journey at the Cathedral.
Our final night will be spent at the beautiful Parador de Santiago de Compostela
May 15
We finish our journey with one of the best breakfasts that I’ve ever had. You don’t want to leave early and miss it!! We will leave different than when we arrived as I know God will do a powerful work in all our hearts.
We will help you to arrange transportation to your next destination but it is not included in your package. There is an airport in Santiago or we can arrange travel back to Porto for you.
SOME GOOD THINGS TO KNOW:
- The national language is Portuguese in Portugal and Spanish in Spain, but most people can speak some English as well
- The national currency is Euros
- Tipping is unnecessary but it is common to round up to the nearest euro when settling a bill (we will really handle all meals together as a group, but good to know when on your own:)
- Visas are unnecessary for North American travelers
- Double check your passport is valid for 3 months after your return date
- The total distance for the Camino walk our group is doing is 80 miles!
Jeff & Michelle Spadafora
Jeff and I have been married for 32 years and we have 3 adult children.
We are leading this retreat because in our combined 30+ years of experience in guiding individuals and groups through spiritual growth, nothing has been more transformational than this “retreat + pilgrimage” format.
We can not wait to spend time with you in Portugal and Spain.