May 27 – June 6, 2023
Portugal / Spain
Retreat & Pilgrimage
Includes hiking the Camino de Santiago
If you’re longing to step off the hamster wheel of life and step into a space where you can discover all that God has for you , this trip is for you. You’ll walk away with a renewed sense of God’s goodness, your purpose and tools to help you live with more freedom, joy, peace, and health!
This journey starts with a 3-day retreat followed by a 7-day pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago through the beautiful countryside of Portugal & Spain. When you arrive at the retreat you’ll have time to reflect in solitude, hear powerful teachings, go deep in conversation, 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 rest day in the middle at the historic city of Pontevedra.
Each night we’ll gather for slow paced dinners, drinks and great conversation. We will also offer stretching sessions most evenings so our bodies will feel their best.
This experience is limited to 16 people — women, men, solo or couples all are welcome!
1 spot available
Included In Your Trip:
10 Nights Lodging
All Meals Except 2 Dinners & 1 Lunch
Drinks: Coffee, Wine, Beer & More
Exercise Band, Loop, Ball & Mat
Teachings & Workouts
Handouts & Trail Book
One On One Coaching Session
Not Included In Your Trip:
Airfare
Transfer from airport to retreat
Transfer after pilgrimage to your next destination
Cost Per Person In Double Occupancy: $2,995
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 27 – 30
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, 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 30
After an early breakfast we will be driven to the start of our pilgrimage. Today we will walk a little over 12 miles. We will start walking from Arcos towards the ancient village of Rates and its imposing Romanesque church. We will pass the villages of Courel, and Pedra Furada, then follow rural roads winding through eucalyptus and pine woods until you reach the market town of Barcelos.
During dinner we will talk about our amazing day and then head to sleep at the Casa Da Ana Guest House
May 31
Today will be our longest hiking day. We will cover just under 20 miles, but don’t worry we will take an easy pace and have breaks along the way — and, of course, if this day or any other day is too much for you you can always grab a taxi for some of the journey. We will set off from Barcelos on rural roads and magnificent countryside until we enter into the picturesque medieval town of Ponte de Lima. It is the oldest village in Portugal!
After our day of hiking we will have an early dinner and head to bed at the Inlima Hotel & Spa
June 1
We will take a short ride over to the town of Arcade and here we will do a devotional on the beautiful beach. We will then begin our 7.5 mile walk through one of the most beautiful sections of our pilgrimage. We will finish in the town of Pontevedra. We will have time to do some shopping and have dinner on our own.
We will stay at the beautiful Hotel Rias Bajas which is situated in the heart of the city!
June 2
Today we will hike just over 13 miles into Caldas de Reis. We will leave Pontevedra through pleasant countryside. When you arrive in Caldas de Reis you will have the opportunity to rest your feet in Caldas de Reis’ thermal springs.
We will stay at the Hotel Pousada Real.
June 3
Today we will take a day off from our pilgrimage. We will all gather to share about our experiences on the Camino. We will also have time to put together a personalized plan that will help us to put into action all that we feel God is speaking into our hearts. Our plans will include simple steps that we can begin taking as soon as we get home, steps that will lead us towards physical and spiritual health!
We will spend another night at the Hotel Pousada Real
June 4
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!
June 5
Your final stage! You will walk mostly through rural settings, and pleasant sections through oak, pine and eucalyptus woodland. It is such an amazing feeling to walk into the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela and relish the end of your journey near the Cathedral.
Our final night will be spent at the beautiful Parador de Santiago de Compostela
June 6
We finish our journey with a beautiful breakfast. 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 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 31 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.