Menu
Travel the Portuguese Way of Compostela from May 4 to 19, 2023 (16 days / 14 nights)
Experience a spiritual walk in a small accompanied group on the Portuguese Way of Compostela in spring 2023!
THIS JOURNEY IS GUIDED IN FRENCH
2,999.00$ – 3,199.00$
RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION
SPIRITUAL WALK
Join the walkers and live an unforgettable and enriching experience on the way to Santiago de Compostela by the Portuguese Way. In the traditional way, lodging in pilgrims’ huts, walking with your backpack, covering an average of 20 km per day (5 hours on average per day). It is a call to surpass yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. Allow yourself to live an incredible daily walking experience that will guide you towards a better knowledge of yourself. Recommended itinerary for experienced walkers.
Highlights
The most
I experienced the Camino de Santiago in 2017, starting in Puy-en-Velay and finishing in Spain in Finisterre at the “end of the earth” for a 1,600 km pilgrimage in 70 days of walking. During my journey, I deeply touched my dream of becoming a travel guide and taking others to live this incredible experience of pilgrimage on the roads to Compostela. I went back in 2019 with 3 other pilgrims and seeing the happiness in their eyes when they arrived at the Santiago Cathedral convinced me to make it my mission. So I undertook the Travel Guide course, joined the Spiritours team and today I accompany people on their spiritual journeys.
Departure from Montreal airport in the evening for a flight to Porto.
Arrival in Porto in the morning. Private transfer to downtown Porto. Settle into your accommodation and have a free afternoon to discover the charm of Portugal’s 2nd largest city. Lose yourself in the historic district of Ribeira, linger on the terraces and in the artisanal stores, admire the Douro River and the brightly colored buildings and don’t forget to visit one of the Port cellars. Evening at leisure.
Private transfer to Matosinhos to avoid the most urban part of this stage. From Matosinhos, we will follow the “smell of the sea”, this maritime atmosphere admiring beaches, dunes and local fauna. Night at Villa Do Conde. 22 km – 05h15 of walking
During this stage without any difficulty, we will take wooden footbridges, we will pass by Povoa de Varzim, a very popular resort for the Portuguese, we will admire the church of San Miguel d’Apulia, we will enter the first eucalyptus forest and we will cross the Luis Filippe Bridge, an emblematic bridge influenced by the Gustave Eiffel style Night in Esposende. 23 km – 05h45 of walking
We find the edge of the water which we will follow a good part of the morning. We will cross a magnificent forest with a river that we will cross over a small dam. After passing the church of Belinho and the 17th century cross, we will finally enter Viana Do Castelo by a last bridge, the Eiffel double-decker bridge built in 1878. 23 km – 05h45 of walking
We will start from the beautiful Viana Do Castelo and climb the Serra de Santa Luzia (150 m of altitude) then, we will take forest paths and wooden footbridges to reach the very charming coastal town of Vila Praia de Ancora by the beach. 22 km – 05h15 of walking
Today is our last stop in Portugal. We reach the border through a charming wooded area and cross in an original way! We board a cab boat that crosses the estuary to disembark in A Guarda on Spanish soil and then we walk along the coast enjoying pleasant views and walking on wooden footbridges and forest paths before reaching Oia and its monastery facing the sea. 23km – 5 h 45 of walking
Short, flat and seaside stage that we follow along roads and on new, very pleasant paths. Baiona is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Galicia. The city has preserved its historical center, its fine sandy beaches and many monuments. You can visit a replica of a Columbus caravel and enjoy a walk on the splendid fortress of Monte Real! 18 km – 04h30 of walking
This stage is very diversified. The last day we walk along the sea. The path makes us walk on beautiful beaches and then we will arrive in Vigo by its spectacular seaside. Vigo is a port and industrial city and is the largest city in Galicia with all its amenities and attractions. 20 km – 5 hours of walking
After crossing the city, the path to Redondela becomes very pleasant and offers increasingly distant views of Vigo and its estuary. We cross the charming Senda da Agua path with its waterfalls and the spectacular view of the Rande Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge over 1600 meters long. Then we will arrive to Redondela to join the path of the Roman way, the Via Lusitana which is more frequented by pilgrims from all over the world. 17 kms – 04h25 of walking
The day starts with a good climb. We cross beautiful Galician villages adorned with hórreos (corn stores) and stone paths in eucalyptus forests. Pontevedra is known as one of the most important ports in Galicia, an importance that it will keep until the end of the 17th century. Pontevedra is a very interesting city, the whole historical center is worth visiting. 19 km – 4h45 of walking
We leave Pontevedra the beautiful, for Caldas de Reis. This stage follows a very pleasant route. In the appointment, paths, vineyards and Roman roads. The stage is mainly spent in forests where we cross stone culverts. We even pass under vineyards! Caldas de Reis was the episcopal seat until 569 before being transferred to Padron (Iria Flavia), it is since the Middle Ages the obligatory passage for the pilgrims who come from the south. 19 km – 4h45 of walk
Second last stage. In Padron, we will go to the Santiago church. Under the altar is preserved “el pedron”, the stone that, it is said, was used to attach the boat that brought the body of the apostle James from Jerusalem. According to tradition, it was in this city that Saint James preached for the first time during his stay in Spain. After his execution, two of his disciples transported his body in a stone boat without a sail or rudder from Jerusalem. Padron was the episcopal seat until the discovery of the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. 23 km – 5h45 of walking
This is the last stage of our pilgrimage. We cross the countryside and the eucalyptus forests before reaching the big suburb of Santiago de Compostela! We finally reach our goal on the floor of the emblematic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela! 17 km – 4h15 of walking. If we leave very early in the morning and with luck we could attend the famous Botafumeiro at noon. In the afternoon, after picking up your Compostela (certificate), enjoy the city and attend the pilgrim’s mass if you wish – 7:30 pm. Night in Santiago de Compostela.
Today, return by train to Porto (about 4h30 drive). Free dinner and overnight in Porto.
Morning flight to Montreal. ** Itinerary subject to change – Exclusive tour, all rights reserved
PRICE
* Spiritours offers the possibility of matching. If we are unable to match you, Spiritours will assume the additional costs for registrations made more than 60 days before departure, but reserves the right to match you during the trip if necessary.
* All prices are based on the exchange rate in effect on September 1, 2022.
THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES
THIS PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
INSCRIPTION
Registration deadline: March 4, 2023 (60 days before departure or when the maximum number of passengers is reached). Possibility to register after this date, additional fees may apply.
To register
You can register on our website (see top of the trip webpage, right) or download and fill out the PDF form and send it to us with your $750 deposit. Please register as soon as possible as space is limited. Please include a photocopy of your passport and proof of travel insurance with your registration.
Travel insurance
For travel insurance, contact us to find out your premium. Please note that cancellation insurance is not refundable if the trip is cancelled due to lack of registrations. We therefore suggest that you purchase cancellation insurance once the departure is officially confirmed.
Number of participants
Minimum 7 – Maximum 14
Required documentation
All Canadian travellers to Spain must be in possession of a passport that is still valid three months after the expected date of return to the country.
For more information please contact
Claire Calsina (514) 374-7965, ext. 207 claire.calsina@spiritours.com
Do I need to be in good physical health?
Yes, this trip requires good preparation and physical fitness as we walk an average of 20-25 kilometers per day with our backpack. However, it is not a question of age; people of all ages make this pilgrimage. It is not a question of strength either, but of stamina, as everyone walks at their own pace. Each morning, the guide explains the path to follow and sets a meeting point, often a refuge, where everyone meets at the end of the day. It is important to prepare yourself physically as soon as you plan to walk the Camino de Compostela. Start exercising at least 60 minutes two to three times a week. At least 3 months before departure, start training for walking and gradually increase the distance from 5 to 20 km per day.
Can I have my luggage carried?
This service is not included in the package. However, a luggage transport service can be arranged in most of the places where we stop, information available in the lodges. The guide will be able to help you arrange this transportation, but it would be better to arrange it yourself if you can communicate in Spanish.
Who is this trip for?
People who are open to the spiritual realm and to a group experience. To anyone who wishes to live this experience, regardless of gender, age, race or religious belief. However, it is clear that this pilgrimage is of Christian tradition.
What does a pilgrim shelter look like?
There are establishments of all categories, clean and welcoming, with kitchen and dining room for several people (if you want to prepare your own meal); in some cases, there is a restaurant service, simple and inexpensive. The resting places are dormitory type, with shared toilets and showers.
How do you eat on the Camino?
In many places, there are grocery stores where you can buy food for the road, for dinner or for the next day. You can also choose to eat at a restaurant where they usually offer a pilgrim’s menu (in the evening) for 12 or 15 Euros, including wine. Occasionally, you can stop at a bar (café) to have a bite to eat.
What are the advantages of joining Spiritours for this pilgrimage?
The itinerary is well organized by experienced specialists. You will benefit from the supervision of a competent guide who knows the Camino and who will encourage exchanges and reflection. You will also share the experience with a small group of pilgrims, eager to surpass themselves and to make an inner journey. Moreover, thanks to the information and preparation meetings, you will benefit from judicious advice to prepare yourself well, both physically and mentally.
“Good choice of route, wonderful scenery! I enjoyed the walk and the company of the group. A beautiful meeting with myself and a surpassing. I loved my experience and I will recommend Spiritours to my friends.”
– Karine T. , Ste-Thérèse, Qc
Travel insurance is undoubtedly a PEACE OF MIND that allows you to live and fully enjoy your trip. It allows you to deal with the unexpected without finding yourself with a financial burden. Travel insurance allows you to travel in complete SAFETY. Did you know that when you take a group trip with Spiritours, you automatically get a 10% discount on your insurance? Check with your agent for more information, or click below to shop for an individual insurance premium with Blue Cross.
Phone Canada: 514-374-7965
Toll-free: 1-866-331-7965 (CAN & USA)
Fax: 514-788-1520
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Travel agent license. Consumer protection office permit number: 702758
Spiritours © 2021 | Webmaster & Graphic Designer : StudioNico.biz
The prices advertised on our site are valid if you purchase services during the same session. If you disconnect from our site, the prices may be different on your next session.
Avant de partir, n’oubliez pas de vérifier votre panier d’achats, réserver le voyage de ressourcement de vos rêves aujourd’hui avant qu’il n’y ait plus de place. / Before you leave, don't forget to check your shopping cart, book your dream retreat today before it sells out.
