Compostelle – Portuguese Way “A Way of Beauty”

May 15 to June 1, 2025 (18 days / 16 nights)

Experience a spiritual walking experience in a small group accompanied by Sylvie Caouette on the Portuguese Way of Compostela in the spring of 2025!

THIS JOURNEY IS GUIDED IN FRENCH

3,199.00$3,439.00$


Type : Aux sources de l'être
badge Programme officiel certifié
Profil : Détente et ressourcement

RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION

Profils : Marche spirituelle

SPIRITUAL WALK

Description

Join the walkers and experience an unforgettable and enriching journey on the Camino de Santiago via the Portuguese Way.

In the traditional way, with pilgrim hostel accommodation, walking with a backpack, covering an average of 20 km per day. This is a call to physical, mental, and spiritual endurance. Allow yourself to experience an incredible daily walking adventure that will guide you towards greater self-awareness. Recommended for seasoned walkers.

Highlights
– Silent walking, contemplating breathtaking landscapes
– Dinners and group sharing in a friendly atmosphere
– Receiving the Compostela (pilgrim certificate) at the end of your journey

The Extras
– Experienced Québécois guide who speaks Spanish
– Reservation of simple, clean accommodations for an authentic experience without unpleasant surprises
– Walking at your own pace

  • Sylvie Caouette

    Sylvie Caouette

    J’ai fait l’expérience du Chemin de Saint-Jacques en 2017, partant de Puy-en-Velay et finissant en Espagne à Finisterre au « bout de la terre » pour un pèlerinage de 1,600 km en 70 jours de marche. Durant mon chemin, j’ai touché profondément à mon rêve de devenir guide-accompagnatrice de voyage et d’emmener d’autres personnes à vivre cette expérience incroyable qu’est le pèlerinage sur les chemins de Compostelle. J’y suis retourné en 2019 avec 3 autres pèlerins et de voir le bonheur dans leurs yeux en arrivant à la Cathédrale de Santiago m’a convaincu d’en faire ma mission. J’ai donc entrepris de suivre le cours de guide-accompagnatrice de voyage, je me suis jointe à l’équipe de Spiritours et aujourd’hui j’accompagne les gens dans leurs voyages spirituels.

  • DAY 1 | THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025 | DEPARTURE FROM MONTREAL

    Departure from Montreal airport in the evening for a flight to Porto with Air Transat or a similar airline. Dinner and overnight on the plane.

  • DAY 2 | FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 | PORTO

    Arrival in Porto in the morning. Transfer by taxi to downtown Porto. Check-in at accommodation and free afternoon to discover the charm of Portugal’s second city. Get lost in the historic Ribeira district, linger in the terraces and artisan shops, admire the Douro River and the brightly colored buildings, and don’t forget to visit one of the Porto wine cellars. Evening at leisure.

  • DAY 3 | SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 | PORTO/MATOSINHOS – LABRUGE

    After breakfast, depart for your first day of walking to Labruge. We will follow “the smell of the sea” on foot, enjoying the maritime atmosphere while admiring beaches, dunes, and local wildlife. Overnight in Labruge. 14 km – 3h15 of walking.

  • DAY 4 | SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025 | LABRUGE – VILA DO CONDE

    After breakfast, set off for this beautiful day of walking along the sea. Overnight in Vila do Conde. 12 km – 2h55 of walking.

  • DAY 5 | MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025 | VILA DO CONDE – ESPOSENDE

    During this easy stage, we will take wooden walkways, pass through Povoa de Varzim, a popular vacation spot for the Portuguese, admire the church of San Miguel d’Apulia, enter the first eucalyptus forest, and cross the Luis Filippe Bridge, an iconic bridge influenced by Gustave Eiffel’s style. Overnight in Esposende. 23 km – 5h45 of walking.

  • DAY 6 | TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025 | ESPOSENDE – ANHA

    We will return to the water’s edge, which we will follow for a good part of the morning. Overnight in Anha. 21 km – 5h45 of walking.

  • DAY 7 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025 | ANHA – VILA PRAIA DE ANCORA

    We will leave the beautiful Anha to reach a river and cross a small dam. Then we will climb the Serra de Santa Luzia (150 m altitude) and take forest paths and wooden walkways to reach the charming coastal town of Vila Praia de Ancora via the beach. 26 km – 6h15 of walking.

  • DAY 8 | THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025 | VILA PRAIA DE ANCORA – OIA

    Today is our last stage in Portugal. We reach the border through a charming woodland and cross in a unique way! We will take a water taxi that crosses the estuary to land in A Guarda on Spanish soil, then we will follow the coast while enjoying pleasant views and walk on wooden walkways and forest trails before reaching Oia and its monastery facing the sea. 23 km – 5h45 of walking.

  • DAY 9 | FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025 | OIA – BAIONA

    A short, flat stage along the sea that we follow along roads and on new, very pleasant trails. Baiona is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Galicia. The city has preserved its historic center, its fine sandy beaches, and many monuments. You can visit a replica of one of Christopher Columbus’s caravels and enjoy a walk on the splendid Monte Real fortress! 18 km – 4h30 of walking.

  • DAY 10 | SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025 | BAIONA – VIGO

    This stage is very diverse. Our last day along the sea. The trail leads us over beautiful beaches, and we will arrive in Vigo via its spectacular waterfront. Vigo is a port and industrial city and is the largest city in Galicia with all its amenities and attractions. 20 km – 5h of walking.

  • DAY 11 | SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025 | VIGO – REDONDELA

    After crossing the city, the path to reach Redondela becomes very pleasant and offers increasingly distant views of Vigo and its estuary. We will cross the charming Senda da Agua trail with its waterfalls and the spectacular view of the Rande Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge over 1600 meters long. Then, we will arrive in Redondela to join the Roman road, the Via Lusitana, which is more frequented by pilgrims from around the world. 17 km – 4h25 of walking.

  • DAY 12 | MONDAY, MAY 26, 2025 | REDONDELA – PONTEVEDRA

    The day starts with a good climb. We will cross beautiful Galician villages adorned with hórreos (corn granaries) and stone paths in eucalyptus forests. Pontevedra is known as one of the most important ports in Galicia, a status it maintained until the end of the 17th century. Pontevedra is a very interesting city, and the entire historic center is worth a visit. 19 km – 4h45 of walking.

  • DAY 13 | TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 | PONTEVEDRA – CALDAS DE REIS

    This stage takes a very pleasant route. We leave Pontevedra by the Burgo Bridge, which is of Roman origin. We will traverse forest paths and vineyards. The stage mainly takes place in forests where we will cross stone culverts. We will even pass underneath the vineyards! Before arriving in the town of Caldas de Reis, we will find our hostel on the left near the water fountains. 19 km – 4h45 of walking.

  • DAY 14 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025 | CALDAS DE REIS – PADRON

    We will leave our beautiful hostel to embark on beautiful trails crossing vineyards. We will pass through Padron, with the possibility of visiting the Santiago Church where “el pedron,” the stone said to have been used to tie the boat bringing the body of the Apostle James from Jerusalem, is preserved under the altar. 23 km – 5h45 of walking.

  • DAY 15 | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | PADRON – O MILLADOIRO

    The penultimate stage of our pilgrimage. We will cross fields and eucalyptus forests before reaching the large city of O Milladoiro. We will turn left to head toward our hostel. A short stage today allows us to arrive early in Santiago de Compostela! 11 km of walking.

  • DAY 16 | FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025 | O MILLADOIRO – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

    This is the last stage of our pilgrimage. We will cross fields and eucalyptus forests before reaching the large suburb of Santiago de Compostela. We finally reach our goal at the forecourt of the iconic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela! We take time to savor this moment. If you wish and with a bit of luck, we might witness the famous Botafumeiro at the pilgrim’s mass around noon or in the evening (depending on the arrival time). In the afternoon, after collecting your Compostela (certificate), enjoy the city and its many souvenir shops. 8 km of walking.

  • DAY 17 | SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025 | SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – PORTO

    After our breakfast, we will return by train to Porto (approximately 4h30 of travel). Once in Porto, we will check in at our hotel, followed by free time. We will head to the restaurant for our last pilgrims’ dinner (included). Overnight in Porto.

  • DAY 18 | SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2025 | PORTO – MONTREAL

    Morning flight to Montreal.
    ** Itinerary subject to change – Exclusive circuit, all rights reserved **

  • MAP

PRICE

Early Bird: $3,199/person (double occupancy). Early Bird discount of $100 if registered before January 15, 2025.
Regular Price: $3,299/person (double occupancy).
Single room supplement: $240 (for 4 hotel nights only). (**Subject to availability – Limited quantity**)

* Spiritours offers the possibility of pairing. If we are unable to pair you, Spiritours will cover the additional costs for registrations more than 60 days before departure, but reserves the right to pair you during the trip if needed.

* All prices are based on the exchange rate in effect as of September 1, 2023.

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES

– Round-trip flight Montreal-Porto with Air Transat (or similar)
– 4 nights in budget-category hotels
– 12 nights in pilgrim hostels (shared dormitories)
– 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
– All transfers by train, bus, and taxi
– Services of a guide
– 2 preparatory meetings
– All taxes

THIS PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE

– Meals not mentioned in the program
– Beverages
– Travel insurance (see registration form)
– Tips & personal expenses
– Travel agency compensation fund (currently free)

REGISTRATION

Deadline: March 15, 2025 (60 days before departure or when the maximum number of participants is reached). It is possible to register after this date, but an additional fee may apply.

To Register
You can register on our website (see the top right of the trip webpage) or download and complete the PDF form and send it to us with your deposit of $750. It’s recommended to register as early as possible, as spots are limited. Please include a photocopy of your passport with your registration (for international trips only).

Travel Insurance
For travel insurance, contact us to learn about your premium.

Number of participants
Minimum 12 – Maximum 15

Required Documentation
All Canadian travelers heading to Portugal and Spain must have a passport valid for at least three months after the planned return date.

For more information, please contact
Frédérique Lafont

(514) 374-7965, extension 207
frederique.lafont@spiritours.com

Do I need to be in good physical shape?

Yes, this trip requires good preparation and physical fitness since we walk an average of 20-25 kilometers per day with our backpacks. However, it’s not a matter of age; people of all ages do this pilgrimage. It’s also not about strength but endurance, as everyone walks at their own pace. Each morning, the guide explains the route and sets a meeting point, often a refuge, where everyone gathers at the end of the day. It’s important to prepare physically as soon as you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago. Start exercising for at least 60 minutes, two to three times a week. At least three months before departure, begin training for the walk 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, you can use a luggage transport service, available at most stops, with information provided at the hostels. The guide can help you arrange this transport, but it is preferable to handle it yourself if you can communicate in Spanish.

Who is this trip for?

For people open to spirituality and group experiences. It is for anyone who wishes to live this experience, regardless of gender, age, race, or religious belief. However, it is clear that this pilgrimage follows Christian tradition.

What is a pilgrim refuge like?

There are different categories, but they are generally clean and welcoming, with kitchens and dining rooms for multiple people (if you want to prepare your meal); in some cases, restaurant service is available, simple and affordable. Sleeping arrangements are dormitory-style, with shared bathrooms and showers.

How do we eat on the Camino?

In many places, there are grocery stores to buy provisions, whether for the road, dinner, or the next day. You can also choose to eat at a restaurant, where a pilgrim’s menu (in the evening) is generally offered for 12 to 15 Euros, including wine. Occasionally, you can stop at a bar (café) for a quick snack.

What are the benefits of joining Spiritours for this pilgrimage?

The itinerary is well-organized and managed by experienced specialists. You’ll benefit from the guidance of a knowledgeable guide who knows the Camino and encourages reflection and interaction. You’ll also share the experience with a small group of pilgrims eager to push their limits and grow spiritually. Additionally, through the information and preparation meetings, you’ll receive valuable advice to prepare yourself both physically and mentally.

“Thank you so much to Sylvie and the entire Spiritours team for allowing me to have a truly unique experience, in complete safety, with a vibrant, sensitive, open, supportive, and unifying group.”
– Anonymous Client, QC

“Great choice of itinerary, with wonderful landscapes! I enjoyed the walk and the company of the group. It was a beautiful encounter with myself and a challenge to surpass my limits. I loved my experience, and I will recommend Spiritours to my friends.”
– Karine T., Ste-Thérèse, QC

Travel SAFELY

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.

N’oubliez pas vos achats! / Don't forget your shopping!

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.