Itinerary:

• Depart the USA on April 22th (or earlier) - Julia can assist with flights if desired.
• Day 1: Arrive into Porto on April 23rd by mid-day. Note that trains from Lisbon are easy and short - about 2-3 hours. 
  

  Starting the Portuguese Way from Oporto - Porto, in Portuguese -, offers us the possibility of getting to know one of the most important cities in Portugal and a must for all those who visit the north of the country. Not in vain has it been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We will start with a 2-hour guided tour of  its many attractions, from the Torre dos Clérigos to the Ribeira district, or from the Cathedral to the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão,

• Day 2: Private transfer to Viana do Castelo together to being your first Stage.
  Stage Viana do Castelo - Vila Praia de Âncora. 11,7 mi
  This stage leaves the historic city of Viana do Castelo and follows either an inland route with gentle hills or a coastal path offering spectacular Atlantic views and stretches of sandy beach. Pilgrims pass through charming villages like Areosa and Carreço, enjoying a mix of scenic countryside and seaside landscapes before ending in the relaxed beach town of Vila Praia de Âncora—known for its fishing traditions and wide sandy shoreline.  
• Day 3: Stage Vila Praia de Âncora - Caminha. 5.6 mi
  A gentle coastal walk links the beach town of Vila Praia de Âncora with Moledo and then the charming riverside town of Caminha. The scenery is tranquil and the path generally flat, before a ferry transfer over the Minho River marks the entry into Spain’s Galicia region. Pilgrims cross the border by taking a short ferry ride from Caminha to A Pasaxe, transitioning from Portugal into Spain. It's a memorable experience, with expansive river views and a sense of adventure as one enters Galicia for the first time. 
  Ferry transfer to A Pasaxe (entering Galicia, Spain)
  Stage A Pasaxe - A Guarda. 2.3 mi 
  This very short stage hugs the Atlantic coast, quickly reaching A Guarda, a vibrant fishing town known for its colorful houses and excellent seafood. The route is scenic, offering views of the Santa Tegra mountain and opportunities to enjoy the waterfront on arrival.
• Day 4: Stage A Guarda - Oia. 8.5 mi
  A beautiful stretch of the Portuguese Way begins here, with the path tracking the rugged, windswept coastline all the way to Oia. Pilgrims pass sleepy hamlets and enjoy panoramic Atlantic views before reaching Oia’s unique clifftop monastery overlooking the sea. 
• Day 5: Stage Oia - Baiona. 11.7 mi
  This stage introduces gentle Galician hills and continues along the dramatic coast, alternating between rural tracks and small village roads. Baiona welcomes pilgrims with its old town, sandy beaches, and the historic Parador castle, famed as the return site of Columbus’ La Pinta. 
• Day 6: Stage Baiona - Vigo. 14.1 mi
  Following either the coastline or an inland variant, this long stage covers a mix of urban and natural paths, crossing picturesque bridges and lively neighborhoods. In Vigo, the largest city of Galicia, pilgrims are rewarded with bustling tapas bars and views of the Ría de Vigo estuary. 
• Day 7: Stage Vigo - Redondela. 11.5 mi
  A relatively easy and shorter walk links the lively city of Vigo with Redondela, where the Portuguese Coastal and Central routes converge. The path passes through residential areas, parks, and riverside stretches, leading to Redondela’s charming old town — the gateway to Galicia’s classic Camino stages. 
• Day 8: Stage Redondela - Pontevedra. 10.8 mi 
  

  After leaving Redondela, this stage will take you to the O Viso pass, which offers one of the best views over the famous Vigo estuary - the one portrayed by Jules Verne in his 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, where Spanish galleons laden with gold from America lie at the bottom of the sea. After a gentle descent, you will reach Arcade, a town famous for the oysters produced on its banks. Further on, you will cross the historic Roman bridge of Pontesampaio over the river Verdugo and begin your descent towards Pontevedra, a city with an impressive historic quarter that is well worth a visit.

  Tonight, enjoy a special seafood dinner in Pontevedra together to celebrate your progress.
• Day 9: Stage Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis. 13.1 mi
  This stage of the Portuguese Way of Saint James is for nature lovers. You will be accompanied by wonderful landscapes dotted with small villages that will allow you to enjoy the charms of the Rías Baixas. The end of the day will be in Caldas de Reis, a thermal village on the banks of the Umia river, perfect for recharging your batteries. 
• Day 10: Stage Caldas de Reis - Padrón. 11.5 mi
  

  Almost reaching the end of the stage you will cross the river Ulla, one of the most important rivers in Galicia and one of the main channels of the largest and most productive estuary in Galicia: the Ría de Arousa. On the other side of the bridge, you will find Padrón, the point where, according to tradition, the boat carrying the body of the Apostle James docked when his disciples Theodore and Athanasius brought him back to Gallaecia.

• Day 11: Stage Padrón - Rua de Francos. 7.3 mi
  This stage leaves the historic town of Padrón, crosses the Sar River, and passes through Iria Flavia—once a Roman city and episcopal see. Pilgrims follow quiet valley paths and traditional villages, visiting sites connected to Nobel Prize winner Camilo José Cela and the Sanctuary of A Escravitude, with panoramic views over the valleys of Padrón and Amaía. The final section includes a short, steep climb up to Rua de Francos, close to the legendary Castro Lupario, blending Galician history and beautiful landscapes. 
• Day 12: Stage Rua de Francos - Santiago de Compostela. 7.6 mi
  

  You are approaching the finish line. Passing through small villages, always climbing moderately, you will reach Santiago passing through Iria Flavia, where the bishopric of Teodomiro was located at the time of the discovery of the apostle's tomb. You will also pass through O Milladoiro, which today functions as a dormitory town of the capital of Galicia, but whose name probably comes from the Latin humiliatorium - a clear reference to the pilgrimage and the fact that from its top it was possible to see, at last, the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago. Keep walking and you will enter the city from the south, through the Porta Faxeira of the old wall and the rúa do Franco, a name related to the pilgrims, who were called francos indistinctly, even if they came from Portugal or from the south of Galicia. Congratulations, pilgrim! You have reached your goal. 

  Day 13: Trip ends. Flights should depart  no earlier than May 5th. If you need assistance in getting to Lisbon, Madrid, or Porto, please advise Julia.
  
  Distances are approximate and are measured from center to center of the towns indicated. There may be slight variations depending on where your accommodation is located. Overnight stays will be in the center where the stage ends, provided there is availability.

                                                 

• Porto: Hotel Pão de Açúcar or similar
• Vila Praia de Âncora: Hotel Meira or similar
• A Guarda: Hotel Monumento Convento San Benito or similar
• Oia: Casa Puertas or similar
• Baiona: Parador de Baiona or similar
• Vigo: Hotel Zenit or similar
• Redondela: Pazo Torres Agrelo or similar
• Pontevedra: Parador de Pontevedra or similar
• Caldas de Reis: Pousada Real or similar
• Padrón: Hotel Corona de Padrón or similar
• Rúa de Francos: Parada de Francos or similar
• Santiago de Compostela: Hotel Araguaney or similar

What's included in this trip:

• 13 nights in program accommodations.
• Accommodation and enhanced breakfasts.
• Luggage transport during the stages (1 piece of luggage, max. 33 lb/15 kg)
• Special seafood dinner in Pontevedra
• Complete documentation on the accommodations: location, contact, etc.
• Useful information about the pilgrimage and our services.
• Pilgrim's credential (1 per person).
• Camino de Santiago Insurance (see details on the website)
• 24h roadside assistance for incidents.
• VAT and other applicable taxes.

• Spiritual guide:

  • Three pre trip pilgrimage preparation meetings

  • Spiritual and physical preparation guide

  • Pre and post individual meetings with spiritual guide