A Sacred Pilgrimage for Women

Portugal & Spain

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SEPTEMBER 2-15, 2026

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Have you ever envisioned walking the transformative Camino de Santiago in Spain? Does the idea of a purposeful journey, one that enriches your soul and offers a pause from the busyness of life appeal to you?

If so, we invite you to join us this October for an 13-night expedition through Portugal and Spain. This immersive experience encompasses a stay at O Refugio Retreat Center in the serene Vinho Verde wine region of Northern Portugal, followed by seven nights dedicated to walking the ancient Way of St. James, and concluding in Santiago de Compostela for two nights. Our trip will begin and end in the charming city of Porto, Portugal.

This Travel on Purpose™ small group tour is for all women (25 and older) who want to experience a faith pilgrimage, connect with other women and enjoy the beauty of northern Portugal and the Galicia region of Spain.

What's included:

Two nights in the heart of Porto at a boutique hotel
A captivating walking tour of Porto to immerse you in the city's charm
A two-night stay at O Refugio Retreat Center in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal
Art classes and personal time dedicated to rest and reflection
Seven nights of lodging along the Camino de Santiago
Two nights at the historic Parador de Santiago de Compostela
Convenient luggage porter service between locations on the Camino
A massage and hot springs soak in Caldas de Reis along the Camino
Ground transportation before and after walking the Camino
All breakfasts, dinners, and select lunches included
A welcome gift and a journal to capture your memorable moments
Pre-trip materials designed to assist you in both physical and spiritual preparation for this unique journey

What's not
included:

International flights to and from Porto, Portugal
Lunches while on the Camino
Souvenir shopping
Travel insurance
Additional travel should you plan to arrive early or journey onward

Our journey will begin and end in Porto, renowned for its stunning riverfront, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Porto captivates visitors with its rich heritage, delectable cuisine, and world-famous Port wine, making it an irresistible destination for those seeking a blend of tradition and charm.

Our hotel in the heart of Porto to begin and end our journey.

Itinerary Highlights

Community

While much of this experience is dedicated to personal rest and reflection, the community among travelers on the Camino de Santiago undoubtedly will stand out as a highlight. A profound sense of community is created as diverse pilgrims navigate its ancient paths. Through shared meals and moments, many steps and communal rest, the Camino becomes an experience of community that resonates long after the journey's end.

Rest

The Camino de Santiago offers a sanctuary of rest amid its captivating trails. Through rhythmic steps and scenic vistas, a tranquil atmosphere is created, inviting your soul to take a pause. Away from the hustle of daily life, the pilgrimage becomes a meditative journey, allowing minds to unwind and find clarity.

Reflection

Historically, this a sacred journey, offering pilgrims a profound opportunity for quiet introspection, spiritual reflection, and a place to find solace to delve into their inner selves. Whether walking in solitude or sharing stories with fellow travelers, the Camino provides a unique environment for spiritual growth, opening a door to self-discovery and a deeper connection with God.

“Most of us are more tired than we know at the soul level. We are teetering on the brink of dangerous exhaustion, and we cannot do anything else until we have gotten some rest...we can't really engage [any spiritual disciplines] until solitude becomes a place of rest for us rather than another place for human striving and hard work.”

― Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation

Itinerary

Day One:
Arrive in Porto, Portugal by mid-day. Transfer to our hotel in the city center and meet the group. Spend the afternoon exploring Porto, it's magnificent waterfront, the famous Livraria Lello Bookstore, or take an optional ceramics class with local artisans. We'll enjoy an early dinner and head to bed for a good night of rest.
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Day Two:
After breakfast, we will head out on a walking tour with a local guide, learning about some of the unknown histories of Porto. Next, we'll enjoy a traditional lunch accompanied by local wine on the waterfront. Then we'll collect our things and meet our driver to depart for O Refugio, a farm and retreat center in the Vinho Verde wine region of Portugal. We'll get settled into our comfortable accommodations, meet our host, and enjoy dinner together.
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Day Three:
Today, we'll have the opportunity to pause, slow down, and embrace a more simple way of living. Marta, the retreat director, will guide us through sessions of Lectio Divina and other contemplative practices. We'll also take a community walk, learn about nature journaling, and participate in an art class—each offering a chance to connect with the beauty around us. If the weather allows, we’ll end the day with stargazing and a bonfire after dinner. The meals at O Refúgio will be vegetarian, featuring fresh, organic produce from the garden and local community.
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Day Four:
We'll conclude our time at the retreat center with a slow morning and time for solitude and reflection. After brunch, we'll say goodbye to our friends at O Refugio and drive north to the small border town of Valenca, Portugal, visiting a small family-owned winery along the way. We'll enjoy the ancient walled city of Valenca, before crossing the river and taking a short walk into Spain. We'll check in at the traditional Parador, enjoy dinner together, and head to bed as we prepare for our first day on the Camino.
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Day Five:
It's the first morning on the Camino! Following breakfast, we'll turn in our luggage to the porter and begin our pilgrimage. Today's walk will take through a beautiful forested area as we head north to O Porriño. Discover a quaint cafe along the way, offering a Pilgrim's Lunch, usually consisting of soup, freshly baked bread and a glass of wine. Walk with friends from the group, meet new friends making a similar journey, or choose to walk alone in solitude. Arrive in O Porriño in the early afternoon. Check-in at the next hotel, rest and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. We will have a group dinner together, listening as friends share memorable moments and discoveries.
Walking distance: 10 miles
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The next six days will follow a similar pattern as we make our way north, walking in the footsteps of 12th-century pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Each day will be a unique experience as we collect our stamps, passing through villages, historical points of interest and forested areas. Share meaningful conversations, savor personal moments of clarity, and enjoy sweet communion with the Creator and you journey one step at a time.

Day Six:
North to Redondela.
Walking distance: 12 miles
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Day Seven:
North to Pontevedra.
Walking distance: 10 miles
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Day Eight:
North to Caldas de Reis.
Walking distance: 13 miles
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Day Nine:
North to Padrón.
Walking distance: 10 miles
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Day Ten:
North to O'Coruna.
Walking distance: 5 miles
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Day Eleven:
Today we'll make our final walk north to Santiago de Compostela. The sense of accomplishment is sure to ignite celebration as we get our first glimpse of the Cathedral Santiago de Compostela. We'll collect our official Compostela in the Pilgrim's Reception Office and capture a group photo. Then we'll settle into the historic Parador de Santiago de Compostela, sharing the magnificent square with the cathedral. Hot showers and a celebration dinner will round out our day.
Walking distance: 12 miles
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Day Twelve:
After breakfast, we'll meet up with a local guide for an insider tour of the cathedral. We'll get to know its Romanesque architecture, learn about the construction throughout the centuries, admire the Chapel of Relics, and attend the Pilgrim's mass. With one full day in Santiago, we'll have plenty of free time to explore the winding old town streets, soak in the rooftop views and reflect on all that's taken place. Enjoy a traditional Spanish dinner at one of Santiago's culinary gems, celebrating community and memorable takeaways.
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Day Thirteen:
After breakfast, we'll checkout and head back to Porto in a private shuttle. Once checked in at our hotel, we'll celebrate with a traditional Fado music dinner, culminating our incredible journey.
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Day Fourteen:
Depart for home (or onward journey)
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Itinerary is subject to change based on availability and weather. Details are not confirmed until paid in full.

Travel to Portugal and Spain for US citizens requires a valid passport for a minimum of three months beyond the length of your stay, and two blank pages. The European ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will likely be required by October 2025. This will be a simple online application with a payment of less than $10 USD. We will assist travelers with the application process.

O Refúgio Retreat Center

O Refúgio is a warm and inviting farm and retreat center nestled along the picturesque Douro River in the charming village of Canelas, Penafiel, just 45 km from Porto. Offering simple yet comfortable accommodations, it is a place of beauty and tranquility—perfect for those seeking both rest and renewal. Here, you are invited to disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with God, nature, and community. Through creativity, reflection, and a deep care for Creation, O Refúgio provides a peaceful space to pause, reflect, and be refreshed.