15-Days Escorted Portugal & Spain Trip
Dates: August 19 - September 2, 2023
with
Dr. Bill Creasy
Email: groups@devotiontravel.com
Join Dr. Creasy on this meaningful Portuguese Way. Enjoy the expertly guided trip with our professional tour director and local guides enhancing our experience.
Portugal & Spain Trip Highlights
Visit Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal
Eligible for Pilgrims "The Way" Certificate
Enjoy the delicious scents from the vineyards and olive groves as you walk
Marvel at the beautiful landscapes in the picturesque countryside
Take-in the hodgepodge architecture and colors of Porto which gives it its distinct character
Crossing into Galicia is an emotional moment especially so when it doubles as the crossing into Spain itself
Experience the smells and mesmerizing swinging
Botafumerio in Santiago de Compostela Explore Lisbon And much more…
DAY 1: USA/LISBON – August 19, 2023
We leave from Los Angeles (LAX) on our flights to Lisbon, Portugal.
DAY 2: LISBON/ FATIMA – August 20, 2023
Upon arriving into Lisbon we will be met and transferred by motorcoach via a beautiful one-hour drive to our hotel in Fátima, to enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest, tomorrow we begin our adventure! (D)
DAY 3: FATIMA - ALJUSTREL– August 21, 2023
This morning after an early breakfast we travel to the nearby lovely hamlet of Aljustrel, and visit La Casa de los Pastores, the original hamlet where the Shepherds were born and lived. On May 1917, ten-year old Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco were herding sheep. After our visit we return to Fatima where we have the privilege of celebrating Mass at the Little Chapel of the Apparitions, visiting the tombs of Jacinto and Francisco, the Basilica of our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima and the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, while spending time in private prayer and devotion at this very holy place. Fátima is the perfect prelude to our spiritual journey. This evening after an early dinner, we will join the Pilgrims for a Celebration Mass followed by the daily evening candlelight Procession and Rosary. (B,D)
DAY 4: FATIMA/VALENCA – August 22, 2023
We leave Fátima and drive to Valenca, where we enjoy dinner together, resting up for “The Way,” before our 116 km (72 mile) walk to St. James of Compostela in Spain. (B,D)
DAY 5: VALENCA/PORRINO – August 23, 2023
We begin our pilgrimage, leaving Valenca and walking down to the River Minho, crossing by Eiffel’s Puente Internacional and onward to the Tui Cathedral. From the Cathedral the Camino descends into the Louro Valley and on to Porrino, where we have dinner and overnight. Queen Isabel of Spain walked this path in the 13th century on her own pilgrimage! Today’s walk is 20 km (12.4 miles). (B,D)
DAY 6: PORRINA/ARCADE - August 24, 2023
From Porrino the terrain becomes easier as we cross the Louro Valley. After a gentle climb we arrive at the Chapel of Santiaguino de Antas, a lovely spot for a rest. We then enter a beautiful, forested area and descend through the hamlet of Setefontes, arriving at Arcade in time for dinner and overnight.
Today’s walk is 22 km (13.6 miles). (B,D)
DAY 7: ARCADE/PONTEVEDRA – August 25, 2023
This morning we leave Arcade and head toward the historic Ponte Sampaio, where the Camino crosses the Verdugo River over a bridge where, during the war of independence, Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats. Heading up a cobbled footpath we arrive at the 13th-century Basilica of Santa Maria in Pontevedra. Today’s walk is 13 km (8 miles, easy day!) (B,D)
DAY 8: PONTEVEDRA/CALDAS DO REI- August 26, 2023
The Camino leaves Pontevedra, crossing the old Burgo Bridge, passing through chestnut groves and the hamlet of Ponte Cabras and entering the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba, tucked away among pine and eucalyptus trees. Beyond the dense woods of Lombo da Maceira, a statue of Saint James with his walking stick points the way! We pass through the lovely village of Tibo, with its fountain and stone crosses, bringing us to Caldas do Rei, where we see the church of St. Thomas Becket in the main square, have dinner and motorcoach transfer for our overnight. Today’s walk is 22 km (13.6 miles). (B,D)
DAY 9: CALDAS DO REI/PADRON – August 27, 2023
Transfer to Caldas do Rei, where we take a bridge over the Umia River that leads us to a fountain of hot springs. From there we enter dense woods and the Camino makes its way uphill to the hamlet of Santa Marina. We then descend, crossing the Fontenlo River, to the pine-lined route leading us to Padron, the first land sighted by the ship that brought the body of St. James (the Apostle and brother of Jesus’ “beloved disciple,” the Apostle John). We have dinner and overnight at Padron. Today’s walk is 19 km (11.8 miles). (B,D)
DAY 10: PADRON/SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – August 28, 2023
This morning we begin the last leg of our journey. Leaving Padron, the Camino crosses many villages before arriving at the Baroque-style Sanctuary Esclavitude. On a hilltop we see the mysterious ruins of the ancient castle of Queen Lupa. We then pass the oldest wayside stone crosses in Galicia. As we approach Agro dos Monteiros, we see the spires of the cathedral in the distance. Finally, the Camino passes by the ruins of a castle, Rocha Vella, before entering Santiago de Compostela, where we will spend the next 2 nights and enjoy enjoy dinner. Today’s walk is 25 km (15.5 miles). (B,D)
DAY 11: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – August 29, 2023
Today we enjoy a tour of historic Santiago de Compostela, before we celebrate our Pilgrims’ Mass in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela at noon. The highlights of the Mass is the beautiful music, and the stunning, huge Botafumeiro, the famous thurible, filled with burning incense. Completing the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, “The Way ”; receiving the Sacrament of Penance; and receiving Communion at the Cathedral completes the pilgrimage requirements, allowing us to receive our pilgrim’s scallop shell (symbol of the Camino de Santiago), the Compostela, and the plenary indulgence associated with it, first granted by Pope Calixtus II in 1122! During your tour we will also have lunch. (B,L)
DAY 12: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA/ BATALHA / LISBON – August 30, 2023
This morning we start our return to Lisbon, Portugal with a stop and visit at the impressive Monasterio de Batalha. This exquisite Dominican Monastery was built in the 14th Century in gratitude of the Virgin Mary following Portugal’s victory against the Crown of Castile. This monastery was so significant and cherished, that it took over fifteen architects and more than an entire century to build it through the reign of seven kings. The Monastery of Batalha is one of Portugal’s most prized masterpieces of architecture. Its illustrious façade was built in the revered Portuguese Manueline Style. The Monastery of Batalha is considered one of the most important Gothic sites in Portugal as well as one recognized by UNESCO. After our visit we continue to our hotel in Lisbon where we will enjoy a welcome dinner and spend the next 3 nights. (B,D)
Day 13: LISBON – August 31, 2023
Today we will enjoy a tour of Lisbon one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, predating other European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by hundreds of years. We will visit all the main important historic sites of Lisbon such as the Monument of Discoveries honoring the Portuguese Sailors like Henry the Navigator and Vasco de Gama, the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery, the Tower of Belen as well as the Alfama Saint George Castle in the historic quarter. During our visit we will also enjoy Lunch in one of Lisbon’s historic restaurants. (B,L)
Day 14: LISBON - SINTRA – CASCAIS - September 01, 2023
This morning we travel to Sintra known for its many 19th-century romantic architectural monuments, which has resulted in its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town also has a literary heritage which has made it a legendary reference in Portuguese culture and a major tourist attraction. It is home to various royal retreats, estates, castles and other buildings. We will visit the Palace of Sintra, also called Town Palace, located in the heart of Sintra. It is a present-day historic house museum and considered one the best-preserved medieval Royal Residences in Portugal. It was used by Royalty from the early 15th century to the late 19th century and is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Then we continue to the lovely town of Cascais by the Sea a popular upscale seaside resort and a favorite get-away for local Lisboans. Here we will enjoy a Farewell Lunch, before we return to Lisbon for our last night. (B,L)
Day 15: LISBON/USA – September 02, 2023
Early this morning we will be transferred to Lisbon’s International Airport for our flight back home. (B)
Minimum paid Travelers: 20 (if not met a small group supplement will apply).
Note:
- This is a moderately strenuous tour, walking on cobblestone streets and hills. For your safety and enjoyment you must be able to walk up to 16 miles in a day.
- Vehicle will transport luggage from hotel to hotel during your walk.
- While we do our very best to make sure all items listed in your itinerary are included, there are times when conditions beyond our control affect your program/itinerary, including but not limited to delays, weather, political climate, time constraints, or changes by your group leader and tour guide. Most sites are not handicap accessible.