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Our Pilgrimage begins as we depart Dallas on our overnight flight to Madrid, Spain.
(Flights not included, purchase your own flights or contact us for a flight quote)
**If you are booking your own flights, please arrive in Madrid [MAD] no later than 12pm on September 23rd. For departure, we suggest booking flights that depart Lisbon [LIS] no earlier than 12pm on October 1st.
Upon arrival in Madrid, we will board our bus and continue northward to Sarria, Spain. Once we arrive, we will have the option to enjoy some time at leisure or explore Sarria. In the evening, we will meet for our welcome dinner.
Overnight Sarria
Today we begin our walk to Santiago de Compostela. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods, pretty villages and on quiet country roads. We will pass the villages of Barbadelo and Ferreiros. When you arrive in Portomarin (550m), you can rest on one of the numerous terraces of the main plaza.
Overnight Portomarin
From the village, the Camino crossesthe river Minho and climbs steadily uphill. On our way, we will be crossing Gonzar and passing the Church of Santa María, Castromaior. In Eirexe, the portal of the church features a beautiful sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as a statue of Santiago de Peregrino inside. You will then arrive in Palas do Rei (565m).
Overnight Palas do Rei
Today, the Camino continues slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the village of Leboreiro. At Melide (454m), stop in one of the many restaurants to try some local specialties. Later, we will follow a forest track and cross several streams bringing us to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Next, we will see the medieval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzua (389m). This small town has 2 churches that you can visit, Santa María and La Magdalena.
Overnight Arzua
This shaded section of the Camino will pass through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua/O Pino is on a good and quiet country road. Rua (310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela.
Overnight Run-O Pino
The next stage will be Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. From the “Mount of Joy” you can see your goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city (264m, population 80000) you will be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close.
Overnight Santiago de Compostela
This morning, we depart for Fatima, Portugal, where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917. Our first stop is Porto where we will enjoy a tour of a local vineyard. Next, we will visit the Carmelite Convent where Sr. Lucia spent most of her life. Evening arrival into Fatima, we will head to the shrine for the candlelight procession.
Overnight Fatima
After breakfast we will enjoy Mass at the Capelinha built over the holm oak tree where Our Lady appeared five times to the three shepherd children Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. We’ll tour the basilica and shrine. This afternoon, we’ll visit Aljustrel where the angel of Portugal appeared, and Valinhos where Our Lady appeared in August of 1917. Tonight, we’ll all head to the shrine for the candlelight procession. After the procession we will have our farewell dinner.
Overnight Fatima
With a deeper love for our Faith, great memories of our pilgrimage, we’ll depart for Lisbon and board our plane for our flight home.
(Flights not included, purchase your own flights or contact us for a flight quote)
**If you are booking your own flights, please arrive in Madrid [MAD] no later than 12pm on September 23rd. For departure, we suggest booking flights that depart Lisbon [LIS] no earlier than 12pm on October 1st.
