Arrival at Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, Porto, Portugal

Airport pickup any time night or day. 

The first task of the day is to visit the Porto Cathedral and join the line to collect your Camino passport. As you wait, you’ll share the buzz of anticipation with fellow pilgrims. This moment of camaraderie is a special part of the Camino experience.

Now let’s explore this beautiful town, there is a Bookshop to amaze you, and stunning tiled Churches. We can warm up with a gentle walk along the waterfront, lots of bars, cafes, souvenir shops and the huge bridge- halfway acrosss gives a great view of town.

Morning tea at a beautiful Belle Epoque Cafe, be prepared to be wowed! Gillian can start the ball rooling for the Stitched Scroll to record your adventure.

Porto is famous for Port Wine, and just the over the river is the area to visit the Wine Cellars or caves as they are called locally. Let’s take a tour and tasting.

Let’s celebrate our travels with a welcome dinner together.

B, Morning tea, D

We’re going on a little jaunt today to Aveiro. Beautiful Aveiro is situated on a lagoon called Ria de Aveiro. It’s distinguished by its canals navigated by colourful boats (barcos moliceiros) which were traditionally used to harvest seaweed. Colourful boats, streets and Art Nouveau building this is an idyllic, can’t miss this spot.

Let’s take a Moliceiro Boat cruise together.

Then lunch together along the waterside, evening is free

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Our walking adventure starts today, first metro to Vila do Condo to get out of the city and a visit to their lovely Lace Museum. We’ll explore the beautiful Old City before we head off to Povoa de Varzim.

We will set a meeting point in town to share lunch and then start out.

Next, we’ll embark on a leisurely walk to Póvoa de Varzim. Although it’s a short distance today, it’s a perfect way to kick off our journey. Don’t worry about heavy luggage; it will be transported for you, so you only need to carry a day pack.

Approx 7 km walk today.

Your bags are transported for you today.

We may naturally form “tortoise” and “hare” groups based on our individual paces. Feel free to team up with others who match your speed, and we’ll meet at designated meeting spots along the route. This way, everyone can enjoy the journey at their own pace while staying connected. Many of these spots will also have a stamp for your Pilgrim’s Passport.

As a helpful tip, cafés along the way are great not just for a refreshing coffee or cool drink, but also for their convenient bathrooms. Enjoy your first day on the Camino, and let’s make the most of this wonderful journey together!

Povoa de Varzim is know for its beaches and fishing, a peaceful place for the evening.

Hotels are limited here - this is the night we might have to double and share a room.

B,L

Following the coast, we traverse an area famous for its wild environment, featuring sand dunes, lush vegetation, and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the coastline, breathe in the pure sea air, and observe a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. 

We'll meet at Esposende for lunch and then head onto Viana de Castelo via taxi.

Viana do Castelo is the gem of northern Portugal.

Above the town is the neo-Byzantine Santa Luzia Church a great place to view the area. We’ll take the funicular railway to the top. The view over  Rio Lima estuary is lovely.

Museu do Traje in the afternoon for a breathtaking collection of costumes traditional to the area.

Let’s find a place down by the fishing fleet for afternoon tea, creative time and to enjoy the passing of the day and stitch.

Approx 18 km walk today.

Your bags are transported for you today.

B,L

Our walk today follows the coast, a bit wild  but lovely.

Lunch will be at Vila Praia de Ancora and then a relaxing afternoon. 

Stitch, checkout the local fortress and chapel. Put your feet up.

Approx 18 km walk today.

Your bags are transported for you today.

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Approx 10 km walk today.

Your bags are transported for you today.

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Catching an early train, we are heading to Barcelos for their fabulous Weekly market. The best place for fresh produce and authentic traditional, locally made crafts. The tradition of the market dates back to 1412. 

The symbol of the Rooster is important to this town and the Pilgrim’s Path, wait until you hear it, you’ll crow with delight.

You will need to take your bags yourself on the bus, we can leave them at our accomodation when we arrive.

B,L

Slow start to the day, time to explore Barcelos before we head back to Porto, the Pottery Museum is a must see.

You will need to take your bags yourself on the train, we can leave them at our accomodation when we arrive.

Heading back to Porto, lets share a celebratory Farewell Dinner togther.

B,D

We will arrange individual drop to the airport for departures from Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, Porto, Portugal 

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TBA

It will be a very small kit, easy to carry.

Prepare for Gentle Walking

• The walk will involve gentle terrain, with distances of up to 18km.
• Ensure you're comfortable with walking several days in a row.

Footwear

• Good, worn-in, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• We will suggest recommended shoe brands later, but focus on comfort, support, and durability.
• good socks- merino, toe socks? it will be part of your research whilst you build up or check your endurance.

Test Yourself Before the Trip

• Practice walking similar distances at home, ideally for several consecutive days, to build stamina and ensure you can handle the terrain comfortably.

Rain Gear

• Bring a rain poncho or jacket, just in case of inclement weather.

Refillable 1 litre water bottle

There are places along the way to refill.

Stay hydrated!

Lightweight 15 litre rucksack for the day - luggage will be moved for us to the nights rest location.

Diance Crumbaker offers you this inspiration.

In 2024 Diane and her daughter lived a dream and walked together along part of the Path.

How do you train for the El Camino

How do you train for the El Camino if you’re in your 70s and sat behind a desk for too many years?

One small block at a time.

Then two blocks.

Then, a mile, two, three.

It helps if you keep a training journal

(yep, just like you’re a real athlete, toss some arty stuff in there for fun).

It helps if you count down the days.

100 days until we walk.

99,

98,

And then, you’re nearly there.

You walk a bit farther.

You add a few hills  to help build endurance.

You read about other walkers.

You imagine the walk--

A time to have long conversations with a beloved daughter (now fully grown).

With people along the way

With all those many people inside your head.

And then you do it.

Not the whole thing, as you dreamt in younger years.

Not even half.

But enough to appreciate topping a hill and rounding a bend

And finding that daughter waiting for you there

(or that person with whom you had a good laugh along the trail)

To appreciate the people who prepare your food

Who assist you when you need help

To exchange “Buen Camino” with others along the way.

To celebrate with the young and the old who are as relieved as you are to finally reach the top of that long, long hill.

To understand that there is great joy in a downhill turn and a cool breeze.

And in sharing just the beauty of moving along a path

With nothing to do but wander and wonder.

That’s all there is to it.

What are you waiting for?