Portugal Tour – Walk + Stitch on the Camino with Gillian Travis
| 2 – 11 Oct 2025 | 10 Days / 9 Nights | Bookings will open Nov 2024 |
Welcome to the Portugal Tour: Walk + Stitch on the Camino with Gillian Travis!
Are you ready for a unique adventure that combines the soothing rhythms of walking and stitching along the beautiful Coastal Path of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago? Join us for an unforgettable journey along the Coastal Camino, where each step is a step into history, beauty, and creativity.
Meet us in Porto, the vibrant heart of northern Portugal, where your Camino adventure begins. As you arrive, you’ll be warmly welcomed, and part of our first day’s activities is acquiring our for the Camino Passport. This is not just any walk—it’s a voyage where the paths are as rich in history as they are in scenic beauty.
What’s in store for you?
– Walk and Explore. Traverse the stunning Coastal Camino, meandering from the lively city of Porto to the charming town of Viana do Castelo and back. The route offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and picturesque coastal landscapes.
– Textile Journaling: Embrace your creative side with our Textile Journal experience. Capture the essence of your journey through fabric, thread, and textile art, reflecting your unique Camino adventure in a personalized, hands-on way.
– Barcelo Traditional Market: On our return path, you’ll visit the Barcelo Traditional Market. Immerse yourself in local culture and craft as you explore this vibrant market. A great place to llok for traditional Portuguese textiles and crafts that will inspire your own creations.
Our Walk + Stitch on the Camino tour is a perfect blend of physical exploration and artistic expression. Whether you’re a budding hiker or have well used boots, a passionate textile artist, or someone looking for a new adventure, this tour offers a truly enriching experience.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Walking Days: Enjoy a series of invigorating half-day walks along the Coastal Camino. We’ll wind our way from Porto to Viana do Castelo then train to Bareclos and onto Porto. We’ll soak in the breathtaking coastal views and charming villages. Each day’s walk is designed to give you ample time to appreciate the scenery and fully engage in your textile journaling.
- Afternoon Activities: After your morning walks, the afternoons are dedicated to creative exploration and relaxation. You’ll have the opportunity to work on your textile journal, capturing the essence of your journey through fabric and thread. Additionally, you’ll visit beaches and fishing villages, explore traditional markets
- Convenient Luggage Transfer: Don’t worry about hauling heavy bags. Our tour includes luggage transfer services, so you only need to carry a day pack with essentials. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without the burden of heavy luggage.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary blend of walking, stitching, and cultural discovery. Secure your spot today and prepare to embark on a memorable journey through the heart of Portugal. We can’t wait to share this adventure with you!
Portugal Tour – Walk + Stitch on the Camino with Gillian Travis
| Date 2 – 11 October, 2025 Itinerary & Costs – please scroll down. | 10 days/ 9 nights |
| Link to Booking Form Bookings will open 1 Dec, 2024 | All Breakfasts |
| Travel Notes to help prepare for your journey | 6 Lunches |
| Inspiration – get in the mood with inspiring stories and history | 3 Dinners |
| Impressions from previous visits |
| Share with a friend: | TBA each when booking two places at the same time, twin or double room share. We can match you with a roommate if there is someone available. |
| Request a Private Room: | Add TBA |
| Deposit: | TBA due today secures your place |
| Early Bird Rebate: | Book by 2 March 2025, to receive a $200 rebate and our heartfelt appreciation |
| Date full payment due: | 2 June, 2025 |
| Airport for arrival | Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, Porto, Portugal |
| Airport for Departure | Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, Porto, Portugal |
| All prices in Australian Dollars. You can check online for equivalent in your currency. A site like www.xe.com can quote on current exchange rates and also reliably handle funds transfer with low fees. |
Itinerary Portugal Tour – Walk + Stitch on the Camino with Gillian Travis
| Day | Location & Activity | Meals Included |
| Day 1 Thurs 2.10.25 | Arrival at Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, Porto, Portugal | |
| Airport pickup any time night or day | ||
| Stay Porto | ||
| Day 2 Fri 3.10.25 | Stay Porto | B,L,D |
| 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! | ||
| 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. | ||
| Day 3 Sat 4.10.25 | Stay Porto | B,L |
| 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 | ||
| Day 4 Sun 5.10.25 | Stay Povoa de Varzim | B,L |
| 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. | ||
| 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. | ||
| Day 5 Mon 6.10.25 | Apulia | 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. | ||
| Arrive after lunch and spend the afternoon with Gillian working on our stitch journal. Approx 15 km walk today. | ||
| Day 6 Tues 7.10.25 | Stay Castelo do Neiva | B,L |
| Our walk today heads a little in land, follows the Rio Cavado River and onwards to Castelo do Nieva. | ||
| The Igreja de Santiago in Castelo do Nieva holds significant historical value due to a 9th-century inscription found on one of its walls, which marks its consecration. This inscription provides the earliest evidence of Saint James being venerated beyond the River Minho, underscoring the church’s long-standing dedication to him and its pivotal role in the early spread of his veneration. Approx 14 km walk today. | ||
| Day 7 Wed 8.10.25 | Stay Viana do Castelo | B, L |
| Walking through villages and the countryside today we reach Viana do Castelo, the gem of northern Portugal. Approx 12 km walk today. | ||
| 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 and creative time. | ||
| Day 8 Thurs 9.10.25 | Stay Barcelos | B, D |
| 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. | ||
| Day 9 Fri 10.10.25 | Stay Porto | B,D |
| Slow start to the day, time to explore Barcelos before we head back to Porto, the Pottery Museum is a must see. | ||
| Farewell Dinner this evening. | ||
| Day 10 Sat 11.10.25 | Departures | B |
| We will arrange individual drop to the airport to meet your flights | ||
| Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, Porto, Portugal | ||
