St Cecilia's Episcopal Church Walks the Camino – Porto to Santiago
The Portuguese Way pilgrimage for St Cecilia's Episcopal Church, Round Top, TX
Date: 27th September - 7th October 2027
Route: Porto → Valença do Minho → Baiona → Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis → Pontecesures / Padrón → Rúa de Francos → Santiago de Compostela
A 10-night pilgrimage along the final 127km / 79 miles of the Portuguese Way, beginning in Porto, crossing into Galicia via Valença do Minho and Tui, and finishing in Santiago de Compostela, with time for worship, shared meals and rich encounters with local history and culture.
This private page is for St Cecilia's Episcopal Church's pilgrims. It gathers all the information about this Camino. Scroll down to explore the route, understand what's included, learn how to prepare, and register when you're ready.
Quick Links
The Route: Porto To Santiago
You'll walk the final 127km of the Portuguese Way, starting in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto and finishing in Santiago de Compostela. The route follows the historic pilgrimage path through fortress towns, fishing harbours, Roman roads, woodland and vineyard paths, and small Galician towns. You cross into Spain at the Minho River and follow the yellow arrows and scallop shell markers all the way to the cathedral.
Walking happens over eight consecutive days (Days 2–8), with one full rest and exploration day in Santiago at the end. A private coach accompanies you each day, giving you flexibility — most pilgrims walk the full daily distance, but you can shorten a stage or ride if needed.
Route snapshot:
Total distance: 127km / 79 miles
Daily average: 15km / 9.5 miles per day
Walking days: 8 consecutive days
Terrain: Mix of paths, farm tracks, quiet roads, some hills, cobbles and uneven surfaces typical of rural Galicia and northern Portugal
Pacing: Generally 4-5 hours of walking per day, with breaks and flexibility
Coach support: Available every day for full or partial days if needed
Is This Pilgrimage Right For You?
Take a moment to see if this Camino matches what you're looking for:
This pilgrimage is for you if:
You enjoy walking 15km (9.5 miles) per day on varied terrain
You want full support with coach, hotels and meals included
You'd like to connect with your church community in a meaningful way
You value comfort alongside adventure
You don't need to be an experienced hiker.
If you can walk several hours at a comfortable pace and you're willing to do training walks before departure, you're ready. The coach is always available if you need it
What You'll Experience
Sacred Moments
Guided visit to Porto's 12th-century Sé Cathedral
Pilgrim's Mass in Santiago Cathedral
Eucharist with your church community
The Walking Experience
Eight days of walking through forest, farmland, fortress towns and Galician villages
Coach support every day — walk as much or as little as you need
Arrival in Obradoiro Square as a pilgrim
Cultural & Sensory
Port wine tasting and dinner in Porto
Stay in Paradores and historic manor houses
Galician food and wine throughout
The Community
Eight days walking alongside your church family
Spiritutal leadership with Father William "Bill" Miller
Hosted by experienced Insider's Camino guides
Day by day
Day 1 – Gathering in Porto
Home → Porto
Overview
You arrive in Porto and check into Hotel Forte de Gaia, a 5★ riverside hotel looking across the Douro towards the city’s historic centre. In the afternoon you walk up to the 12th-century Sé Cathedral for a guided visit and an introduction to the Portuguese Way. Here you receive your pilgrim's passport and scallop shell. In the evening you visit Sandemann's, a renowned port house in Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour and tasting before our welcome dinner.
Today’s highlights
First views of Porto and the Douro from your riverside hotel
Guided visit to the Sé Cathedral and the story of the Portuguese Way
Receiving your Pilgrim's Passport and scallop shell
Port house visit with tasting followed by welcome dinner at the hotel
Practical details
Overnight: Hotel Forte de Gaia 5★ , Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto
Main meal: Group dinner close to the hotel
Day 2 – First steps on the Portuguese Way
Porto → Valença do Minho (coach) · Walk Valença → Tui → Ribadelouro · Return to Valença (coach)
Overview
After breakfast you travel by coach to Valença do Minho on the Portuguese–Spanish border, a hilltop fortress town with its long history of guarding the Minho River. Your first walking stage begins inside the walls, crossing the river to Tui over the historic bridge. After a short stop to grab a bite for lunch and take a visit to Tui’s cathedral, you continue through forest land and past vineyards towards Ribadelouro, following yellow arrows and scallop shells. Later you return by coach to Valença for dinner.
Today’s highlights
Exploring the fortress walls of Valença do Minho in your free time
Crossing the Minho River into Spain at Tui
Visit Tui’s cathedral and the old town
First walking stage along riverbanks, woodland and vineyards
Practical details
Overnight: Pousada de Valença, Valença do Minho
Main meal: Group dinner at a local restaurant in Valença
Day 3 – Into Galicia’s countryside
Valença → Ribadelouro (coach) · Walk Ribadelouro → O Porriño → Mos · Coach to the coast
Overview
You return to Ribadelouro to begin your second walking stage towards Mos. The route leads through pine and eucalyptus woods, with stretches alongside the river and through small farming communities. You pass near O Porriño, a town with strong historic ties to the Camino, and continue on quieter paths and tracks towards the 16th-century church of Mos. From here, our coach takes you onwards to Baiona, a coastal town protected by a natural bay, where you stay at the Parador, a historic castle looking out across the bay to the Cies Islands. Dinner at the Parador.
Today’s highlights
Woodland walking through pine and eucalyptus
Skirting the outskirts of O Porriño along the river
Evening arrival in the coastal town of Baiona
Staying at the Parador de Baiona overlooking the Vigo estuary and the Cíes Islands
Practical details
Overnight: Parador de Baiona, Baiona
Main meal: Group dinner at the Parador
Day 4 – Bridges, estuaries and ancient roads
Baiona → Mos (coach) · Walk Mos → Redondela → Arcade · Coach to Pontevedra
Overview
Back on the trail in Mos, you follow the Portuguese Way towards the Ría de Vigo. The path climbs gently past chapels and stone crosses, including Santiaguiño de Anta, and picks up stretches of the Roman Via XIX. You walk through woods and villages, with views over the estuary, mussel rafts and the Rande Bridge, before arriving at the medieval bridge, Ponte Sampaio in Arcade. A short drive then takes you to Pontevedra, where you settle into the Parador for the first of two nights.
Today’s highlights
Walking sections of the ancient Roman Via XIX
Wide views over the Ría de Vigo and the Rande Bridge
Arrival at the historic bridge at Ponte Sampaio
First evening based in historic Pontevedra
Practical details
Overnight: Parador de Pontevedra, Pontevedra
Main meal: Group dinner at a local favourite restaurant, Taberna Kamelia
Day 5 – Chapels, squares and the Pilgrim Virgin
Pontevedra → Arcade (coach) · Walk Arcade → Pontevedra / Alba
Overview
You return to Arcade to start the fourth walking stage towards Alba via Pontevedra. After the crossing the Sampaio bridge, the path runs between villages and fields, passing the small roadside Santa Marta chapel before leading into the historic centre of Pontevedra. In the old town, you see the scallop-shaped Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, dedicated to the Virgin who is said to have guided pilgrims from Baiona to Santiago. There is time to enjoy the squares and streets before returning to the Parador for a second night.
Today’s highlights
Peaceful walking between hamlets and fields
Visit to the Santa Marta chapel
Time in Pontevedra’s old town squares and streets
Church of the Pilgrim Virgin with its scallop-shaped plan
Practical details
Overnight: Parador de Pontevedra, Pontevedra
Main meal: Group dinner at the Parador
Day 6 – Fields, forests and healing waters
Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis (walk · short coach to rural hotel)
Overview
Leaving the Parador on foot, you cross the Lérez River via the Burgo Bridge and continue through wetlands and into the countryside. The route weaves between stone houses and hamlets, passing several stone crosses, including one with a carved St James. You arrive in Caldas de Reis, a small thermal town known for its hot springs and Romanesque architecture, then transfer a short distance to Torre do Río, a charming rural hotel by the river. Here you have dinner and spend the next two nights.
Today’s highlights
Crossing the Burgo Bridge and leaving Pontevedra on foot
Passing historic stone crosses and Galician hamlets
Arriving in Caldas de Reis, town of thermal springs
Overnight at Torre do Río, a charming riverside hotel with beautiful gardens
Practical details
Overnight: Torre do Río, near Caldas de Reis
Main meal: Dinner at Torre do Río
Day 7 – Viewpoints over the Ulla valley
Caldas de Reis → Pontecesures (walk) · Return to Caldas de Reis area (coach)
Overview
From Caldas de Reis, you walk through farmland and small villages to Padrón via San Miguel de Valga. The route passes through Casal de Eirigo, site of the 1809 battle between Galician forces and Napoleon's troops, before climbing to Mount Castelo and descending into dense woods washed by the Valga River. You pass old stone mills and cross the Fontelo River before reaching the Pino Manso viewpoint, with magnificent views over the Ulla valley and Pontecesures below. The path descends to Pontecesures, a former Roman administrative center. You then return by coach to Hotel Torre de Río for a second night.
Today’s highlights
Walk through farmland and small villages to Pontecesures
(former Roman administrative center)
Passing through Casal de Eirigo, site of the 1809 battle against Napoleon's troops
Climbing to Mount Castelo and dense woods by the Valga River with old stone mills
Crossing the Fontelo River before reaching Pino Manso viewpoint
Practical details
Overnight: Torre do Río, near Caldas de Reis
Main meal: Dinner at Torre do Río
Day 8 – Padrón, Iria Flavia and peppers
Pontecesures → Rúa de Francos (walk) · Coach to Padrón area
Overview
After checking out, you return by coach to Pontecesures to continue on the Camino. We follow our route to Padrón, to the 10th century Santiago church, home of the Jacobean tradition, located at the estuary of the Ulla and Sar rivers. Leaving Padrón, you visit the former Roman settlement of Iria Flavia, considered the arrival point of St James's body by sea and the starting point of its overland journey to Compostela. Here you visit the Santa María Collegiate Church cemetery, where Spanish Nobel Prize Literature winner Camilo José Cela is buried. The walk continues to the beautiful church of the Sanctuary of A Escravitude, with its impressive stairway and fountain. From the sanctuary, you enjoy views over the valleys of Padrón and the surrounding lands of Amaía before descending to A Angueira de Suso and climbing to Rúa de Francos, where today's walk ends. A short coach ride takes you to your hotel for the night: Pazo de Arretén, a renovated former mansion house in Padrón, set amongst its vineyards.
Today’s highlights
Visit the 10th century St James Church of Padrón
Visiting the site of Iria Flavia, the former Roman settlement and arrival point of St James's body
Visit to Santa María Collegiate Church cemetery and tomb of Camilo José Cela
Walking to the Sanctuary of A Escravitude with its stairway and fountain
Views over the valleys of Padrón and lands of Amaía
Descending to A Angueira de Suso and climbing to Rúa de Francos
Practical details
Overnight: Pazo de Arretén, near Padrón
Main meal: Dinner at Pazo de Arretén
Day 9 – Final footsteps into Santiago
Rúa de Francos → Milladoiro → Santiago de Compostela (walk)
Overview
From Rúa de Francos, you walk the final stretch of the Portuguese Way towards Santiago. Near Milladoiro, you catch your first glimpse of the cathedral towers on the horizon before descending into the outskirts of the city. The Way leads you through the old streets to the Obradoiro square, where you arrive together in front of Santiago Cathedral. Later in the day, we come together again for our group's Eucharist at the 12th-century church of San Fiz followed by dinner at a favourite local restaurant serving Galician specialties.
Today’s highlights
Walking the last kilometres of the Camino into Santiago
First view of the cathedral towers from Milladoiro
Entering the historic centre on foot together
Stepping into the main square in front of Santiago Cathedral
Evening Eucharist at San Fiz church and celebratory dinner
Stay at the 15th century Parador de Santiago
Walking: 11 miles / 18 km
Day 10 – A day to savour Santiago
Santiago de Compostela (on foot – city exploration)
Overview
You spend the day in Santiago, beginning with a guided walking tour of the historic centre and the cathedral and museum, including a visit to the Anglican Pilgrim's Centre that your pilgrimage helps support. You attend the Pilgrim's Mass at the Cathedral including, when in use, the botafumeiro, the giant thurible, swung by eight men known as the tiraboleiros. Lunchtime and the afternoon are free to wander, rest or shop before gathering in a private room at the Parador for a farewell dinner overlooking Obradoiro Square. Tonight you receive your Compostela certificate, which has been organized for you by your guide.
Today’s highlights
Guided city walk through Santiago's streets, squares and cloisters
Visit to the Anglican Centre in Santiago
Pilgrims' mass in the cathedral (with the botafumeiro when in use)
Free lunchtime and afternoon for exploration and reflection
Farewell dinner at the Parador with Compostela certificates presented
Walking: City walking
Day 11 – Carrying the Camino home
Santiago de Compostela → Home
Overview
After breakfast at the Parador, you say your goodbyes and begin your journey home or onward travel, carrying the experience of the Portuguese Way back into daily life and the life of St Cecilia's Episcopal Church.
Today’s highlights
Final moments in Santiago and Obradoiro Square
Homeward journey with time to reflect on what the Camino has opened up
Practical details
Overnight: na
Main meal: Breakfast at the Parador
Where You'll Stay
Accommodation on this pilgrimage is chosen to reflect both comfort and character along the Portuguese Way:
1 night at the Hotel Forte de Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto) – 5★
1 night at the Pousada de Valença, Valença do Minho – 4★
1 night at the Parador de Baiona, Baiona – 4★
2 nights at the Parador de Pontevedra, Pontevedra – 4★
2 nights at Torre do Río, near Caldas de Reis – 3★
1 night at Pazo de Arretén, near Padrón – 4★
2 nights at the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago – 5★
What's included at each hotel:
Breakfast is included every morning
10 dinners with wine and non-alcoholic options are included throughout the pilgrimage — from relaxed evenings in rural hotels to special nights in Porto (overlooking the Douro river) and in and Santiago (Parador overlooking Obradoiro Square)
Lunches are at your own expense, giving you the freedom to choose cafés, bars or simple picnic spots along the Way according to your pace and appetite
Hosts
Father Bill Miller
St Cecilia's Episcopal Church leader
Father Bill Miller is a priest, writer, and speaker whose sermons and talks blend inspiration, humor, and unforgettable storytelling. He is the author of three books, including The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul and The Beer Drinker's Guide to God.
An experienced pilgrimage leader, Father Bill has guided groups to the Holy Land, Celtic sites in England and Scotland, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal. He has founded four music festivals, pioneered creative worship experiences, and is a passionate animal advocate who has rescued eight dogs. He is the visionary behind Saint Cecilia's, one of the fastest-growing Episcopal church plants in the country, and lives in Round Top, Texas, with his dog Mystic.
Georgie Wingfield-Hayes
Camino guide
Georgie is a British biologist and writer who lives in Spain and has a lifelong love for its language, people, culture, landscapes and nature. When not guiding pilgrim groups on the Camino, she spends time in the wild mountains of Sanabria in north-western Spain, writing about the relationship between humans and nature. She first walked and guided on the Camino in 2006 and never tires of accompanying pilgrims on their journeys.
Pricing & What's Included
What's Fully Included
10 nights' accommodation in quality hotels chosen for character and comfort
Breakfast daily at each hotel
10 dinners with wine and non-alcoholic options — from welcome dinner in Porto through to farewell dinner overlooking Santiago Cathedral
Private coach from Porto to Santiago, accompanying you throughout and supporting the walking
Experienced Camino host & guide — expertise and care from our Insider's Camino team every day
Guided visits and activities as specified in the itinerary:
Guided visit to Porto's Sé Cathedral with introduction to the Portuguese Way
Port wine house tour and tasting
Walking tour of Santiago Cathedral and old city
Time exploring historic towns and local culture
$200 USD donation per pilgrim to the Friends of the Anglican Centre in Santiago de Compostela, supporting Anglican presence and witness in Spain
All applicable local taxes
What You'll Arrange & Pay For
Flights to and from Portugal
Travel insurance (required — we recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical and repatriation)
Lunches — you'll choose where to eat along the Way, giving you freedom and variety
Personal spending — coffee, snacks, shopping, independent activities, museums, etc.
Gratuities for guides and drivers (optional but appreciated if service has been excellent)
Pricing
Price per person (based on shared room): $ 6725
Single room supplement: $ 1100
Non-refundable deposit per person: $ 700
Payment timeline
Reserve your place with the non-refundable deposit
Your place is confirmed once deposit is received
The remaining balance is due by 29th June, 2027
Questions about payments? Contact Olga at Insider's Camino: [email protected]
Before You Register
Packing & Preparation
Packing well makes a big difference to how comfortable you feel on the Camino. Our detailed packing guide covers boots, clothing, gear and foot care.
Before departure, build up to walks of 10+ miles to prepare your body and build confidence.
Our Commitment to You
We handle the logistics — hotels, coaches, meals, daily arrangements — so you can focus on the journey.
The coach is always there. If you need to ride rather than walk on any day, shorten a stage, or need extra support, it's available. We build flexibility in for mixed-ability groups.
We want you to arrive home changed, not tired. The goal of this pilgrimage is transformation through walking, community and faith — not endurance.
Terms & Conditions & FAQs
Gallery – the Portuguese Way in pictures
The Portuguese Way is as much about the feel of the journey as the distances you walk. Here are a few glimpses of the paths, towns and moments you might encounter between Porto and Santiago – from fortress walls and forest tracks to river valleys, churches and arrival in the square.
Ready To Walk The Camino With St Cecilias's Episcopal Church?
This is a journey you'll carry with you for the rest of your life — the rhythm of walking, the kindness of strangers, the beauty of the landscape, the presence of God on an ancient path, and the gift of shared life with your church community.
Your next step:
Complete the registration form below
Arrange your deposit payment of $ 700
Your place is confirmed when we receive your deposit
Balance is due by 29th June, 2027
Before you register — have questions?
Pastoral or community questions: Speak with Father Bill Miller at St Cecilia's Episcopal Church
Practical or logistics questions: Contact Olga at Insider's Camino: [email protected]
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