El Camino: An Epic Journey Awaits
Is walking El Camino on your ‘bucket list’?
Are you in transition and wanting space and time to reflect on ‘what’s next’?
Are you celebrating a milestone life event?
Are you seeking a travel experience that aligns with your deepest values?
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of St. James, is the epic pilgrimage route of Europe. For 2022, we offer two hidden gem pilgrimage options: Portuguese Coast Camino, and Asturias Art & Adventure Camino, our kindest and gentlest Camino. Both the Portuguese Coast Camino and the Asturias Art & Adventure Camino, Walk in Beauty Pilgrimage combine the stunning beauty of El Camino de Santiago, Spain with the Center for Courage & Renewal® Approach to reflect on your inner capacity to lead a more authentic, meaningful, and resilient life. The Approach includes spacious time in solitude and in community, journaling, and reflection with poetry and prose to life’s big questions. In these exclusive, small group pilgrimages, you are spoiled by the breathtaking natural beauty of the sun-drenched north coast of Spain and Portugal, magnificent accommodations, and exquisite food.
The crown jewel of Spanish walking trails, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela began as an act of faith as Europeans crossed Spain to visit the sacred tomb of the Apostle Saint James. One thousand years later, the Camino continues to draw spiritual seekers worldwide to enjoy the beauty of green rolling hills, stunning coastal views, and small hamlets of northern Spain. Come be part of this magical trail.
About the Portuguese Coast Camino
Two fascinating countries with their own cultures, cuisines, and traditions in one amazing pilgrimage.
The Portuguese Coast Camino or Camino Portugués de la Costa begins in the colorful Portuguese city of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and follows the coast north to the Galician boarder in Spain, almost in parallel with the inland Portuguese Camino. The Portuguese Coast Camino joins the Camino Francés for the last 100 kms into the magnificent medieval city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Walking the last 100 kms into Santiago qualifies the pilgrim to receive the famed Compostela, or Pilgrim’s Credential, a capstone of this pilgrimage.
Walk in Beauty Pilgrimage Ethos
We believe that traveling under your own power and at your own pace with a supportive community opens up an opportunity to connect more meaningfully with the world. Our mission is to provide not just a travel experience but rather a pilgrimage journey so transformative that it becomes a defining moment in your life. We provide amazing support on meticulously planned itineraries with superb accommodations and regional-delicious cuisine so you can be fully present, enjoying ‘your Camino, your Way’.
We welcome and support people from diverse racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, languages, ages, abilities, immigration and socio-economic status, and spiritual practices.
Private Van Support & Guides
Private van support and luggage transfer, an essential feature of the Walk in Beauty Pilgrimages.
Our fully supported private van, loaded with healthy snacks, water, medicine, and first aid kits, sets this pilgrimage apart and makes it accessible to all. A vehicle and guide for logistical support is available during the entire pilgrimage route to assist you, to transport luggage, and to address any other needs. This means you can enjoy the scenery and not worry about the unexpected!
With checkpoints along the way, our support vehicle is waiting with healthy snacks and cold drinks, or other assistance. If you do not want to keep walking for any reason, you can hop on the support vehicle at the next checkpoint.
In this customized pilgrimage, our ground support has signals in places where some people take the wrong turn to ensure you’re on the right path.
After the daily walk, and after you’ve had lunch you’ll return to the hotel to shower, freshen up, enjoy well-deserved rest, reflect on the day, and savor a delicious-regionally sourced dinner.
Walk at Your Own Pace
Everyone walks at their own pace and you will be met by our guides and support vehicle at various checkpoints along each stage. At the checkpoints you can enjoy a snack, fruit and cold beverages and our guides will assist you in case you need anything else. We also offer assistance for any emergencies or simply to relieve muscular pain or cure blisters.
If for any reason you do not want to continue walking, our support vehicle is at your disposal. You won’t have to worry about not finding your way as there will always be yellow arrows to point the way. You will never feel alone on the Camino as there will be other pilgrims on the way. After the walk and lunch we will go back to the day’s accommodation to freshen up and enjoy some well-deserved rest.
Luggage Support
Luggage is transferred from one hotel to the next using the support vehicle. For the pilgrimage you need only carry a small/medium backpack for your essentials, and leave the rest to us! (Please review luggage requirements under Frequently Asked Questions.)
The Portuguese Coast Camino includes one stage, which is done by sea instead of walking, as we retrace the journey of the remains of Saint James, to Padrón, a Galician town steeped in Camino lore and legend. Traditionally, this town has been the starting point of the Camino for pilgrims arriving by sea. This Camino includes the only maritime “Stations of the Cross” in the world and you will see twelve unique and ancient Galician Crosses called “Cruceiros”, which mark each station along the way.
We begin the pilgrimage in Porto, Portugal with a guided visit of one of the city’s distinctive gardens, and then onto the coastal Portuguese town of Praia Angueiras, covering 117 miles over twelve days, divided into nine walking stages with an additional stage done by boat that includes a visit to a seaside farm.
A stunning alternative to the Portuguese Camino, this new route has recently obtained official recognition, making it a unique offering among Camino route options.
Enjoy delicious regional cuisine, savor exceptional lodging and hospitality in luxury hotels, spectacular paradores, and Galician manor houses, located in stunning natural landscapes. Be refreshed by coastal beauty, pristine sandy beaches, beautiful vineyards, and winding rivers of this scenic route to Santiago de Compostela.
Regional-Delicious Cuisine
Delicious local fare is an outstanding feature of the Coastal Camino.
Carefully selected hearty breakfasts and locally-sourced and delicious dinners served with exceptional hospitality and ambiance are included in our Portuguese Coastal Camino. Lunches are not included to provide more flexibility during your walk to sample local foods in the quaint towns at the end of the daily stage. Vegetarians, vegans, or those with a special diet (e.g. gluten-free) can always find suitable options.
Luxury Accommodations*
Exceptional lodging is a hallmark of the Portuguese Coastal Camino.
In this high-end pilgrimage, hotel accommodations include stays in Spain’s national and prestigious Paradores, elegant and exclusive hotels situated in important historical buildings and uniquely stunning locations in rural areas surrounded by lush, peaceful scenery, as well as charming manor houses of Galicia, well known for outstanding hospitality and service.
Our parador accommodations include, the magnificent, Parador de Cambados, located in an old country house known as Bazán, an elegant ancestral mansion, and Parador de Pontevedra, located in the old quarter of the magnificent city of Pontevedra.
*All hotels are subject to change and depend on availability.
Preparation in Body, Mind, & Spirit
Soulful preparation is key to Walk in Beauty pilgrimage experience. We understand that a pilgrimage is different from a ‘hiking vacation’ and we assist you with not only physical training, but soulful training, to open the heart, mind, and spirit. Resources include Pilgrim Newsletters, Pilgrim Training Schedule, maps, comprehensive Pilgrimage Resource Guide, and packing list with recommendations on what to bring, as well as Camino Community Conference Calls via videoconference to get to know fellow pilgrims and build a supportive community.
