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Portugal · Tomar → Porto
Camino Portuguese
Tomar → Porto
- Begins during the Festa dos Tabuleiros (held once every four years)
- 210 kilometers (130 miles) over 13 walking days
- Rest days in Tomar, Coimbra, and Porto
- A Fado de Coimbra concert and a port wine tour and tasting in Porto
- Limited to 12 participants
A 16-day small-group walk on the Camino Portuguese from Tomar to Porto — 210 km through medieval towns, Roman ruins, forest paths, and vibrant cities, beginning during the once-every-four-years Festa dos Tabuleiros.
In July 2027, we are leading a small-group walk on the Camino Portuguese from Tomar to Porto, one of Portugal’s most beautiful and lesser-traveled pilgrimage routes. This 16-day guided journey combines meaningful walking, cultural immersion, unforgettable meals, and boutique lodging — all without the stress of planning it yourself.
Our group will walk 210 kilometers (130 miles) over 13 days of the 16-day trip, averaging about 17.5 km (10.9 mi) a day. Some journeys are about the destination; others are about who you become — and who you walk with — along the way. Walking from Tomar to Porto invites you to slow down, move with intention, and experience Portugal the way pilgrims have for centuries.
Gallery
From the trail.
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet us in Tomar, Portugal
You will fly into either Lisbon or Porto, and then take a train to Tomar for the start of our journey. You will arrive around mid-afternoon and have plenty of time to wander the village, take a short nap, and then enjoy your first Portuguese dinner with your group. Our plan is to have dinner at a medieval-style restaurant that is unlike any other. See this video from our 2019 pilgrimage to enjoy views from the festival and the restaurant.
Day 2: Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar
Today, we will enjoy Festa dos Tabuleiros, a harvest festival with origins dating back to the 13th century, held once every four years. We should be able to enjoy the butler’s parade today and the street decorations. We will also walk up to the Convento de Cristo, a Knights Templar castle, where we will hold our shell ceremony and officially begin our pilgrimage.
Day 3: Tomar to Alvaiázere
We will all begin today, taking a taxi to our official start in Calvinos. You don’t have to take this taxi; however, it will make for a 30.9-kilometer day if you walk the entire day. We will save 11 kilometers by starting with the taxi, which makes for a more reasonable day. Once we start walking, there will be a bit of a climb, but then the countryside quickly opens up, giving us space to settle into the Camino mindset.
Day 4: Alvaiázere to Ansião
A few rolling hills and wide landscapes define today’s walk. The pace is steady, the conversations feel natural, and the sense of community in the group starts to form. Ansião welcomes us with small-town charm and everything we need to rest well.
Day 5: Ansião to Rabaçal
Today feels timeless. We walk through forest paths and quiet farmland, far from crowds and distractions. Rabaçal is small, peaceful, and perfectly suited for an evening of reflection and connection. There is a small Roman museum in town for those who have the energy to enjoy it.
Day 6: Rabaçal to Cernache
A scenic walk, mainly downhill, through rural Portugal brings us to Cernache. This shorter day allows time to slow down, journal, explore, or simply enjoy being present with the group. Partway through the day, there is another Roman museum that some may want to visit. In Conínbriga, we will not only see a Roman museum but also explore Roman ruins dating back to 139 B.C.E. It was occupied until 468 AD.
Day 7: Cernache to Coimbra
We approach Coimbra, one of Portugal’s most iconic cities. Crossing into the historic center and seeing the university rise above the river is a powerful Camino moment. Tonight, we celebrate how far we’ve already come together.
Day 8: Coimbra rest day
Today we won’t be walking, but we will put many kilometers under our feet as we explore the hilly city of Coimbra. It’s a university town with a ton of charm. We will end our day with a Fado de Coimbra show, and of course, our daily family dinner.
Day 9: Coimbra to Mealhada
I hope you rested a bit yesterday because today is a big day. Fortunately, it’s relatively flat today, but it’s a long one. Leaving the city behind, we return to quiet roads and countryside walking. Mealhada is famous for its local delicacy, leitão, making it a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed group dinner and plenty of laughter. The people you will meet on this trip will be friends for a lifetime.
Day 10: Mealhada to Águeda
An easier, flatter day takes us into colorful Águeda, known for its creative spirit and vibrant street art. It’s a joyful reminder that the Camino offers delight as much as depth. This is one of several of my favorite places in Portugal! I can see you now sitting on a swing down by the Rio Águeda in the late afternoon.
Day 11: Águeda to Albergaria-a-Velha
Today brings long, peaceful stretches through forests and farmland. This is classic Camino walking — meditative, grounding, and deeply satisfying. Albergaria-a-Velha offers a warm, quiet, and welcoming stop for the night.
Day 12: Albergaria-a-Velha to Oliveira de Azeméis
Rolling terrain and small villages guide us north. The miles feel lighter now as the group moves in rhythm. Oliveira de Azeméis is relaxed and authentic — a place where Camino friendships truly solidify.
Day 13: Oliveira de Azeméis to São João da Madeira
We continue through northern Portugal’s heartland, passing cafés, neighborhoods, and green spaces. São João da Madeira brings energy and comfort, with plenty of time to enjoy the evening together. This is a shorter day, so people can resupply or just enjoy another city along the Camino Portuguese. We will end the day at our favorite restaurant on the Camino with our favorite restaurant owner. This will be a night you will remember for a long time after the trip.
Day 14: São João da Madeira to Grijó
A gentler day takes us through familiar Camino landscapes — quiet roads, shaded paths, and moments of conversation and silence. Grijó, with its beautiful monastery, feels like a fitting pause before the final day.
Day 15: Grijó to Porto
Our final walk carries us into Porto, where the Douro River and the city’s unmistakable energy greet us. Ending the Camino here is emotional, celebratory, and unforgettable. We don’t just arrive — we arrive changed.
Day 16: Rest day in Porto
Today, we will enjoy a bit of touring in Porto. This day will include a tour of a porthouse, a port tasting, and time to explore on your own.
Day 17: Supplemental day in Porto (+$300)
There is so much to explore in Porto, and if you have the time to stay an extra day, you will have a lot to do and see! We will be welcoming our group that will walk from Porto to Santiago. If you want to join us for both trips, this supplemental day will be included in the total cost of both trips at no extra charge. Today we will explore another port house - that’s worth staying for all in its own! We began as individuals. We finish as a Camino family.
Other Information
Is It For Me?
This experience is for travelers who want the Camino without the stress of going it alone — but still with all the meaning. Our group trips are designed around:
- Thoughtfully paced walking days
- Built-in community and support
- Time for reflection and fun
- Cultural immersion beyond any guidebook
- Boutique travel: small hotels in the perfect location, a small group of travelers, multi-course dinners, and always a few surprises created just for the group
- Groups are always limited to 12 participants
If you’ve been drawn to the Camino but wanted to experience it with connection, guidance, and intention, this walk was created for you.
Accommodation & Meals
Lodging is in private rooms of two people per room with private bathrooms (though in a house or small apartment you may share a bathroom with other members of our group). Check-in is typically around 3 p.m. You can expect a range of lodging experiences, always close to the action so you won’t spend your time walking into the city. We cannot guarantee air conditioning, and even when included we cannot ensure its quality — it’s Europe, where air conditioning is not the standard.
All breakfasts (simple European-style: a pastry, coffee, and juice) and all dinners with multiple courses are included. Water and wine are included with dinner. A typical European dinner begins at 8 p.m. and lasts about two hours, so we encourage a late lunch, a restful siesta, and an afternoon snack.
Navigation
Daily luggage transfer is included. Luggage is limited to 30 pounds and a bag/suitcase no larger than 25″ tall; you’ll receive a suggested packing list and are encouraged to hand-wash laundry along the way (washing machines are occasionally available). Taxi transfer (at your expense) is available on any day you are struggling and want to walk fewer kilometers — taxi plans are made by 8 p.m. the night before.
What's Included
- Lodging in private rooms, two people per room with private bathrooms (in a house or small apartment you may share bathrooms with the group). Check-in typically about 3 p.m. Air conditioning cannot be guaranteed.
- All breakfasts (typically a pastry, coffee, and juice)
- All dinners with multiple courses; water and wine included. Dinner usually begins at 8 p.m. and lasts about 2 hours.
- Optional opportunity to attend mass daily, as available
- Daily luggage transfer (limit 30 lbs, bag no larger than 25" tall)
- Taxi transfer (at your expense) on any day you need to shorten your walk (arranged by 8 p.m. the night before)
- Your pilgrim shell and your credential
- Participation in a port wine tour and tasting
- Tours along the route, outlined in detail during the online meetings
- Two online meetings with your group, help securing airfare, and on-demand phone or video calls
- Photos and video filmed throughout the trip; a Google Drive link with all photos and edited videos after the trip
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Transportation to/from the airport
- Lunch, snacks, and cocktails throughout the day
- Taxis if you cannot walk
Travel & Transfers
Fly into Lisbon or Porto and take the train to Tomar, arriving mid-afternoon on day one. Airfare and transport to and from the airport are not included, but we help you secure flights and go through the connections together on our group calls.
Info & FAQ
Group size & rooming: Limited to 12 participants. Private rooms with double occupancy are included; message us for the single supplement if you’re traveling solo and don’t want to room with anyone.
Both trips: You may sign up for one or both 2027 walks. Walk both and receive a 5% discount on the total cost of both trips.
Discounts: A $200 early-bird discount applies if you sign up before October 31, 2026. Returning travelers always receive a $200 discount (not combinable with the early-bird). After October 31 you can also get a $100 referral discount ($100 off for you and $100 off for your friend).
Payment: Payment plans can be arranged, with final payment due by April 30, 2027. Credit cards are accepted with a 3.6% fee (our Square charge); Venmo, Zelle, electronic check, or mailed check carry no fee.
To secure your spot: Registration opens April 1, 2026 (March is open only to those who have pre-registered). Complete the group travel interest form first; once we’ve confirmed you’re a good fit, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required.
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