Camino Portuguese from Tomar to Porto: 2027 Guided Small-Group Walk in Portugal

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. If you’ve dreamed of walking the Camino in Portugal but want connection, support, and thoughtful pacing, this experience was designed for you.

We are leading two groups in the summer of 2027. The first group will walk the Camino Portuguese from Tomar to Porto, the focus of this blog post. The second group will walk from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. Both trips will include walking, gaining a better understanding of the culture from locals, learning a bit about the history of the region we will be walking in, and, of course, developing an appreciation for the food of Portugal. Our trips are about more than just walking; we are building community and appreciating culture in the places we travel to. We are not rushing to a destination; rather, we are slowing the walk, taking a rest day, enjoying a Fado de Comibra concert, and savoring the port wine of Porto. You can read about the Porto to Santiago trip here.

Participants will have the option to sign up for one or both trips (if you are brave enough to spend that much time with the Colemans). If you walk both trips, we offer a 5% discount on the total cost. Both trips will include luggage service, private rooms with double occupancy, and the option for taxi service if needed on any given day. Message us for the single supplement if you are traveling solo and don’t want to room with anyone. This trip is limited to 12 participants. We specialize in small-group experiences to cultivate lasting relationships, deepen cultural immersion, access off-the-beaten-path experiences, and reduce environmental impact.

You can express interest in either trip by completing this form

Below is what you can expect daily on this trip, as we walk from Tomar to Porto. At the end of the blog post, you can read what is included in the trip, what is excluded, and the cost breakdown.

For this trip, our group will walk 210 kilometers (130 miles). We will walk 13 days of the 16-day trip. We will average walking 17.52 kilometers (10.9 miles) a day. Some journeys are about the destination, others are about who you become — and who you walk with — along the way. Walking the Camino Portuguese from Tomar to Porto invites you to slow down, move with intention, and experience Portugal the way pilgrims have for centuries.

July 1-17, 2027 Itinerary – Walking from Tomar to Porto

July 1, 2027, 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.

July 2, 2027, Day 2: Enjoy the Festival in Tomar and Get to Know Your Group
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.

July 3, 2027, Day 3: Your First Walking Day from 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.
Mileage: 20 kilometers

July 4, 2027, Day 4, Walking from 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.
Mileage: 14.5 kilometers

July 5, 2027, Day 5: Walking from 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.
Mileage 18 kilometers

July 6, 2027, Day 6: Walking from 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.
Mileage: 17.6 kilometers

July 7, 2027, Day 7: Walking from 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.
Mileage: 12.5 kilometers

July 8, 2027, 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.

July 9, 2027, Day 9: Walking from 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.
Mileage: 22.4 kilometers

July 10, 2027, Day 10: Walking from 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.
Mileage: 25.4 kilometers

July 11, 2027: Day 11: Walking from 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.
Mileage: 16.3 kilometers

July 12, 2027, Day 12: Walking from 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.
Mileage: 19.8 kilometers

July 13, 2027, Day 13: Walking from 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.
Mileage: 9.4 kilometers

July 14, 2027, Day 14: Walking from 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.
Mileage: 19 kilometers

July 15, 2027, Day 15: Walking from 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.
Mileage: 15.1 kilometers

July 16, 2027, Day 16: Rest Day 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.

July 17, 2027, Day 17: Supplemental Day in Porto ($300 supplemental day)
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.

Why Walk the Camino with Cruisin’ with the Colemans?
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, this means (as applicable) a small group with uniquely curated experiences, small hotels in the perfect location, a small group of travelers, dinners with multiple courses, 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.

What’s Included in the Trip:
– Lodging in private rooms of two people per room with private bathrooms (though if we stay in a house or small apartments, you may share bathrooms with other members of our group). Check-in is typically about 3 p.m. You can expect a range of lodging experiences from us. We will place you in accommodations close to the action so you won’t spend your time traveling or walking into the city. We cannot ever guarantee air conditioning, and, even when it’s included, we cannot ensure its quality. It’s Europe, where air conditioning is not the standard.
– All breakfasts, which are pretty simple in Europe, typically include a pastry, coffee, and juice.
– All dinners with multiple courses. Water and wine are included with dinner. A typical European dinner begins at 8 p.m. and lasts about 2 hours. We encourage you to eat a late lunch, enjoy a restful siesta, and have an afternoon snack.
– The optional opportunity to attend mass daily, as available.
– Daily luggage transfer. Luggage is limited to 30 pounds and a bag/suitcase no larger than 25″ tall. You will receive a document with a suggested packing list and will be encouraged to hand-wash your laundry throughout the trip. Washing machines are occasionally available.
– Taxi transfer on any day you are struggling and need to move ahead to walk fewer kilometers. Plans for the taxi are made by 8 p.m. the night before.
– Your pilgrim shell (the symbol of this pilgrimage) and your credential.
– Participation in a port wine tour and tasting.
– Tours along the route that will be outlined in detail during our online meetings.
– Two online meetings with your group, help with securing your airfare, and on-demand phone or video calls with us.
– We will be both filming video and taking photos throughout the trip, so loved ones can follow you on our social media channels. You will receive a Google Drive link after the trip with all the pictures we took and the edited videos we published.

What’s Not Included in the Trip:
– Airfare
– Transportation to/from the airport
– Lunch, snacks, and cocktails throughout the day

Cost of the Trip:
– $3,995 per person in a double occupancy room. There is a $200 early-bird discount if you sign up before October 31, 2026.
– Returning travel participants always receive a $200 discount, regardless of when they sign up, and the ability to sign up first for a future trip (can not be combined with the early-bird discount).
– If you choose to walk both trips, you will receive a 5% discount off your total cost for both trips (this discount can be combined with another offer).
– After October 31, you can get an additional $100 discount for referring a friend (that is $100 off for you and $100 off for your friend).
– Payment plans will be arranged and agreed upon, with the final payment due by April 30, 2027
– This trip is capped at twelve people.
– Credit cards are accepted with a 3.6% credit card fee (this is the charge we get from using Square). Payments are accepted without a fee via Venmo, Zelle, electronic check, or paper check by mail.

To Secure Your Spot:
Registration opens April 1, 2026. For the month of March, registration is open only to those who have pre-registered to walk with us. If you are interested in this trip, the first step is to please complete our group travel interest form. Once we have ensured you are a good fit for our group travel experiences, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required.

10 Reflections from our 2019 Camino – Part 1

“OUR TOP TEN REFLECTIONS MAY NOT SURPRISE YOU, BUT OUR NUMBER ONE WILL LEAVE YOU STUNNED”

We walked part of the Camino Frances and all of the Camino Portuguese in June and July of 2019. As of today, we’ve been home for exactly a month. We have been extremely busy since we’ve been home with little time to reflect but the Camino is always on our mind. Creating a list of our top 10 reflections is tough because it may be too early to genuinely process our experiences. However, we think this is a pretty good representation.

#10 – Every Camino is Different

We didn’t consciously go into this Camino with a list of expectations; however, since we walked the Camino Frances, from St. John Pied de Port, France to Finisterre, in 2017 we unconsciously had more expectations than we realized. For example, being teachers the overall time of year we walked was the same for both. However, we started in León, Spain this trip around the 10th of June when last time we didn’t arrive in León until the 4th of July. A month makes a difference that we didn’t expect. Last time it was the festival season, this time it was large groups of school children walking the Camino as their end of the year school trip.

Additionally, we heard the Camino Portuguese has fewer people; however, we figured that would make people want to bond more. Not in our case, remember every Camino is different, people were already in self-proclaimed groups or wanted to be alone. The other factor we had is we biked from Lisbon to Porto and then walked from Porto to Santiago so we didn’t have the ability to follow at the same pace as others. The final major unexpected factor was the sheer foot pain I was in for most of the trip. I wasn’t the happiest person all of the time and it greatly impacted our experience.

#9 – The Camino Tells You When to Stop

The Camino Provides – In Room Massages

This is a tough one for me to admit because I want to be unstoppable. However, the Camino will humble anyone. In January through March of 2017, I was in a walking boot for a stress fracture on the top of my left foot. We walked the Camino Frances that year in June and July. The Camino wasn’t too bad, I had my bad days and I should have had foot surgery as soon as we returned home. But I didn’t. Sadly, after more over-training and overuse, I was back in a walking boot from March to May 2019 for two stress fractures on the top of the same foot. I needed surgery but the Camino was calling. I scheduled my surgery for August 2019. As of now, I am 2 weeks post-op and though I can’t bear weight on my foot, I am in significantly less pain.

If you skip to the end of the video below, you will see my reflections about walking the Camino after only 3 weeks into our 8 week trip. I was humbled, broken, and yet inspired by what I was learning from the Camino. Another pilgrim on the Camino said, “listen to the whispers before they become screams.” He was right, great advice, the Camino is always talking to you.

Our Last 2 days on the Camino Frances and Reflections of 300 Miles Walking this Camino

#8 – Never Judge Someone’s Footwear

No, these aren’t our hiking shoes, but they are shoes made of cork that we brought home from Portugal

Yes, there is an unintentional theme going on here regarding feet but when it comes to the Camino it is the most important discussion, food is second and it’s next on our list so hang tight. Brian and I are completely different when it comes to foot problems, I have a lot and he has none. He walked our 2017 and 2019 Caminos entirely in Chaco sandals, linked below, and had zero feet problems. He used O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet cream every night to help with dry skin.

I need to wear one specific pair of shoes, they need to fit my feet with bunions and hammertoes and need to be wide-ish but my feet are not wide enough for wide shoes. Not all Merrell shoes work for me but the Moabs, linked below, are a great shoe for me. Additionally, I love toe socks and wool socks. I alternate wearing them both when hiking. Unfortunately for this Camino because I was in a boot for so long and I was trying out a different pair of Merrell’s I didn’t wear my Moab’s. Big mistake, always trust the shoes you know. If you can walk all day around an amusement park and still want to continue the next day, those are the shoes to walk in.

Every single person on the Camino is wearing the shoes they think will be the best, some based on experience, others based on someone else’s input. So many people expressed shock when they saw Brian in his Chacos but never said anything to me. However, I was the one struggling.

#7 – The Food in Portugal is Amazing

We didn’t know what to expect when it came to Portuguese food as it’s not a cuisine that you hear about in restaurants. But holy cow were we pleasantly surprised when we arrived! The food was flavorful, colorful, and though there were common staples, there was a nice variety. The one thing we knew was Portugal was known for their pastries and they did not disappoint. They had both sweet and savory, you could find them on every corner, and we ate a lot of them! Haha

Our favorite restaurant on the Camino Portuguese was Tudo aos Molhos in Sao Joao da Madeira. Jorge, the owner and host, takes a level of pride in the food he serves that is rarely seen in home kitchens, let alone busy restaurants. For us, this place is probably the biggest not to miss stop of Portugal! You can see our meal beginning at 2:52 in the video below.

The bottom line is we ate our way through Portugal and it was amazing! If you have favorite Portuguese food, leave a comment.

#6 – Porto has Port, Lisbon has Soul

The view of Porto from across the river

We thought for sure we would love Porto more than Lisbon. Why? I have no idea, maybe something we heard, maybe the draw of Port wine, maybe the water, who knows. I am not sure why we were trying to pick one over the other except that we had 3 days at the end of our trip and we were trying to decide where to spend those days. Early in our trip planning, we picked Lisbon without much thought and then we changed our minds but we were locked into a non-refundable hotel. This all happened before we saw either city but we had to stick with spending our 3 days in Lisbon and we pouted about it for a few months. Now, I am disappointed that we spent so much time pouting because from the moment the plane landed for a 7 hour layover in Lisbon we were in love.

The neighborhood of Alfama in Lisbon

The beach, the buildings, the character, the Tuk-Tuks, the people, the wine, the music, and the neighborhoods, there is so much to say about Lisbon. Brian created a “48 hours in Lisbon” video, it’s linked below. There will also be another 48 hour video about Lisbon in the coming weeks, subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notified when that video drops.

We stayed in the neighborhood of Alfama both times we were in Lisbon, both during our layover between Camino’s and at the end of the trip. The first time we were in Lisbon they were celebrating the Festa de Lisboa which celebrates the barrios (neighborhoods) of Lisbon for the entire month of June. The whole city is decked out for the party and it is sure not to disappoint. Grilled sardines in the street, fado music floating out of doorways, vino Porto, Ginja, sangria, and so many more drinks to sample keep partiers going all night long for the entire month! Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods having survived the earthquake of 1755 and they take the party up a notch. During the rest of the year, Alfama is a little quieter during the day, but in the evenings this neighborhood comes to life and should not be missed.

48 hours in Lisbon – The 1st of 2 Mini Travel Guides

Wait? Where are the last 5 reflections? I’m sorry, you’ll have to wait until next week. But I promise it will be worth the wait. There is still much to reflect upon, it’s too much for one blog post. I will give you a hint – when we walk the Camino again, we won’t do it the same way. Our number one reflection even shocked us!

We will have a YouTube video out on Sunday and another blog post will come out on Wednesday. Be sure to subscribe to both our blog and our YouTube channel if you like what you are reading.

Until next time…

★ 25 years guiding ★ 48 U.S. states ★ 10 countries ★ 3,000+ Camino miles