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.

The VF Day 11 & 12: Slow Down, Happiness is Trying to Catch You

2017 Camino de Santiago going into Pamplona

This photo came up on my Facebook memories today. It’s ironic and funny because without seeing that picture I asked Brian to take the picture below.

2022 Via Francigena going into Rappollo

I’m always exhausted after a day of hiking in the heat and sun. Despite the exhaustion, I am called back to the trail all the time. I don’t know what calls me, I don’t know why we are called to walk on pilgrimage at all. Maybe it’s because we love slow tourism, maybe it’s a reason we don’t need to know yet. It feels weird to say it but it’s true – I’m exhausted even though we have been moving slowly all day. Happiness found us while on pilgrimage.

A sign on the wall of our accommodation

I do know with two pilgrimages under our belt, working on a third, our lives have drastically changed since that first walk in 2017. We made a big decision that first summer while on pilgrimage. We decided we couldn’t let life to pass us by, we could not live our lives from the couch. We needed to participate in our lives, live what little time we are given on this Earth to the fullest. As cliché as that sounds, it profoundly changed every decision we have made since that summer.

In 2017 we got off the plane in Columbus, Ohio, and after 2 full days of travel wearing the same stinky clothes we had worn for two months, we stopped at an RV dealership. We purchased an RV within a week of coming home.

We learned from that pilgrimage, we want to see as much of the US and the world as possible. We don’t want to be tourists, we want to engage, to fully immerse ourselves, as we travel.

Despite a pandemic, our travels really have not stopped. Because of that RV purchase, we were able to see more of our country than the average person as we were self-contained and not willing to stay inside. We were safe, we were smart, but we needed to live.

In 2017, I was an overwhelmed, exhausted, pushing the limits of my mental and physical capabilities, woman. Now, I am just a little less overwhelmed, still exhausted but happier, and driven harder to see more before time slips away. Exhaustion is not a bad thing, rather it means you are living.

Pilgrimage is hard, even for the young, super-fit pilgrims. The long walk in the quiet grabs your soul and challenges you to think about what’s most important in life. It makes you a bit thankful, a bit happy, a bit sad, and gives you the urge to push through those feelings. What else can do that to a person all in one day?

In 2018 we started Cruisin’ with the Colemans because we realized we needed to start documenting all of our travels. Then in 2019, just before we went on our second pilgrimage, the Caminho Portuguese, we started our YouTube channel.

We blog/create videos because we are called to tell the stories of our travels. We want to inspire others, give our students something to consider as they figure out how they want to live their lives, and most importantly, to give our kids/grandkids the drive to get out and live. Ultimately, we want the memories. When our days of travel are behind us, we can “pull out the projector” and reminisce of a life lived to the fullest. We can only dream.

For those of you who are following our stats on the Via Francigena, I have not forgotten about you. My blogs are about what inspires me each day. However, I know there are some that want to know where we are staying and how much a day on this pilgrimage costs. Here is a catch up of our stats/lodging/expenses below. By the way, I will talk about our budget and how we fair at the end of our pilgrimage. Preview: For us, we are on track to staying under our budget!

Stats walking from Pont Saint Martin to Irvea 13.5 km with 5 km additionally by bus. Check out the YouTube video too!

  • Lodging at La Palma 2.0 – €48 – best accommodation thus far!!
  • Bus tickets for 2 – €4

Stats walking from Irvea to Roppollo – 20.2 km. We highly recommend going past Viverone, on to Roppollo and staying at this albergue. The guide book stage ends in Viverone. There are private rooms, great hosts, and there is an outstanding trattoria with a pilgrim meal for €12 for dinner! Check out our YouTube video too!

  • Lodging at La Casa del Movimento Lento – €50 for two people in a private room

*Listing our accommodation is not an endorsement. This is just a point of information for fellow pilgrims. See our reviews on Booking.com, the guidebooks, and fellow pilgrims for more details to make the decision best for you.

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