Lu’s Portuguese Pilgrimage
Lu’s Portuguese Pilgrimage
12-28 OCTOBER 2026
PORTUGUESE CENTRAL CAMINO + SPIRITUAL VARIANTE
FROM $5495 TWIN SHARE
WHY WALK LU’S PILGRIMAGE?
After an incredibly successful Lu’s Dolce Vita to Sicily in 2023 where 14 ladies raised over $30,000 for local Ovarian Cancer Trails, Lu is ready to lace up the boots again and heading to Portugal.
Teaming with Kellie from Wildlime (who brings all the walk smarts to the team) we have decided to raise funds for Country Hope with the aim of raising $30,000.
YOUR TOUR LEADERS
Luisa Pelizzari – Breakfast announcer TripleM 105.7
Lu was a bit of a mountain goat in her younger years and is a dedicated patron of Country Hope, she is combining all her passions together for this iconic event.
Kellie Kadaoui – Director Wildlime Events
Kellie has coordinated numerous small group walks including Mont Blanc, Annapurna Track (Nepal) Scottish Highlands , Via Francigena, Sicily, and Camino De Santiago (Portugal, France & Spain) as well as many charitable events.
She will lead you to enjoy the best of the Portuguese Camino – good laughs and lifelong memories await you.
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE WALK?
Country Hope is Albury Wodonga’s only local charity that provides financial and emotional support to country families with a child diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. Their service footprint covers the NSW Riverina, NSW Central West and Tablelands, and the Border Northeast region of NSW and Victoria.
This is a charity walk aiming to raise $30,000 and we ask that every person who registers for the walk aims to raise a minimum $1000+ to help us achieve our goal. We can provide you with ideas and suggestions on how to do this.
HOW MANY SPOTS AVAILABLE?
We only have 16 spots on this program – it is perfect if you have ever wanted to try your hand (or should we say feet) at hiking. This is a small group tour to ensure everyone gets a unique Camino experience.
Kellie likes to call this the ‘just right’ camino – not to heavy – not to light – Just right! It’s a great introduction to multiday hiking and where challenging days meet relaxing afternoons with a vino in hand.
HOW LONG WILL WE WALK?
Each day averages between 16-24 km and depending on the terrain will take between 5-7 hrs.
We cover around 300km over 16 days and have memories for a lifetime.
WHAT IS THE FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED?
A good level of fitness is required, however, compared to other Caminos, the Portuguese is generally considered one of the easier Camino de Santiago routes, with minimal elevation changes. The difficulty mainly comes from walking on varied surfaces like cobblestones and roads for long stretches, which can be tough on the feet, and from the physical challenge of walking for several consecutive days.
There will be ascents and descents, but we will take these gently. Some days may be slightly harder or challenging then others. We will also set training sessions to get your legs ready, and you will be given a training guide.
Kellie has extensive experience in undertaking and leading Camino walks and will advise you what each walk requires and will brief you on every day and what to expect.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for 16 awesome people who:
- Want a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual challenge
- Want to give back to local families and support Country Hope
- Want to walk on ancient roman paths following in the footsteps of St James
- Want to experience a pilgrimage at their own pace but with the support of a team around you
WHY TAKE A WALK ON THE WILDLIME SIDE?
When you take a walk on the Wildlime side with us you will be looked after well. We know what it takes to start, what you need when things get tough and the importance of laughter to get you through the tough times.
We have coordinated numerous small group walks, specialising in Caminos. We know that many pilgrims are happy to do the hard yards but also want to know they have their own bed and hot shower at the end of a day. We make sure you sleep and eat well, and as we walk with day packs, you will have your luggage transferred daily.
We are passionate about getting people into hiking- good laughs and lifelong memories await you.
WHY WALK A PILGRIMAGE?
When you walk the slow pilgrim way, it is not just getting there, it’s actually getting to see and experience every single place you go through. If you are the type of person who’s just curious about the world, about how different people live, then walking is perfect!
It takes you through busy streets, quiet areas, remote paths and high breathtaking peaks – it can show you things you did not know you wanted to see, and the whole scope of the world and its citizens unfolds before you. Smells, views, tastes and sounds – all your senses are heightened the more you move.
A pilgrim walk is an ancient walk, and you will come across such roads and paths that can feel more important than their destinations – the beauty, history and sense of calm just overwhelms.
It gives you time to think and to breathe – it’s not just for your physical health, but mental too.
Your body and mind get into a rhythm – it’s like your brain slows down to mirror the steady beat of your feet. Join a pilgrim walk and you might just be able get away – and get your mind, body and soul together.
With walking – it is not the distance that’s the achievement, where you start, or finish doesn’t matter – it’s the sense of achievement that comes from just doing it!
The key is just starting – once you move forward you won’t ever look back!
Buen Camino xx
Portuguese Central Camino + Spiritual Variante
12-28 OCTOBER 2026
FROM $5495 TWIN SHARE
Starting in the UNESCO heritage-listed city of Porto, a magnificent, vibrant city, known internationally for its famous Porto wines.
Wander through small villages that seem to be lost in time as you find yourself walking across the green landscapes of Northern Portugal into Galicia, Spain. Wander through, bush, forest, valleys, and prairies. Crossing amazing Roman and medieval bridges. Meander through small villages that seem to be lost in time. An ancient path dotted with churches, monasteries, and convents. Visit historical towns such as Barcelos, Valença do Minho, Tui, Pontevedra, and Santiago.
The Central Portuguese Camino is not demanding with its highest ascent being Portela de Labruja (at 400m) more rolling hills than climbs. However, as with any long-distance walk, you will meet with a mixture of road, dirt tracks, concrete, and cobblestone paths
SPIRITUAL VARIANT: The Spiritual Variant: A Unique Pilgrimage Experience
The Spiritual Variant is traditionally believed to trace the path taken by the Apostle St. James (or rather, his remains) on the journey to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims typically enjoy a boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures along the Rio Ulla, mirroring the route used to transport St. James’ remains. While this final stretch can also be walked, the boat trip is regarded as a true highlight, and, weather permitting, we will take to the water.
This route differs from the ‘usual’ Camino taken by most pilgrims, meaning that signage may not be as abundant as on the main route. Don’t worry though there are apps to help us. You can expect fewer fellow walkers and limited facilities and services. Generally, undertaking a variant like this requires a greater level of independence, flexibility, and a spirit of adventure compared to a standard route.
While some sections of this variant run along roads, there are also many opportunities for wilderness walking, offering a refreshing change from the rest of the Portuguese Camino. The initial climb out of Combarro is demanding, but we will be richly rewarded with breathtaking views and charming mountain paths.
PROGRAM
Start at the very beginning – it’s a very good place to start!
Start your journey towards Camino de Santiago in Porto, one of the most ancient cities in Europe.
Home to 240,000 people, Porto charms visitors with many architectural highlights, the picturesque Ribeira river front and UNESCO heritage listed colourful historic old town.
There’s a mix of the old and the new with churches, colourful markets, wine bars, port cellars and a lively atmosphere to soak up and enjoy.
We will meet in hotel foyer at 4.30pm and walk to the Cathedral to obtain our first stamp (carimbos in Portuguese and sello in Spanish).
We will them head to the river precinct and find a place to sit and have our first team meeting and welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
The day begins by taking the Metro light rail to Matosinhos to avoid the outskirts of Porto and reach the coast to start your walk on the Portuguese coastal path.
Today’s walking is flat and easy. You will be accompanied by many kilometres of golden sandy Atlantic beach, which will be your guide to the town of Vila do Conde.
The route along the coast from Matosinhos is well marked. Your walk will be close to the coast, on the pedestrian pavement, the cycle track and wooden walkways, passing fishing villages, chapels, monuments and beautiful popular sandy beaches.
Take time to visit the Museum of Naval Construction with a replica Portuguese carrack, the Nau Quinhentista, floating in the dock. Also, the Igreja Matriz church with the large aqueduct behind it and the Convent of Santa Clara.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Continue on your way to the old fishing village of Esposende with the Seashore Path and Coastal Way sharing much of the route.
Follow the coast passing through the villages of Agucadoura and Areia, then cross through the Coastal Natural Park (Parque Natural do Litoral Norte).
At the church in Apulia we forge ahead through the pine and eucalypt forest before Fao – what the locals have done in this forest is a beautiful Camino experience.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
We walk through rural areas and small villages, reaching Sao Pedro de Rates with its romànic Iglesia de San Pedro de Rates, the church of St Peter. Classified as a national monument built in the 9th century.
We arrive at the medieval bridge at the entrance of Barcelos – a beautiful town (120,000 inhabitants) famous for its “Galo” (rooster). A symbol of the whole country.
Meals: Breakfast
Another day following minor roads around rural areas and cross the small villages of Tamel and Aboim in direction to the river Neiva.
A nice shorter day, which will allow us time to catch up on some washing and calls back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Today starts with a walk up to Vitorino de Piaes, with its Igreja Matriz. Then heading down to the valley of the Lima River passing the beautiful Capela (Chapel) da Nossa Senhora das Neves.
Finally arriving in the oldest town in Portugal Ponte de Lima. You enter this monumental town crossing the Lima River over an updated Roman bridge. The foundations date back to 1368. The charming town centre with its cobbled streets and many interesting historic sites.
The local specialities are based on pork, bacalhau and “lamprea” (lamprey), a sort of slippery eel that has teeth without a jaw.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Today is a challenging yet very beautiful stage. With most of the day traversing through unpaved terrain.
We begin with an amazing path along the Labruja River until Codecal where you’ll start the climb to Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja (400 m). This is the highest point on this Camino. The terrain is very steep, with rocky ground and full of steps. Once you reach the top view is worth every step!
Descending down to Rubiaes a little village where the Romanic church of Sao Pedro de Rubiaes awaits your visit.Today is the last chance to enjoy Bacalhau a Bras before crossing into Spain.
Meals: Breakfast
You will cross the remarkable Roman-medieval bridge at Rubiaes then wander into unpaved roads and hilly terrain.
Soon arriving in Valenca do Minho the last town in Portugal, we will stop to visit the magnificent Fortaleza (fortress) a splendid medieval wall surrounding the old city.
From here we cross the international bridge that links Portugal and Spain, over the Minho River into Tui, Spain. Don’t forget to change your time to Central Europe timing 1 hour ahead.
Finally reaching Tui your stop for tonight.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
A town dating back to pre-historic times (20,000 BC). It boasts 2 Museums, one dedicated to archaeology and sacred art and the other a diocesan museum. Of course, a visit to the romànic (11-13th century) Santa Maria Cathedral with Romanesque and Gothic period vestibules is a must.
Meals: Breakfast
There are two routes to choose from, and we are opting for the alternative that goes through the natural land of Las Gandaras.
Not long after walking through Ribadelouro, you will notice a sign on your left for the alternative route, this is the more scenic route running along the Louro River a natural and peaceful environment.
Finally arriving in O Porino an industrial town well known for pink granite, the best bread in Galicia, and tasty mushrooms.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
You will soon pass through Mos-Rua. Look out for Santa Eulalia church and its 82m high tower.
After Mos, you have a very steep climb to Capilla de Santiaguiño (230 m ascent). Here you have the first views of Ria de Vigo estuary on the Atlantic Ocean.
From there you will ascend to Redondela where the Portuguese Coastal Camino joins the Central Camino so you will see a lot more pilgrims.
Redondela is the start of the spectacular Galician seafood. Some of the tasty offerings are Centollas (spider crabs), mussels, zamburiñas (scallops), turbot, and hake. Certainly, you can’t miss the opportunity to try some of the fresh local delights.
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Today is a beautiful day of walking. As you go you will notice many more pilgrims who have joined from the coastal way. Several kilometres out of Redondela the path leads up to the Alto de Lomba through the forest after which there is a short section on the busy N-550 to the village of Arcade famous for the best oysters in Galicia.
Cross the long medieval bridge of Ponte Sampaio over the River Verdugo where Napoleon’s army was defeated by the Spanish in 1809 during the War of Independence.
Then walk up through the forest and enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino following the ancient narrow stone paths as they climb up the slope.
The path widens amongst fields and vineyards, arriving at Pontevedra with its pretty historic centre, 13th-century church of Santa Maria, and the famous Pilgrim Virgin’s church (Santuario da Peregrina), which although appears round, is actually in the shape of a scallop shell.
Meals: Breakfast
We detour to take the “Variante Espiritual” (Spiritual Variant).
The first half of this day follows a stream and then a river, with lovely country paths running alongside.
The first 5km is just breathtaking, following a tree-canopied stream with moss covered stones and continuous waterfalls. It gives an otherworldly and ethereal feel and is some of the loveliest Camino walking I have experienced.
The magnificent Poio Monastery is the first jewel on today’s Camino and well worth a visit. The next is the village Combarro, with the old quarter declared “Property of Cultural Interest”. Home to three traditional elements of Galicia “Horreos” (raised granaries), “Casas Marineras” (sea houses), and “Cruces”(crosses). Combarro is considered one of the 10 most beautiful villages in Spain owing to its’ fisherman’s cottages with stone or wooden balconies unique in Galicia.
You’ will walk a steep incline up to Mirador de Loureiro (Loureiro viewpoint).
Following this about 6 km further, you arrive at Armenteira, your resting place for today. Visit the Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria, founded in the 12th century and known in history as an absolute haven of Peace.
Meals: Breakfast
The day out of Armenteira is truly spectacular! We will have you walking the“Ruta da Pedra e Agua” (Stone and Water Path) along the Armenteira river.
Shortly you will see plenty of old mills (some restored) in between amazing leafy vegetation and vineyards. This is the Rias Baixas wine region, where Albariño wine is made.
Eventually, reach the coastline again with Arousa Island in front of you as you walk with the beach on your left finally crossing the iron bridge to reach Vilanova de Arousa.
Mussels grown in Ria de Arousa are especially good.
Meals: Breakfast
The Variante Espiritual from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures is a
special boat ride, for which this Camino gets its name, commemorating the Traslatio de Santiago, or the transfer of the body of St. James from the Holy Land to Padrón, and then onward by land to Santiago de Compostela.
This maritime journey is a highlight of the route and replaces a longer walking section (please note boat is subject to weather conditions).
Meals: Breakfast
From De Francos-Milladoira it is a progressive incline towards your destination. walking mainly along the freeway with quite a few asphalt paths.
A point of interest along the way is the collegiate church of Iria Flavia which was the first cathedral in Galicia, it also has a cemetery worth a wander through.
Make your way via Rua Franco to Praza do Obradoiro and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The feeling as you walk through the old streets of Santiago de Compostela, and you catch a glimpse of the towers of the Cathedral, is indescribable.
Meals: Breakfast + Farewell Dinner
Try and go to the Pilgrim’s Mass in the cathedral at noon. Before Mass, if you wish to do so, head over to the Pilgrim’s Office to receive your Compostela and attend the 10am English pilgrim’s mass.
“Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened” Dr Seuss
$5495 INCLUSIVE OF:
- 16 nights twin share accommodation
- Daily breakfasts and 8 dinners, including a special welcome dinner in Porto and a farewell celebration dinner in Santiago
- Daily luggage transfers (1 x 20kg)
- Transfers between stages (as indicated)
- 1 private Camino preparation day
- Camino passport
- Camino Guidebook
- Spanish phrase book
- Taxes + gratuities
- Trekking + training notes
- Wildlime Tour leader
- Quarterly information zoom sessions to keep you on track and reaching your goals
- T-shirt and hiking buff
- Private Wildlime Camino page to share information and ideas
- Wildlime tips + talks – a manual of all you need to know about walking, packing and preparing
- Wildlime guide with you every step of the way!
Not Included:
- Flights ex Australia
- Transfers where not indicated (these are a personal choice)
- Meals + drinks where not indicated
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Camino training weekends
Conditions:
- $950 deposit is required to secure your place
- Deposit can be transferred but is non-refundable
- Program Is subject to change
- Price is based on AUD V EUR rate 1/7/25 and may fluctuate
- To be paid in full by 1st April 2026
- A minimum 10 pax required to run this program