Faith, Heritage & Discovery: A Spiritual Journey Through Portugal & Spain

10 Nights / 11 Days

Uncover the heart, soul, and spirit of Iberia with an enlightening pilgrimage across Portugal and Spain. Walk in the footsteps of saints, witness time-honored traditions, and immerse yourself in the spiritual splendor of two vibrant countries rooted in religious devotion. Whether you’re drawn by faith, atmospheric experiences, or a desire to build a deeper connection to these destinations, this immersive adventure offers beauty, inspiration, and meaning at every turn.

  • 2 Nights Lisbon
  • 2 Nights Porto
  • 2 Nights Santiago de Compostela
  • 1 Night Salamanca
  • 3 Nights Madrid

Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon

Welcome to Portugal, where faith and discovery intertwine. Upon arrival at Lisbon International Airport, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel of choice in the nation’s lively capital. After settling in, commence your spiritual pilgrimage at Jerónimos Monastery a masterpiece of Manueline architecture that reflects Portugal’s deep Catholic roots — before visiting the birthplace of Saint Anthony of Padua, and admiring the historic church erected in his name. In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner in Alfama, the city’s oldest district, accompanied by the stirring melodies of soulful Fado music.

Day 2 – Exploring Lisbon’s Sacred Landmarks

After a leisurely breakfast, continue your immersive journey among the whispers of time at Lisbon Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest and most revered religious sites. Then, pay homage to Portugal’s maritime legacy at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Navigators, a devotional title given to the Virgin Mary by Roman Catholics. Spend the afternoon at leisure or opt for a visit to the iconic Christ the King Statue, where heavenly panoramic views stretch across the Tagus River. As evening falls, dive into Lisbon’s culinary heritage with a Pastéis de Nata baking class, uncovering the delicious secrets behind Portugal’s famous custard tarts.

Day 3 – Lisbon to Fátima, Coimbra & Porto

Today, you will depart Lisbon and venture to one of the most famous Marian shrines in the world — the Sanctuary of Fátima. Experience a one-of-a-kind moment at the Chapel of Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared before three shepherd children in 1917. While there, you may attend mass for a moment of genuine reflection, before heading to Coimbra and unveiling the atmospheric Old Cathedral and the deep spiritual heritage of the Carmelite Convent of St. Teresa. Once in Porto, conclude your day by delighting in the city’s unmistakable flavors and atmosphere with a scenic riverside dinner along the Douro River.

Day 4 – Porto’s Sacred & Cultural Heritage

Awaken to the timeless charms of Porto and set your sights on its eponymous Cathedral, a paramount Romanesque structure that holds a venerable place in Porto’s Christian history. Step inside the lustrous Church of Saint Francis and bask in the divine radiance of its intricate goldwork. Then, enjoy a relaxing afternoon of light indulgence, as you set off for a Douro Valley wine-tasting experience and a picturesque cruise along the river. As the sun sets, embrace the vibrancy of the renowned Ribeira District, before seeing Porto in all its luminescent glory from the iconic Luís I Bridge.

Day 5 – Porto to Santiago de Compostela

Today, you will cross over onto the vibrant plains of Spain as a private transfer takes you to Santiago de Compostela, the ultimate stop on the revered Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Upon checking into your hotel of choice, admire the holy grandeur of Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a sacred architectural icon believed to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle. There, you may partake in the Pilgrim’s Mass and witness the ethereal Botafumeiro incense ceremony. Conclude your day with a peaceful exploration of Santiago’s enchanting Old Town, where every step is filled with spiritual resonance.

Day 6 – Walking the Camino & Pilgrimage Reflections

Honor centuries of tradition by walking a short symbolic stretch of the Camino de Santiago, immersing yourself in the divine essence and symbolic heritage of this iconic path. Having joined the ranks of history, marvel at the 300-foot façade of Monastery of San Martín Pinario, a grandiose Baroque architectural wonder, before tracing the immersive history of this sacred route at the Museum of the Pilgrimage, delving deeper into its significance.  As evening falls, gather for a traditional Galician seafood dinner, reflecting on the incredible moments from you journey thus far.

Day 7 – Santiago to Salamanca

Today, you will depart Santiago and set out on a scenic journey to Salamanca, Spain’s “Golden City”, and one of the few cities in the world with 2 cathedrals. Upon arrival, check into your hotel of choice and waste no time before taking in the awe-inspiring majesty of the Salamanca Cathedral, a soaring, opulent fusion of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Filled with reverence, stroll through the arcaded Plaza Mayor, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, and let the peaceful hum of student life and scholarly tradition surround you. Then, conclude your day with a Castilian dinner, savoring the earthy flavors and deep-rooted hospitality of this ancient academic city.

Day 8 – Salamanca to Ávila & Segovia to Madrid

This morning, head to Ávila, the birthplace of Saint Teresa, renowned mystic and reformer of the Carmelite order. Walk along the perfectly preserved medieval walls that enclose this spiritual city, and visit the convent founded in her honor. Continue to Segovia, where sacred and imperial Spain come together. Witness the skyscraping majesty of the Gothic cathedral and marvel at the towering Roman aqueduct, one of the most impressive ancient structures in the country. Upon arrival in Madrid, check into your hotel, and let the capital’s dynamic blend of grandeur and modernity welcome you to the final chapter of this sacred journey.

Day 9 – Madrid’s Religious & Cultural Icons

Wake up to the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid and begin uncovering its cultural treasures with a visit to the stately Almudena Cathedral, a striking architectural gem of neo-Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles. Then, ascend the rank of nobility as you explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace, where Spain’s monarchy has long upheld religious traditions. In the afternoon, enjoy a curated tour of the Prado Museum, where evocative masterpieces depicting biblical scenes inspire moments of pensive introspection. Conclude the day with a quaint dinner in the bustling heart of the city, a prefect sensory crescendo to this expressive day.

Day 10 – Toledo: The City of Three Cultures

Explore the diversity of Spain’s spiritual heritage in the timeless city of Toledo, where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions once flourished side by side. Admire the majestic Toledo Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and explore the atmospheric labyrinths of the Jewish Quarter, with its ancient synagogues and peaceful courtyards. Stand in awe before El Greco’s celebrated painting, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, displayed in the Church of Santo Tomé before concluding with visits to the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the moorish Alcázar, reminders of Toledo’s enduring legacy as a beacon of faith and cultural harmony.

Day 11 – Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, your private driver will escort you to the Madrid-Barajas Airport for your flight back home. Whether you’re leaving with spiritual insights, cultural discoveries, or simply a renewed sense of peace, this journey is certain to have been one of genuine and boundless discovery.

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