Proposed Tour – some thoughts, please!

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So the feedback you gave me was very encouraging, thank you!

Enough for me to now start giving this some serious consideration.

What I'm thinking is this –

  • The Camino Portuguese, starting in Porto.
  • Approx 250kms in 2-3 wks. (Would need to lock down a schedule)
  • No more than 20kms a day most days.
  • Group to be approx 15 people.
  • Camino Portuguese is relatively flat and a very beautiful walk.
  • http://www.caminoways.com/destinations/camino-de-santiago/portuguese-way—rural-portugal-unspoilt-scenaries.html
  • April 2014
  • Schedule permitting, Sister Clare would be involved, doing Centering Prayer sessions daily for anyone who wanted to attend.
  • I would do daily photographic tutorials, and be available during the walk each day for photographic advice.
  • My wife Jennifer would be there as well. She is a “sensitive,” and would be on hand to discuss PGS etc, as would I.
  • We would have a mini-bus to drive people to the next stop if they wished.
  • Tour costs, yet to be determined, could be structured on a land only basis, or could include international flights and all up cost.
  • The tour would go through a registered and experienced travel agent who has done many of these kind of spiritual tours in the past.
  • If possible, I would like to try and structure the tour to include a visit to the Bom de Jesus church and grounds in Braga. ( although it's off the traditional Camino route)
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bom_Jesus_do_Monte
  • Accommodation would be private albergue standard.
  • Ending of course in Santiago, so you could get your Compostela.

Please let me know your thoughts on all this, in particular doing the Camino Portuguese.

 

70 thoughts on “Proposed Tour – some thoughts, please!”

  1. Sounds perfect to me, Bill- although you had me scared at first with 20 km a day.! I hope I can walk that far, but I’m glad to see the minivan option, because my health is so unpredictable day to day.

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  2. I’ve had the Brierley Camino Portugues book since April! I’d been looking at that route as an alternative because of its relative flatness. Not that I couldn’t do Frances of course. Can’t wait to hear more details.

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    • That’s fabulous.

      Jennifer and I took a train down to Porto after I did my Camino. And then stopped in towns along the way back to Santigo.

      It’s beautiful country!

      Bill

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  3. I’m sitting here, breathing deeply, over and over again … have for as long as I can remember wanted to spend some time in Portugal so it looks as if I’ll just have to ‘adjust’ my 2014 travel plans to make sure I can be there … sounding really good ๐Ÿ™‚ and I promise you, Sister, that I’m a really slow walker too!!

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    • Thanks, Britta ! I’m starting to feel more confident knowing that I won’t be the only turtle (fine, outstanding beasts that they are, and my clan -sisters)

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  4. Bill,
    I believe I could be very interested in this route with you, Jen, Sister and the other PGS followers. Possibly, the following links will help describe the Camino Portugues to the followers, one from APOC and the other from the Confraternity of Saint James.

    http://www.americanpilgrims.com/camino/route_descriptions/route_portuguese.html

    http://www.csj.org.uk/route-camino-portugues.htm

    The possible side trip to Bom de Jesus sounds wonderful!

    Arlene

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    • Hi Arlene –

      sorry, for some reason your comment got held up in my spam filter, so I’ve just “released” it now.

      thanks very much for the links – and yes, the side trip could be fascinating. The Bom de Jesus church and grounds and gardens are extraordinary.

      Bill

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  5. I would love this! This would be a good first Camino for me. Is it a bit warmer along the Portuguese Camino than the Frances that time of year? Love the van idea since Sister and I share some physical challenges. PS: My son is getting married sometime in June, so the sooner I get dates the better so we can schedule around other festivities. ๐Ÿ˜€

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    • Hi Julie –

      that sounds terrific, thank you.

      First I have to work out the costings though and you’ll need to see if that works for you too.

      I’ll begin work on that with Duncan (travel agent) next week.

      Bill

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  6. Hi Bill: This sounds marvelous! Unfortunately, I cannot commit until I know how my physical therapy will go. On top of the broken left leg, I now have developed plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I so want to do this! Julie

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    • Dear Julie –

      arghhh – your injuries. I hope they get better fast, and you’re not in too much discomfort.

      We will have the mini-van, which will be available each day for people who want to take a breather from walking, or who don’t want to carry their packs.

      I don’t see this tour as being like my last walk!!! (i.e., doing it tough!)

      But see how you go. It would obviously be lovely to have you along.

      Bill

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  7. Okay, you now have my attention! I would love to experience the Portuguese Camino ( of course I still have to finish the Camino de Santiago) but have such an affinity for the Portuguese language and people that I would do that trip first. Steve, are you in?? Xoxo

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  11. Please, whatever you do over the next 10 days whilst I’m exploring the night skies between Melbourne, Broken Hill and Sydney – keep a place in the group for me!! I can almost guarantee I’ll have no internet connection at most of the wacky and out-of-the-way places we’ll be going to, so will wait with baited breath to see where these plans are at when I return ๐Ÿ™‚

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    • Dear Britta-

      Ok, thanks!

      I love Broken Hill. In fact it was a toss up whether I’d go to Broken Hill or Hobart for my birthday tomorrow. The art gallery MONA swung me to Hobart.

      But Broken Hill at this time of the year is gorgeous. I’ve shot two movies out there – visually it’s spectacular.

      Have fun!

      Bill

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  12. I am trying toots to have us counted in on the plans it seems the process to go meant has changed and I am trying . Mike is in Spain and I am still in Bali so we are now on opposite ends of the earth. But I am quite sure I’d circumstances allow this would be wonderful I am signing under Mikes blog hopping it works as no other way has.

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  13. Well I guess I ended up going through Facebook successfully. And not mikes blog, at any rate that was the 5th try-glad it went. I am thinking things changed with the comment process while I have been out of touch in the less developed areas of Bali. ‘Mike has begun his next 3 week stage on Camino Francis (rambler1959.wordpress.com) anyone wanting to follow him. I will be deciding on wether to join once I return to the USA and get a read on how my sons Sept. wedding plans are doing. Trying to follow my PGS on this and hoping it comes in loud and clear!

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  14. I’ve been away from the computer for only 2 days and look at all the posts. Bill, looks like you are going to have a great bunch of people enjoying your mini Camino, in style too.

    It’s not for me. But I sure would love to be a bedbug hitching a ride. Just couldn’t resist.

    Ingrid

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