Menu
Welcome to IOJ’s 2024 Portugal Trip
Follow the ancient way of seafarers, knights, and pilgrims through the ever-changing countryside of Portugal toward the Cathedral of St. James, the apostle. In October, led by Berto Gandara, we will dive into Portugal’s rich culture filled with heroes such as Magellan and Vasco de Gama and the mysterious Knights Templar, the secret military of the arm of the Church based in the Portuguese hills.
Discover this fascinating history, the traditional cuisine, the mysteries, the laughter and beauty, and the gorgeous countryside of Portugal while following your own soul journey.
Everything begins in Lisbon.
Day 1.
Your centrally located hotel is the perfect base for exploring this lively, hilly port and capital. Nearby are fascinating neighborhoods, historic trolleys, grand squares, fine art, foodie delights, and a soundtrack of soulful fado.
Get comfortably installed in your hotel, home for next three nights. Later meet fellow travelers for an overview of the days ahead, and a traditional Portuguese Welcome Dinner.
Day 2.
Immerse yourself in the soul of Lisbon with a guided walking tour through the enchanting neighborhoods that surround the hotel. Take a tuk-tuk adventure through Lisbon’s enchanting viewpoints.
Explore the city’s hills from Alfama to Graça, soaking in panoramic views of São Jorge Castle, the Tagus River, and charming Lisbon streets.
Your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, or adventure out to Sintra on an easy train ride to visit this historic town of initiation.
Day 3.
We will visit the seafaring Belem district, home to many of the city’s most historic buildings. Traveling the waterfront learn about Portugal’s golden age of exploration at the heroic Monument to the Discoveries and how faith, money and a knack for sailing combined to build the impressive Monastery of Jeronimo including the cloisters and cathedral.
Enjoy lunch at a typical Portuguese café then return to hotel for a free afternoon to wander, shop, or stroll along the riverside and explore on your own.
Day 4.
After breakfast travel scenic coastal roads through ever-changing countryside, arriving at the sacred site of Fatima. It was here, during the first world war that the Virgin appeared to three Portuguese children with her message. Hear the legends and feel the wonders that remain.
After a brief orientation to the site, you’ll have free time to sink into the mystery of this pilgrimage site. Lunch on your own at one of the many international restaurants before we depart to Tomar.
Journey continues to town of Tomar and the glorious castle on the hill, home of the Knights Templar. The missions of the Knights Templar in the Middle Ages are steeped in history and surrounded in mystery. We begin to unravel some with our visits and conversations. Tonight we will gather for a regional dinner together.
Day 5.
With our local guide, explore the interior chambers of the Convento de Cristo, also a UNESCO world heritage site. Begin to see the influence of the Knights Templar, noticing how the architecture and images hint at their secrets. Spend time in the Inner sanctum Charola modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulture in Jerusalem.
Walk around the stone walls, then follow the path through Templar Gardens to the Church of St Marie of the Olives, which is significant in the Templar legends.
Day 6.
Travel from the history and mystery of Tomar to the vibrant and lively city of Braga.
Stop at a Vinho Verde farm, to enjoy a lunch long to be remembered. Taste the delicious wines, tour the estate and delight in an incredible meal savoring every bite of local specialties paired perfectly with the finest regional wines.
Arriving Braga, our guide will take us to the Sanctuary de Bom Jesus, an architecture marvel and spiritual site. It’s imposing 537-step Baroque staircase leads to a most spectacular panoramic view. You can choose to walk up those stairs or use the historic water powered funicular. After we check into our historic hotel, the evening is free to wander this festive town.
Day 7.
Home to a university and one of the last stops on the Portuguese Camino, Braga is a fluid mix of ages, cultures and religions, rooted in historical prominence, and known for innovations as well as wines. Sometimes called the Silicon Valley of Portugal, it’s also the youngest city of Europe with more young people per square mile. And in 2016 was voted the Happiest City in Europe.
This morning our local guide leads us on an exploration of Braga’s historical center. Visit the 15th century Cathedral, and other architectural gems, landmarks and quaint neighborhoods while sampling their famous local pastries.
The rest of the day is free to immerse yourself in the city’s ambiance. Stroll through the charming streets, visit local shops, or simply relax in a local café for dinner.
Day 8.
After a short drive, we’ll arrive in Portugal’s ‘northern capital’ city, Porto. Porto is built on the estuary of the famous Douro River and is known for its beautifully painted tiles and wines, especially their fortified Port wine. It’s been said that Lisbon is where one enjoys the life, and Porto is where one works to make the life.
Arriving in Porto, check into your well-located 4-star Grande Hotel de Porto. Get acquainted with the neighborhood by taking a short walking tour for an overview what’s nearby. This afternoon is a great time to wander this bustling area of famous shops and local boutiques and discover some of their great restaurants and cafés.
Day 9.
Take a leisurely morning as you organize the day as you like. Your guides can provide suggestions for you to explore around the city. For a finale, enjoy an evening of the Portuguese expressive, soulful Fado music with your Farewell Dinner
Day 10.
After breakfast, it’s a farewell to new friends, and on to other adventures. Assistance is available for transport to your outbound travel… or join us for the optional onward pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
What’s Included
Accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels with breakfast.
All guided tours listed, including entrance fees and gratuities to guides.
2 lunches. (traditional café Belem, Vhino Verdi farm with wine tasting)
3 dinners. (Welcome dinner Lisbon, Tomar evening, Farewell dinner with Fado in Porto)
Transportation in private coach through Portugal from 1st to last hotel.
Insights and guidance from Berto
Services of local guides, three IOJ travel coordinators
What’s NOT included
Air fare
Transfer for the airport to the first hotel and transfers out of the last hotel.
Any passport fees
Trip Insurance, Cancellation or medical insurance
Meals and drinks unless specified
Informal group activities
Pricing, Terms, and Conditions
Base Trip
Trip Cost: $3,997* + AIR
Optional Single Supplement: $895
*If paying by credit card, a 4% credit card fee will be applied.
Your deposit of $750 is due on booking to hold your place.
Final Payment is due on July 14, 2024.
Space is limited.
Please review full Terms and Conditions below.
Day 10.
After breakfast, and a blessing, begin your own journey to Santiago Cathedral of St. James the Apostle. We’ll travel on a public bus for this journey, shifting into the feeling of pilgrimage. Our first stop, once in Santiago, is the pilgrim’s stone in front of the Cathedral where all pilgrimages end offering prayers of gratitude.
Very nearby the Cathedral is our hotel, Monuento San Francisco which is built within an 18th century convent and a world heritage site. It is our base camp for the next three nights and quite the opposite of camping on a stone church floor. Tonight dinner is on your own to chose from a great selection of restaurants in the old town.
Day 11.
After breakfast join Berto for meditation and contemplation. Later in the day, our local guide leads us into the depths and heights of the Cathedral’s inner chambers, revealing the icons and symbols we’ve followed thru other sites along the way. Learn more of its history, past glories, and sometimes miracles.
Rest of the day you are free to follow your own camino in around the Cathedral, and down the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town.
Day 12.
Gather with Berto this morning for meditation and contemplation. Then visit the bustling market that provides nourishment for the town and its pilgrims. This market is on every ‘must see’ list for Santiago. Here you’ll find lots of fun options for lunch.
The rest of the day is for you to further pursue what calls you. Spend quiet time in the Cathedral, or one of the many small churches in the village.
Tonight we meet for a group circle, sharing our experiences. To celebrate, we have our farewell dinner in the grand restaurant of Monumento San Francisco, savoring all our experiences and enjoying the fellowship of our companions.
Day 13.
A warm farewell to your fellow pilgrims, as you head to your next adventure. Assistance is provided to airports, trains, or buses and a warm glow follows you home.
What’s Included
Transportation to Santiago on public bus
Three nights in 4-star hotel with breakfast
Guided tours listed, including entrance fees and gratuities to guides.
Farewell dinner.
Insights and guidance from Berto
Services of local guides, three IOJ travel coordinators.
What’s NOT included
Air fare
Transfer from Santiago hotel to airport, trains or buses.
Any passport fees
Trip Insurance, Cancellation or medical insurance
Meals and drinks unless specified
Pricing, Terms, and Conditions
Optional Pilgrimage
Optional Pilgrimage: $975
Pilgrimage Single Supplement: $410
If paying by credit card, a 4% credit card fee will be applied, No additional deposit is required at booking. Please note the Itinerary is subject to improvement and changes.
José Roberto Gándara-Perea
The Rev. José Roberto (Berto) Gándara-Perea began his ministry at Emmanuel on Sunday, August 17, 2014. Berto is a native of Puerto Rico and speaks English, Spanish and French. He has been a priest for 26 years and served in the Dominican Republic, Belgium, Spain, Puerto Rico, and most recently at the Church of the Intercession in Harlem, New York City. Gándara has a bachelors of arts in philosophy and a masters in theology. He also obtained four other post-masters degrees from universities in Belgium, Spain, and New York. Gándara is passionate about parish ministry, contemplative spirituality, photography, drumming, Native American flute playing, inter-religious dialogue, and outreach, especially to the LGBT and Latino community. He has shared his life with his spouse, the Rev. Hugh McPhail Grant, from Atlanta, Georgia, who is also an Episcopal priest.
International Air Transport Association
Buy Trip Insurance from Travel Guard
My Story Hotel Ouro opened its doors to the public in February 2014 in an 18th century building, giving downtown Lisbon the concept of hospitality that this cosmopolitan and attractive European city needed. Here, you will find elegance, comfort, design and modernity distributed over five floors of charm and history in a privileged location: Aurea Street, better known as Ouro Street, one of the most historic and famous streets in Lisbon.
Set by the Nabão River and very close to the city centre, Vila Galé Collection Tomar is ideally located to explore the main sites such as the Tomar Castle or the Convent of Christ, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO since 1983. But also to explore the São Francisco Convent and the peculiar and unique Museum of Matches, the Sete Montes National Forest, and the Jewish heritage of the old Jewish quarter and synagogue.
Being one of the oldest cities in the country, over 2000 years old, Braga perfectly combines the traditional and the modern, providing a journey through the history and architecture of different times. In this city in the north of Portugal, the heart of the Minho region, it is possible to appreciate traces from the Roman era (when it was called Bracara Augusta, honoring Emperor Augustus). But also visit the first Cathedral in the country, built in the 12th century.
Being one of the oldest cities in the country, over 2000 years old, Braga perfectly combines the traditional and the modern, providing a journey through the history and architecture of different times. In this city in the north of Portugal, the heart of the Minho region, it is possible to appreciate traces from the Roman era (when it was called Bracara Augusta, honoring Emperor Augustus). But also visit the first Cathedral in the country, built in the 12th century.
Insightout Journeys, LLC.
P.O. Box 1543
Eastsound, WA 98245