YPO Expedition Chapter
The Path of Pilgrims
In the Footsteps of Hemingway
Camino de Santiago, Spain · September 6–18, 2027
"The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places."
— Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Pilgrimage
Porto to Santiago de Compostela
Join fellow YPO Expedition members for a 13-day journey of cultural immersion, physical challenge, and spiritual renewal. We begin with four nights of luxury in Porto, Portugal — exploring its world-class wine heritage and vibrant culture — before donning our day packs and walking the ancient Portuguese Coastal Route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Porto, Portugal · September 6–10
Porto Kickoff
Join us in Porto for colorful culture and the passion for port wine
Accommodation
The Yeatman
A luxury Wine Spa Hotel perched above the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, overlooking the iconic Porto skyline. Four nights of world-class hospitality in one of Portugal's most celebrated properties.
World of Wine District
- Personal showing by fellow YPO'er Adrian Bridge, of his private collection The Art of Drinking – 9,000 years of drinking vessels
- Private Port Tawney Master Class
- Private tour of Fonseca Wine Cellar (not open to the public)
- 2-day ticket to explore WOW museums: Pink Palace, Planet Cork, and Wine School workshops
Explore Porto
The Culture of Porto
- Whip up the popular custard dessert of Pastel de Nata in the popular bakery Nat'elier with a pastry chef
- Whiz around Porto to view the city's top landmarks, stunning viewpoints, and the UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira district
- Savor an amazing sunset over this colorful city on the Porto Arrabida Bridge Climb
A Pilgrim's Walk
The Way of St. James
Portuguese Coastal Route with the Spiritual Variant
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
— James 1:2-3
Donning a day pack, comfortable walking shoes, and the Scallop Shell of St. James, we shall walk one of Christianity's oldest paths — a centuries-old route of forgiveness, healing, and renewal along the stunning Atlantic coast of Galicia.
A local guide and support van will travel the entire route with us — carrying luggage between hotels and providing assistance whenever needed.
Day by Day
The Journey
September 6–18, 2027
Arrive in Porto and settle into The Yeatman. Welcome dinner and orientation.
Three full days exploring Porto's World of Wine district, cultural landmarks, and culinary scene.
Transfer to Vigo, Spain — our starting point for the Camino. Check in and prepare your pilgrim's kit.
Day 1 of the Camino. Walk through Galician countryside to the charming town of Redondela.
Our longest day on the trail. Arrive in the beautiful medieval city of Pontevedra and check into the historic Parador.
A shorter, scenic walk to the stunning stone village of Combarro on the Ría de Pontevedra.
Walk through vineyards and eucalyptus forests to the peaceful Pousada de Armenteira.
A special day: ride the Ulla River where St. James' body legendarily travelled, then continue on foot to Teo.
The final walk. Arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and receive your well-earned Compostela certificate.
Attend the Pilgrim's Mass, tour the Cathedral rooftops, explore the city, and celebrate with a closing dinner at Restaurant Dos Reis.
Where You'll Rest
Accommodations
12 nights included in your registration
Every night of the journey is arranged for you — from a luxury wine spa hotel in Porto to a 12th-century monastery and a royal pilgrim's hospital in Santiago. Hotel accommodations for all 12 nights are included in the event fee.
A luxury Wine Spa Hotel perched on a hill in Vila Nova de Gaia, overlooking the Douro River and the historic Porto skyline. Renowned for its exceptional wine cellar and panoramic views.
A contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of Vigo, offering elegant rooms and a rooftop terrace with views over the Ría de Vigo — the perfect base for beginning our Camino.
A magnificent 16th-century manor house converted into a Parador — Spain's iconic network of historic hotels. Stone arches, cloistered courtyards, and medieval grandeur in the heart of the old city.
A converted 12th-century Cistercian monastery surrounded by vineyards and forests. An extraordinary place to rest and reflect on the pilgrimage.
Built in 1499 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella as a royal hospital for pilgrims, this is one of the oldest hotels in the world — and sits directly on the Praza do Obradoiro, facing the Cathedral.
The Destination
¡Buen Camino!
Arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
After walking nearly 60 miles along the ancient coastal route, we arrive together at the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro — one of the most emotionally powerful moments a traveler can experience. The twin baroque towers of the Cathedral rise before us as they have for pilgrims for over a thousand years.
- Receive well-earned Compostela certificate, Pilgrims Office
- Attend mass in the famed Cathedral Santiago de Compostela
- Roofs to Rachet tour of Cathedral Santiago de Compostela
- Free time to shop and explore the medieval streets of Santiago
The Celebratory Feast
Restaurant Dos Reis
The Century-Old Pilgrim's Hospital
Our journey culminates with a celebratory dinner at Restaurant Dos Reis, housed within the legendary Parador Dos Reis Católicos — the century-old royal hospital that once welcomed pilgrims arriving at the Cathedral. Today it is one of the world's most extraordinary dining settings.
Surrounded by stone arches and the glow of lanterns, we will raise a glass of Galician Albariño to the journey completed — and to the bonds forged on the road.
Each evening along the Camino, we gather for dinner at our Parador or Pousada — sharing the day's stories over Galician seafood, local wines, and the warmth of shared experience.
