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Oporto, Portugal, Portugal·22 - 31 May 2025

Camino Portugués Couples Biking Adventure

Spectacular coastal cycling, culture & community

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Overview

This couples-only bike trip on the Camino Portugués is more than just a vacation; it’s an opportunity for personal and relational growth. The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most renowned pilgrimages. Traditionally walked by pilgrims for centuries, this route offers a unique blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and time for personal and spiritual reflection. Set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful bike routes, we’ve included elements of fun, charming accommodations, delicious food, and the chance to connect with other couples - making it a unique and memorable trip. The outer journey of biking the Camino allows couples to experience the meditative rhythm of cycling while immersing themselves in the historical and spiritual landmarks of the Camino, and the community of couples with whom they travel. The inner journey draws on themes and optional activities from The Work of Byron Katie. We have designed prompts and fun activities to encourage couples to celebrate and deepen their relationship and communicate more effectively with each other. We hope you return home refreshed and with lasting memories, new friends, and fresh, inspired perspectives on your relationship. This trip is offered for 7 couples, along with your HHJ hosts and their husbands.

Highlights

Lasting Connections

Lasting Connections

Couples have the freedom to ride alone, or to join other couples. As you ride, stop where you want, explore local attractions, and set your own pace. Enjoy a peaceful lunch together, then discuss the day’s ride over a leisurely dinner with others. We'll facilitate some light-hearted group activities as well.

Spiritual Enrichment

Spiritual Enrichment

Experience the profound sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from completing a pilgrimage by bike (180 miles total). Recognize the impact of balanced activity, reflection, and connection time - something so rare in our daily lives!

Strengthened Relationships

Strengthened Relationships

The combination of shared physical challenge, flexible time, and focused relationship work using The Work of Byron Katie will help couples connect on a deep level.

Itinerary

This curated itinerary blends cycling with cultural exploration, offering a rich and immersive experience for couples along the stunning Coastal Camino Portugues. Experience vibrant community with other couples who share your desire for individual growth and strong partnerships. Enjoy your journey!

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The day before your trip

May 22-23 - Porto

May 22: Arrive in Porto and stay in a charming hotel in the heart of the city.

May 23: Welcome and orientation in the morning, along with a two-hour workshop for couples to set an intention for the trip and explore some fun tools to deepen our relationships. 

Explore Porto in the afternoon, and enjoy a group dinner hosted by HHJ at a top local restaurant.

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DAY 1

May 24 - Esposende

Enjoy your first day on the pilgrimage, riding along the coast with historical and scenic stops. Stay at a beachfront hotel. (Approx. 35 miles / 56 km)

Cultural Highlight: In Vila do Conde, the Nau Quinhentista, a replica of a 16th-century ship, provides insight into Portugal's Age of Discovery.


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DAY 2

May 25 - Vila Praia de Âncora

Explore fishing villages and natural reserves before staying at a lovely boutique guest house.  (Approx. 30 miles / 48 km) 

Cultural Highlight: Visit the Forte da Lagarteira on the way to Vila Praia de Âncora, a small fortress with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

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DAY 3

May 26 - Baiona

Cross into Spain and enjoy a group dinner at the Parador de Baiona. This luxurious parador is set within the Monterreal Castle, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline.  (Approx. 25 miles / 40 km)

Cultural Highlight: Baiona is where news of Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America was first received in Europe. Visit the replica of his ship, La Pinta.

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DAY 4

May 27 - Vigo

Today is a short ride with stunning coastal views. Tonight you will stay at a modern hotel with top amenities. (Approx. 14 miles / 22 km)

Cultural Highlight:  On the way to your hotel in Vigo, enjoy the Samil Beach boardwalk which is one of Vigo's most famous beaches.  It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Cíes Islands.

Visit the Castro Fortress, an ancient hilltop fort offering panoramic views of the city and the bay. The site provides a glimpse into Vigo's history and its strategic importance throughout the centuries. 

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DAY 5

May 28 - Pontevedra

Stay at the Parador de Pontevedra, a former Renaissance palace offering elegant rooms and a beautiful garden, blending historical charm with modern amenities. (Approx. 21 miles / 34 km)

Cultural Highlight: Visit the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor and the picturesque Plaza de la Leña in Pontevedra.



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DAY 6

May 29 - Padrón

Overnight at a historical manor house dating back to the 16th century, once a retreat for bishops of Santiago. This accommodation offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort, set amidst beautiful gardens. (Approx. 25 miles / 40 km)

Cultural Highlight: On the way to Padrón, stop at Calas Dei Rei to soak your feet at the natural hot springs. 

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DAY 7

May 30 - Santiago de Compostela

Reach the Cathedral of Santiago and stay at a historic monastery-turned-hotel offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere combined with modern comforts. (Approx. 16 miles / 25 km)

HHJ will host a final group celebration dinner at a Michelin local restaurant. We will also take time to share trip take-aways and highlights.

Cultural Highlight: Attend the Pilgrim’s Mass at the Cathedral of Santiago and explore the medieval streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

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DAY 8

May 31 - Departure

Reflect on your journey as you prepare for your onward travel. Spend your last moments in Santiago exploring any remaining sights or guided tours, shopping for souvenirs, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.

This is the beginning of your own Life Camino.

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DAY 9

Continued Community

While this one annual couples trip offered by HHJ responds to those women who want to share a version of an HHJ's inner journey with their partner, we hope you might also explore our other experiences of inspired sisterhood. Or engage with our inspiring blogs or Honest Heart Podcast topics.

There are also many opportunities for you to continue to dive into The Work of Byron Katie with Aileen, or other facilitators, and The School for the Work.

The Experience

Keeping things flexible & supportive

Keeping things flexible & supportive

We’ll provide you with daily accommodations and luggage transfers and give you suggestions for cultural sight seeing and dining stops along the way. Each morning, we'll be available to check in during breakfast, then we'll navigate for those who'd like to join us. We also want you to have the autonomy to make your own choices during this journey!

Be ready to ride!

Be ready to ride!

This Camino roughly follows the Camino Portugués (except where bicycles can't pass - e.g. through narrow forest paths). This varied route is considered moderate to challenging. Cyclists should be prepared to navigate sections with steep climbs and descents, as well as mixed terrain including cobblestones, paved roads with traffic, and dirt paths. This trip includes an e-bike rental, unless you prefer a regular bike. Participants should have some prior riding experience. Good physical condition and adequate preparation are essential to fully enjoy this rewarding experience. You will ride each day between 14-35 miles, stopping along the way for a meal or to see the sites.

We host an inner journey

We host an inner journey

While the trip is mostly about biking, couples will also be invited to participate in light, thoughtful activities designed to support and deepen their relationships using The Work of Byron Katie: 1) identifying and questioning stressful thoughts, 2) exploring how the opposite of your beliefs (called "Turnarounds") could also be true, breaking free of rigidity, and embracing a more flexible and compassionate state of mind. 3) exploring daily prompts and reflective exercises aimed at enhancing communication, trust, and emotional intimacy.

Lodging along the Way

Lodging along the Way

We’ve selected 4 star lodgings with comfort and culture in mind. We’ll stay in small hotels and beautiful paradors. You’ll have the support (in English) of a local operator that will handle any questions or needs that you have. We will provide each traveler an itinerary with information on your specific accommodations so you can arrive and depart in your own time.

Working up an appetite

Working up an appetite

The Portuguese love to eat well, and the coastal route provides plenty of delicious fresh seafood and regional classics, like Bacalhau, Portugal's national cod dish. All breakfasts and four dinners are included during the trip. You are free to plan your own lunches and the rest of your dinners. We recommend that you budget between $25-35 pp/day to cover these meals and treats.

Portugal in May?

Portugal in May?

Late May along the Camino Portugués combines the best of spring weather with the early hints of summer, offering an ideal climate for your pilgrimage. Enjoy the vibrant landscapes, the blooming flora, and the serene atmosphere as you make your way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.

Important packing tips

Important packing tips

We will provide a helpful planning guide with a comprehensive packing list 120 days before departure. No need to carry your own bag/backpack each day. We have arranged for luggage transfers between lodgings (45 lbs. max.)

What's Included

What's Included

9 nights of lodging, including hearty breakfasts

Four group dinners

Luggage transfers between lodging

E-bike rental

Pilgrim Passport and certificates

Facilitation of the Inner Journey

Transportation to Porto, Portugal

All lunches and 5 dinners (for your flexibility)

Deposit towards bike rental (refundable when returned)

Trip insurance (required)

Transportation from Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Hosts

Aileen Cheatham

Aileen Cheatham

Aileen’s passion has been self-development. Her inner journey began as a young teen when her mother introduced her to the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, sparking a passion for metaphysics and inner growth. In her mid-twenties, she became a student of A Course in Miracles, a self-study course where the central teaching is the practice of forgiveness. She studied the Course for over 20 years with a beloved teacher, Dr. Kenneth Wapnick.  

Aileen believes that how we experience the world is directly related to the thoughts and beliefs we hold about it. In 2007 she discovered The Work of Byron Katie. In a short time, through this powerful practice, she began to feel more relaxed, flexible, tolerant, and more deeply connected to herself and others. 

Her desire to support others in their journeys led her to become a Certified Facilitator for The Work of Byron Katie and for the last twelve years she has worked with both individuals and groups, online and in person, to share this simple yet transformational method of self-inquiry. She has offered workshops in the US, Mexico, Europe, South America and Africa.  

Aileen walked the Camino de Santiago in its entirety over five weeks in 2021. Setting out from St. Jean, at the foothills of the Pyrenees, she was originally unsure what exactly had drawn her to the Camino; as she walked, she discovered her calling as a listener to other travelers, and shared the transformative power of the Work with those who asked to be facilitated.

Aileen speaks English, French and Spanish fluently and has traveled extensively, especially in Europe and South America. She is excited to share her passion for travel and inner growth with the women traveling with Honest Heart Journeys. 

Jennifer Dale

Jennifer Dale

Jennifer loves celebrating and encouraging the beauty she sees in others. She's a gatherer and builder who naturally nurtures community and hosts safe environments for meaningful connection. She believes in our inherent wholeness and need for discovery and growth. While pursuing careers in dance and design, Jennifer recognized that she thrived most nurturing people. She spent almost two decades developing and facilitating programmed trips and events for faith-based community with Adventure Unlimited and her church. This included helping develop DiscoveryBound's National Leadership Council servant leadership program for teens as director during some of its formative years. As dean of girls at Principia School, Jennifer heard a calling to nurture the kind of sisterhood that defies current cultural stereotypes and expectations. Honest Heart Journeys was conceived during long conversations about strong, gracious womanhood with a sister friend during COVID lockdowns. She loves writing about timeless women’s topics in her frequent HHJ blog.Wherever Jennifer's gone, her 'sisters' --  wonderful women with whom she’s built teams, programs, and deep friendships – have been steady, supportive companions. This kind of quality sisterhood is woven through the HHJ experience. It encourages others to give time to nurture their spiritual and personal hearts and gently holds them accountable to seeing and living their fullness, which of course blesses others.Travel has always been a passion of Jen’s, and she’s experienced firsthand the powerful impact of intentional programming facilitated within correlative environments. Hiking the Camino has been on her bucket list for years, and she hopes it can become an annual personal pilgrimage with HHJ!

Tickets

2 Adults - Double Occupancy

2 Adults - Double Occupancy

Adventurous luxury experience for a couple

FROM$3,785.00/pp

FAQs

You may reserve your spot through our website. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 120 days prior to the departure date. We welcome payments via credit card, check, or Zelle (jen@honestheartjourneys.com). We're happy to work with you to establish a payment plan as well.

If you have ANY questions, we'd love to talk with you! Reach out any time at info@honestheartjourneys.com.

A deposit of 50% of the HHJ trip cost is required to reserve your spot on the trip.

If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded less a $300 per person service charge. If a cancellation is made from 180 to 90 days prior to the trip departure date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. If a cancellation is made within 90 days of the trip departure date, the entire trip fee is forfeited. All cancellations must be received in writing to info@honestheartjourneys.com. 

It is highly unlikely that we will cancel a trip, but we do reserve the right to cancel due to weather, natural disasters, emergencies or a lack of sufficient reservations. If we cancel a trip, a full refund of the trip deposit and any final payment will be given.

HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of cancellation, unexpected circumstances, or the need for evacuation. We want you to make a decision that meets your needs. Though we do not recommend specific companies, travel industry colleagues have recommended the following companies: AIG Travel, Alliance, Seven Corners, Travelguard, and WorldNomads. Booking protection is offered through the registration process on our website. You might also see what your credit card offers, and many airlines now offer travel insurance.

    

The planning guide that we provide all registered guests who are paid in full includes a full trip itinerary, packing list, supportive travel information, release forms for you to review/sign/return to us, information on our trip book and other supporting materials, and a link to a guest survey that collects your important information. 

We will start in Oporto, Portugal and end in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. You can fly directly into Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) and out of 
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), often through Madrid.

We encourage you to arrive early and/or depart late and enjoy the surrounding areas.

Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date and make sure that is is valid. Your passport must be: 

  • issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue') 
  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the 'expiry date').

Reviews

My trip with HHJ brought out my true self, the self I haven't seen or felt in a very long time!

HHJ Trip Guest

My life transformed a year ago while walking the Camino de Santiago with Aileen, a 10+ year expert facilitator for The Work of Byron Katie. Walking the Camino de Santiago invites the trekker to pause and move inward to a place often not visited in our busy and complex home lives. Aileen and Jennifer, both wise and highly skilled women, give the traveler expert guidance and a compassionate and safe space to process the inner wisdom that unfolds along the way.

HHJ Trip Guest

I was blown away by the opportunity to connect with an amazing group of women in a way I did not know was possible and in a format which opened up a beautiful way to connect and talk.

HHJ Trip Guest

Related Blog Posts

We all face experiences outside our comfort zones - including fear of keeping up with what we used to be able to do. Walking the Camino gives any pilgrim opportunities to set aside doubts and ceilings of capacity, reach for a goal, lean into others' support and encouragement, and discover and celebrate the inner strength that carries us through both our inner and outer journeys.

walkingthecaminocrop1

Tue 21 Feb 2023 · Aileen Cheatham

First Day on the Camino

I wonder if the transformation I feel is also noticeable from the outside. I am not the same woman who left St-Jean that morning.

READ
EvieCamino

Sat 21 Oct 2023 · Jennifer Dale

The Camino Way

HHJ offers the unique, transformational experience of doing The Work of Byron Katie along The Way. What's it like to have the time and space for Inquiry, along with the safe, supportive companionship of like-minded sister friends walking and working beside you?

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Camino Portugués Couples Biking Adventure

Portugal· 22 - 31 May 2025· 9 nights

FROM$3785/pp

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