Verso Ministries Solar Eclipse Camino – August 2026

A Pilgrimage to El Camino de Santiago

Trip Date:
Aug 7, 2026
- Aug 16, 2026
Group Type
Open
Activity Level
Difficult
Price
From $3,298
Deposit $500
Hosted by
Verso Ministries

Trip Overview

Witness a Total Solar Eclipse Along the Camino de Santiago

Two Special Events, A Once-In-A-Lifetime Pilgrimage

Generations of pilgrims have traveled the Camino de Santiago, listening to God’s voice amid the Spanish countryside. Walking through small towns, sharing the journey with other pilgrims and reflecting on their lives as they log mile after mile. That same opportunity is waiting for you as a retreat from the pressures of modern life, a chance to become grounded in the earth around you, and a path of self-discovery.

On August 12, witness the awe-inspiring wonder of a total solar eclipse after you conclude your day of walking in Arzúa. Then, on August 15, conclude your pilgrimage by celebrating the Feast of the Assumption with locals and other pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela.

This walking pilgrimage begins in Sarria and concludes in Santiago, with each day including 10-14 miles of hiking.

What’s Included?

  • Professional tour manager
  • Airport transfers via private motorcoach
  • Accommodations in simple pilgrim guesthouses in double-occupancy rooms, including taxes (single rooms available on a limited basis)
  • Daily breakfast and dinner at lodging, with Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant
  • Gratuities for guide(s), driver(s), meals, or hotels
  • Arrangements for daily Mass
  • Botafumeiro donation at the Santiago Cathedral
  • Daily luggage transfer between accommodations (1 15kg-bag per person)
  • Pilgrim preparation and follow-up materials delivered via email
  • Camino Pilgrim Credentials and Shell

Itinerary

August 7, 2021
  • Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Portugal (flights not included in the package)
August 8, 2026
  • Arrive in Porto at Francisco Sá Carneiro Porto International Airport (OPO) by 12:00 PM
  • Transfer as a group via private motorcoach to Sarria, Spain, the beginning point of your Camino journey, and check in to the hotel.
  • Opening Mass in a local church in Sarria, followed by a Welcome Dinner and briefing at the hotel.
  • Overnight in Sarria

Accommodations: Hotel Alfonso IX or similar

Meals included: Dinner

August 9, 2026
  • Hike from Sarria to Portomarin (21.6 km ~ 13.5 miles)
    • Begin your hiking journey in Sarria, Spain. Cross the Ponte Aspera and journey down woodland paths and gravel tracks alongside streams and rivers, with plenty of cafes to stop at along the way.
  • Upon arrival in Portomarín, free time to settle in to hotel and explore the village and surrounding river valley
  • Private Mass as a group, or attend the local pilgrim Mass in Portomarín
  • Group dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Portomarin

Accommodations: Hotel Villajardin or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 10, 2026
  • Hike from Portomarin to Palas de Rei (23.9 km or 14.9 miles)
    • Start on a peaceful woodland path and journey into the city of Gonzar. If you’re up for it, take a short detour off the trail in order to see the Castro de Castromaoir, an ancient Celtic Fort, or Vilar de Donas, a historical monument and ancient seat of the Knights of Santiago. The afternoon on the trail will provide varied terrain and beautiful hillside vistas.
  • Upon arrival in Palas de Rei, free time to settle in to hotel and explore the village, such as visiting the Castillo de Pambre
  • Private Mass as a group, or attend the local pilgrim Mass in Palas de Rei
  • Group dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Palas de Rei

Accommodations: Estrela do Camino or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 11, 2026
  • Hike from Palas de Rei to Melide (15.2 km ~ 9.4 miles)
    • Continue your journey down more woodland paths, crossing six shallow river valleys. Journey through to the O Coto crossroads hamlet that offers several cafes for food and refreshments.
  • Upon arrival in Melide, free time to settle in to hotel and explore the town, known for the Romanesque Igrexa Santa Maria de Melide and Igrexa Santiago, with its famous image of St. James above the altar.
  • Private Mass as a group, or attend the local pilgrim Mass in Melide
  • Group dinner in the hotel
  • Overnight in Melide

Accommodations: Hotel Carlos 96 or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 12, 2026
  • Hike from Melide to Arzúa (14.3 km ~ 8.9 miles)
    • As you depart from Melide, the path is mainly natural woodlands with good shade offered by the eucalyptus trees lining the trail. Pass over the Ribadiso Bridge, or stop at the medieval Chapel of Mary Magdalene.
  • Upon arrival in Arzúa, free time to settle in to hotel and explore the town, known for its cheese.
  • Private Mass as a group, or attend the local pilgrim Mass in Arzúa
  • Evening Eclipse watch party near Arzúa, followed by a celebratory group dinner
  • Overnight in Arzúa

Accommodations: Hotel Suiza

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 13, 2026
  • Hike from Arzúa to Rua (19.4 km ~ 12.1 miles)
    • Once again journeying down woodland paths lined with eucalyptus trees, pass through several cities with ample opportunity to explore Galician culture.
  • Upon arrival in Rua, free time to settle in to hotel and explore the village.
  • Private Mass as a group, or attend the local pilgrim Mass in Rua
  • Transfer back to the lodging in Arzua
  • Group dinner in the hotel
  • Overnight in Arzua

Accommodations: Hotel Suiza or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 14, 2026
  • Transfer from Arzua to Rua
  • Hike from Rua to Santiago (19 km ~ 11.8 miles)
    • Wooded paths give way to paved roads as you approach Santiago de Compostela. The Cruceiro de San Pedro heralds pilgrims’ arrival into the city, and finally you arrive at the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.
  • Free time to explore Santiago and check in to hotel
  • Attend the evening Pilgrim Mass at the Cathedral
  • Free evening to explore Santiago, with dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

Accommodations: Hotel Compostela or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

August 15, 2021
  • The feast of the Assumption of Mary, a national public holiday
  • Free day to explore Santiago
  • Take a tour of the Cathedral, explore the shops and piazzas of the city, and enjoy Galician food
  • Attend the noon or evening Pilgrim Mass in the Cathedral
  • Dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Santiago

Accommodations: Hotel Compostela or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

August 16, 2026
  • Morning transfer to Porto via private motorcoach to Francisco Sá Carneiro Porto International Airport (OPO)
  • Depart on your journey home

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Cost
$3,298

Trip Savings

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$890/person
Travel protection
Price calculated during registration*

Pricing listed per person in double occupancy rooms and does not include airfare.

If pilgrims traveling by themselves are unable to be matched with a roommate, the single room supplement may apply. See Additional Information section below for details.

The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Rates assume a minimum of 20 full-paying pilgrims.

*Travel protection is calculated based on a variety of factors and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International.

Flights

Pilgrims are responsible for booking their own flights to/from the pilgrimage using the information below regarding airports and designated arrival/departure times.

  • Arrive by: August 7, 2026
  • Arrival time: By 2:00 p.m.
  • Arrival airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Porto International Airport (OPO)
  • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to Sarria in one group from the airport.
  • Depart on: August 16, 2026
  • Departure time: Depart at or after 11:00 a.m.
  • Departure airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Porto International Airport (OPO)
  • Departure transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the airport in one group from Santiago de Compostela.

More Details

  • Roundtrip airfare (optional add-on for groups 10+)
  • Verso Pilgrimage Director (included for groups 30+)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any lunches or other meals not indicated on the itinerary, as well as beverages at meals
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel protection
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Payment Schedule

Verso Ministries will administer registration and payment collection from individual pilgrims. Registration can be done directly on the Verso Ministries website whereby pilgrims can make their initial $500 deposit using a debit/credit card. All following payments would be accepted via check, money order, or debit/credit card. Customizable payment plans can be discussed depending on the needs of your group. Suggested payment plan:

To secure your space, Verso requires a group deposit, payable by the group leader/organization. This deposit is non- refundable in the event of cancellation by the entire group. This deposit is refundable back to the group leader/organization if the pilgrimage runs with the required number of full-paying pilgrims.

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
Final balance due 120 days prior to departure – Final balance

*Final package pricing may adjust based on confirmed accommodations and/or any significant changes in currency exchange rates.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation fees apply to organizing groups if the original number of pilgrims is reduced below the contracted amount at the rate of the group deposit multiplied by the number of pilgrims reduced. Verso will assess this fee at the 120 day payment deadline. If the group chooses to cancel its pilgrimage in its entirety, Verso Ministries retains the group deposit and will refund individuals amounts paid, depending on when cancellation by the group occurs. If an individual pilgrim chooses to cancel from the pilgrimage, the refund amount will depend on when the pilgrim cancels and is subject to the cancellation schedule below.

All cancellations of individual pilgrims must be made in writing (email or letter) to Verso Ministries. Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims. Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted. We highly recommend the purchase of individual travel insurance.
• Within 2 weeks of deposit: Free Cancellation*
• 91 days or more from departure: Deposit is retained
• 90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
• 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
• 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

*To qualify for free cancellation within 2 weeks of deposit, deposit must be made 180 days or more prior to departure.

**Group Deposit guarantees a minimum number of full-paying pilgrims (20) and secures all Verso services. Any cancellation charges incurred from other supplies or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, etc.) will come in addition to the administrative fees listed within this contract. Cancellation fees will be charged per person, per booking. Cancellation fees apply to individual pilgrims who cancel their booking or organizing groups if the original number of pilgrims is reduced and the group size is altered.

Important Information for Pilgrims Seeking to be Matched With a Roommate

  • Pilgrims who register by themselves can indicate in their Pilgrim Portal that they would like to be matched with a roommate. Verso Ministries will make every effort to accommodate that request, however, cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
  • If, by 90 days prior to departure, Verso has not been able to match a solo pilgrim with a roommate, the single room supplement will be applied to the pilgrim’s invoice and due for payment.
  • If Verso is able to match a pilgrim with a roommate after they have paid the single room supplement, the pilgrim will be refunded the extra charge.

 

Arriving early or staying late? Pre-stay and post-stay options

 

Want to arrive or depart outside of the designated times?

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Private transfer information and pricing can be found in the Additional Information section below.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Want help arranging your flights?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Verso Ministries prepare me for my journey?

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. From pre-departure spiritual formation emails and webinars hosted by the Verso trip leader, to providing you with a pilgrim kit to bring with you on your journey, we accompany you through the entire process – before, during, and after the pilgrimage – to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email to answer and assist with any questions you might have.
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Why should I register now?

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Pilgrimages can fill up quickly, especially if pilgrims decide to bulk register as a group, so registering as soon as you think you will be able to travel with us guarantees you a spot on open pilgrimages. If you register and find out you can no longer attend, as long as you registered more than 180 days prior to the departure and cancel within 14-days of registering, we will fully refund your deposit. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest.
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Who can I contact for more information?

Our team is eager to help and is available 9am-5pm EST by phone at 574-383-9396 or by email at hello@versoministries.com
Read More

Who would I be traveling with on pilgrimage?

If a pilgrimage is open to all, registration is open to any pilgrim wishing to participate. As such, our groups welcome a diverse range of pilgrims, from families and married couples to single travellers and retired adults, giving you the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
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Resources

Discover helpful guides and tips to prepare for your pilgrimage and enrich your journey with Verso Ministries.

Pilgrim walking along path into a town.

5 Things to Know Before Walking the Camino

Backpack on the side of a hill.

How to Pack for the Camino

A journal with pen and flower laid on top.

5 Ways to Pray Before and During your Pilgrimage

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

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