Make plans now to join John & Ashley on the Camino de Santiago from May 7- 17, 2025! Come discover Truth & Beauty with fellow pilgrims along the gorgeous and peaceful Portuguese Coastal route. With talks, prayer, Scripture, liturgy, and reflections, John & Ashley will lead you on The Way by the special “Spiritual Route.” Pray, walk, contemplate, and even travel the “Traslatio” by boat en route to the final resting place of St. James in Santiago, Spain. To make this experience accessible to as many as possible, we'll stay in 3 and 4 star hotels and use a trustworthy service to transfer luggage, so you can focus on the spiritual experience. You won’t want to miss it! Open to all. Due to the great weather, May is in great demand, so register as soon as possible.

Itinerary

Day 1: May 7

Arrival in A Guarda

Overnight stay in A Guarda. Fill in your pilgrim’s passport and enjoy the views of the border between Portugal
and Spain.

Day 2: May 8

Guarda to Oia - 16km

The fishing village of A Guarda is home to Galicia’s most impressive Galician-Roman settlements: the Santa Tegra hill fort is an authentic archaeological gem with breathtaking views over the ocean. As we begin our pilgrimage, you will enjoy the best coastal landscapes in Galicia and marvel at the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 3: May 9

Oia to Baiona - 18km

An overnight stay in the village of Oia is the perfect way to enjoy this quiet hamlet, famous for its impressive monastery and views of the Atlantic. On your way out of Mougás/Oia, you will stop to visit Baiona and admire its fortified castle surrounded by a stormy ocean.

Day 4: May 10

Baiona to Vigo - 27km

Today you will follow the coast from Baiona to Nigrán before finally reaching the city of Vigo. Enjoy views overlooking the Bay of Vigo, with the magnificent Cíes Islands on the horizon. On a hot day, stop at the blue flag beach known as Praia América, in Nigrán for a quick swim.

Day 5: May 11

Vigo to Redondela - 16km

After the serenity of the isolated Mougás, Vigo will give you the experience of life in a busy town. From Vigo, continue your coastal Camino along the Bay of Vigo. People from many regions of Spain have flocked to this city to work in its naval and fishing industries. End the day's journey in Redondela, where you will rejoin the original Portuguese Route.

Day 6: May 12

Redondela - Pontevedra - 19.6km

Although the way out of Vigo, one of Galicia's seven largest and most populous cities, might be a bit confusing, once you manage to leave the city, the path begins to clear, and the open ocean gives way to the “rías” or Galician fjords.

Day 7: May 13

Pontevedra to Armenteira - 23.2km

After a night's rest and hearty breakfast in Pontevedra, you'll begin your walk towards Armenteira. After crossing the city of Pontevedra, pass through Poio and Combarro before reaching the Monastery of Armenteira. You will be rewarded during this difficult stretch of the journey by the beauty of this peaceful rural area situated among the mountains.

Day 8: May 14

Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa - 22.7km

From Armenteira to Pontearnelas, we will wind through great natural beauty on "The Route of Stone and Water." As you walk in the shade of the trees, you'll pass ancient water mills resting on the riverbanks and eventually, orchards and vineyards, which signal your approach to the Arousa estuary. After covering 22 km, you'll reach the beaches and the town of Vilanova.

Day 9: May 15

Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón - 15 nautical miles + 2 km

In Vilanova de Arousa, you will begin the Traslatio or maritime-fluvial route. This journey by boat covers which will 15 nautical miles and arrives in Pontescures, from where you'll continue by foot. The departure time of the boat will depend on the tide, and the journey will take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Explore various points of interest in Padrón.

Day 10: May 16

Padrón to Santiago de Compostela - 24.2km

The last day passes through Galician villages to the magnificent sanctuary of
Nossa Señora da Escravitute. At Agro dos Monteiros, you'll see the towers of the Cathedral at a distance. After crossing the river Sar, pass through the suburbs of the city to the Faxeira gate, the entrance for the Portuguese Route. Upon arriving in Obradoiro square you'll be welcomed by the Cathedral, where the Apostle awaits you.

Exchange your pilgrim’s passport or attend a pilgrim mass.

Day 11: May 17

Santiago de Compostela

We've reached the end of our journey! After breakfast, say your goodbyes to Santiago de Compostela and our fellow pilgrims before flying home.

Total Cost: 1,650 Euro

Services Included:

10 nights in handpicked 3 and 4-star hotels and inns, all with en-suite accommodation
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 x max. 20kg/44lbs bag per person)
Traslatio by boat
Travel insurance
Credencial (Pilgrim's passport)
Maps
English-speaking telephone assistance

Optional Add-ons:

Airport Transfers (from airport to arrival/departure cities): € 50 each-way
Dinners: € 370
Single-room supplement: € 390
Headset/whisper box rental for Camino route: € 25
Extension to Fatima: € 435 for 3 days, 2 nights
- Included: 2 nights in 4-star Hotel with breakfast provided
- Private transfer from Fatima to A Guarda.

What is the Truth & Beauty Immersion experience?

Young Adult Immersions: This week-long Young Adult Immersion program in Rome nurtures participants (Fellows) between 18 - 30 with a special faith-formation experience that touches the entire human person - spiritual, intellectual and personal - teaching Fellows to integrate their faith deeply into every aspect of living. A Truth & Beauty Project Immersion includes daily walks, talks, discussions, reflections, food, and fun to share the faith through theology, philosophy, metaphysics, liturgy, the arts and scripture, helping participants claim their Christian roots along with their rightful place in God's triumphant story. This multi-disciplinary approach teaches TBP Fellows to: live an intentional Christian life in a difficult world peel away the layers and use the senses to detect the movements of the Lord around you connect scripture to daily life live the liturgy integrate faith and virtue into real life spread Truth & Beauty to the world With inspiration from the mastery of great Italian artists, TBP Immersions empower participants to work as artists of living and make their own lives a masterpiece! A TBP Immersion is a life-changing transformational experience that sets our Fellows on the path of excellence. You can find out more information and subscribe to be notified when applications open: https://www.truthandbeautyproject.com/ya-about
What does a typical Immersion day look like?

Each day is different and starts and ends at different times. Each day is about 8 hours. Here's a sample itinerary that contains some of the main daily elements: 7.30 am Mass 8.00 Breakfast at your hotel 9.00 Morning prayer and Scripture 9.15 A walk through the living classroom of Rome, to experience the art, architecture, history, and beauty 12.00 Truth & Beauty Prayer 1.00 Delicious Italian lunch with speaker 2.15 Themed discussion, walking experience, or event 5.00 Closing and intercessory prayer Evening is free for you to explore Rome and reflect on the day's learnings. Again, the above itinerary is a sample, only demonstrating some of the mail elements that you can expect in a typical day. Fellows are given a specific agenda upon arrival.
When will the next Immersion be?

Young Adult Immersions (for ages 18 - 30): Subscribe to know when we're next offering scholarships and Immersions: Click here and subscribe
Are there any prerequisites?

There's no particular level of learning or advanced knowledge required. Immersions are customized for the interests of each group. The only prereq is to bring along a spirit of joy and openness.
What is the TBP FIAT?

FIAT is an acronym for "Faithfulness In All Things." Each Fellow creates a FIAT. The FIAT is started during the application process and refined while in Rome. It's implemented upon returning home. The TBP FIAT is two-fold: An intentional plan for continued growth in virtue - based on a self-assessment that Fellows complete before arrival, in Rome they create an action plan to intentionally take their learnings from the Immersion and continue to grow personally A concrete project to inject virtue into the world - each Fellow creates a concrete project to "pay it forward." This project is to be implemented after returning home from Rome as a way to spread virtue, truth and beauty to the world. You can read more about the projects here: https://www.truthandbeautyproject.com/fiat Upon returning home, each Fellow is assigned a mentor - a dedicated Christian, who has graciously volunteered to 'pay it forward' - who serves as a guide and coach (with a monthly, 30 minute call) in the development of the project. Click to read more about FIAT.
What's the application process?
Who runs the Truth & Beauty Project?

Click here to meet the founders, John & Ashley Noronha.
What was the inspiration behind the Truth & Beauty Project?

This is a long, beautiful story of Providence and we’ll explain more when you arrive. In the meantime, you can read a bit of our history here. TBP was founded to build hope and faith in a world where both are dying.
Are all Immersions the same?

Each Immersion is unique. That’s because we ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to specially tailor each Immersion for each group. Each day of the Immersion has a special theme and we also pray with the daily scriptures, so our itinerary and focus are informed by orienting our day to the liturgical influence we hear in God’s Word. Fellows will be given a day-by-day agenda upon arrival.
Where will I stay?

You'll stay within a stone's throw of St. Peter's Basilica. Your hotel is included in the Young Adult Immersion tuition or scholarship.
What's the cost?

The fee for a week-long Truth & Beauty Project Immersion includes art & architecture walks and talks, formation experiences, hotel room (with roommate/s), city tourist tax, community lunches, life-skill trainings, transport in Rome during Immersion activities, talks, church and priest stipends, and all art, architecture, scripture and liturgy modules. The total is 2,500 euro. This does not include airfare, transfer to/from airport or personal expenses. Young Adults can apply for full or partial scholarships to cover or defray this cost. We are so grateful to TBP benefactors who make scholarships possible! Please help us help more young adults and sponsor a young adult: https://www.truthandbeautyproject.com/donate
What additional costs am I responsible for?

- Your flight to and from Rome - Your transfer to and from the airport - Some meals on your own - Health and Travel insurance - Your transportation costs within the city, outside of the Immersion hours - Any additional Museums that you chose to visit - Custom-made Immersions also take care of lodging expenses on their own. Lodging is included for Young Adult Immersions.
How do I purchase health & travel insurance?

Please have your trip and health insured covered before travel. Contact your local agent or contact our agent of record, Nora Puglia, at Perfect Impressions Travel at tourwithpi@gmail.com or +1 217.793.3733 If you have private medical insurance in your home country, you should contact the agency and let them know that you'll be in Italy for a period and gather information about procedures for using the policy while out of the country. Also, we advise you to look into your home-owners' insurance to see if it covers your belongings and equipment while traveling.
How should I pack?

Click here for the latest weather in Rome. To beat the heat of a Roman summer, bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sun umbrella with UV coating, and water bottle. When entering churches, it is required to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for these places of worship. If it's hot and you'd like to wear shorts or a sleeveless top, we recommend bringing along 2 scarves, which you can wrap around your shoulders and waist when entering a church. Bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes. There are no formal events during the Immersion, but we do recommend dressing in a business casual style for the daily events. Also, consider that you may want to bring more dressy outfits for dinners on your own. Consider that your outfits should reflect that you are an ambassador of Christ. For rain, bring waterproof shoes. If you don't bring an umbrella along, it's easy to buy umbrellas and rain ponchos on the street.
Is there a dress code?

Not per se, but we say that your choice of clothing should always reflect the fact that as a TBP Fellow you are an ambassador of Christ. John and Ashley dress business casual. It bears repeating that some churches require visitors to cover shoulders and knees, so one strategy is to pack a light scarf or two that can be used as a shawl or wrapped around the waist.
How much walking will we do?

Rome is a very walkable city and the best way to experience it is to wander the streets on foot. Your Immersion will include daily walking itineraries for several hours in various parts of the city. This also means standing while listening to various learning modules. So bring your comfortable, broken-in shoes and be ready to enjoy! When you are on your own, the best way to get around is by foot for public transportation.
What do Fellows find most challenging on an Immersion?

The daily Immersion schedule is full and intense (typically about 8-9 hours per day) so we recommend using the evenings for resting and reflecting on all of the insights, wisdom, and information you've taken in during the day.
What's the best way to prepare for an Immersion?

Pray for open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit and a spirit of wonder and adventure. We invite you to pray for all TBP Fellows, Alumni, Patrons, Board Members, Prayer Team, Mentors, and Staff. And, to join us in our daily TBP prayer: https://www.truthandbeautyproject.com/prayer-support
Is there time to ask questions during the Immersions?

Yes! We invite you to bring your curiosity and questions, and we design time for sharing and conversations in groups and over fabulous Italian meals.
What could I see in my free time in the evening?

Ideas for evening adventures after TBP winds up for the day (no tickets needed): A walk through Villa Borghese Piazza Garibaldi for the best view of the city and sunset Evening vespers at 8.30 pm at Santa Maria in Trastevere Trevi Fountain Spanish Steps We highly recommend building in plenty of time for rest, since each day is quite full and intense. Some places we will not be visiting during the Immersion: Inside the Colosseum/Forum The Vatican Museums
IMPORTANT Passport and visa information

Make sure your passport is valid until at least 6 months AFTER your return date or it will not be accepted at Immigration. Click here for information on which countries do and don't need visas to enter Italy: https://www.rome.net/entry-requirements
What's the electric voltage in Italy?

It's helpful to read the below article about the electricity in Italy in order to understand if you will need a power adapter and/or converter to power your electrical appliances. Adaptors are easy to find here and inexpensive. Converters are more difficult to find. https://mominitaly.com/electricity-in-italy-basics-for-travelers/ Note that voltage is different for hair implements (curling irons, etc), so it’s best to buy hair implements in Rome. Voltage differences will not effect cell phones and computers.
How can I get cell service in Italy?

If you'd like data service while traveling, we recommend that you call your cell-phone provider in advance to find out about the international plans they offer. Having data is very convenient for finding your way around the city and communicating with other Immersion participants.
Can I use my credit card for everything?

While many places accept cards, in Italy, cash is king, so it's best to always have Euro on you. Be sure to call your credit card company before you arrive to inform them to expect to see charges from Italy and any layover places you will be.
How can I get Euro?

The best way to get Euro in Rome is by ATM. This way you'll get the rate of the day and pay no commission. Be sure to check with your bank first for any fees. Most banks don't have international transaction fees, but even if yours does, you'll still save more than paying the commission at a commercial money exchange. When looking for an ATM, Make sure you use an official bank ATM and not a commercial one. Note that exchange places at the airport typically charge very high fees.