Holy Encounters: Preachers on Pilgrimage
A 2-week Spiritual Pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, North Route
May 26 – June 12 or June 22 – July 7, 2026
Pilgrimage Overview
Join us for a life-changing, pilgrimage experience! Our journey takes us across the Northern coast of Spain on the ancient Camino de Santiago northern route, also known as The Way of St. James. As we journey towards the purported resting place of the remains of St. James the Apostle, we will disconnect from the modern world and journey inward towards a deeper awareness of ourselves and our faith. As clergy, spiritual leaders, and preachers, you need time to invest in your own personal growth and faith development. This pilgrimage will facilitate opportunities for you to make space in your mind and soul for holy encounters, to explore the edges of your comfort zone, and to engage your spirituality in an embodied way. Morning devotions and guided walking meditations will be offered for spiritual growth, evening group processing of your experiences will be offered for emotional growth, and gentle stretching and restorative yoga will be offered for physical growth.
Preachers will be guided by two experienced pilgrims, walking 12-25 kilometers (7-15 miles) per day, and staying in semi-private rooms. We will begin our Camino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the beautiful and autonomous Basque region of Spain for the first week, hiking along coastal cliffs and through quaint villages. After a day off in the bustling city of Bilbao, we will transfer by bus to Vialba, in the Galicia region, to finish the final 100 kms, ending in Santiago de Compostela. There we will tour the Cathedral of St. James where the Apostle James’ remains are believed to be located, attend a special pilgrim’s mass, and receive our pilgrim’s Compostela, the official pilgrimage certificate of completion.
This is a physically demanding experience. There will be portions where we are in rural areas or in nature, without access to public transportation. By applying, you agree you are physically able to walk up to 15 miles per day carrying a daypack.
To be eligible for this pilgrimage, you must be:
- An active clergy member (as determined by your denomination)*
- Able to walk/hike up to 15 miles per day
- One who preaches regularly in your ministry context
*Preachers from all ministry settings are welcome!
Spaces are limited to 10 pilgrims to foster an intimate gathering, ideal for mutual growth and support!
Program Fee
The total program fee is $1,799. A 50% deposit is due at the time of acceptance into one of the two pilgrimage cohorts, following interviews. All balances are due April 26, 2026.
Your Pilgrimage Includes:
- 15 nights' accommodations in semi-private rooms
- 2 meals per day
- Guided hiking from experienced pilgrims
- Luggage transport from town-to-town during pilgrimage
- Transportation on Day 8 to move locations
- Visit to Cathedrals Beach
- Pilgrim's credential
- Facilitated morning devotions
- Daily walking meditations
- Evening group processing with two Columbia Seminary faculty members
- 20-week customized training plan for physical preparation
- One-on-one sermon coaching
Not Included:
- Airfare, transportation to/from airport
- Visa (if needed)
- Snacks, laundry, personal bus or taxi use
- Compostela fee (optional)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional activities (e.g. museums, tours, etc.)
Recommended Airports
All participants are responsible for their own air travel.
| Arrival | | Bilbao Airport (BIO) |
| Departure | | Santiago-Rosalia de Castro Airport (SCQ) |
If you select an airport other than these two for your arrival and/or departure, you will need to arrange your own airport transportation to/from the group location.
Meals & Accommodations
Your program fee includes two meals a day and ground transportaton once everyone arrives in San Sabastian. We will be staying in hotels and private albergues, where you will have a semi-private room each night.
Please indicate any dietary needs to help the leadership find restaurants to accommodate the entire team.
Additional Information
Dr. Myers will conduct interviews with applicants in October and November with the goal of having each of the two pilgrimage teams solidified before Thanksgiving.
Once the teams are solidified, we will send out a Doodle poll to arrange a time for the team members to meet one another and the team leaders. We will share a Couch-to-Camino 20-week training plan, gear recommendations, and invites to a private Facebook group where we can encourage and support one another as we prepare physically, emotionally, and spiritually for this pilgrimage.
Contact
