My friend and I are just beginning to plan our trip for next summer. Just returned from a 25 day jaunt and have the "back home blues" so looking ahead to what is next! We are interested in possibly hiking a portion of the Camino de Santiago trail. Of course I will get online to do some research but thought I would stop in here to see if anyone has some first hand experience. We would probably want to opt for a tour group (small size preferred) and are looking to do something that would last between 7 to 10 days. Quick research has led me to the companies of onfootinspain and spanish steps. But would greatly appreciate to hear from anyone who has been there AND if you can recommend a tour group. THANKS
Posted by
Calgary
9 posts
Hi Christy,
I can recommend Portugal Walks. www.portugalwalks.com
A group of us did their self-guided Camino walk in September. We walked part of the 'Camino Portuguese' from Tuii to Santiago de Compostela. They do offer a guided version of this walk also. Great experience and I know you would enjoy it.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Christy,
I spoke with someone tonight who walked the entire Camino trail last year, and he suggested that it would be just as easy to do the trek on your own. There are usually small groups of other travellers that you could join for a period of time.
After seeing his photo presentation of the trip, I'm not sure whether a tour company would be best option?
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Laguna Beach, CA, USA
272 posts
thanks for the replies. i did a bit of research online and it seems there are some agencies that offer guided and unguided tours. with unguided, you walk on own but they make all accomodation arrangements and transport luggage. thanks grace..will check one you recommended. ken.....amazing to hear about someone that did whole walk. WOW! how long did that take?????
Posted by
Ridgefield, WA, USA
160 posts
Christy: I walked the Camino alone in 2007 - however, "alone" is kind of subjective because I met and walked with various folks from all over. A great site for Camino information is run by Ivar Rekve in Santiago: http://www.caminodesantiago.me/ It includes a forum where you can find pretty much any answer you need for Camino questions. Good luck,and Buen Camino! Erik
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Christy, I'm not sure how long it took? I'll ask him next time I see him.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
This pilgrimage can be as long and as far as you like it. There are routes going all through Europe, and all of them ending up eventually in Santiego Del Compestelo. Routes go all through Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. Some people like to walk through those countries first before getting to Spain.
Posted by
Ridgefield, WA, USA
160 posts
FYI: It took me forty days to walk from St. Jean PDP to Santiago. That includes a couple extra days spent in Logrono, Burgos, and Leon to rest and see the sights. But the time it takes varies widely - one can walk it faster, or slower, than I did. Plus, as another poster said, there are a number of Camino routes to Santiago, and I'm assuming you and your friend are interested in the Camino Frances, the most popular trail. I recommend John Brierley's excellent guidebook, by the way - it was indispensable to me on my Camino trek.
Posted by
OP
Laguna Beach, CA, USA
272 posts
thank you for the comments. much appreciated. will check out the website and book mentioned. thanks!