I'm considering taking the Rick Steves Basque Country of Spain & France in 8 Days Tour and would appreciate info from someone who has taken the tour. The itinerary shows Day 5: All Day on the Camino de Santiago. To me, walking "all day" sounds like 20-25 miles. I reviewed the tour member feedback (still mixed up) and one person commented that they walked 2 miles. Another said that the walk took too long. Just wondering how much of the Camino you actually get to experience. Appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Donna, I haven't yet taken that tour, but have taken a number of other tours so have a few thoughts to offer. I highly doubt that tour members will be walking 20-25 miles that day, especially as the tour description shows the walking as "moderate". In "reading between the lines", I suspect the walk will focus on a particularly interesting and scenic part of the trail. You'll probably encounter pilgrims that are hiking the full distance. Each leg of the hike will probably be relatively short and the group will be stopping at a winery for lunch (possibly an arranged "group lunch" which will likely be exceptional) and of course some "liquid refreshment". It should be a fairly easy hike with regular breaks, and the Bus will be waiting at the end to take the group back to the Hotel for dinner. If you're really concerned about this, I'd suggest sending an E-mail to the RS tour department, as they'll be able to provide the most accurate information. That sounds like an interesting tour. Perhaps I'll look at that one for next year. Happy travels!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Donna, I have only taken one RS tour, the 14 day Family tour.. and we did some different walks.( a lovely one through the woods to Neuschawantstein Castle) . The only person who complained in our group was well, frankly pretty out of shape( dare I say it, but she was "fluffy") we had kids as young as 8 who had absolutely no issues, and some older folks( grandparents) who also had no issues. I absolutely doubt you will have to walk 20 miles, in fact , it will likely be less then 5 , and with breaks. The tours are meant for average folks, you do not have to be a fitness buff, jog, or be a gym goer,, you are simply expected to be able to walk a normal amount , and they do assume that folks in the group will age well into their 60's and beyond, so any healthy person who can walk an hour at home can take and enjoy a tour. The tours are not meant for those who are really out of shape, you know the type that get out of breath walking to their cars, or can't do more then one flight of stairs without breaking into a sweat. You should contact the tour office directly though, they will try and give you a very open answer.
Also, remember, nothing is mandatory, you can stay with the bus, stay at the hotel , do anything you want if you don't want to participate in an activity. The day we walked to the castle there was a lady who wanted to sleep in( I think she was hung over!) , so she did, and caught a ride with the bus that came to pick us up after the castle. There are always options.
Posted by
OP
Ohio
2161 posts
Ken and Pat, thanks for your responses. If I do decide on this tour, I'll call the office to get the specifics. I was hoping that the walk would be somewhere in between 2 miles and "too long". I just watched "The Way" again and I'd really like to get the flavor of the Camino. I did a 26-mile charity walk once (many years ago) and I could probably do it again (with some training!). Just wanted to know what to expect. Thanks again for your help.