Camino de Santiago - tour companies?
Aug 26th, 2011, 09:33 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Camino de Santiago - tour companies?
We have a modest size group of walkers "of a certain age" planning to do a healthy portion of the Camino in 2012. If others decide to join us, we might have enough people to organize a custom trip for our group.
Friends have recommended both Spanish Steps and Fresco for van-assisted tours staying in casas rurales along the way. Yes, we know that some consider this "Camino lite" but it's what works for us. Has anyone used either/both of these companies recently? Your comments will be appreciated!
Friends have recommended both Spanish Steps and Fresco for van-assisted tours staying in casas rurales along the way. Yes, we know that some consider this "Camino lite" but it's what works for us. Has anyone used either/both of these companies recently? Your comments will be appreciated!
Aug 26th, 2011, 11:57 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can't comment on either one, but I am familiar with Sarajan Tours (www.saranjan.com) who have been doing the Camino for a number of years, and is one of the best for this type of walking tour.
Aug 28th, 2011, 02:08 AM
#3
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are many routes but I assume you are asking about the Camino Frances?
It depends on where you are walking from (and to)
Have look, or even post this question of THE forum about the Camino.
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/board/
If you only want to walk a section in Galicia then Turgalicia operate a good service for this.
http://www.turgalicia.es/iacobus/iac...iacobus&cidi=I
It depends on where you are walking from (and to)
Have look, or even post this question of THE forum about the Camino.
http://www.caminodesantiago.me/board/
If you only want to walk a section in Galicia then Turgalicia operate a good service for this.
http://www.turgalicia.es/iacobus/iac...iacobus&cidi=I
Aug 28th, 2011, 03:32 AM
#4
I guess the issue is you are taking the walk for the walk not the walk for the spiritual elements.
By the way the Santiago is in other countries, you could start in Canterbury, I think Trier is on the route as is Brugges, Chablis and Genoa.
By the way the Santiago is in other countries, you could start in Canterbury, I think Trier is on the route as is Brugges, Chablis and Genoa.
Aug 28th, 2011, 08:03 AM
#5
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am a confirmed Camino addict but have never used a tour company. Based on my experience running into groups from these companies along the way, though, I can say that both of them, as well as Sarajan, are well respected and reliable.
The three companies are all upscale/pricey to a lesser or greater extent. For anyone who might be interested in a less luxurious but very comfortable experience, with maybe fewer creature comforts, you should look into the walks led by Sil, a South African woman who has walked many Caminos, has participated extensively in on-line forums, and has recently started bringing groups to the Camino.
Sil has picked out three beautiful sections of the French Camino, added a few "must see" excursion stops nearby, and put together a really nice itinerary with lots of flexibility for people who want to or can walk more or less. (Sil and I are both "of a certain age", btw, if by that you mean over 60).
Sil has several websites, one of which describes her upcoming September walk: http://amawalkers.blogspot.com/. Others describe her experiences and the enterprise generally: http://amawalker.blogspot.com/ and a report on her first accompanied walk this past June: http://www.amawalkerscamino2011.blogspot.com/
And by the way, though there is a tiny group of know-it-alls who purport to tell you how to walk your camino, I think that most of us who love and walk many Caminos have the opinion that "it's your Camino" and if you want to do it on camels with a staff of 20, that's up to you. Everyone's situation is different, everyone's needs and interests are different, and you shouldn't feel you have to apologize for the way you want to do it.
Buen camino! Laurie
The three companies are all upscale/pricey to a lesser or greater extent. For anyone who might be interested in a less luxurious but very comfortable experience, with maybe fewer creature comforts, you should look into the walks led by Sil, a South African woman who has walked many Caminos, has participated extensively in on-line forums, and has recently started bringing groups to the Camino.
Sil has picked out three beautiful sections of the French Camino, added a few "must see" excursion stops nearby, and put together a really nice itinerary with lots of flexibility for people who want to or can walk more or less. (Sil and I are both "of a certain age", btw, if by that you mean over 60).
Sil has several websites, one of which describes her upcoming September walk: http://amawalkers.blogspot.com/. Others describe her experiences and the enterprise generally: http://amawalker.blogspot.com/ and a report on her first accompanied walk this past June: http://www.amawalkerscamino2011.blogspot.com/
And by the way, though there is a tiny group of know-it-alls who purport to tell you how to walk your camino, I think that most of us who love and walk many Caminos have the opinion that "it's your Camino" and if you want to do it on camels with a staff of 20, that's up to you. Everyone's situation is different, everyone's needs and interests are different, and you shouldn't feel you have to apologize for the way you want to do it.
Buen camino! Laurie
Aug 28th, 2011, 09:25 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,567
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>>I guess the issue is you are taking the walk for the walk not the walk for the spiritual elements. << this is such a BS comment. Nobody ought to be prescribing how to do The Camino for spiritual gain. The bag on your back or where you sleep at night are NOT the spiritual elements of The Camino and anybody stating so is missing the mark big time....
Last year I had limited time and did portions of The Camino. I used Follow the Camino (formerly One Foot Abroad). They were excellent to work with. I plan to do 250 kms in 2012 and will be doing my own planning. I am also of a certain age
with medical issues, that while do not prevent me from walking, prevent me from the taking the risks of not getting a comfortable night rest. I encourage you to continue your planning and explore doing your own reservations and using luggage transfer companies such as jacotrans.com. BTW, comfortable shoes with good ankle support and a breather stop every two hours was lifesaving advice given to me and glad to passed on to you! I have traveled the world and walking The Camino has been the BEST and one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. Can't wait to go back!! Buen Camino!
Last year I had limited time and did portions of The Camino. I used Follow the Camino (formerly One Foot Abroad). They were excellent to work with. I plan to do 250 kms in 2012 and will be doing my own planning. I am also of a certain age
with medical issues, that while do not prevent me from walking, prevent me from the taking the risks of not getting a comfortable night rest. I encourage you to continue your planning and explore doing your own reservations and using luggage transfer companies such as jacotrans.com. BTW, comfortable shoes with good ankle support and a breather stop every two hours was lifesaving advice given to me and glad to passed on to you! I have traveled the world and walking The Camino has been the BEST and one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. Can't wait to go back!! Buen Camino!
Aug 28th, 2011, 01:32 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WOW -- only one reply as of last night (thanks Robert), then I log on to find three more full of useful information! Thank you all!
Bilboburgler: yes, this is a group of walkers/runners -- but having van support rather than carrying a pack doesn't make it less spiritual.
Laurie: you hit the "of a certain age" target exactly!
Bilboburgler: yes, this is a group of walkers/runners -- but having van support rather than carrying a pack doesn't make it less spiritual.
Laurie: you hit the "of a certain age" target exactly!
Aug 29th, 2011, 09:01 AM
#8
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Skibumette,
Love this topic! I have not done, nor do I plan to do the Camino (I don’t think). However, I did visit Santiago de Compestela a few years ago. What a moving experience to see pilgrims approach the magnificent cathedral after such a long, painful, awe inspiring journey. Indeed, it is a very special place.
In my travels there I met an older couple from Australia. The husband, Brian, had brought his wife Ann to Santiago to show her his destination when he did the Camino with a friend in 2000. What a charming couple. Brian wrote a moving blog of his journey which I shared on this board a few years ago. Unfortunately, it is no longer on line. His son had stressed that he buy “the very best Italian boots” for the journey. First, he went to Ireland with his friend to get in condition walking.
We did see a great deal of the landscape – it was May and the weather was especially good on the Costa Verde! So different from the south of Spain.
In any case, I am also “of a certain age” and still taking solo trips to Europe as long as my circumstances permit. Look forward to your report next year.
As my students would say, “You go girl!”
Love this topic! I have not done, nor do I plan to do the Camino (I don’t think). However, I did visit Santiago de Compestela a few years ago. What a moving experience to see pilgrims approach the magnificent cathedral after such a long, painful, awe inspiring journey. Indeed, it is a very special place.
In my travels there I met an older couple from Australia. The husband, Brian, had brought his wife Ann to Santiago to show her his destination when he did the Camino with a friend in 2000. What a charming couple. Brian wrote a moving blog of his journey which I shared on this board a few years ago. Unfortunately, it is no longer on line. His son had stressed that he buy “the very best Italian boots” for the journey. First, he went to Ireland with his friend to get in condition walking.
We did see a great deal of the landscape – it was May and the weather was especially good on the Costa Verde! So different from the south of Spain.
In any case, I am also “of a certain age” and still taking solo trips to Europe as long as my circumstances permit. Look forward to your report next year.
As my students would say, “You go girl!”
Oct 3rd, 2015, 07:05 PM
#9
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just took a Coach and Walk tour from Leon, Spain to Santiago and loved it (walking 10 Kilometers a day). But that is the only route this company offers. Does any of you reasoned travellers know of any other Camino walks that has the "hop on the bus" service. You see, I am of that " certain age group" too. Thank you.
