Would like information on the Walk to Santiago via Camino Frances. Has anyone done this and did you use a tour company or did you book everything yourself? I have booked all transportation and accommodations for my husband and myself for our trips to Europe over the last 4 years and figure that would be less expensive, but wonder about the advantages of being in a group tour.
We are 2 friends in good shape and 70 years old wanting to do this walk in Sept or Oct. of this year. Thanks for your advice.

My wife and her sister, who was 74 at the time did the entire 500 mile Camino from St. Jean to Santiago. They did not use a tour company. They went slow and took them 10 weeks. We have been Spain many times and have family near Santiago. Starting in Sept. or Oct could be a problem as you will be going into very hilly country and could be cold and there might even be snow at the higher elevations.

They also practiced with their backpacks for months, tested some footwear, and learned how to tend to blisters.

One of the best sources of information is the Confraternity of St. James.
https://www.csj.org.uk/

Buen Camino

We were in the general area of the Camino Frances last September and saw many many pilgrims At times there large groups, followed by smaller groups of two or three, or individuals. It was surprisingly busy. St-Jean-Pierre-de-Port was heaving with tourists and pilgrims.
The weather was variable, but generally warm and showery by day with some very heavy rain, and decidedly cool once the sun set.

The website Imdone links above is an excellent resource, and suggest perhaps trying a different route since Frances is so busy.

All your answers have been already given HERE.

Thank you for the information and link. Bravo for your Mom and sister.

Thank you for the website info. I think if we do the walk on our own, it might be best to be in the area where there are more places to stay the night. I do not like crowds or tours, so apprecitate your infomration. I need to study the differnt routes available.

Hello, are you planning to do the whole Camino? My family and I did from O'Cebreiro to Santiago, I booked all the accommodations and arranged for luggage transport. If you click on my name you'll be able to find the trip report I posted back in 2012. . I have friends that did the whole Camino Frances, starting in St Jean, and also booked their own accommodations. Its a lot of work but totally doable, you'll spend much less that if you go with a tour company