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Independent or organised?
Self guided trips offer all the advantages of independent travel, such as the flexibility to travel at your own pace, along with the benefits of an organised group, like pre-booked hotels, luggage transfers, detailed route information, all necessary bike equipment on cycling trips, someone to talk to before you depart and a 24 hour support line when on the trip.
What if I can’t carry all my gear?
This is only a concern for independent travellers. If you join an organised trip, whether it is guided or self guided, walking or cycling, we provide luggage transfers between your pre-booked hotels. This way, you only need to think about the gear you need in your daypack or pannier.
How fit do I have to be?
For any type of active trip, the general rule
is always the fitter you are the more you will enjoy it. If you exercise regularly, and are in
good health, you should consider a walk along the Camino. Every walk presents a different physical challenge based on the distance and terrain covered. All our Camino walking and cycling trips are graded from 1 to 5, so you can match your physical capability against the walk's
grading. We always encourage you to talk to our experienced team if you have questions on your fitness or the section you are considering.
When is the best time to go?
For some this question refers to weather. For others, it means when is it less, or more, busy. Weather wise, the best time to walk the Camino in France and Spain and the Via Francigena and St Francis Way in Italy is outside the winter months. During winter, many services along certain sections of these trails, such as hotels and restaurants, are closed. During summer
it can get quite hot, so walking along the coast can provide more pleasant walking conditions. The Via Francigena in Switzerland can only
be completed in European summer because of altitude and adverse weather conditions outside of summer. The Camino Portuguese can be enjoyed year round.
Which section is the prettiest?
As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We believe every Camino trail offers something special, but ultimately it comes down to your personal preferences. It is hard to deny, however, that the beauty of the countryside
in central and southern France, strewn with
medieval villages and castles, is a great backdrop for walkers and cyclists. For mountain lovers, the section of the Via Francigena that traverses the Swiss Alps is particularly spectacular, as is the classic Tuscan landscape of rolling hills and picturesque vineyards, which will make you feel like you’re on a movie set.
Which sections don't have roads?
The Camino de Santiago routes typically follow quiet paths, but many sections also follow roads, particularly when entering or exiting villages. After all, the Camino trails are ancient paths that modern life has sprung up around. The quietest trails, away from busy roads, are along the English Way, the
St Francis Way, and many sections of the Via Francigena.
Is it safe for single females
to walk along the Camino?
If you have concerns about safety the wisest thing to do is to join an organised group and travel with an experienced guide. If you prefer to walk the Camino on an organised self guided trip then choose a busier period,
such as between July and September, and undertake the more popular trails.
requently asked questions
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