With overtourism emerging in Europe and the desire for travellers to get away from the crowded cities a walking trip during your stay in Europe is an ideal way to get up close and personal with the scenery and the locals. Seeing the world at 5 km/hour is completely different from viewing Europe from a car, tour bus or train window.
The Camino is undoubtedly the most famous of the walking trails in Europe and many may have seen the movies on this subject but contrary to popular belief you don’t have to walk for a month, cover over 800 km, carry all your worldly possessions and stay at hostels to experience this walk. People incorrectly also believe there is only one Camino, when in fact there are about a dozen major Camino routes and many smaller regional ones.
Other countries also have specialty walking trails; the Via Francigena that goes all the way from Canterbury in the UK to Rome, there are a number of home-grown walks throughout the UK including the Cotswolds, West Highland Way, Hadrian’s Wall and a number of coastal options, regional walks in France including the Tour du Mont Blanc, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy, Portugal and even one in Norway known as St Olav’s Way.
The beauty of these walks in now they can be tailor made to your ability and have accommodation arranged at the end of each day's walk. You have the opportunity to stay in character-filled pre-booked accommodation with friendly hosts and great food. Luggage can be transported from place to place allowing you to walk with nothing more than a day pack. Detailed maps and apps help you navigate from place to place and depending on your choice some of these are very well trodden paths. Help phone numbers are also provided as backup.
As a perfect introduction, around 25% of walkers choose to do the last 100 km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This will entitle the walker to claim their ‘Compostela’ which is an official certificate of pilgrimage issued by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The majority of walkers no longer walk for a religious purpose but many like to collect the stamps and claim their certificate as a memento at the completion of the walk. People today choose the Camino de Santiago as a personal gift of time - to connect with their dreams, beliefs and values, to be in nature, to find inner strength and wisdom or to simply travel slowly through fascinating landscapes and cultures. This small part of the Camino is an easy undulating, well sign posted path dotted with places to obtain refreshments, local towns, ever changing scenery and often shared with fellow walkers. It is easy to meet people during your walk from many different countries – many hikers strike up conversations with others on the route and at the coffee shops. Camino markers count down every km and it is easy to follow the yellow and blue signs like a trail of breadcrumbs showing the way. Everyone shares a comradeship and it’s an ideal option for first-time walkers, families, mature travellers, groups of friends, solo walkers or anyone seeking a slower pace and/or an introduction to the Camino. Starts can be leisurely and walking distances are reasonable allowing you to arrive at your destination with plenty of time to explore these historical hamlets en route. A bespoke itinerary can be created to match all walking capabilities and ideals. You certainly don’t need to be walking from dawn to dusk.
There are other sections of the Camino that can be walked and different options apart from the traditional Camino Francés route. Many people enjoy their first Camino so much they go back and do other walks, different Camino routes or alternative sections. There is a vast network to choose from and duration and terrain varies.
Another popular walk is the Tuscany section of the Italian Via Francigena. This walk originates in the UK, crosses France and Switzerland before coming through Italy but like the Camino a lot of clients choose to do just a section. Many will start in San Miniato and walk through to the medieval city of Siena. Although not as popular as The Camino, the Via Francigena is growing in demand. Tuscan scenery is beautiful: a combination of vineyards, scenic hilltop towns, rolling valleys and the chance to try regional Italian food. Many of the villages you stay in along the way are not inundated with tourists and you see scenes like retired men sitting in local squares playing board games, farmers out hunting with their dogs or townspeople collecting truffles in the surrounding countryside. The red and white signs are not a prolific as the Camino signs but the trail is still marked and you get used to locating the symbolized walking pilgrim with a staff and a wide-brimmed hat on the street signs along with the red/white posts. Walking it Italy can also be more adventurous in The Dolomites or take in regional areas like Puglia.
Kymberly from our office has walked a part of both The Camino and The Via Francigena. Feel free to chat with her about her experiences and recommendations. She is certainly not a sporty person but greatly enjoyed both walks and says “if she can do it then anyone can!”
Of course you don’t just need to head to Europe to walk. There are many famous trails and mountain peaks to trek or walk in other parts of the world. Japan has many famous trails, you can do the Inca Trail in Peru, lots of trekking options in Nepal or climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Closer to home New Zealand has a number of recommended walks and for the adventure seekers there is always the Kokoda Track. Contact our office for all your walking tour holiday arrangements. We have walks, treks and climbs to suit all of our clients. Walking can be the destination or as part of a longer holiday.
Travel & Cruise Professionals in Parkside, South Australia offer unique trips that are great value. Choose from fully guided, self-guided or private tours. Enjoy a stress-free pack-free walking holiday as part of your next trip overseas. You don’t have to be a marathon runner to participate in these types of holidays – it just takes a little bit of training in the lead-up to your holiday departure. Preparation tips and complimentary in-depth information guides are available, and our consultants will answer any question or query!
kymberly@tacprofessionals.com.au
08 8274 1222
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