The tradition of going on a Camino originates from catholicism, but nowadays anyone can complete one. Everyone has their own reason for embarking on a Camino, from venturing off the beaten track and experiencing the authentic side of a country to going on a spiritual pilgrimage.
Perhaps the more difficult decision is choosing where to go for your Camino. At ‘Walk The Camino’, we offer a range of Camino Trips that we can tailor to you. Our most popular tours involve the Camino de Santiago, which is Europe’s most important ancient pilgrimage. This route spans several countries including Portugal, Spain, and France. In addition to offering walking tours through these countries, we also offer walking tours through Italy, Scotland, and Japan.
Once you’ve picked the country for your Camino, then you need to decide on how you are going to travel — by foot, horseback, or by bike. It can end up being quite an overwhelming decision. Fear not, Walk The Camino is here to help. Read this helpful guide to help you figure out which is the best Camino for you!
Pilgrimage Route in Scotland: Ideal for those who prefer a cooler walking route
If you want to escape the scorching European sun for your Camino, then make your way to the temperate lands of Scotland. The ideal place to go for a long walk without overheating too much!
St Cuthbert Way to Holy Isle is our walking tour in Scotland down to the North East of England. You’ll start in Edinburgh, where you’ll have time to do a spot of sightseeing in the beautiful Scottish capital. You’ll then make your way to Melrose in the Scottish Borders to start your walking tour. The walking route takes five days to complete and you’ll walk between 19-27km each day, covering a total distance of 100km. This route follows in the footsteps of St Cuthbert and ends in Lindisfarne, the holiest place in Northern England. The tour includes seven nights of accommodation, on-trip transport, and three meals per day.
Camino de Santiago in Spain: Ideal for those who prefer to cycle
If you enjoy cycling more than walking, then opt to do Europe’s most popular pilgrimage route by mountain bike or electronic bike. On our Cycle the Camino de Santiago Tour, we’ll support you the whole way with comfortable hotels, luggage transfers, and bike support.
You can decide the distance you want to cycle, from the full 19-day 790km Camino from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago in Northwest Spain, to the shorter 7-day 213km route from Ponferrada to Santiago. Whichever route you pick, we’ll send you a Camino Cycle Pack consisting of maps, GPS, and route notes to help guide you.
Each segment of the route comes with its own surprises, challenges, and differing terrain. You can expect to cycle through quaint European villages and big crowded cities, along well-maintained roads, rocky paths, steep inclines, and flat open plains.
For something even more unique, you can even opt to do the Camino de Santiago on Horseback. That’s an experience that won’t be easily forgotten!
Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Route in Japan: Ideal for those who want to explore outside Europe
Embarking on a pilgrimage through the Japanese countryside is an excellent way to experience the country and its culture. On our Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Route, you’ll venture to Japan’s fourth-largest island: Shikoku. The island is home to the famous Shikoku 88 historic pilgrimage route, which used to span over a thousand kilometers and encompasses 88 Buddhist temples. Nowadays, a lot of the original route has been covered.
On our tour, you’ll walk along 67km of the original route and squeeze in as many of the 88 Buddhist temples as possible. You’ll get a real sense of what Japan has to offer as you navigate through its incredible landscapes, rural villages, and bustling modern cities. Along the way, you can ease your aching bones with a dip in the hot springs and by sitting down to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine.
Our Japanese pilgrimage tour takes eight days and includes seven nights of accommodation, on-trip transport, round-trip travel from Osaka or Kyoto, and two meals per day.
Full Camino Portuguese in Portugal: Ideal for the experienced pilgrims
On our Full Camino Portuguese Walking Tour, you’ll embark on a walking tour that will take you from Lisbon in Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of sightseeing opportunities at UNESCO heritage sites.
The first stage of the journey is from Lisbon to Porto. You’ll then walk from Porto to the Spanish border and from the Spanish border to Santiago de Compostela, either choosing the coastal or inland route depending on your preference.
This route is geared more towards experienced pilgrims, as you’ll transverse along isolated landscapes with little to no amenities. You’ll be walking a staggering 630km over at least 28 days and we will be on hand to support you along the way with baggage transfers and lovely pre-booked bed and breakfast accommodation.
Via Francigena in Italy: Ideal for those looking for the perfect all-rounder Camino
Italy has it all: stunning architecture, rich history, delicious food and drink, and lush scenery. On our Via Francigena Tour, you’ll get to experience all of it. You’ll venture along 100km from the magnificent Montefiascone to the ancient city of Rome. You’ll walk along the pavements of Via Cassia, parts of which date back to 2000 years ago, and navigate through the green rolling Italian hills.
This walking route takes eight days to complete. By booking our tour, you won’t have to worry about carrying all your luggage as we’ll transfer it between accommodations and you’ll always have a comfortable place to rest your head at night. This means that all you need to focus on is getting from place to place and fully immersing yourself in this incredible experience.
Whichever Camino you embark on, you are going to see a completely authentic side of the country or countries you visit. Away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, a Camino offers you an unforgettable adventure filled with moments of stillness as you are enveloped in nature. We offer a range of Caminos in six different countries: if you are interested in booking one of our tours or if you have any questions that you would like answered, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
