My sister and I intend to do part of the Camino in Sept. (somewhere between 8 to 12 days, walking 10 to 15 miles per day) but are getting a bit overwhelmed as to which part of which route. We are especially interested in "Invierno" but are wondering just how strenuous that would be. Also possibly the Northern route. We are afraid the French way may be too busy and noisy for us.
We are in our 50s and in good shape, but we are Americans so what we consider "good shape" may not be up to a European definition. We will definitely hire a company to transport our luggage and set up hotels or B and Bs. I realize that will annoy those of you who are purists but that's the way we want to do it. We definitely are doing SELF guided, though. We have found companies that look perfectly promising but are getting confused as to which route.
Anyway here's what we want:
--not walking on much pavement and not commercial! (We are afraid the French way may be too much of both, though have gotten mixed reports)
--beautiful and varied landscapes. Would prefer also to have some lovely architecture (the older, the better)
--moderately challenging. Not too much hills or mountains.
--we don't care whether or not we get to Santiago and also if we hit any of the major religious sites.
--would strongly prefer a less-traveled route (unless if that becomes a moot point in Sept, though I doubt it ...). We'll be happy to interact with other pilgrims but are doing this mostly to be together and rejuvenate our spirits. (And because we lived in Spain as children, though unfortunately we have lost the language.)
I'd be really grateful for your suggestions as to what route to take or avoid. I am less concerned about finding a good company for the luggage and hotel-booking, although would certainly welcome reports on that front, too.
Gracias!
We are in our 50s and in good shape, but we are Americans so what we consider "good shape" may not be up to a European definition. We will definitely hire a company to transport our luggage and set up hotels or B and Bs. I realize that will annoy those of you who are purists but that's the way we want to do it. We definitely are doing SELF guided, though. We have found companies that look perfectly promising but are getting confused as to which route.
Anyway here's what we want:
--not walking on much pavement and not commercial! (We are afraid the French way may be too much of both, though have gotten mixed reports)
--beautiful and varied landscapes. Would prefer also to have some lovely architecture (the older, the better)
--moderately challenging. Not too much hills or mountains.
--we don't care whether or not we get to Santiago and also if we hit any of the major religious sites.
--would strongly prefer a less-traveled route (unless if that becomes a moot point in Sept, though I doubt it ...). We'll be happy to interact with other pilgrims but are doing this mostly to be together and rejuvenate our spirits. (And because we lived in Spain as children, though unfortunately we have lost the language.)
I'd be really grateful for your suggestions as to what route to take or avoid. I am less concerned about finding a good company for the luggage and hotel-booking, although would certainly welcome reports on that front, too.
Gracias!
