The Camino Way

[wwyd2021medicine]

I'd like to do the last 100k or so of the Camino way.
There are so many companies though so looking for experiences or recommendations please.

I know I'm going to pay a premium for this but I would like:
Transfer to start of path or first hotel from the airport
Luggage transfer between hotels/accommodation
Breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch (I'm thinking that there may well not be a shop convenient to buy lunch on a daily basis)
I don't particularly want a guide - just a decent detailed map/ instructions
I'm not bothered about fancy hotels but I do want somewhere I can get food reliably

Anything else I have not though of, I'm happy to be told of

Following!!

I'd like to do this too. Then do a cruise on the Duoro river! There are various companies that do it so I'm just starting to look at it. I'm quite fit but it would be easier if I were to get some weight off!

it’s all well sign posted and there is plenty of places to stop off, luggage transfers are easy to sort at the hotel, you can buy guide books that cover the section as well

Have you done it? Any provider recommendations? Hotels?

I have but I did the whole thing so I just booked the day before where I fancied stopping, and got the hotel to sort out my bag to transfer on.

and every hotel said…. Sure we will transfer it on for you and guaranteed by end of the day?

Take a look at K E Adventure Travel, OP. My partner and his walking friends did the Camino Portuguese with them earlier this summer. (I was invited but it would have been too long and intense for me.) They seem to provide most of what you are looking for, with the luggage transfer, decent hotels, etc. All self guided. It was on a bed and breakfast basis but they found plenty of places for evening meals.
They have used this company for many other walking holidays too, and have always been happy with them.

Following! This is on my ‘before 40’ list!!

I’ve just finished Portuguese Camino from Porto to SdC. 12 days but you can do the last 100+ from Tui in Spain. It was fantastic and I feel really fit now😊 We had luggage transfers which worked perfectly. I had no intention to carry a full rucksack.
Breakfast was always included and we had to find local restaurants for the evening. The best thing is the friendly atmosphere and lots of cafes during the walk so no need to bother taking food. Do it!

Just something to consider: I have done 8 days hiking (Eifelsteig) with minimal luggage walking from accommodation to accommodation- no transfers. Earlier this year.

That's 30l backpack with 1x leggings, 3 T shirts underwater, joggers fleece raincoat & a few personal items.

My point being, depending on season, you really don't need lots of stuff. Part of hiking for me is removing all the clutter of modern life and simplifying everything.

But if I am going to enjoy it rather than endure it… I want to bring my kindle, my nice toiletries, my phone and chargers and meds and clothing and spare shoes…, and I don’t fancy prospect of lugging that

I recommend thinking of this too as an option. I do long distance bike packing trips of 7-10 days with just a saddle pack of clothing. It’s incredibly liberating realising you need so little!

We did part of the Camino ourselves with the Correos service (Spain) doing our luggage transfer. It worked brilliantly for €5 a day per bag.
I also have friends who used Mac’s Adventures and said they were excellent.

How many days do you think best? I’m very fit,’in my mid forties. I was thinking 4 nights? Will that give a good flavour? If so where do you suggest start to be?

If you want to get a certificate at the end, you need to have walked at least 100km @Fruitlips . I walked 128km in 6 days, so maybe you could do 100km with 4 nights.

Op, do you know which route you want to do? I did the Portuguese one.

Oh not bothered about that in the slightest!

Definitely the Spanish one, as I speak the language pretty decently

I’m about to do this next week with my mum through Saga. Minimum age is 45! I am hoping this means the pace will be gentle!

Everything included and pre-organised, including pick up and return from our front door. Can’t wait!

Would you mind giving an idea of cost? How long is the trip?

https://holiday.saga.co.uk/holidays/europe/spain/walking-the-santiago-trail?from=Any&pas=2&dur=Any&departurePoints=London+Gatwick+Airport

(edited to add link - £1300 for 7 days)

I would take seven days and do the sarria to Santiago route, get the bus out to Finnistere if you have time or chill in Santiago and enjoy the food
there are lots of people having luggage transferred, it’s straightforward and no body I know had a problem
The reason I did it was because I wanted to enjoy the walk, I started off carrying my backpack but enjoyed it the walk a lot more when I wasn’t carrying as much stuff
people do say about the point of hiking the camino is to feel free of posssions but it’s also meant to be enjoyable so do whatever suits you. I wouldn’t rush it but enjoy the experience
plus if you walk the last 100 kilometres you can still get the certificate
lots of Facebook groups about it as well

I took my creature comforts (kindle, swimming costume & phone ect.)
I just avoid taking excessive amounts of clothes.

I love walking feeling free and I know that it won’t suit me to carry a rucksack of all my bits

They all end in Spain, so although I did the last 128km of the Portuguese route, I wasn't actually in Portugal at any point. I started in Baiona in Spain.

Depends how long you want to walk and what route appeals. I wouldn’t do less 6-7 days to let the walk get under your skin. I carried walking sandals in case I developed blisters etc. you have to look after your feet.