Non-Camino walk with short, easy stages?

[trecile]

I've already posted in the Fisherman's Trail forum, but I think that all the beach/sand walking might be a no-go for my husband.

My husband will accompany me to Europe next year for a vacation before I start my Camino (probably the Portuguese from Lisbon). We haven't made any plans yet, but think that we want to go to Italy. It's really a long shot, but I'd like to convince him to do a short supported walk - about 5 days, with stages around 10 miles/16 km or less.

Some background - my husband is in decent shape, and we generally like to travel to places where we can walk instead of taking taxis. But, he has no interest in walking a Camino - at least not in the manner that I like to walk, which is carrying my pack and averaging 20 - 25 km per day, which sounds like drudgery to him. However, I thought that I might be able to entice him to do a short inn to inn style walking tour

What are some easy, but scenic walks where we could have luggage transport and stay in inns or hotels?

 

[CTLawGal]

I did some lovely walks in western Sicily - Zingaro, Monte Cofino, Erice to Trapani and around the island of Levanzo off the coast of Trapani. I flew into Palermo and discovered the amazing Palazzo de Butera. I booked it through an Italy based company that specialized in walking tours (car transfers, hotels, gps maps, no guide). I likely could track down the gps maps if you’re interested. I can also provide name and contact of company. There really wasn’t enough that could be done without a car and I didn’t want to drive. They also had options for eastern Sicily (they offer other Italian locations - I also did a lake region tour with them - might be too much elevation gain for the spouse, Sicily was very manageable). I walked in October. Weather was incredible. So was having the sea at my shoulder. Their website might be useful just for ideas on where walks are possible.

 

[Vacajoe]

my wife and I have walked 10 or so routes and generally enjoy hiking/walking daily. But my god, the Fisherman’s Trail?!!?!? That was by far the hardest route of all. I understand that it seems so simple - costal, relatively flat, nice villages - but it was definitely challenging and NOT for a beginner!!!

 

[Robo]

Given the need for daily luggage transfers, would an option be a not too busy Camino route, that has baggage services (I know they kind of play against each other there). And pre book accomodation in some nice Casa Rurals and the like. With the right route it need not feel too Camino like.

But there again, when I look at Correos. They are all fairly busy routes.

As of Easter 2024, the Paq Mochila is available until October 31 at on the Frech Way from Roncesvalles, on the Portuguese Way from Tui, on the Coastal Portuguese Way from A Guarda, on the Variante Espiritual of Portuguese Way; on the Primitive Way from Oviedo, on the Northern Way from Irún, on the English Way from Ferrol, on the Sanabria Way from Ourense and on the Way to Fisterra and Muxía. Paq Mochila is also available on the French Way from Somport and on the Winter Way on request at paqmochila@correos.com.

So maybe that idea was a non starter, sorry. It's hard not to think about taking advantage of the Camino infrastructure.

What about an 'organised' walking tour in Italy?

There seem to be loads! Nice accomodation too. (I won't let Pat see these links!)

Walk About Italy

Guided Walking Tours in Italy: Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Umbria-Assisi-Le Marche region. Local guides, great food and wine, family owned farm visits.

www.walkaboutitaly.com

Early Bird Sale: Save On Europe Walking Tours 2025 | UTracks

Save money on your next walking holiday in Europe with the 2025 UTracks Early Bird Sale. Explore Europe's hiking trails on a discounted walking tour.

www.utracks.com

Hidden Italy - Italy Walking Tour Specialists | Guided Tours and Self-Guided Walks

https://www.sloways.eu/destinations/europe/holidays-in-italy

Italy Walking & Hiking Tours

Explore the best walking & hiking tours to Italy. Choose from 36 unique tour itineraries with 11 past traveller reviews from 4 leading tour operators. September is the most popular month to join a walking & hiking tour to Italy with 828 departures starting between October 2024 and November 2026.

www.globaljourneys.com

Search - Explore

Search the Explore site and find your next adventure holiday today.

www.exploreworldwide.com.au

Of course you could save loads of money and plan it all yourself!!
Heard that somewhere before

This might be a case though where a 'package' makes a lot of sense.

 

[Robo]

but I'd like to convince him to do a short supported walk - about 5 days, with stages around 10 miles/16 km or less.

What does your husband like to do? I'd be tailoring the walk to match stuff he likes. Walks near the sea, old cities, natural beauty, historic sites....... build a walk around that, so it's not about the walk at all really.

For example. Pat my dearly beloved is not exactly "champing at the bit" to walk 400 kms next year. Though she does kind of want to get the exercise and some motivation to get fitter.

The greater motivation is the snippets I'm finding about places to eat along the way.
It looks like some really great 'memorable' meals will help
We've even found a couple of Michelin places with great menus and reviews........

It's all about the right motivational 'bait'

 

[Sirage]

Sorry not to be helpful, but the Cinque Terra 20 years ago.

But it depends on your budget I guess which for 2 of you might be 5 or 6 times your long-conditioned Camino life, and as Robo said some sort of seductive bait.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

If I were going to Italy and had never been before, I suggest a two week bus tour that included all the famous tourist stops that encompasses a huge swath of the country in all its beauty. Definitely not a camino, but there is plenty of daily walking to be done. It has been one of my favorite vacations and very little planning to be done.
Btw, your hubby sounds similar to mine regarding "Caminos".

 

[Roland49]

If you want to experience Italy, walk the part of the VF from Lucca to Siena.
Amazing tuscan landscape, friendly people, great food and wine.
Maybe shorten it to your needs. Public transport is available.

Or you stay in Montalcino and do day walks to Pienza, to the Val d'Orcia, Petriolo, Monte Amiata, etc.
So much to see!

Have fun!

 

[BarbaraW]

There are a number of UK based companies which offer guided and self guided walking tours in Italy. The ones I've used (though mostly not in Italy) are Exodus, Explore, Ramblers Worldwide and HF holidays. I think these are less expensive than the US based tour companies that I've seen. Routes include the Cinque Terra and the "Path of the Gods" on the coast south of Naples. Also plenty in Tuscany, though I think these tend to be circular day walks rather than point to point. I'm currently touring Italy independently and averaging under 100 euros per day for food and lodging. Plenty of walking in the normal course of touring here!

 

[Anhalter]

I would imagine that finding a short staged and supported tour thats no camino will be a bit of a challenge. I think there might be such services for certain tours in the alps, but from the sound of yoyur post it seems that might not be the thing. Then there might be organized walking trips, as others mentioned. That might be something.
One more option, maybe not perfect as well, is booking some accomodation for a certain period and go hiking from there. But that obviously has not the same feeling as walking toward some destination and getting closer every day.
If the latter sounds like an option, i had a very good time in the town of Castellina in Chianti, which is located on the trail of "Via Romea del Chianti", an old way that connects Florence with Siena and leads on the VF there. Also has the full force Tuscany wibe and excellent food and wine.

 

[Kathar1na]

@trecile, I agree with @BarbaraW and @Robo: Look for self-guided holiday offers.

There is a large choice for all of Europe. Have a look at what Explore and Exodus offer; Terdav is also a good recommendation with a broad offer but you'd have to be comfortable with French to explore their catalogue. There are many other reliable companies of course.

While you can organise such trips yourself, I think it might be the luggage transport where you'd often might lack the know-how to have it organised efficiently and not too costly.

https://www.exodus.co.uk/
https://www.exploreworldwide.eu/
https://www.terdav.com

 

[TravellingMan22]

If I were going to Italy and had never been before, I suggest a two week bus tour that included all the famous tourist stops that encompasses a huge swath of the country in all its beauty. Definitely not a camino, but there is plenty of daily walking to be done. It has been one of my favorite vacations and very little planning to be done.
Btw, your hubby sounds similar to mine regarding "Caminos".

I know it’s not what you asked for, but I agree with this. Not sure if you have seen much of Italy but I would offer the thought of visiting a number of great cities they have and walk 20km a day round them. At least 20 fantastic cities to choose from. Trenitalia are great, good fares often available close to departure, and the ‘long and thin’ nature of the country means you can work your way ‘north or south’ or vice versa - not like Spain where so much hubs through Madrid.

Maybe theme it , say Bologna for food. Go to Verona and you can act out Romeo and Juliet!!

 

[jungleboy]

It seems we are having trouble with this request. I also can't think of a good option within your parameters, so I'll just do what everyone else is doing and suggest something that isn't what you asked for!

Have you thought about the Azores? Location could be a bonus as it's 'on your way' to Portugal and not as far for your husband to fly. It wouldn't be a continuous multi-day walk but Wendy and I visited four islands there last year and included a lot of day hikes. If it appeals, PM me and I'll tell you what we did.

Edit: Edited to add that I believe there are direct flights to the Azores from Boston and possibly elsewhere on the US east coast (obviously not exactly where you live, but the point is that you wouldn't have to fly to, say, Lisbon and then back again to the Azores, which would defeat the purpose somewhat.)

 

[TravellingMan22]

It seems we are having trouble with this request. I also can't think of a good option within your parameters, so I'll just do what everyone else is doing and suggest something that isn't what you asked for!

Have you thought about the Azores? Location could be a bonus as it's 'on your way' to Portugal and not as far for your husband to fly. It wouldn't be a continuous multi-day walk but Wendy and I visited four islands there last year and included a lot of day hikes. If it appeals, PM me and I'll tell you what we did.

Yes good shout. I did some walking there and loved it. Think there is also a deal around if you book an Azores Airline flight into the island, you can a get a free ‘add on’ to another island, and then take relatively short ferries around. Madeira pretty good too from memory!

 

[J Willhaus]

If you want to experience Italy, walk the part of the VF from Lucca to Siena.
Amazing tuscan landscape, friendly people, great food and wine.
Maybe shorten it to your needs. Public transport is available.

Or you stay in Montalcino and do day walks to Pienza, to the Val d'Orcia, Petriolo, Monte Amiata, etc.
So much to see!

Have fun!

Yep, we are walking Lucca to Siena in February. Phil will carry his own pack, but in the warmer months there is pack transfer. Also doing a Cinque Terre stay a few days before our Via Francigina stretch. Winter is a quieter time and less expensive.

There's hiking in the alps, too.

 

[Roland49]

Yep, we are walking Lucca to Siena in February. Phil will carry his own pack, but in the warmer months there is pack transfer. Also doing a Cinque Terre stay a few days before our Via Francigina stretch. Winter is a quieter time and less expensive.

Cinque Terre are amazing! Took the train from La Spezia and walked from Riomaggiore to Moneglia. Hopped there on the train again back to La Spezia.

Best round-trek this summer vacation: the Sentier'Elsa trail (11k) in Colle di Val d'Elsa down to "Le Caldane", an antique etruscan Spa and back to the start.

 

[BarbaraW]

Just remembered, there's good walking too in the Algarve. Some is based in the pretty town of Tavira, while Macs Adventure offers a self guided route, with luggage transfers, along another part of the coast.
Have fun exploring your many options.

 

[Yaari]

How about starting at Porto and walking the Portuguese Central for 5 days? Use Portugal Green Walks to take your bags and organize your charming guest houses. That way, your husband can experience a little bit of your "Camino" but in comfort. If you end in Ponte de Lima, he can bus or train back to Porto and you can carry on by yourself to Santiago. Or you could start in Coimbra which is a fantastic small city to explore as a starting point.

 

[Madamjoy]

I've already posted in the Fisherman's Trail forum, but I think that all the beach/sand walking might be a no-go for my husband.

My husband will accompany me to Europe next year for a vacation before I start my Camino (probably the Portuguese from Lisbon). We haven't made any plans yet, but think that we want to go to Italy. It's really a long shot, but I'd like to convince him to do a short supported walk - about 5 days, with stages around 10 miles/16 km or less.

Some background - my husband is in decent shape, and we generally like to travel to places where we can walk instead of taking taxis. But, he has no interest in walking a Camino - at least not in the manner that I like to walk, which is carrying my pack and averaging 20 - 25 km per day, which sounds like drudgery to him. However, I thought that I might be able to entice him to do a short inn to inn style walking tour

What are some easy, but scenic walks where we could have luggage transport and stay in inns or hotels?

I agree with other poster.. if Italy is your preference, you should l do part of the Via Francigena.. less walkers, great food and there’s options to stay in more upscale places. there is luggage delivery service in Tuscany. There is a VF Facebook page with plenty of info.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Not Italy I know, but just wondered if there may be some good longer walks alongside the Danube? I’ve no idea. Was going to walk Vienna to Bratislava once just because they are so close but gather not very scenic but there must be some good stretches?

 

[Annette london]

As Travelling man just mentioned the Danube, a few years ago, we walked from Bonn to Wiesbaden along a good section of the Rhein

The way is called the Rheinsteig

The path went from beside the river and also
above the river and the views were wonderful
There were benches all along to rest
Beautiful villages along the way with many choices of accommodation
The best thing of all though were the people…..some of the nicest people we’ve met on any walk

As Rolan also mentioned the Cinque Terre, another beautiful place with the little villages connected by paths and the little train and with amazing views from the coastal road
Now you have so many options
Please let us know what you decide

 

[Jezzerisin]

I've already posted in the Fisherman's Trail forum, but I think that all the beach/sand walking might be a no-go for my husband.

My husband will accompany me to Europe next year for a vacation before I start my Camino (probably the Portuguese from Lisbon). We haven't made any plans yet, but think that we want to go to Italy. It's really a long shot, but I'd like to convince him to do a short supported walk - about 5 days, with stages around 10 miles/16 km or less.

Some background - my husband is in decent shape, and we generally like to travel to places where we can walk instead of taking taxis. But, he has no interest in walking a Camino - at least not in the manner that I like to walk, which is carrying my pack and averaging 20 - 25 km per day, which sounds like drudgery to him. However, I thought that I might be able to entice him to do a short inn to inn style walking tour

What are some easy, but scenic walks where we could have luggage transport and stay in inns or hotels?

It's not in Europe, but Saint Cuthbert's Way across the Scottish Borders..
It's four/five days of beautiful countryside, ending at the wonderful Holy Island!
I thoroughly recommend it!

 

[Liam55]

My suggestion is the Camino !!! I know I hated the idea when my wife was encouraging me to go but when I got a taste of it I was forever converted!! Luggage transfers mean no carrying heavy bags for him. Ye can stay in private rooms; he is not forced to a busy albergue. On other hand its trhe albergues that add the unique magic and allows meeting people. And ye could walk together!!

 

[sinein]

Another suggestion is to do your camino first. Last week I did part of the Norte and took buses down to northern Portugal to meet my husband there for a walking holiday. One suggested provider is Inntravel offer walking, cycling and leisure holidays transporting luggage etc on their self guided walking holidays (https://www.inntravel.co.uk/destinations/portugal)

 

[peregrino_tom]

Interesting challenge!
Scotland is a bit of a wild card, but as Jezzerisin says above, the St Cuthberts way is a delight - not sure about the bag transfer though - and you need to plan for the tides over to Holy Island.
Some frineds recently did the West Highland Way with packs being transported for them each day and staying in traditional B&Bs. It sounded and looked fantastic, but best for earlier in the season to reduce the impact of the midges.
Earlier this year my sis rented a cottage in Normandy and did a series of walks along the Normandy beaches of the D-Day landings and followed some routes into the hinterland to Caen. So if husband has an interest in WW2 or family connections that were involved, that could be an epic and moving walk - and Bayeaux is in the area too.

 

[Rossandjeannie]

Also in Scotland is the John Muir way. From coast to coast it is very bonny

 

[Kathar1na]

We haven't made any plans yet, but think that we want to go to Italy. It's really a long shot, but I'd like to convince him to do a short supported walk - about 5 days, with stages around 10 miles/16 km or less.

Since you won't be walking more than 50-80 km in total and might go to Italy, a themed tour might be a good idea. And as to the weather, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the South of France are always your best bet.

Out of curiosity, I entered Toscana short walks luggage transport into Google search, and this came up:

https://tuscany.tours/tour/walking-tour-val-orcia/ - Walking tour of Tuscany / Val d’ Orcia - From Montalcino to Montepulciano - 5 days / 4 nights - 40 Km in the Classic Tuscan countryside

This is just an example. I have no idea of the company and the area. I'd pick an area and then look for tours. Googling and websites of the relevant tourist offices may be useful.

I also saw offers for easy walking tours with luggage transport and less than a week in the larger areas around Bordeaux with their many vineyards. Years ago, I walked on the Road from Tours and walked through some famous vineyards on the way to Bordeaux (I crossed the wide Gironde river on a ferry from Blaye). FWIW. Easy walking and pleasant.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Interesting challenge!
Scotland is a bit of a wild card, but as Jezzerisin says above, the St Cuthberts way is a delight - not sure about the bag transfer though - and you need to plan for the tides over to Holy Island.
Some frineds recently did the West Highland Way with packs being transported for them each day and staying in traditional B&Bs. It sounded and looked fantastic, but best for earlier in the season to reduce the impact of the midges.
Earlier this year my sis rented a cottage in Normandy and did a series of walks along the Normandy beaches of the D-Day landings and followed some routes into the hinterland to Caen. So if husband has an interest in WW2 or family connections that were involved, that could be an epic and moving walk - and Bayeaux is in the area too.

I have done much of the north coast of France, including Bayeaux by car. It was a lovely town which has (I think) the longest tapestry in France. Then on to Mont St. Michel next heading west.
Renting a car could be a good option too, to explore.

 

[CWBuff]

If I were going to Italy and had never been before, I suggest a two week bus tour that included all the famous tourist stops that encompasses a huge swath of the country in all its beauty. Definitely not a camino, but there is plenty of daily walking to be done. It has been one of my favorite vacations and very little planning to be done.
Btw, your hubby sounds similar to mine regarding "Caminos".

Im sorry but I disagree. Perhaps because I simply LOATHE bus tours ("If is Wednesday it must be Belgium")
Multi-countries, multi-cities - matter not.... you practically live out of suitcase with no chance to unpack.... yeah yeah very reminiscent of Camino living in albergues out of backpack.. but its NOT "Camino"!!! Plus, now you're tied to other folks on the bus... 1/2 hour to unload, someone decided to be late for departure time (they just HAD to haggle for 40-mins for a $.50 price difference for that trinket they just cannot live without....)
Terri - I'm sorry I cannot give you the actual answer I have not been to Portugal so know very little of it. If Italy is on your horizon then look for something suitable tere; someone mentioned Sicily, Cinque Terre or Tuscany - I'd zero in on those and choose one

Good luck (and I hope someone does not suggest Siberia )

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Im sorry but I disagree. Perhaps because I simply LOATHE bus tours

I enjoyed mine immensely! If I had not been willing to do a bus tour of Italy with my husband, I never would have had opportunity to see all that we did. He was not keen on renting a car, nor hopping on and off trains all through the country. There is a place for bus tours, as there are for cruises and I have been on many. In fact, @CWBuff, if you recall, you and I were in Barcelona at the same time in October 2019, each heading out on different cruises with family.