Pilgrims have traditionally walked these paths for religious reasons, but today pilgrimages are also an option for those seeking peace, reflection and a deeper connection to nature and culture. Two of the most iconic pilgrimage routes in Europe are the Camino and the Via Francigena. At Bering Travel, we offer tailor-made experiences for both routes, taking care of the logistics with luggage transport and detailed guides through our app, so you can fully focus on the journey's experiences and inner journey.
The Camino - The Spanish Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago, often simply called the Camino, is perhaps the most famous of all pilgrimages in Europe. This route, also known as the Way of St James, has existed since the Middle Ages and leads pilgrims from many different parts of Europe to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where the Apostle James is traditionally buried.
There are many different routes that lead to Santiago, but the most popular include:
- Camino Francés (French Camino): This route begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and stretches for approximately 800 kilometres through northern Spain. The Camino Francés is known for its iconic hiking trails, beautiful landscapes and, most importantly, the community of pilgrims. The route passes through historic cities such as Pamplona, Burgos and León and takes in varied landscapes, from lush forests to vast fields.
- Camino Portugués (Portuguese Camino): This route often starts in Porto, Portugal, and travels either along the coast or inland to Santiago. It offers a beautiful mix of coastal landscapes and charming towns.
- Camino del Norte (Northern Route): This route follows the north coast of Spain and offers dramatic views of the Bay of Biscay and a less travelled trail than the Camino Francés.
The Camino is a journey into the rich culture and history of Spain, passing through small villages, churches and cathedrals as a pilgrim. The route is also known for its special atmosphere of community and spirituality. At Bering Travel, we offer comprehensive support for those who want to experience the Camino, including luggage transport and detailed route guidance in our app. This allows you to focus on the journey itself and the experiences that await.
Via Francigena - From Canterbury to Rome
The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from Canterbury in England, through France, Switzerland and Italy, ending at St Peter's Basilica in Rome. This route has existed since the 9th century and was originally an important link between England and the Vatican. Today, the Via Francigena is recognised as one of the most important pilgrimage routes in Europe and offers a unique combination of landscapes, history and culture.
The Via Francigena can be divided into four main sections:
- England: The route begins in Canterbury and goes to Dover, crossing the English Channel to France.
- France: From Calais, the route passes through the French countryside with picturesque villages and fields before reaching the French border with Switzerland.
- Switzerland: In Switzerland, the route offers mountainous trails, including the iconic crossing of the Alps through the St Bernard Pass.
- Italy: The Italian section of the route passes through beautiful regions such as Aosta, Piedmont, Tuscany and Lazio before reaching Rome.
The Italian section of the Via Francigena is particularly popular and offers an unrivalled journey through the rolling hills and medieval villages of Tuscany, past ancient Roman roads and into the heart of Vatican City. The path through Switzerland and the Alps is one of the most demanding but also most rewarding parts of the route with its spectacular mountain scenery.
Bering Travel offers a range of packages for the Via Francigena, where we take care of all the practicalities. With our app you can easily navigate through the changing landscapes and cultural heritage sites, and we take care of luggage transport and selected accommodation close to the route. Our support allows you to experience the route at your own pace while we take care of the logistics.
The Pilgrimage experience
Pilgrimages such as the Camino and Via Francigena offer a special depth to the travelling experience. It is not only a physical journey, but also a mental and spiritual journey where you have the opportunity to reflect and immerse yourself. Many pilgrims experience a sense of community and solidarity with other travellers, and the slow pace of travel allows time to appreciate the small details, such as the villages, the local cuisine and the encounters with other people along the way.
Benefits of a Pilgrimage with Bering Travel
At Bering Travel, we offer customised pilgrimages where we take care of all the practicalities so you can focus on your experience. We organise the transport of your luggage so you only need to carry the essentials, and our detailed route guides in our app make it easy to find your way. We also carefully select accommodation so you can rest comfortably wherever you are on the route.
Whether you want to experience the Camino to Santiago de Compostela or the classic Via Francigena to Rome, we're here to ensure you have a memorable and carefree pilgrimage through some of Europe's most beautiful landscapes and significant cultural sites.