The Way. The Truth. The Life.

Pilgrimages Require Walking. How Can You Prepare?

One of the biggest mistakes we regularly see pilgrims make is that they underestimate the amount of walking necessary for a pilgrimage. Here is a practical guide to helping you prepare so that you can enjoy every aspect of your pilgrimage, including your step count!

Expectations

On average, are expected to be able to walk 3 – 4 miles without discomfort. (Walking Pilgrimages, such as the famous El Camino, will require further distances.) When visiting larger European cities, expect lots of walking 4 to 8 miles per day, or 10,000 to 16,000 steps daily isn’t uncommon. You have to count the steps not just to and from a location, but also within a museum, church or place of visit. Although this may seem daunting to some, you can easily build up your endurance and remember that your group will also be stopping to rest throughout the day. You will be stopping inside Churches, pausing for meals, and riding to your next destination on the tour bus. Some days will be more physically demanding than others. Your tour guide will work to ensure that the group is moving at an agreeable pace and trying their best to ensure that everyone’s needs are met.

Terrain Limitations

Many pilgrims become confused if we are unable to drive them to a certain location. It is important to remember that some of the sites we will be visiting are centuries old and were developed prior to cars / buses. European cities, with their historic cores, were designed long before cars, often for pedestrians, horses, and carriages. Therefore, some of the streets are too narrow to fit a tour bus. Our capable bus drivers will always bring you as close to your destination as possible and we will try to book hotels close to the city center, but we may be limited by local laws. Old city layouts can be maze-like, so navigation can be tricky. There is also the possibility of steep hills, narrow alleys, rocks, and uneven cobblestones depending on the areas your tour may be visiting. Hills can be steep, so cardio training in advance will help you. If you have any hesitations about walking in a certain terrain, please let your tour guide know as soon as possible so that they can assist you.

Pictured above left: Steep, hilly streets winding through the medieval town of Assisi.

Pictured above right: The rocky terrain covering Apparition Hill in Medjugorje.

Pictured above left: Narrow, cobblestone streets in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Pictured above right: Cobblestone streets in Rome, Italy.

Practical Tips

1. Wear good shoes.

• Blisters will ruin your Pilgrimage experience! Be sure to buy a quality pair of shoes prior to your departure and take time to “break them in” beforehand. Sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip are a must. Avoid flimsy sandals. Layer with durable socks to ensure that your feet are happy and comfortable throughout your journey.

2. Begin walking every day at home.

• It is very important to begin consistently walking every day leading up to your pilgrimage. If you are not used to walking at all, start small and work your way up. It can be helpful to try and pick a time and stick with it daily. We recommend that you be able to walk 3 – 4 miles comfortably prior to departure.

3. Get plenty of rest.

• When you arrive at your hotel room at night, try to go to bed at a reasonable time so that your body has time to recover. You will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next day.

4. Stay hydrated.

• It is very important, especially if you’re traveling during the warmer months, to drink plenty of water while on your Pilgrimage. 206 Tours will always have water bottles available on your tour bus. You can also pack a reusable one to refill and bring with you throughout the day, but make sure it will not be cumbersome to carry. We also encourage you to drink plenty of fluids at meals. Remember, coffee can dehydrate you, so focus on including plenty of water alongside your morning meal.

5. Wear good quality gear.

• Travel with a lightweight backpack, water bottle, hat, and weather-appropriate layers. You can expect unpredictable weather anywhere you are traveling. Please note that cobblestones can be slick when wet, so wearing good quality shoes will help prevent you from slipping.

6. Let your tour guide know if you need a day off.

• If you feel as though you are feeling run-down or just need a day to recover, it is perfectly fine to remain at the hotel. Please alert your tour guide as soon as possible so they know you will not be joining for the day. You will be able to rest and relax until later in the day when it is time for the group to transfer to your next destination. However, we do ask that you review the upcoming day’s itinerary prior to making your decision since you will miss out on what the group will be visiting that day if you choose to stay behind. Pace yourself and try to plan shorter days with breaks.

Importance of a “Pilgrim Mindset”

Remember that a Pilgrimage is different from a vacation. A vacation is focused on relaxation and personal enjoyment. A Pilgrimage however is a call to grow in faith and encounter God at holy sites around the world. Little inconveniences or experiencing discomfort due to physical challenges are all opportunities to grow in grace throughout your spiritual journey. While 206 Tours will strive to take care of your every need, we encourage all our pilgrims to “offer up” any small delays or discomforts. This will lead to a very rich Pilgrimage experience.

As always, our Tour Guides will be with you to help every step of the way, so please ask their assistance with anything you may need.

View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages