Are you interested in the Camino but afraid of the walking?

Do you like art, architecture, history, and culture?

Does learning about one woman’s Camino journey appeal to you?

Would you like tips on designing a unique Camino trip?

Then this book is for you.

Pilgrims have traveled the Camino de Santiago in Spain for over a thousand years, and a recent resurgence in walking this storied route now brings more than 300,000 travelers a year to Santiago de Compostela. The French route of the Camino is particularly rich in history, culture, art, and architecture, featuring large cities like Burgos and León that have magnificent cathedrals as well as unforgettable smaller towns and villages like Hospital de Orbigo, where a famous Spanish knight challenged all comers, and O’Cebreiro, where mists swirl around ancient peasant huts.

After thinking about making a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela for more than 40 years, Julie Gianelloni Connor set out on the French route. She followed her 49 days on the Camino with visits to Madrid and Toledo. Back home, she continued reflecting on her Camino experience and decided to share her journey and suggestions with others who are considering undertaking the pilgrimage. Julie’s philosophy differs from that of most other authors since she believes in emphasizing the joy of this adventure by taking the time to savor its delights, rather than just walking as quickly as possible along the route.

Julie Gianelloni Connor planned to be a writer, but landed a job as a foreign service officer, serving first with the U.S. Information Agency and then with the U.S. Department of State. She crisscrossed the globe for 33 years, representing the U.S. government overseas during nine foreign assignments. Following her retirement, Julie finally fulfilled a desire she had cherished since her early twenties—to experience the Camino de Santiago.

Complementing Julie’s book is her Camino for Boomers blog. Open to all visitors, the blog is the online version of the day-by-day journal chapter of the book and features color versions of the images in the book and many additional images not included in the book.