Guided pilgrim treks
Concierge custom self-guided treks
Our travel concierge service helps you avoid the hassle and anxiety of arranging your accommodations and ground travel so you can relax and enjoy your journey. We begin by asking you your specific interests—like how far you prefer to walk in a day, whether you want to carry your own bags, what kind of lodging you prefer—and we present you with a customized, draft itinerary. You review it, comment, and we continue to refine it until it's just right.
Why Pilgrim Paths?
When our founder, prolific guidebook author Sandy Brown, first walked the Camino de Santiago in 2008, he immediately realized there was something life-changing about this way of travel. In 2016, he formed Pilgrim Paths to share this discovery with others.
20,000 Miles of Personal Experience
We don't just talk the talk - we've walked the walk! Every itinerary we put together is thoughtfully crafted from our 20,000+ miles of personal experience on Europe's great trails.
24/7 Support
Our staff members in Europe and the US are available to consult day or night. In case something unexpected happens we're just a call or text message away.
Happy Customers
Read our reviews and you'll understand why people come back to us year after year for help planning their upcoming adventure.
Selected Lodgings
We take what we've learned from writing trekking guidebooks so we will choose the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels for overnights that are safe and comfortable.
Camino Made Easy
We organise to your specifications, planning your options like luggage transfer, prepaid meals, ground travel arrangements, and much more.
Family-Oriented and Friendly
We're a family, and every one of our customers becomes part of our extended family. Nothing gives us more pleasure than knowing you are having a fabulous experience.
News and Updates
About Pilgrim Paths
As a college student, Sandy Brown developed a deep interest in European languages and history. He brought the stories and lessons he learned to his years as a United Methodist pastor in Washington State, but there was always a gnawing interest – to explore the world. He began small, leading church groups to the Holy Land, then Egypt, then Turkey and then Italy.
After walking the Camino de Santiago in 2008, Sandy was hooked on long-distance walking as a way to satisfy his appetite for adventure. Not content to enjoy trekking on his own, he shared his love of pilgrim walks by writing guidebooks, beginning with a now-classic volume on the Via di Francesco. After leading a group walking tour for another company, in 2016 he established Pilgrim Paths so he could share what he had learned. In 2022 he welcomed his sister, Rocky Nieblas-Brown, as a partner. Now Pilgrim Paths has helped hundreds of people make unforgettable adventures happen on the great pilgrim paths of Europe.
Our team
Our people are our biggest asset. To every project we bring tens of thousands of kilometers on Europe's great pilgrim trails.
Sandy Brown
Founder and partner
Rocky Brown-Nieblas
Concierge Service
Giovanni Ramaccioni
Expert hiking guide
Mark Goodman
Tour Host
Beebe Bahrami
Tour Host
Joyce DeToni-Hill
Tour Host
Gillian Price
Tour Host
Laura Harris
Tour Host
Patrick Mowrer
Tour Host
Luke Brown
Social Media Manager and Tour Host
Denise Simoneau
BookingsWhat our clients say
Wow! Pretty much sums up the most amazing experience I had with pilgrim path
-Lyn P.. N.Queensland, Australia
The trip was very well orchestrated by Rocky. When we ran into a problem or wanted to make a change she was always available to handle our requests and make it happen. I became ill the day before I flew home. Her help in making additional accommodations was outstanding, due to the short notice as well as it being critical for my care.
Nancy W., Sedro Woolley, Washington
Above expectations in every way, particularly accommodations & meals. I also greatly appreciated being able to ask Sandy questions via messanger (with a speedy response) and our two zoom sessions where we were able to meet a few members of our group before Assisi. Every day there were MANY logistics to work out which I was very aware of, and they were handled ALWAYS with a positive attitude and a smile. We were WELL taken care of to insure a fun, safe, successful, and life long memory in the footsteps of St Francis. Thank you to TEAM Sandy!
Kathy B., Rye, New Hampshire
Pilgrim Paths applied their knowledge and expertise to make sure my Camino would be the unforgettable experience I hoped it would be! I was very pleased with all the accommodations they scheduled for me, along the Camino, and I knew that they were backing me up if I ever encountered a problem.
Ken N., Vero Beach, Florida
A beautifully curated trek, enhanced by our guide, Mauro, a true renaissance man with his knowledge of St. Francis, Italian food, wine, plants, culture and the region’s history and quirks. The accommodations and meals were reflective of the regions, and to have included wine with several was a thoughtful bonus. Picnic lunches were a treat – both those provided by our guides and the ones we packed. Van support very accommodating, so too, having advance knowledge of room assignments and luggage waiting for our arrival. Technology – via the advance private Facebook group and WhatsApp, in addition to those who wanted to use the GPS routing, too, were effective ways to stay connected.
Katharine W., Edmonton, Alberta
I am beyond grateful to have been on this trip from Assisi to Rome. The leadership was masterful, the attention to the individual and group needs was unparalleled, and the spirit of heart was life-expanding. St Francis is a teacher for all humanity, for all ages; the essence of his teachings live today and whisper their wisdom and gentility along this path. The breathtaking beauty of the Italian countryside, the warmth of the locals, and of course the food serve as joyful nourishment. The labor of love that Sandy Brown has shared with us is a priceless gift that I, for one, will treasure until I leave this beautiful world.
Lauren W., Sarasota, Florida
This is our second experience with Pilgrim Paths. Rocky did a superb job of scheduling and managing every detail. This was our 6th pilgrimage and Pilgrim Paths is the best in the industry. There is 24/7 immediate availability to respond to any issues.
Rick and Frankie W., Spokane, Washington
As a secular franciscan, I found this program to be wonderful in walking along the footsteps of francis. Able to see many things i’ve not in the past which enhanced my Camino even more so. Our guides were love with Italy and her culture which was contagious to myself as a pilgrim. All the accommodations were at a good level, some better than others. Food was unique and gave a new taste to italy. High class all the way.
Patrick M., Flagstaff, Arizona
The experience was seamless from start to finish. Pilgrim Paths and Guides went over and above to deliver personalized service such as ensuring desired locations and events were added, full van support, local connections, and knowledge of the Via di Francesco. The accommodations and were dinners were wonderful. It was so nice to go out to local restaurants. All the pilgrims were fully catered to regardless of the level of fitness or speed. It was outstanding.
Bridget D., Flagstaff, Arizona
C. and I have taken several long distance hikes over the last 10 years. Our experience on the via Francesco hike with the help of Pilgrim Paths has been wonderful. The benefit of having our reservations already in place combined with the kindness and consideration of the hosts made this trip special.
Carol R., Rochester, Minnesota
Find your way with Pilgrim Paths Navigo App
You need never worry about being lost, since all Pilgrim Paths clients receive a coupon code for free access to our navigational smartphone app. Just download the app, open it to your route, and you’ll activate the GPS function of your smartphone, see a map of your route, and follow it to find your destination.
