A Walking Holiday is Better with a Friend

What has walking to do with friendship?

A lot, actually—because nothing strengthens a friendship, whether old or new, like walking side by side for days, facing small and big challenges together, celebrating milestones, and laughing about misadventures.

In this post, we've gathered stories from people who found new friends on their walks, nurtured bonds, shared steps, and rediscovered themselves and each other. We did this because knowing how much a walking trip can benefit friendships makes us even prouder of our work, and also to inspire you: why not gift a walking trip to a friend, or start planning a great adventure together for next year?

It will be something you’ll remember for a lifetime, guaranteed.

Adria & Tullia, sulla Via di Francesco 

Adria walked the Camino di Francesco with her friend Tullia during a particularly challenging time in her life. She accepted the invitation from our always-enthusiastic Tullia and set off on this adventure through the serene landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany. This small yet significant journey provided her with time—for herself and to strengthen her bond with her dear friend.

Here's what Adria shared about the experience, how it helped her navigate a difficult period, and especially how it brought her even closer to Tullia, her lifelong friend:

"My first camino marked the beginning of my rebirth. Looking back now, I can say that with certainty. During a time of immense emptiness in my life, a great friend reached out to me, pulling me away from the abyss I was falling into. She walked with me step by step, and without her and the camino, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

The camino was a true inner journey: between the beginning and the end, countless events gave meaning to my pain, transforming me deeply. My dear friend's presence was essential, adding depth and lightness to the journey, sharing and joy. This walk bonded us forever in an indelible memory."

A walking trip can offer just that: a new perspective, relief, a moment of breath when daily life feels overwhelming. In nature, in the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other, you can find meaning even where it seems there is none.

Tina and Greta on Tuscan VIa Francigena 

Tina and Greta are not just friends; they are mother and daughter. Walking has always been a part of their lives, not only because they live in the beautiful surroundings of San Gimignano, where walking is a pleasure, but also because it’s a passion that unites them. Walking becomes a wonderful way to catch up, talk, and deepen their bond. Tina shared her experience of walking a particular route, the Via Francigena from Siena to Radicofani:

"In June 2021, I walked a section of the Via Francigena from Siena to Radicofani with my daughter.

Walking with others makes me feel safer; I’m not alone in navigating unfamiliar trails and paths that are not always well-marked. But walking together can also mean sharing sensations and emotions when you’re with the right person, someone you feel completely in sync with. The journey with my daughter was the perfect occasion.

We were captivated by the golden expanse of ripening wheat fields, paused to inhale the scent of flowers in myriad colors, filled our eyes and hearts with the landscapes of vineyards and olive groves, and felt a sense of curiosity as we spotted villages appearing on the hills.

We felt strong and fulfilled when, after four days of walking, we reached our final destination.

And I am proudly aware that we achieved that challenging goal together, my daughter and I."

Sara & Her Friends on the Tuscan Via Francigena

Sara and her friends also embarked on the Tuscan Via Francigena, walking from San Miniato to San Gimignano. They’ve been friends forever and decided to take on an adventure that would bring them even closer.

Together, they faced sun and rain, enjoyed every step, and experienced both the wonders and mishaps of the journey.

Here’s what Sara shared with us:

"I have always considered sharing to be one of the pillars of friendship: from passions to deep thoughts, from achievements to worries, from tears of joy to those of sorrow.

However, I never imagined that sharing a walk with my friends would mean so much to me. The fear of not making it became a real driving force that pushed us to believe even more in ourselves. Discovering that your legs can handle it is already a great achievement, but doing it while sharing the effort, laughs, snacks, and shady spots with your closest friends only makes you say, 'When are we doing this again?'"

 
We’ve shared three stories, three different ways of experiencing a journey together in friendship.

There are many more—we have clients who found lifelong travel companions on a group trip, friends who gift themselves a walk in a new place every year, and friends who choose to celebrate a bachelorette party, a birthday, or the anniversary of their friendship with a journey.

We hope these stories inspire you to embark on a trip with those you love to celebrate your friendship: you can gift a trip to a friend for their birthday, choose an epic adventure to plan together for next year—giving you a whole year to train and plenty of opportunities to meet and support each other step by step, knowing a great adventure awaits you.

Is there anything more special?