EL CAMINO TOURS

When we decided to walk the Camino we searched for a tour company that would give us the best experience while allowing us the freedom to walk our own journey. el Camino tours (Ria) did a great job of handling the logistics and caring for our needs while allowing us the freedom to walk our own journey. The accommodations were first class and the meals gave us a taste of local cuisine. I would recommend El Camino tours to anyone looking for a stress free way to walk the Camino and get the most out of your spiritual journey.

Compartí el Camino de Santiago con Ría, excelente profesional, atenta y colaborando en todos los detalles para lograr un maravilloso camino! Recomiendo ampliamente! Saludos desde Uruguay! 🇺🇾

I highly recommend El Camino Tours and Ria. One of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time.

Hicimos el Camino de Santiago con "El Camino Tours" y fue una experiencia maravillosa. Todo estuvo perfectamente organizado, desde el alojamiento, traslados y comidas lo que nos permitió disfrutar plenamente del recorrido sin preocupaciones. La guía fue muy atenta y profesional y tenía un profundo conocimiento de la historia, cultura y paisajes de la zona. Gracias a ella el viaje fue aún más enriquecedor.

“El Camino Tours” nos ha organizado un viaje espectacular. Con una coordinación exquisita, la guía nos ha empapado de la cultura, idiosincrasia y gastronomía gallega; hemos vivido el camino como unas auténticas peregrinas.100% recomendable. Nunca olvidaré esta experiencia, ha sido maravilloso

Gracias por ese magnífico Camino!! Has conseguido convertir un reto en unabella historia. Sigue así y nunca pierdas esa esencia “salvaje”.

Sin duda volvería a elegir a Ria y su equipo para esta experiencia: es una guía experta, pendiente de todos los detalles y muy profesional. La recomiendo totalmente!!

Super. Ria es muy profesional y está todo perfectamente organizado. Los hoteles , la comida, las etapas. Nos cuido en todo momento y se adapto al grupo que había personas con diferentes estados de forma. Totalmente recomendable

STOP LOOKING AND CHOOSE THIS AGENCY!!! From the first contact to the end of the trip, Ria was at our service for all questions - day and night! She does this job with incredible warmth, love and dedication, which is really hard to find. Our group was challenging because initially there were supposed to be people in it who caused big problems, and the best solution turned out to be to exclude them from the organization. Ria even returned money to some of them, which according to the contract she absolutely did NOT need! Thanks to her expertise and her hard work, she provided us with everything we wanted and made this El Camino perfect. Thank you Ria from the bottom of our heart for everything, and most of all for the fact that we will remember this trip in the best possible way! Recommendations to everyone, because you won't find a better agency!

If you're looking for a tour guide who offers a world-class experience, look no further! From the moment we met Ria at the starting point of our tour, it was clear that we were in for an exceptional experience. Ria's energy and enthusiasm were infectious, instantly connecting with everyone in our group with her warm smile and genuine interest in each traveler. It was easy to see that Ria has extensive knowledge and passion for the trip. Whether we were exploring historical landmarks, hidden gems off the beaten path, or simply enjoying breathtaking views, Ria's insights enriched every moment. Her anecdotes and historical tidbits not only educated us but also made the surroundings come alive with significance. Moreover, Ria's organizational skills were impeccable. From coordinating logistics seamlessly to ensuring everyone was comfortable and informed, she handled every detail with grace and efficiency. Her professionalism was evident in how smoothly the entire tour operated, allowing us to relax and enjoy the experience fully. Perhaps most importantly, Ria's genuine care for her guests shone through in every interaction. She took the time to get to know each of us personally, offering recommendations, answering questions, and making sure everyone felt included and valued. It's rare to find a tour guide who not only excels in their knowledge and professionalism but also creates a sense of camaraderie and friendship among strangers. In conclusion, Ria was more than just a tour guide—she was the heart and soul of our journey. Her passion, knowledge, and infectious enthusiasm transformed what could have been a typical tour into a memorable adventure. If you have the opportunity to embark on a tour guided by Ria, seize it without hesitation. You won't just see the sights; you'll experience them in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

Es el mejor. Excelente servicio. Ria es un encanto. Super conocedora, atenta y cooperadora. Nos organizó el Camino Portugués por la costa y el centro por 11 fabulosos días. Recomendado 100%.

I highly recommend El Camino Tours. The trip was beyond expectations, especially our guide, Ria. The accommodations, the food , the bag transfers and overall organization. She also provided helpful information about packing, training, and historical facts before arriving. RIA goes above and beyond. The absolute best!!!

I can’t imagine a more caring and helpful guide than Ria Fernández, the owner and guide for El Camino Tours. Seven years ago we used Ria for our Camino Frances from Ponte Ferrada to Santiago. We had a group of 8 on a private Camino and were very impressed and happy with her competency and services with our group of hikers of varying ages and abilities. In May of this year we used her again for the Camino Portuguese. Again she exceeded our expectations. Her assistants are wonderful and share her concern for our comfort and wellbeing. Congratulations for another job well done.

Hemos completado el Camino a Santiago en tres ocasiones con El Camino Tour. La experiencia jamás hubiera sido igual sin el apoyo del equipo de trabajo de El Camino Tour, ya que solo nos ocupamos de concentrarnos en hacer el Camino sabiendo que la selección de hoteles, el traslado del equipaje, los restaurantes y demás detalles estaban atendidos. El Camino Tour se encargó de todo, haciendo la experiencia llevadera. El Camino Tour designó para atender las necesidades de nuestro grupo a Ría. Ria tiene un conocimiento inmenso de cada uno de los pueblos que se visitan durante la travesía y mantiene un contacto continuo con los “peregrinos” para asegurar que cualquier necesidad o imprevisto se resuelve inmediatamente. Su trato atento, gentil y desprendido hacen del reto de completar el Camino una experiencia incomparable. Por todo esto, y muchos otros detalles acumulados que luego de realizar el Camino tres veces, entendemos que nuestros pasar por Santiago de Compostela, y los recuerdos que tenemos, han dependido en gran parte de las atenciones de Ria. En lo personal, es difícil poder expresar con palabras nuestro sentir por Ria quien se ha convertido en parte de nuestra familia. Recomendados El Camino Tour sin reserva alguna, y aseguro una experiencia inolvidable con el apoyo de Ria y su equipo de trabajo. BUEN CAMINO…!!!

Some background: I did a self guided Camino Frances organized by Ria (El Camino Tours) together with my two teenage daughters last year September 2022. Before that, I had done the Camino Frances, a full service tour arranged by a different operator in October 2018. Most recently (October 2023) I had done a self guided tour, Camino Frances with the same operator I had used in 2018 (because I could not engage Ria for this year's Camino). I could appreciate the differences very well. Ria/el Camino Tours is an excellent Camino Tour operator. Right from the get go, once the tour was booked and confirmed, she was extremely responsive and communicated by WhatsApp with regards to whatever queries I had. The places that she chose for the stay each night were good and she organized it such that both breakfast and dinner were included, for not much price difference between the operator I used this year. I started the Camino with El Camino Tours in Sarria where Ria met us the evening before the actual walk was due to start. Over dinner, she briefed us on how the self guided tour would work, provided us the Peregrino (Pilgrims) package with passport, scallop shell, T shirt and a water bottle as well as writing materials and information on the Camino. She also explained to us that she would send us a communication every evening regarding the next day's journey with map showing the distance, villages/towns, elevation. She walked out of Sarria with us to esnure that we knew how to follow the Yellow arrows. Along the way, over the ensuign days of the Camino, she would send messages to check on our progress and to see if we had arrived. Here are some extras: I had asked her for a recommendation for a nice place for dinner the evening we arrived at the Santiago de Compostela and she helped us make a booking for it, and it was excellent! She told us how to register our details online before arriving at the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim's office so we would have everything sorted when we arrived to collect our certificates. And when one of my daughters developed stomach troubles, she gave me a recommendation on what to get from the pharmacy (probiotic) that worked perfectly. She would drop pearls like where to get really good churros (from Melide) brands of chocolate to get (my daughters like chocolate) and one night, she arranged a stay in a beautiful Manor House. I without any hesitation, would recommend Ria's/El Camino's services to anyone planning on doing the Camino and if I were to do the Camino again, would chose to do with her!

Hicimos un buen grupo de amigos el camino con Ria y realmente salió todo a pedir de boca. Una súper profesional, entregada a los pequeños detalles, paciente, eficiente, amable, con criterio… absolutamente recomendable:

Gracias Ria por tan bello viaje. Tu atención inmejorable. Además de conocer sitios bellos, siempre nos sentimos super protegidas.

This tour group was amazing! Our tour leader Ria worked very hard to meet the special food requirements of the whole group including the Vegans. She took amazing photos of us along the way and found wonderful places for us to eat. Unfortunately I had a medical issue after day one. She worked hard to find a solution so I only missed one day of hiking. The daily transport of luggage was amazing. Our luggage was always at the hotel when we arrived so we could shower right away and get out and enjoy the local town. Thanks again to Ria and her team for an amazing Camino!!♥️

I cannot recommend this tour guide highly enough. Ria is highly knowledgeable about the local area and Spanish history. She is friendly & approachable, yet organised & professional at all times. With Ria's help, I really feel like I have visited the 'proper' Spain. Please do not hesitate - book this trip now! You will not regret it. MJH, the UK

A Ría la conocí de casualidad. Muy maja y atenta, me ayudó y me dio consejos prácticos para hacer el Camino de Santiago. Muy recomendable

Muy agradecidas con el tour por Mendoza - San Luis. Conocimos lugares increíbles y los guías siempre con buena predisposicion. Los coordinadores atentos a lo solicitado. Fue una hermosa experiencia.

Ria Fernandez who owns El Camino Tours is the perfect person to take you on the Camino through Portugal and Spain. She custom made a 12 day trip for our group of seniors, aged 62 to 65. We were met at Lisbon Airport by Ria and Javier who she hired as her assistant. As we requested we went straight to Fatima. Hotel Consolata was a short walk to the Baslica and Chapel of the Apparitions. We were able to hear mass and spend quality time in Fatima. The next day we went to Aljustrel the village of the 3 children-Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. We then drove to Porto where she arranged a special tour with Joanna, an excellent guide who shared her love for the city and country. We chose to do the Portuguese Camino which incorporates the beauty of the coastline and the forests, inland and rugged paths. Each day was a challenge; Ria kept us on our toes motivating us. We made it to Santiago de Compostela!!!! All our hotels were the best in the area- former palaces, abbeys. Our breakfasts were always good and filling. Our lunches were in places meant to break the long walks. Our dinners were gourmet experiences. Thank you Ria for a truly memorable Camino.

Hicimos un tour por el norte de España en manos de Ria y nos fue estupendamente bien. Logro conseguirnos reservas en todos los sitios que quisimos y siempre estuvo muy pendiente de todas atendiendonos con mucho amor y cariño

Fue una experiencia maravillosa, con Ria, una guía de lujo. Una profesional solvente, que brinda su servicio con calidez y empatía. Además, valoré sentir que estaba pendiente de las necesidades y gustos de cada uno y de sentirnos cuidados a cada momento. Fue un Camino de Santiago inolvidable!!! Superó mis expectativas !!!