Fresco Tours
Fresco Tours
5
Cultural Tours • Walking Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours
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Visiting the Basque Country? Looking to walk the Camino de Santiago? Spend an afternoon or day with us and, we'll show you our neighborhood! We've got lots of things to share with you - from breath taking coastal walks leading into San Sebastian, to the world acclaimed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and fabulous vinos of La Rioja wine region!
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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BoostEr
Manila, Philippines217 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We were a large group of 18 seniors plus one, and our principal guide was Jeffrey Barrera, who gave us 120% effort. Aside from being very knowledgeable (check out www.barrera books.com), he truly took care of us. We always felt safe, and he kept us all feeling upbeat and safe, but well advised too.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear BoostEr,
Thanks for the kind words! Jeffrey is a true star and has been with Fresco Tours for 10 years now and knows exactly how to deliver a tour. His love for the Camino is unparalleled and it shows in his knowledge and enthusiasm. I'm really happy that you and your friends were finally able to travel with us - we hope to have you join us again in the future! Maybe Andalucia or the Basque Country.....
Thanks again - abrazos y hasta pronto!
Alex
Written October 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan V
Columbus, OH27 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
This is our third hike with Fresco Tours and this time we did a portion of the Camino Ignaciano in the Basque Country and Catalonia as a custom trip. There were seven of us with varied hiking abilities so the van support was important. Our guide, Davíd, was a delightful companion and respectful to the spiritual component of this Camino. If you are considering a walk in Spain, Fresco Tours is committed to excellence from flawless transportation, fantastic meals, accommodations with local touches, and considerate guides. Bravo!
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan! Always a pleasure to have you and Mark with us and extra special to have been able to celebrate your birthday. Thank you for your photos and faith in Fresco Tours - we look forward to more walks in the future. BIG hugs, Alex
Written September 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alkaso
London66 contributions
Sep 2022
Alissa from Fresco Tours did a fantastic job all the way through the preparation period which extended to nearly 3 years due to the pandemic! She was very friendly and helpful at all times and the advance information supplied was excellent.
We really enjoyed taking the beautiful and interesting Portuguese Coastal Route and would highly recommend both it and Fresco Tours. If you are thinking of doing the Camino, do plenty of walking beforehand with your backpack packed as it would be during the Camino and you should be well able for it . It really is worth doing and the experience of a lifetime.
We really enjoyed taking the beautiful and interesting Portuguese Coastal Route and would highly recommend both it and Fresco Tours. If you are thinking of doing the Camino, do plenty of walking beforehand with your backpack packed as it would be during the Camino and you should be well able for it . It really is worth doing and the experience of a lifetime.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Alkaso,
It really was a long wait, but you finally made it onto the Coastal Camino Portugues and you reached Santiago - what a wonderful accomplishment! Bravo!
It was a pleasure for me to be able to work with you and assist you over these past few years, and I hope that perhaps sometime in the future you will be back to walk a different path to Santiago or elsewhere.
Until then, take good care and keep on walking!
Best regards,
Alissa J
Written October 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane L
1 contribution
May 2022 • Couples
The guides Piero and Nagori were unbelievable. I couldn’t get over how they were able to anticipate so many things and clients. They were able to get the people to form as a team quite quickly. Their experience and knowledge of the Camino was extremely helpful to my experience. The tour was fantastic, from the driver Manuel who expertly maneuvered the bus through the beautiful villages to the amazing lunches provided along the way. The Camino was everything that I had hoped for but Fresco made it even more. From the beautiful Pazos we stayed at, the meals or should I say banquets we enjoyed at the Pazos and the cultural visits provided by the guides. I can’t imagine doing any Camino tours without the Fresco touch. We started in Leon for the Frances Camino but now we want to do the Portuguese Camino with Fresco of course.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Jane L,
And we are so looking forward to having you on the Camino Portugues next May! It's wonderful that you get to walk the Camino once again next year, exploring a different route and with some of the new friends that you made this year.
The Camino really is a magical experience that can bring people together and help you discover culture, history and food, among other things. Sometimes even a different stretch of road that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the nature that surrounds you. ;)
An added bonus, we have the good fortune of having people like Piero, Nagore and Manuel on our team, who are passionate about the Camino and about this beautiful country we get to call home.
We eagerly await your return next year and hope you will continue to walk and embrace the world around you.
Hasta pronto,
Alissa J
Written June 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dougsuz
London, UK29 contributions
Sep 2022
We chose Fresco Tours as the organisers of our self-guided Coastal Camino and we found that they were really efficient and helpful. Alissa, our contact, at Fresco Tours could not have been more helpful and everything worked well with the transfers between hotels. All of our extra nights were also reserved seamlessly on our behalf and the only problems we encountered were caused by parties other than Fresco Tours.
It does appear that all of the companies providing support for the Camino routes from Portugal sub-contract the route mapping etc to another company. The maps they supplied are poor and I would recommend using a Map app to find your way. I used a paid for Camino app which worked offline and tracked your progress.
If I decide to walk another Camino, I would certainly not hesitate to choose Fresco Tours.
It does appear that all of the companies providing support for the Camino routes from Portugal sub-contract the route mapping etc to another company. The maps they supplied are poor and I would recommend using a Map app to find your way. I used a paid for Camino app which worked offline and tracked your progress.
If I decide to walk another Camino, I would certainly not hesitate to choose Fresco Tours.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hola David W,
We are so very happy that you were finally able to embark on this journey - I thank you for remaining steadfast and waiting for the right moment to walk the Camino!
And while it was a bit bumpy for you at times (no pun intended), you pushed on and achieved your goal of reaching Santiago - well done! :)
We appreciate your feedback and will certainly follow up regarding your suggestions, as we are always trying to make improvements where possible.
Thank you again for joining Fresco Tours on the Camino and I hope our paths can cross again in the future.
Warm regards,
Alissa J
Written October 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
richardfD7576PR
Toronto, Canada5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Fresco Tours gave us an amazing Camino experience. Tour guides Sandra & David treated us like close friends & family with attentive service through challenging Covid encounters. Company owner Alex even joined us for two days. The walking wounded among us were especially cared for. First rate all the way.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
P. O'Neil
1 contribution
Oct 2022
If you are planning to walk the Camino, I strongly recommend that you use Fresco Tours. We recently completed a self-guided walk from Ponferrada to Santiago with Fresco, and right from the start, we had a good experience. Elba was remarkably knowledgeable, professional, and very easy to work with. Nagore, our guide in Ponferrada, got us off to an excellent start. Her tips and advice proved very helpful on a daily basis. The materials Fresco provided were extremely useful, especially the daily maps. It was evident that the folks at Fresco truly care and want their clients to have the best Camino experience possible. I recommend them strongly.
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear David and Patricia!
Happy New Year!
I thank you for your lovely review and I am so glad that you were finally able to make the trek and walk the Camino with Fresco Tours. It took a while, but we got it done :-)
Nagore is an excellent guide and she knows her stuff really well! She is always ready to assist and she is extremely resourceful with tips for travelers!
I hope that you will come back and see us again in the future!
All best always,
Elba
Written January 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margo_Sher
Carolina, Puerto Rico47 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I started from scratch figuring out what I wanted to do el Camino hacia Santiago de Compostela and how. I didn’t know much. Alyssa was our first contact and she was so sweet, patient and diligent. She answered all my questions, handled all my doubts, listened to all my needs/concerns and ideas and helped me to choose which option was best for me and my friends.
Once that was done, we passed to Elba. I think my first email was “I want Alyssa back” 😂 . She took it very candidly and guarantee I was going to feel good with her and she did not lie. She was with us all the way from the very moment we left home to the last minute after we finished the Camino and headed to Barcelona.
Everything was coordinated very well and we did find some hiccups throughout , but she owned each one and helped us resolve without hesitation. The experience was wonderful. I definitely recommend their service.
Once that was done, we passed to Elba. I think my first email was “I want Alyssa back” 😂 . She took it very candidly and guarantee I was going to feel good with her and she did not lie. She was with us all the way from the very moment we left home to the last minute after we finished the Camino and headed to Barcelona.
Everything was coordinated very well and we did find some hiccups throughout , but she owned each one and helped us resolve without hesitation. The experience was wonderful. I definitely recommend their service.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Margo_Sher,
It was a pleasure working with you and your friends and I am very happy that you were able to embark on this unforgettable journey together!
I know Elba had a great time with you ladies the night you met up and I hope we can do the same in the future. :)
Thank you for traveling with us, and we look forward to meeting you along the trail again soon!
Saludos,
Alissa
Written September 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vmm580
Kailua, Hawaii2 contributions
Jun 2022
This was one of the most amazing vacations we have ever taken and it was mainly because of choosing to go with Fresco tours. They were wonderful. From the first interaction with Alissa to the most exceptional guides, David and Sandra, we could not have asked for a better experience. The places we stayed, the food we ate cannot compare to any other experience we have had. We are so happy that we chose Fresco tours for this vacation of a lifetime that we will never forget.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear vmm580,
Enhorabuena for completing this journey and feliz aniversario for being able to celebrate such a milestone along the Way!
It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the Camino, but even moreso that you were able to share this experience with the friends you made and the superstar guides that supported you. Who won that tennis match, I wonder? ;)
For me, it has been a pleasure to work with you over the last months and I hope that we can meet in the future, perhaps on another Fresco Tours adventure! Cuidense y hasta pronto!
Best regards,
Alissa J
Written July 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Don W
Boston, MA8 contributions
Oct 2021
I had the most amazing Camino de Santiago experience thanks to Fresco Tours. They exceeded my expectations in terms of service, professionalism, expertise and overall commitment to making sure everyone had an amazing experience. Alissa was so incredibly helpful before (and during!) the trip on logistics, answering questions, etc. And Jeffery and Sandra were 'off the charts' fantastic tour guides. I have recommended Fresco Tours to several friends and family in the few short days since I've been home and I can't wait to take another tour! Thank you Fresco Tours.
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear 506donw,
I am happy to hear that your Camino was so special! I am sure it was lovely to meet new friends within the group as well as along the trail. That is part of the magic of the Camino - the camaraderie that develops and the joy of new experiences and encounters.
It was lovely to work with you and to meet you, if only briefly. I hope we will have more time on your next tour! Until then take good care!
Best regards,
Written October 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tory E
28 contributions
Hi, would the self guided tour be ok for two women on their own. I am assuming there are many people walking sowouldnt really be totally on our own? Thinking of going in sept 2020
Alissa J
Palas de Rei, Spain3 contributions
Hi Tory E,
We would be thrilled to have you join us on the Camino de Santiago next year! It is absolutely ok for two women to join the self-guided tour, as our scheduled tour dates allow for a maximum of 15 pax, so you actually won't be "alone". In fact, we have a lot of female participants who walk either with friends or solo.
One of the nice things about the self-guided tour is that it allows you to choose how you walk, whether on your own or in the company of others in the group.
For additional information about our self-guided tours, please visit our website. I hope this helps - please keep the questions coming!
Saludos, Alissa J
Kerryjeanne
3 contributions
Hello. I am signed up for the Kinder Camino Santiago walk in October, but am having some second thoughts. I’m 70 and reasonably fit, but am not used to walking 7-10 miles a day. How physically challenging is it? And do folks really use the van sometimes when they are a bit, say, worn out?
MCK
Norwalk, CT7 contributions
GO! I just did the Kinder Camino at 70, with my 79 year old roommate. We walked at a slower pace than others in our group, but it was not a challenging walk. You need endurance, not agility or strength. In fact, we opted not to take hiking boots and alternated between good walking sport shoes and Keen walking shoes. I am proud to say that we may have been the only two in a group of 14 that didn't get a single blister or any muscle or joint issue during the trip!
KathandArn
Ottawa65 contributions
Enjoyed reading your review! We are planning on doing this trip next August.
Alex C
Bilbao, Spain1 contribution
Hola KathandArn,
Great news! Please let me know how I may be of any assistance. We'd love to have you join us - either on the Camino or in the Basque Country. Let me know your thoughts and we can put some ideas on paper. Drop us an email!
Saludos,
Alex
Owner of Fresco Tours
k0ride
New York City, NY
Hi, I am wondering what vegetarian options are available as members of my group are vegetarians. Thank you.
Alex C
Bilbao, Spain1 contribution
Hola kOride,
Food speaks volumes about a culture and we love to eat! During our walking days, we prepare gourmet picnics using the freshest of local ingredients and selecting the tastiest recipes of the region. We are proud to cater to vegetarians and all other food allergies. Your group will not go hungry - I promise!
Hope this information helps, keep the questions coming!
Saludos from Spain,
Alex
hfcfm
florida15 contributions
I am very disappointed in 2 hotels Fresco has booked for our kinder Camino tour next month. They are the Alfonso IX in Sarria and Ruta Jacobea in Lavacolla. Does anyone have experience with these accommodations which appear sub-standard?
Alex C
Bilbao, Spain1 contribution
Dear hfcfm,
I am sorry to hear that you have some feelings of disappointment prior to your journey. Please keep in mind that you will be walking in Galicia, Spain which is a very rural area and hotel options are limited. As per our website regarding accommodations:
Fresco Tours selects a combination of 3-4 star hotels, restored country manors and B&B's that offer the best in hospitality, comfort and location. All rooms have their own bathrooms.
The 2 hotels that you have cited are located right along the Way, which will allow you to walk right from the front door and onto the trail - something that is a great benefit when walking the Camino De Santiagio, as there will be no need for a shuttle those mornings.
I will ask Alissa to contact you as well to assist with any other questions or concerns that you may have.
I hope you are looking forward to your walk on the Camino.
Saludos from Spain,
Alex