Fresco Tours
Fresco Tours
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About
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!
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
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Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
188 reviews
Excellent
186
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
lisa c
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
My husband and I took a 10 day full-guided tour of the Camino walk (French way through Galicia) and absolutely loved our experience. Our guides Jeffrey and Sandra were OUTSTANDING in every way. They were organized and led our group of 15 attending to all the details of our walk, lodging, meals and personal needs, they were very informative about the Camino and culture and spent time sharing out of the wealth of their own experience and understanding, they were very customer service oriented and even insisted that they move our luggage in out of the various accommodations. The meals were excellent and the accommodations on and off the Camino enriched our cultural experience and were very comfortable. The walk through Galicia was stunning and we were encouraged to have our own Camino experience by walking at our own pace. Our driver Manuel was also OUTSTANDING and with our guides provided some of the personalized support and attention my husband needed in traveling w/ type 1 diabetes and the need to keep his insulin cold. Alissa, from Fresco, promptly addressed all of our questions and concerns leading up to our trip. We highly recommend the meaningful experience of walking the Camino with all the support and provisions of a Fresco full-guided tour!!
Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear lisacH6818RC,
It was a pleasure to work with you over the last months and we are so happy that you decided to embark on the Camino as one of your holidays abroad!
We are truly blessed to have Sandra and Jeffery on our Fresco Tours team, and when available, Manuel as our trusty driver. They really come together to share their knowledge of Galicia, the Camino, and to provide all the support they can give to all of our pilgirms.
We hope that you continue to explore new places, taking in the nature and peaceful surroundings, and who knows... maybe your next adventure will be with Fresco Tours as well! Take good care!
Warmly,
Alissa J
Written September 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BoostEr
Manila, Philippines214 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Elizabeth C
2 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Wow, walking the Camino de Santiago was an incredible experience/trip. A Kinder (Gentler) Camino with Fresco Tours was an important part of my Camino experience. Fresco Tours were spot on: from the initial booking, promptly responding to my many emails & questions, the itinerary was efficiently planned and well thought out, tour guides who were attentive, knowledgeable and professional. Food was generous (love the picnic lunches!), accommodations in good hotels and unique manor houses. A great decision for me who wanted to undertake the pilgrimage to Santiago and also have creature comforts.
Written June 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear W7012FIelizabethc,
What great news that you enjoyed the Camino; it certainly is a wonderful experience with its own magic.
I'm also pleased that you were satisfied with the organization; we try to think of all the details, and we are delighted that we were able to ensure the best possible circumstances for your Camino.
I agree with you; I love Fresco picnic lunches, and the guides are experts at preparing them. If you wish to prepare your favorite Fresco picnic salad, I recommend our recipe book as well; you can find it easily on our website! Hope to see you soon, abrazos Dora
Written June 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlSue1
Ohio54 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Jane L
9 contributions
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Alkaso
London62 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Anneke G
Kenora, Canada26 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Walking the Camino was made possible for me with the help of Fresco’s schedule, coordination, and guidance during a time when I wanted something gentler without pushing myself to exhaustion. Although the walk was still quite challenging, the professional guide support, accommodations, and meals allowed me to rest and gain a deeper understanding of Galicia and connect/reflect on the history of the Frances Way. The whole experience was expertly choreographed to meet the needs of pilgrims who also want to take it a bit easier on themselves.
Written April 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 643annekeg!
Thank you so much for your review; we are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your trip on the Camino, as well as the company of our expert guides. It is truly a blessing to have guides who love what they do and are able to pass that passion on to their groups - we are so lucky to have such a marvelous team!
Also, I'm glad you were satisfied with the organization; we intend to think of all the details, and we're delighted that we were able to ensure the best possible circumstances for your Camino.
We are very happy that you could connect with the history of the Way and Galicia and enjoy the magic of the Camino. We are delighted that you were able to enjoy the nature along the trail, and perhaps even getting a few ideas from the vegetable gardens in the villages!
Take care, and we hope to see you again soon! Dora G
Written May 8, 2024
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
richardfD7576PR
Toronto, Canada18 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear richardfD7576PR,
How lovely that you enjoyed the Camino, and in such great hands with Sandra & David! :)
We are so fortunate to have them as part of our Fresco Tours team, and they really know how to put their personal touch on everything they do to make everyone feel comfortable and at home on the trail.
Thank you for your kind words and we certainly hope to see you on the Camino again soon!
Best regards,
AlissaJ67
Written December 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dougsuz
London, UK35 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
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
Written August 26, 2019
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
Written August 26, 2019
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?
Written May 29, 2019
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!
Written September 5, 2019
Enjoyed reading your review! We are planning on doing this trip next August.
Written October 3, 2018
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
Written October 4, 2018
k0ride
New York City, New York
Hi, I am wondering what vegetarian options are available as members of my group are vegetarians. Thank you.
Written August 29, 2017
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
Written August 30, 2017
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?
Written August 5, 2017
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
Written August 9, 2017
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