Your safety has always been a priority at Fresco Tours. We are serious about responding efficiently and comprehensively to the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, we have been extremely busy keeping informed and preparing for the return to the trail with new safety measures before and during your tour. Here’s a sample of what we’ve done so far and what you can expect:
BEHIND THE SCENES
Fresco Tours is fully committed to complying with all current Spanish Health Authority regulations, protocols and recommendations. We may be experts on the Camino, but we rely on our health professionals when it comes to disease prevention and response. The CDC has also been used as a reference for protocols for prevention.
ON TOUR
Keeping Everyone Safe
We will wear masks that cover our mouth and nose when required. Our guides and everyone working with us will also comply with proper mask use. If, for medical reasons, you cannot wear one, please contact us prior to the start of the tour.
We will follow Spanish regulations regarding social distancing. This measure will also apply to our group transport on tour where we will follow regulated bus seating arrangements, if necessary. As for our other activities, Fresco Tours’ small group sizes will comply with restrictions and recommendations in effect at the time of the tour.
We will facilitate hand disinfection and preventive hygiene, with special emphasis at mealtimes. Equipment and other material will not be shared without proper cleaning. We suggest you bring hand sanitizer with you, although it is also easily available everywhere in Spain.
Your Guides
We have the best-prepared guides on the Camino, and they will be up to the challenge of touring in these exceptional times. In addition to specific training, each guide will be briefed on the planned itinerary paying attention to safety measures specific to each tour.
Living year round in Spain, we not only speak the language but have in-depth knowledge of the Spanish health system and local particularities. If medical assistance is required, rest assured we will respond efficiently and promptly to make accurate decisions while on tour.
Local Suppliers
We require that the accommodations and restaurants used on our tours comply with local regulations regarding COVID-19 risk management at the time of the tour. Your guides will closely monitor these safety measures and ensure they are in accordance with local and national guidelines.
What Ifs
Unfortunately, COVID has not gone away, and we still have health and safety concerns that may arise. We thought it would be helpful to outline some of the possible scenarios and how the group will be expected to react. These modifications are necessary to keep your fellow travelers and guides safe while on the trail. We appreciate and thank you in advance for your cooperation with these guidelines.
Symptoms While on Tour
Anyone who is experiencing COVID related symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, or runny nose) while on tour should put on a good mask and notify their tour leader immediately. That person will then be provided with a COVID-19 test. If the test result is negative, no further action will be taken.
A Positive Case
If a person should test positive, that individual will need to leave the tour and isolate for the well-being of the other members of the group and the Tour Leaders. Fresco Tours will determine if relocation to a new accommodation is warranted and will facilitate all the necessary arrangements for securing the reservation and the transportation. The tour itinerary will continue as scheduled for the rest of the group.
Close Contacts
If any member of the group tests positive, Tour Leaders will have tests readily available for all tour guests. People in shared accommodations with a positive guest, as a precaution, will be required to test as well. Following the recommendations of the CDC, the need to isolate, quarantine, or other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19 will be determined by the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator.
Responsibilities
In addition to the assistance for any positive cases by the Tour Leaders, there will be around the clock support from the head office and Client Service Managers as well for their remaining time in Spain. You are not alone.
Once a tour has begun, we are bound to make full payments to all our suppliers and therefore no refunds will be made due to the early departure from a tour caused by any circumstances.
Any additional services resulting from self-isolation due to a positive COVID test such as accommodations, meals, transfers, medical care, COVID-19 testing and change of airline tickets are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance package prior to your trip that includes quarantine coverage or trip interruption.
BEFORE YOUR TOUR
Prior to making your travel arrangements, we suggest that you check the latest travel advisories and your home country’s travel recommendations and requirements. Pay special attention to travel mandates when returning to your home. Regarding information about traveling to, returning from and within Spain, please see the official Spanish website for traveling: https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/
Given the volatile nature of the pandemic, we will continue to monitor all health regulations and guidelines as determined by the local health authorities for our tours to run smoothly and will adjust our protocols accordingly. Not only are we concerned about your safety, but also the well-being of the communities where we operate.
