Customer Reviews

Alex, The tour was wonderful and much of the reason for that must be attributed to Jeff, Cate and Alberto; nothing was too much trouble for them and they were very sensitive to the different personalities in the group and individual needs. I have already shared my experiences with friends and recommended Fresco as an excellent option if they are anxious about walking the Camino as I did in 2012. I also felt it was excellent value for the cost of the tour; and a particular bouquet to Office Manager, Alissa, who made some extra bookings for me, including my Tarjeta Dorado, and was always incredibly efficient and helpful. Last year in May when I walked the first part of the Camino from St Jean Pied de Port to Burgos, carrying my 10kg mochila,I stayed mainly in albergues and ate ‘pilgrims’ meals,’ so I really appreciated the standard of accommodation Fresco had organised – it seemed like absolute luxury to me, with a special mention for our meals, both ‘on the road,’ as well as ‘in house.’ The only unexpected surprise for me was the development of blisters on my R.F (side of big toe and L. edge of same foot); this was the last problem I anticipated having had no blister problems on my 2012 Camino – so I was also aware as to how blisters can bring one completely unstuck on the Camino, as I met a number of people in 2012 who had to prematurely withdraw from their walk due to bad blisters which got infected. I was walking in the same boots, and with the same double socks system and with similar poles, as I had in 2012. I had prepared for the 2013 walk by doing regular bush walks of moderate to hard level in Australia, so felt I was pretty fit; my feeling is that the blisters may have developed because of the unseasonably warm weather we experienced, coupled with some quite long days during the first 2-3 days of walking. If there have been others doing a Fresco tour who’ve had similar problems in the early part of the walk, perhaps it could be worth thinking of making those first 3 days of full walking, 18 km journeys, then increase the distances, once pilgrims have got into their walking rhythm; it is just a suggestion, which may not be feasible, given the tour is designed to be completed within 10 days. My blister problem was solved by immediately applying first aid and taking the bus option of cutting short my walking distance on the 2 days when the blisters were ‘fresh.’ By the 4th day, I was fine, and had no further problems with blisters. Thanks also for the photographic record of our Camino journey in Galicia, and I guess we should be grateful that the region did not live up to its reputation as the wettest in Spain; walking in continuous rain can be a bit miserable! Muchas gracias

Alex, We enjoyed your Camino de Santiago Tour of September 24 – October 3 2013 and have just returned to Australia after spending the rest of October in Europe. It is taking a bit of settling down after our adventure on the Camino with Fresco Tours. We were blessed to be touring with twelve other pilgrims under the guidance of two wonderful guides, Marta and Jason. They left no stone unturned as they made sure the fourteen of us had a memorable experience. Jason’s encyclopaedic knowledge of any number of subjects but particularly the Camino and Spanish history added measurably to our enjoyment and made the tour truly enriching. Marta and Jason made an excellent team, they have and deserve our gratitude. They were very personable and excellent companions. It was a pleasure to find our luggage available in our rooms at the end of each day. I don’t think I have toured where my need to worry about luggage was so minimal. As for the meals, walk and accommodation, all were most fitting and were a pleasant part of the adventure Fresco offered – loved all the wines too! Thanks for putting up with us, it was tougher than we thought it would be but Jason and Marta got us through. Sincerely John and Norma Burrows

Hi Alissa, I’m not sure there is any way to improve on this experience…Except…you may want to have a tour specifically designed for the “spiritual”…or Catholic. Perhaps there are other tours that do that. The Hotels got better with each stop…liked them all. The food was fantastic…picnics were delicious…You might want to carry more ‘compeed’ in the bus…for that unexpected blister.
I would give Fresco Tours 5 stars!!! Warmest wishes, Mary PS. missing Spain already…

Hi Alex, A written thank you in addition to our verbal thank you. The pilgrimage and your organization exceeded all expectations. The lodging was comfortable, enjoyable and very compatible with the journey. The food also exceeded expectations in quality, variety, and definitely in quantity and the experience of some new and different choices. The Spanish wines were excellent and they never ran out. Your comments, briefings and written material covering the history of the pilgrimage, the villages and the architecture added a depth, greater understanding and lasting memories to a long walk. Most of all, you and Cate were more than our guides, you made us feel that you were our host and we were very special guests. Thank you. While I don’t think I will accept your proposal of doing the whole Camino, I certainly will encourage our friends to contact you to participate in the experience. We also will encourage our son and daughter-in-law to plan a trip with you in the next year or two. Once more, a very big thank you for a perfect trip and an exceptional experience. Best regards, John

Dear Alex, I have only been home for a day and still suffer from a little jet lag but wanted to get this off before “life” started back. Jason and Marta were outstanding and deserve my highest recommendation. As a dentist, I deal with all different people with multiple problems and “personalities”. Jason and Marta complemented each other. Both worked tirelessly to make it a perfect tour. There was a moment when I had a “come-a-part” with my back but Marta came to the rescue and we found a pharmacy with a back brace and thanks to this, I was able to walk in with all my friends. Marta was always upbeat, smiling, laughing, teaching and most importantly patient. Jason was extremely knowledgeable and also very patient and upbeat. A real professional. I would not have wanted anyone else to guide me along the Way. Please tell them both thank you from both of us and give them our best.

Dear Alex, Your business is absolutely top-notch! As I wrote Cate, our guide, you got a gem when you hired her. I was immediately impressed with both Jeff and Cate and my opinion of them just got better as the days went by. I found them both to be very informed, great with the presentation of their knowledge, and they were eager to accommodate any of our outside requests, if it was at all possible. They were both very personable and I can’t imagine having a better Camino experience than I had with them. Thank you so much for choosing them as our guides (although I´m sure everyone is fabulous). Food, accommodations, having our luggage hauled around (poor Alberto – mine was hideously heavy, sorry)… all of it, just wonderful. I loved Alberto – the three of them made a great team. Warm regards, Vicki

Dear Alex, We had an incredible experience with your touring company! Second only to Miford Trek… We met some partipants of another company and their experience was good however their tour guides had no sense of humor. Jeffrey and Richard had it all!!! Thanks for the email. Kathy

Hola Alex. As you can tell it takes me a little time to answer back. Much going on, but have a few minutes to send a quick note about our trip. Alex, you and your team: Pepe, Rick, Jason and the office staff did a great job with this trip. You will make it very hard for any other tour group to live up to your standards. My wife and I had a great time, everything was just wonderful. I can’t say enough about Jason , Rick, and Pepe – they were great. The homes we stayed in were unbelievable, the food was wonderful. I was having a small problem with my foot but Jason & Rick were always there to make sure I was ok. Alex, we thought we would be able to take another trip in 2014 but will not be able. We have made other plans with family but if you can be so kind as to keep us in mind for the 2015 year for the Basque Country trip please let us know as soon as possible so we can make sure we go. Thank you John & Edna

Hola Alex, I just have to say that my Camino with Jason and Rick was everything I had hoped for, and more. Every euro spent was well worth it. The accommodations were wonderful, Pepe was such a treat, and Jason and Rick were invaluable guides. Jason and Rick were full of information and hilarious humor, but most important of all, full of caring and compassion for those of us who lost a passport, lost their way, or lost a sister to an unexpected death. This is a journey I will always treasure and never forget. Thank you.

Hi Alex, The trip was amazing; no less than 4 stars! I have been touting you and your “girls” as the best of the best, and just this morning already have someone interested in Fresco Tours. Has it cooled off at all over there? In Houston in summer, there is no such thing. It’s always hot and humid. My best regards to Cate and Marta. Not sure what Marta’s plans were, but I’m sure Cate is enjoying her beach time. Take care. Barbara

Dear Alex, I have been home for four day now and am reflecting on our trip, Basque in the Glory! I just want to thank you so very much for organising such an amazing tour – our two guides Jason and Richard, could not have been better, they were fantastic and were so well organised and so entertaining every moment. The food and the accommodation were amazing and the walks we traversed, in spite of the mud! – were marvelous – it is the best thing I have ever done. I loved all the towns we visited and the views along the way were fantastic. A walking tour overseas is the way to go. I loved the Spanish culture especially the tapas bars! Do thank Jason and Richard for their superb co-operation – we were so fortunate in having such wonderful tour leaders with their knowledge and their sense of humour. It was wonderful having special time with my sister Marg and now my daughter is keen to do the trip! Thank you once again for a memorable trip. Kindest regards, Sue

Congratulations to Fresco Tours for presenting a great experience on the road to Santiago. Carol and Cate were great at keeping us informed, organized and preparing delicious picnic lunches. A once in a life time experience!