Ria, thank you so much for an incredible Camino Portugese walk.  It was an experience of a life time.

Your insights on local history and culture not to mention the exquisite local cuisine, added to the richness of our walk.  You really went out of your way, time and time again, to make sure that our needs were more than met.  But, most importantly, you made us feel like long lost friends, family even, as you took us on this journey.

Very heartwarming indeed.  Muchos gracias!!!

Epifanio Qua Hiansen | Camino Portugués 2017

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.

Lisa Q. H. | Camino Portugués 2017

Ria is fabulous. She is a very sensitive, thoughful and compassionate guide. She makes great effort to respond to her client´s every wish and more. She entirely excedes expectations.

We got a complete Camino experience, physically, socially , culturally and spiritually. She is very knowledgeable of the region. The history of the culture and the gastronomy delights of the áreas we traveled. She seems to have  limitless resources that make her tours very exciting locally. On our recent “Camino Portuguese” Sol and Carlos were incredible complements to Ria´s wonderful plans for us. Sol is a very wise thoughful companion with so much to offer in terms of the cultures of the various communities we visited and Carlos was a wonderful spirit accompanying us, so obliged, kind and observant. Together the three leads of our tour could not have been best in any way.

Ann Cameron | The Portuguese Way, May 2016

Overall we felt the trip was exceptionally well planned.

– We really enjoyed the food:  Angelica says she ate so much she cannot remember if she had a favorite place, Martin says he was always looking forward to breakfast and for me the best meal was at the Bodega de Prada.  But really all the restaurants were great choices.

– The choice of hotels was fantastic.  Elena made us feel like part of the family; she provided an intimate welcome that you do not often find.  I do not know if there were other options in Santiago de Compostela but for us it would have been nice to be able to get a triple room because we had to keep going back and forth from one room to the other to get things like toothbrushes, pajamas etc.  Also, the wi-fi was not that great.

– Jesus was a great driver.  We felt very safe with him and he knew how to anticipate our needs.  Debby and I will never forget how he came to our rescue.

– We were pleasantly surprised to learn that you would walk with us.  That is greatly appreciated.  In addition, it gave us an opportunity to get to know each other better and to see you more as a friend than a tour guide.  We missed you that last day when you went ahead to drop off the bags and prepare other things.

Thank you for everything;  thank you for looking out for my ability to walk without getting hurt.

Sincerely,

The Worst Pilgrim, Cristina Lopez | Custumise french Camino 2016

El Camino Tours with Ria Fernandez in The Way to travel The Camino Santiago. The mixture of History, authentic cuisine and small accommodations created an atmosphere of enjoyment trekking the 102km to Santiago.

Ria provided historical information along the way and as native of the area this tent itself to accurancy and insight. I would highly recommend Ria and El Camino Tours for a more intimate way to travel The Camino.

Kathy Patton| Camino Confort Sept 2015

Everyone walks The Camino The Santiago for a different reason. Whatever form reason the very best way to experience this historic Pilgrim Walk is with El CaminoTours. Not only will you stay, every night, in charming casas and pazos, but you will also have every meal on freak local favourite dishes. As important as these things are, your guide, Ria, will share the historic, cultural, religious and political significance of each area you pass though making this the trip of a lifetime! Buen Camino

Shirley Cunthers | Camino Confort Sept 2015

Dear Ria (El Camino Tours) This was an extraordinary way to experience The Camino. We were emmersed in the culture, cusine and the land of Spain while treaking The Way of Santiago. I would highly recommend this guide service for those that want full experience on The Camino.

Ria is a very Knowledgable guide and host… blending History, humor and passion for helping others to enjoy and experience a personal journey

Sue Poyner | Camino Confort Sept 2015

I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful experience we had on our camino and train trip, and we are looking forward to more next year. We arrived home safely last night and found everything in good order.

We started our trip a week early, so that we could walk the Camino de Santiago, the way of St. James from Saria to Santiago de Compostella, a walk of 73 miles in six days. I was not sure if my feet would hold out, but they did, and our group arrived on June 26 in time for a “Botafumero” mass where six priests swing giant incense burners over the crowd of pilgrims who just arrived, and they mentioned our group from Houston. Although I am not a Catholic I was proud of my wife and our group, who really did enjoy our hike over hill and dale, across wooded streams and forests and small villages and larger towns. The weather remained not too hot, and only one day of light rain. It could not have been any better. We arranged it through Ria Fernandez, the owner of El Camino Tours. She escorted us like a mother hen, and took our luggage from one hotel to another, and arranged all of our meals along the way, so that we were much better off than those who hiked with all their gear in backpacks. The hotels were very nice places that were not too far from our daily starting and stopping points. I would highly recommend her services to any of your clients.

John McDonnell | Camino Confort June 2015

Ria!

I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for EVERYTHING. I am half way through and so far I have had the most amazing trip. I could not have done it without you.

Every day has been amazing. I can’t believe I have another week. My soul is very happy : )

Elizabeth | Self guided Tour 2013

Dear Ria, thank you so much for being a wonderful guide. You were a big part of mobing this trip so enjoyable and comfortable. A special thanks to you for the doctor visit, the pharmacy visit and the soothing ginger tea!! Our best wishes to you in all your future trips and travels!!

Sandy & Dick from USA 2012

I walked this part of El Camino de Santiago with Ria as one of my guides in 2011. This is a magical and exhilirating experience whether you are doing this walk for religious reasons or just to walk through the lush countryside and little villages of this part of Northern Spain and it is a real buzz when you get to Santiago at the end. This tour is a great way to go as your luggage is managed for you leaving you free to enjoy your surrounds. Accommodation is in interesting and varied places and comfortable. The meals are excellent and includes daily picnic lunches on the walk. Ria is an extremely experienced guide and good fun. I hope to join Ria on another walk sometime.

Lesley from Australia 2011

Ria was one of our guides when I walked this section of the Camino with a group of friends in September 2011. We all had a thoroughly enjoyable time exploring this fascinating and interesting part of Spain. Would recommend a holiday of this type to anyone wanting something a little different to regular organized trips. Wish you all the very best with your new venture Ria!!!

Inge from Australia 2011

Hi Ria, thanks again to you personally for making the tour so much fun. I am sure that whatever you do in life, you will do well and will make others very happy. Hope that you get the job you were hoping for. You have such a wonderful life ahead of you, enjoy every moment of every day!!! Carpe Diem!!!

Diane from Canada 2010

Dear Ria, thank you for all you did to make the camino journey so worthwhile. Your hospitality and many kindnesses added so much to the experience.

Best wishes for all that life holds for you.

Tricia & Roger from Australia 2010