Private Group Walking Tours

Below is a sampling of popular private guided tours that we have created for clients, many of whom return to us every year for something new.

THE LAST 100 KM OF THE CAMINO PORTUGUÉS

The Last 100 km of the Camino Portugués offers a perfect combination of peaceful walking trails, charming countryside accommodation and stays in historic Paradors. Although this route is becoming more popular, it remains significantly quieter than the well-known Camino Francés, making it ideal for those seeking a more tranquil pilgrimage experience.

This path leads you through picturesque hamlets, quiet country roads, green forests, scenic coastal stretches and historic towns such as Valença, Tui and Pontevedra. While the terrain is not mountainous, Galicia is never flat. The rolling hills add a pleasant variety to your daily walk.

We follow the traditional etapas, or stages, of the Camino Portugués. The distances are carefully planned to allow time for both walking and enjoying the local culture, food, and landscape. By completing this final 100 kilometers, you will be eligible to receive the Compostela. This is the official certificate of completion issued by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela and the Pilgrim’s Office. It is granted to all pilgrims who walk 100 kilometers of any official Camino de Santiago route.

Your journey begins in Porto, one of Portugal’s most iconic and culturally rich cities. From there, we travel to Valença, where your Camino begins in Portugal. You will cross into Spain over the historic international bridge across the Rio Miño. This border region of Portugal and Spain is renowned for its delicious seafood, cheeses, peppers, and wines. We will enjoy all of these along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS:                                                                                                                          

• Explore the stunning fortress town of Valença, perched above the Rio Miño with sweeping views across to Spain.
• Discover the vibrant city of Pontevedra, known for its lively atmosphere and beautifully preserved old town filled with winding streets and charming plazas.
• Soothe your feet in the natural thermal springs of Caldas de Reis, a perfect way to relax after a day’s walk.
• Take an optional excursion to the Rio Barosa Natural Park, home to enchanting waterfalls and lush forest trails.
• Visit the historic town of Padrón, where Saint James is said to have first preached in the Iberian Peninsula. According to legend, his remains later arrived here by boat from Jerusalem.
• Celebrate your journey as you arrive at Plaza de Obradoiro, standing before the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
• Enjoy a private guided tour of the cathedral, offering rich insights into its history, architecture, and spiritual significance.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 7 nights of exceptional accommodation, including historic Paradors, a 4-star converted monastery, and charming pazos (traditional Galician manor houses)
• Daily breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners included, with local wine served at dinner
• Water and snacks provided each day to keep you refreshed on the trail
• Pickup in central Porto and private transfer to the starting point in Valença
• Baggage transport and full van support along the route in case you need a rest
• Knowledgeable English and Spanish-speaking guide(s) to enrich your journey
• Private guided tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
• Official Pilgrim Credencial (Pilgrim’s Passport) to collect stamps along the way
• Comprehensive Camino guidebook to accompany your walk

THE CAMINO DEL NORTE: THE WAY OF SEA AND MOUNTAINS

There was a time in Spain’s history when the traditional Camino Francés was no longer safe. During the Moorish occupation of the south, Christian pilgrims were forced to seek a safer route, one that lay further north beyond the Cantabrian Mountains and out of harm’s way.

This gave rise to the Camino del Norte, a coastal path that has since become a favorite for those seeking a quieter and more scenic pilgrimage. Known in Spanish as the Camino de mar y montes, the way of sea and mountains, this route takes you along Spain’s dramatic northern coastline, weaving between vibrant seaside towns and the rugged peaks that rise above them.

Due to its length, we sometimes split this journey into two parts, spread across two summer holidays. You’re welcome to walk either section on its own or take on the full route in one go. Below, we describe each part separately to help you choose what suits you best.

Part 1: Spain’s Stunning Northern Coastline — From the Basque Country to Asturias

Irún to Ribadesella: 21 days

Total Distance: 433 kilometres / 269 miles

We walk along one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in all of Spain. With the Cantabrian Sea on our right and dramatic mountain ranges rising to our left, the path leads us through charming fishing villages and vibrant, culturally rich cities.

This section of the Camino del Norte begins in the Basque Country, celebrated for its world-class cuisine, pintxos (Basque tapas), and iconic landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. From there, we continue into Cantabria, home to beautifully preserved villages and extraordinary cave systems filled with prehistoric art.

Our journey concludes in Asturias, a region known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich culinary traditions, including artisan cheeses, cider, and spicy chorizo.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the stunning city of San Sebastián (Donostia in the Basque language), renowned for its golden beaches, vibrant food scene, and elegant architecture
• Walk through Gernika, the historic town whose bombing during the Spanish Civil War inspired Picasso’s powerful painting Guernica
• Explore the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, a masterpiece by architect Frank Gehry that helped transform this former industrial port into a thriving cultural hub
• Take in breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay, with the sea and peaks as your constant companions
• Visit Altamira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the remarkable Upper Palaeolithic cave paintings that offer a glimpse into ancient human creativity
• Admire the elegant Casas Indianas, grand villas built by Asturians who returned from the Americas in the 19th century with newfound wealth
• Enjoy the charm of the fishing villages of Llanes and Ribadesella, where we sample the day’s catch and sip traditional Asturian cider made from local apples

Part 2: The Final Stage — From Asturias all the way to Santiago de Compostela

Ribadesella to Santiago de Compostela: 21 days

Total Distance: 423 kilometres / 262.6 miles

Our journey begins in the breathtaking Principality of Asturias, a region steeped in history and natural beauty. In the 8th century, Asturias played a key role in the origins of the Camino when King Alfonso II is said to have become the very first pilgrim to the tomb of Saint James.

From the charming town of Ribadesella, we follow the coastline of the Cantabrian Sea, walking through dramatic seascapes and vibrant coastal towns until we cross into Galicia. As the landscape shifts, we turn inland, passing through traditional villages rich in culture and Camino heritage.

For the final two days, we merge with the Camino Francés, joining fellow pilgrims from across the world as we make our way to the spiritual and emotional highlight of the journey, Santiago de Compostela.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stroll along the beaches of Asturias, where rugged coves, mountain backdrops, and, if we’re lucky, dramatic marine geysers create unforgettable memories
• Explore the harbor of Gijón, where traditional sidrerías line the waterfront, offering the chance to escanciar, the traditional way to serve Asturian cider, and to enjoy freshly caught fish, artisan cheeses, and flavorful local chorizos.
• Admire striking examples of arquitectura indiana, the elegant 19th-century villas built by Asturians who returned from South America with newfound wealth
• Visit the peaceful Monastery of Santa María in Sobrado, founded in the 10th century and one of the key historic landmarks along the Northern Camino
• Conclude your pilgrimage by arriving in Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll join pilgrims from across the world in celebration and visit the iconic cathedral at the heart of the journey