Although we’ll be walking along parts of the Camino de Santiago, it’s important to note that our experience will be quite different from that of its Compostela-seeking pilgrims, who are required to walk at least the last 100 kilometers into Santiago—often along stretches of busy highway—and who typically stay in simple dormitories. This trip allows us to experience the essence and highlights of the Camino and surrounding landscape in comfort, with the region’s best hotels, gourmet meals and excellent route support each day. It's also important to note that as we are walking on the Camino, many parts of this historic pilgrimage take place on paved paths, back roads or cobblestones. You can expect about half of the walking to be on a hard surface.

While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that some of the hotels on this trip are housed in beautiful historic buildings equipped with bio-friendly air-cooling systems. These may not be as cold as air-conditioning you are accustomed to. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.

The slower pace, relaxed approach to life and old-world qualities in Spain & Portugal are some of the highlights of this spectacular region and are reflected in the hotels and restaurants on this trip. That said, service can lack a sense of urgency when compared with the service found in other parts of Europe. While the Premiere hotels we've chosen are some of the finest in the area, they may seem a bit simpler than the Backroads European standard. The same can be said for Portuguese cuisine, a celebration of local flavors which is more rustic than that of other places we visit in Europe.