Discover sustainable travel in Spain! Explore our unique and authentic tours blending cities, nature, food, and culture. Carbon remvoals included!

Sustainable Travel in Spain | Yugen Earthside

How can you know if private tours are right for you? Here are 5 reasons travelers love them, along with examples of privately-guided trips.

Private Tours: What are they? Why book one? | Yugen Earthside

We get it. You’ve checked your calendar and, having allocated a week or two of your precious annual leave for a big trip overseas, you want to make the most of every second. With limited time to plan and wanting to maximize your time spent at the destination, you’ve decided some sort of organized tour is the best way to alleviate the stress associated with traveling. But with so many options of organized travel – from small-group tours, to self-guided tours, to private tours – how do you decide what is right for you? 

Private tours are most- to all-inclusive travel experiences, led by an expert local guide following a well-crafted and balanced itinerary. If you want to customize the itinerary, you may also see private tours called “bespoke” or “tailor-made” tours.

Convenience and saving time are huge reasons people choose private tours. Coordinating all the logistics of your own trip – from booking transportation and attraction tickets to finding local places to eat, sustainable places to stay, and ethical experiences – can be a struggle if you are not used to it. Having a guide is also ideal if you are nervous about visiting a place, don’t speak the language, or want to see places well off the beaten path that might otherwise be difficult to get to. 

So what makes private tours so great? In addition to the above, here are five reasons travelers love private tours.

Accompaniment of local insight and knowledge

Access to nature and off-the-beaten-path areas

Whether you’re someone who’s already read the guidebook cover to cover or someone who’s ready to put their feet up and get whisked away to places unknown, you will be able to find or create a private tour that matches exactly what you want.

Private tours are designed around what you want to get out of your vacation. Although the itineraries we list are meticulously crafted by our sustainable travel partners, it is impossible to create a plan that suits every traveler. However, one key benefit of a private tour is that your itinerary is fully customizable. Activities can be coordinated with the tour operator so that the itinerary suits you perfectly. You can add destinations that you’ve gathered from your own research or remove activities that don’t captivate your interests. The beauty of being able to personalize your travel experience is that you get to see and do what’s important to you, instead of following a group consensus. 

With customized tours, you can be as involved in the planning process as you want. For some people, trip planning is a major stressor. Our sustainable tour operators can relieve you of this burden. For other travelers, planning the trip is part of the joy of traveling itself! In this case, your research and feedback can be incorporated into your private trip. 

2. Private tours are flexible in terms of departure dates, trip length, and more

Planning a trip can be difficult to work around your daily life and responsibilities. Another benefit of a private tour is that, unlike a group tour, there are no set dates of departure. You get to decide when to travel and how long to travel. The only thing you might want to consider is whether your planned itinerary will work with the season of travel. For example, many hiking, trekking, and climbing adventures must be done within a defined season to avoid unsafe weather conditions. That said, traveling in the shoulder season or off-season, where possible, is more sustainable and can offer an enriching cultural experience with fewer tourists and shorter queues, allowing you to maximize your travel time. 

You also have more flexibility with private tours, once at your destination, than you would have if traveling as part of a small-group tour. Itinerary tweaks are easier to manage, you can travel at your own pace, and you can focus purely on maximizing your own experience without waiting for a larger group consensus. 

3. Private tours offer local insight and knowledge 

All of our tours are led or supported by local guides with an intimate knowledge of the cultural significance, history, and meaning behind each destination you visit. Hearing the stories of your local guide adds depth and color to your experience, bringing each destination to life. The importance of this cannot be understated for some destinations, such as our 13-Day Rajasthan Cultural Tour. 

Imagine a guided tour of Jaipur’s Amber Fort; a local guide leads you past the tourist traps outside, allowing you to dive into the rich architecture and history undistracted. You spend your afternoon with a visit to a local Rajput artisan family to experience their crafts and delicacies and take part in a hands-on block printing workshop using traditional techniques.

Another great example is our 10-day Kenyan Coast & Safari. Enjoy a perfect blend of a few days in Mombasa along the sparkling coast, plus a 6-day safari through three Kenyan national parks. Discover food tours, go on nature walks, get your fill of game drives, and soak up the magic of the enchanting savannah and Kenyan culture.

Your guide will also be fluent in the language and dialects of your destination. This makes travel a breeze as you tap into local knowledge. After all, the most rewarding experiences may steer you off the beaten path. Traveling alongside a native speaker allows you to let go of communication worries surrounding transportation or specific dietary requirements and immerse yourself in the culinary and cultural experiences of a new country. 

4. Private tours allow you to get deep into nature

Private tours make the most of private transportation, which, despite what you may think, isn’t just limited to cars. We have lots of guided tours for slow travelers at a relaxed pace with minimal driving time that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in your destination.

Why not explore the important historical Kokoda Track trail in Papua New Guinea, while learning about, connecting with, and supporting indigenous cultures? 

Or, follow in the footsteps of South American cowboys on an adventure along the Gaucho Way, and become fully immersed in the pristine and untouched wilderness of Chilean Patagonia.

Private travel allows you to get off the beaten track and into nature as you explore areas that public transport and large group tour buses can’t access, whilst remaining safe in the knowledge that you will be well looked after along the way. 

It’s been a few years since Covid turned the world upside down and, although many of us are ready to explore new horizons, many of us also have anxieties about safe and comfortable travel. Private tours offer personalized experiences just for you and your close travel companions. You don’t have to worry about vacationing with strangers, sharing public transport, or the pressure of getting to know new people. It’s also relatively easy to stay socially distanced from those outside your group. You can relax and enjoy your experiences with only your fellow group members.

Private tours inherently come at a higher price point than small-group tours or self-guided tours, with the actual price depending on variables including destination, activities, trip length, and group size. A private tour is a unique opportunity to make the most of your vacation time and explore a destination with an itinerary truly tailored to you. To give an idea of the price range, here are a couple of privately guided tours:

How do these prices compare to small-group tours and self-guided tours?

Private tours are different from both small-group tours and self-guided tours.

Small-group tours will be less expensive than private tours. You won’t have much flexibility with the itinerary – though you will have pockets of free time –  and you may be traveling with more people. 

Self-guided tours are always the most affordable option. You have a lot of autonomy, and since you’re not paying to be accompanied by a guide, this drastically reduces the cost of the trip. Self-guided tours are well-suited to nature-focused experiences, like walking and cycling tours. These are inherently more budget-friendly activities than tours involving cultural experiences and guided storytelling. 

Ultimately, with private tours, you get what you pay for. You are, after all, paying an individual to travel with you and be available to you and your travel buddies 24/7 for the duration of your trip. You will also avoid spending money on experiences you’re not interested in, you can splash on what’s important to you, go at your own pace, and relax – knowing you are in the capable and expert hands of your local guide.

While the price of private tours can vary greatly, we aim for fair, mid-range price points that will be a great value for travelers. We do this for two reasons:

Firstly, we aren’t convinced budget package trips are sustainable. Low prices make us nervous that someone somewhere is not getting paid fairly. 

Secondly, we don’t want sustainability to be synonymous with luxury and feel inaccessible. (That said, if you do enjoy staying in luxury eco-accommodations, this can be arranged!) 

Your budget can be taken into consideration with any custom-designed private tours. If cost is a concern, make this clear at the beginning of the planning process and let our sustainable travel partners help craft your adventure within your budget. This may mean prioritizing certain destinations or activities over others, or adjusting your trip length; we can play with your itinerary until it suits you. 

Are you dreaming of a Spanish vacation with your family? Take a look at our relaxed trips in Spain combining classic cities, peaceful nature, and flavorful gastronomy. 

Do you have an artistic streak? Explore our slow-travel cultural deep-dive tours in India that include organized visits and hands-on experiences with artisans including weavers, potters, bangle makers, and more. 

Below are just a handful of our favorite private tours. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs in nature, unwind near the sea, immerse yourself in culture and wildlife, or focus on personal wellness, we can help you find (or create!) the perfect trip.

Himalayan hiking with a twist, this off-the-beaten-path trail along Nepal's Khopra Ridge is a serene alternative to more popular treks in the region. You'll have time to discover the cultural highlights of Kathmandu at the beginning of your trip and of Pokhara at the end.

In the middle, you'll embark on a 9-day trek through the majestic Himalayas. As you climb, you’ll marvel at spectacular views and then rest and recover at community lodges and homestays along the way.

This unique trip combines breathtaking beauty with diverse landscapes and authentic cultural experiences to help you discover the hidden treasures of the Annapurna region.

When you think of the Maldives, you may think of white-sand beaches and honeymooners. You're not wrong, and also... there is so much more to these beautiful islands!

For a unique visit that embodies the 'opposite of mass tourism', consider booking a private tour of the Addu Atoll (a type of circular island with a perimeter of coral reefs surrounding a central lagoon).

Discover the natural wonders via snorkeling and kayaking, visit an eco garden, and learn about the unique culture, rich history, and modern development of this tropical paradise. 

Delve into the nature and culture of Ecuador and be mesmerized by its rich diversity. From wandering around Quito (a UNESCO site), to perusing indigenous markets, to hiking in the intriguing cloud forest, our private guide will warmly introduce you to the different regions of Ecuador's mainland.

You'll see snow-capped volcanoes, relax in hot springs, and visit Latitude Zero at the Equator. Then, you'll visit Nono, a little jewel built in colonial times by the Jesuits, where the charm and hospitality of Villa Doris wait for you.

 4. South Africa: Wellness, Wine, & Safari

Indulge in a slow-travel, two-week saunter through South Africa and enjoy wellness treatments, sip world-renowned wines, and go on a classic safari. Your private guide will enhance this immersive trip so you can get the most out of experiencing the beauty and vibrant cultures of Cape Town, South Africa.

Indulge yourself in traditional cuisine, nature walks, and time at the spa to restore your tired mind while enjoying fine wine in the Winelands. Finish your leisurely visit to South Africa with a sensational safari in a scenic floral setting.

All in all, the type of trip you choose depends on your personality, budget, appetite for adventure, travel style, and experience.

If you wish to retain complete control of your trip, independent travel, where you book each component on your own, might be your style. This is a tried-and-true way of crafting your trip exactly to your budget.

If you want a little help with organizing your experiences (route, accommodations, airport transfers) but still want to call most of the shots once you get there, try a self-guided tour. These autonomous itineraries are common for walking, cycling, and driving tours, and are generally cheaper than small-group or private tours.

Those who enjoy the company of others and decide that having a guide will make for a more convenient experience may enjoy a small-group tour. These have fixed departure dates and are usually capped at 10-12 travelers for an intimate experience with like-minded travelers at an affordable price point.

And if you’re looking for a highly customized itinerary where you can immerse yourself in nature or culture alongside a local expert, book a private guided tour. This is a great option if you only want to travel with close family or friends, and want a truly personalized experience without the stress of trip planning all on your own.

In the end, the choice is entirely yours. If you want assistance in choosing, or if you have a trip in mind you want to discuss, reach out to us. We offer free, 30-minute sustainable travel consultations for conscious travelers! To get started, simply fill out this form and we’ll help you out.

Private Tours: What are they? Why book one?

How can you know if self-guided tours are right for you? Here are 6 reasons travelers love them, along with examples of self-guided trips.

Self-Guided Tours: What are they? Why book one? | Yugen Earthside

Travel is an exciting experience, but the research and planning that goes into organizing a trip can be daunting for many. Browsing for eco-friendly accommodations, delicious local places to eat, and activities that align with your values can quickly become exhausting. Organized tours are a great option to alleviate some of the stress associated with booking your vacation. But with so many different choices of organized travel – from private tours, to small-group tours, to self-guided tours – how do you decide what is right for you?

To start off, let’s clarify what we mean by a self-guided tour. Self-guided tours are trips in which an expert handles all of the pre-departure organization and booking. Once travelers arrive, they enjoy their trip independently, without a third-party guide physically present. Whilst travelers are responsible for making their way to their accommodation each night they have complete autonomy regarding their pace throughout each day.

Self-guided tours are well-suited for walking, cycling, and driving holidays where the daily route is thoughtfully planned out for you, and your luggage is transported between pre-booked accommodations. This tour type is an ideal choice for travelers who would like assistance with organizing and booking their trip, but don’t need an escort on the actual journey. That said, self-guided trips include a GPS and 24/7 on-call support to ensure guests’ safety.

The level of support provided before and during the trip is very similar to what travelers would experience on a privately guided tour, minus the guide themself. Self-guided tours typically include the following:

Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the trip

A day-to-day route indicating the miles or kilometers to be traveled each day

Luggage transfers between points A and B each day (for walking and cycling tours) – this means that travelers only need to carry a small day pack with them as they walk or bike

Pre-arranged and booked activities along the way

Eco-friendly accommodations are booked for each night

24/7 roadside assistance (for driving tours)

Saving time on research, flexibility, and affordability without compromising on experiences are some of the reasons people opt for a self-guided tour. Many travelers also report a higher degree of self-satisfaction at the end of their trip; they truly feel a sense of accomplishment after navigating their own way across a new destination.

So what makes self-guided tours so much fun? Here are our top six reasons travelers love self-guided tours.

Keep reading to discover why so many travelers prefer this type of travel.

1. Self-guided tours save you the time and stress of researching and planning a vacation

Most of us lead busy lives. Deciding on a destination can be exciting, but the research and planning needed to organize a vacation are time-consuming. It’s hard to truly capture how long the average person spends planning a trip. Different reports estimate travelers spend anywhere from 10 hours to 30 hours or more planning a single holiday. Time spent researching and coordinating can either be fun, and an enjoyable part of the adventure overall, or stressful, and considered a necessary evil to have the trip of your dreams. Having a suggested itinerary with a pre-arranged route, pre-booked eco-friendly accommodations and activities, and comfort touches like airport transfers can remove a lot of this stress.

By booking a self-guided tour, you can minimize your time spent researching and planning whilst maximizing your time on vacation. Expert trip planners and our in-country partners are ready to take all of this stress off your hands and hand over an organized, well-planned itinerary. They’ll ensure that you’re making the most of every day, booking eco-friendly accommodations, and suggesting activities to participate in that support local people and businesses.

2. Self-guided tours have flexible departure dates

Another benefit of self-guided tours is that you are not tied down to specific departure dates. Unlike small-group tours with fixed departure dates, self-guided tours leave you completely free to accommodate your start date with your group’s schedule.

Pro tip: When considering your departure date, be sure to check for two things:

Availability: Many self-guided tours that are nature-focused – like walking and cycling tours – are only available to book during particular seasons, such as from Spring through Fall. This is for safety and to help maximize the enjoyment of the trip overall in terms of weather and other conditions. 

Seasonality: Traveling outside of the high season, when a peak number of travelers might be crowding a trail, is more sustainable. As long as conditions are comfortable enough, traveling during the shoulder season or low season helps with tourism dispersal. Tourism dispersal is about spreading out where tourists go, and how tourist money is spent throughout the year.

Once at your destination, self-guided tours give you complete autonomy to explore at a pace that suits you. You can pick your sightseeing stops along the way, decide to linger a little longer over a delicious local lunch, or set off an hour earlier to catch that gorgeous sunrise as you hike or cycle from point A to B. You can stop wherever you like, whenever you like, and how often you like. The freedom is yours!

3. Self-guided tours can be customized and tweaked until they’re just right

When you discover a self-guided walking, cycling, or driving trip, you will typically be presented with a suggested itinerary as a starting point. You can think of this as a base itinerary – a recommendation that will be fantastic as-is, but customizable if needed.

Some of the main ways people adjust self-guided itineraries:

Tweaking the length by either adding or removing a day or two on either end. Adding a day requires less distance to be covered each day, which can result in more downtime for exploring or resting.

Opting for more luxurious accommodations for a more upscale experience.

Scheduling experiences or activities along the way – such as an artisan visit or a wine tasting. These can be incorporated into days of light walking, cycling, or driving; or be planned for days of rest at certain stopping points mid-way in your trip.

For your leisure time, you’ll also be provided with suggestions and important information to ensure you’re not missing out on anything. But exactly what you choose to do in your downtime is completely up to you!

Self-guided tours are almost always the most economical option compared to privately guided tours or small-group tours. This type of tour is usually much cheaper as you are not paying to be accompanied by a guide for the duration of your trip, as you would be on a private or small-group tour. The affordability of self-guided trips makes them ideal for travelers aiming to stick to a smaller budget. 

5. Self-guided tours offer independence and freedom

With a self-guided tour, you retain the feeling of independence along with the safety of knowing everything is organized and arranged for you. This provides a great amount of freedom – much higher than what you’d experience on a private or small-group tour. Namely, this independence means you can go at your own pace each day. With walking and cycling tours, you can spend a leisurely day on the trail or move briskly to have more downtime at your destination for the evening. With driving tours, you can more easily take detours to particular points of interest along the way – such as a specific cultural heritage sight or a particularly good vantage point to watch a sunset.

Unlike travel where you plan and book everything yourself, you will never be left entirely without support. Even though you’ll be walking, cycling, or driving unattended, there will be a local support team tracking your route via GPS, ensuring a unique and safe experience. Your GPS will also include the locations of your pre-booked accommodations, as well as pre-saved suggested sites, attractions, and important places you may wish to consider visiting along the way.

Self-guided tours include 24/7 backup telephone support in English to assist you if and when required. You won’t even have to worry about your luggage, as active self-guided walking and cycling tours include organized luggage transfer throughout! This allows you to savor every moment of your trip, secure in the knowledge that all the details have been handled and that help, if needed, is just a phone call away.

6. Self-guided tours are a Covid-friendly way to travel

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic caused travel plans to grind to a halt across the world. Although many of us are ready to throw ourselves back into new experiences, cultures, and delicacies, we understand that travelers may still have concerns about Covid-friendly travel.

Self-guided tours are ideal as they offer an exclusive experience for you and your choice of travel companions. You won’t have to worry about vacationing with strangers or sharing public transport once at the destination. Inherently, self-guided walking, cycling, and driving tours outside and away from large urban areas make it easy to stay socially distanced from people outside of your group should you choose. You can simply focus on exploring areas of natural beauty, passing through small towns and villages, and breathing in fresh country air!

Self-guided tours are one of the most economical options for travelers, although, like all tours, the price depends on the destination, activities, trip length, and group size. Self-guided tours cater well to walking tours and cycling holidays, so here are a couple of examples: 

How do these prices compare to private tours and small-group tours?

Private tours are the most expensive option as you will be accompanied by a guide for the duration of your trip. However, this can offer unique insights and cultural experiences, the chance to really get off the beaten track, and an increased sense of comfort for travelers heading to an unfamiliar destination.

The prices of small-group tours fall somewhere in-between self-guided and private tours. You won’t have much flexibility with the itinerary – though you will have pockets of free time for individual exploration – and you may be traveling with more people. Small-group tours are great for leveraging the expertise of a local guide without the higher cost that comes with private tours.

Self-guided tours are different from both private tours and small-group tours. As you are not accompanied by a local expert for the majority of your vacation, this drastically reduces the cost of the trip, although some of our self-guided tours do include a guided component to maximize your cultural experience. This tour type is ideal for those that want increased autonomy, but you will need to be responsible for getting to and from your accommodations each night and ensure you’re on time for any pre-booked activities along your route. Additionally, self-guided tours are especially suited to nature-focused activities such as walking and cycling tours. These are more budget-friendly activities and, as a bonus, will keep the carbon footprint of your travel low as well.

Now that we’ve covered what self-guided tours are, what they include, and what the benefits are, we’ll give you some examples of our favorite self-guided trips.

Are you an active traveler looking for a self-guided adventure? Explore the Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto to Santiago on this cycling tour that takes you along the rugged coastline and through the quaint villages of northern Portugal. Prefer hiking to biking? Enjoy a similar self-guided walking holiday along the coastal route of Portugal’s Costa Verde, a diverse region famous for its refreshing ‘green wine’.

Here are a couple more self-guided tours we recommend. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure, cultural immersion, or epic road trip, we can help you find your perfect itinerary.

1. Portugal: Heart and Soul of Douro Valley

Immerse yourself in Portuguese cuisine with this one-week self-guided walking tour and wine-tasting holiday in the scenic Douro Valley. You’ll follow unpaved roads and footpaths through picturesque countryside as you walk between traditional villages, pausing for picnic lunches and visits to local wine estates where you can sample award-winning wines and local cuisine. Museums and the chance to take part in activities, such as grape harvest celebrations, will give you an appreciation and understanding of the culture of this region. At the end of each day’s walk, you’ll receive a warm welcome at one of the carefully selected country houses and hotels, where you can relax, put your feet up, and enjoy a delicious meal. 

We had a great hike in Douro valley, all the accommodations were perfect, and the people we met were so nice. In every place we stopped we had great hotel rooms and a pool to rest after a day hiking (mostly up). Especially Quinta do Portal was really excellent and had the best chef and meals we have ever had in Portugal. Thank you! 

2. Romania: Discovering Transylvania's Heritage by Bike

Leisurely cycle through the hills of Transylvania, a mysterious and spectacular land with a rich heritage. This trip will take you into the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania’s hills. Transylvania is famous thanks to Bram Stoker’s legend of Dracula, and is well-known for its forests which provide shelter for many species of wild plants and animals. 

Self-Guided Tours: What are they? Why book one?

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

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Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

A coastal Camino adventure where you'll walk alongside beautiful beaches & through historical towns, resting in luxury stays in between. Carbon removals included!

[15 days] Camino: Luxury Coastal Walk from Porto | Yugen Earthside

A coastal Camino adventure where you'll walk alongside beautiful beaches and through historical towns, resting in luxury stays in between.

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage walking trail comprised of a vast network of caminos, or paths, all culminating at Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Portuguese Camino has been one of these main routes to Santiago for centuries.

On this trip, you'll start partway through the Portuguese Way, in Porto, and complete 13 walking days before arriving at your final destination in Spain. You'll follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and walkers as you embark on a journey of discovery, not only of the country but also of yourself.

After a full day of walking beside the ocean and through forests, fields, and villages, you can look forward to quality linens, a dreamily comfortable bed, and all the expected comforts in luxury accommodations along the way. 

🚴 The cycling version of this route is here!

Walk along peaceful coastal trails alongside gorgeous and varied beaches

Discover scenic woodland, farmland, & authentic country villages inland

Visit historical cities, and see iconic bridges, rivers, and valleys

Pass by beautiful churches, chapels, and roadside shrines

Keep an eye out for flora & fauna as you cross the Cavado Estuary

Admire the Eiffel Bridge and magnificent architecture in Viana de Castelo 

Learn the history of a 12th Century Monastery in Oia

Savor amazing, fresh seafood, regional dishes, and great local wines

Rejuvenate sore muscles in the thermal springs of the spa town, Caldas de Reis

Stay in picturesque, dreamy luxury accommodations and historical hotels 

The landscapes you’ll encounter in Portugal and Spain are varied and beautiful, as are the inland stretches where you will wind your way through woodland, farmland, country villages, and historical towns through Northern Portugal and Galicia.

You’ll witness the cultural contrast between seafaring people, traditional village life, and the comparative bustle of the ancient towns and cities along the Camino.

Some of the luxury accommodations include Pousadas and Paradores, which are usually historical buildings such as palaces, fortresses, and monasteries that have been converted into luxury hotels. Others are stylish, modern hotels in excellent locations, so you can dine onsite or walk to a nearby restaurant.

The historical trail offers a wide range of scenery, experiences, and flavors; it is sure to satisfy you on many different levels! 

You can book this itinerary from March 1st through October 31st each year.

The low season is in March, April, May, and October

April, May, June, September, and October are ideal for a walking adventure through northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June, and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain.

July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 86° F (30° C). Additionally, the last two weeks of July are especially exciting in Santiago de Compostela. The city celebrates the "Feast of Saint James" or the "Apostle Festival" to honor the patron saint known to be laid to rest in the Cathedral. The city is overtaken by a magical mix of culture, religion, and celebrations during July with costumes, music, activities, and a famously stunning fireworks display.

Traveling during the low or mid-seasons is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal – spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Ground transfers from and to Porto airport

14 nights of luxury accommodation with breakfast included

Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 bag per person – maximum 33 lbs/15 kg per bag)

Private transfer from Porto to Matosinhos on Day 2

Roadbook with tips, maps, and detailed information about the walk (in English)

Pilgrim Kit: Credencial (passport) and Vieira (shell)

Extra nights in Porto or Santiago (4/5-star hotel): On request.

Transfer from hotel to airport in Santiago de Compostela:
$60 for up to 3 people, $80 for 4-7 people

Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto city/airport:
$385 for up to 3 people, $45 for 4-7 people

Transfer from hotel to airport in Porto:
$55 for up to 3 people, $85 for 4-7 people

Price varies between high, mid, and low seasons.

Low season: March, April, May and October

We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet. Using our own extensive local knowledge, we carefully design our tours to respect the way of life of local populations as well as the environment and provide our clients with a genuine experience that leads to meaningful interactions with another culture. In turn, we make sure that money stays within the small local communities that they spend time in.

The historical and spiritual Portuguese Coastal Camino de Santiago offers a wide range of scenery and gastronomic experiences. The unspoiled coastal landscapes in Northern Portugal and Galicia in Spain are varied and beautiful, as are the inland stretches through woodland, farmland, country villages, and historical towns.

We take into consideration environmental issues when planning new programs within Northern Portugal and design them to have negligible harmful impact. To achieve this, we follow the guidelines laid out by the Portuguese Nature Conservation and Forestry Institute (ICNF), which protect and preserve the areas of natural beauty and environmental significance in which we operate.

We provide our self-guided clients with a full briefing and detailed instructions on their route, which includes a traveler’s code of conduct. This includes guidelines for avoiding damage to the landscape and advice on minimizing waste as well as preventing forest fires. 

We also recommend that our clients bring refillable water bottles (use code YUGEN10 for 10% off) and encourage them to use local tap water or approved water fountains along the Camino. We explain how they can tell when water is safe to drink. We stress the importance of leaving no trace, which includes not following the popular practice of adding stones to cairns to mark their passage.

For luggage transfers, we usually have more than one client undertaking the route at any given time so we arrange bulk delivery and collection with local drivers to reduce carbon emissions.

Our preferred accommodation and catering partners are those who make effective use of eco-friendly practices to save water, utilize solar power, and promote recycling.

This program follows an ancient pilgrim route that passes through non-touristed villages and small towns that depend on the revenue generated by the pilgrims for their survival and development.

For this reason, we encourage our clients to use local cafés, traditional non-chain restaurants, markets, and grocery stores, not only to support the local economy but also to maximize their opportunities to interact with local people. If there is a local delicacy worth trying, such as octopus in Esposende or the renowned oysters in Arcade, we point this out in the roadbook (info pack).

Our ‘roadbooks’ contain information about the destination and advice for clients on respecting local cultures and interacting without inadvertently causing offense, as well as some helpful phrases in Portuguese and Spanish.

One thing that every pilgrim will agree with is the helpfulness of local people. They are used to seeing pilgrims and are pleased to see and support them where possible. If a pilgrim appears to be in any doubt as to which way to go and there is a local nearby, they will point the traveler in the right direction without them even having to ask.

Our office is in northern Portugal, close to Porto, the usual starting point for this program, and a few days’ walk along the Camino. Our staff live locally and have in-depth knowledge of the route, so they are able to help out rapidly and effectively, mobilizing local resources where necessary to help clients if they encounter any difficulties.

We ensure our staff and those who work for us are treated with respect and have fair working conditions. As such, we are directly supporting the local economy and communities in which we operate.

In our office, we recycle as much as possible and do our best to minimize printing and waste in general, e.g., by using washable crockery and cutlery and providing a 20-litre water cooler for staff to refill.

Experience the best of Catalonia on this incredible journey through enchanting medieval villages & classic cities, and along the Mediterranean Sea. Carbon removals included!

[6 days] Enchanting Catalonia: Medieval Villages, Cities, & Sea | Yugen Earthside

Experience the best of Catalonia on this incredible journey through enchanting medieval villages and classic cities, and along the Mediterranean Sea.

Visit Catalonia's largest and capital city Barcelona, as well as Girona, L'Estartit, and Pals, where the rich history, stunning coastlines, and cultural wonders await. Indulge your senses, create lasting memories, and fall in love with the vibrant spirit of this extraordinary region. Let Catalonia's allure captivate your soul!

Discover the history and secrets of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona

Stroll through the fascinating city of Girona (plus an optional tapas tour)

Learn about a local project that promotes sustainable fishing in L'Estartit

Fall in love with the medieval village of Pals

Delight yourself with a dinner in an inclusive social project

Join us on a remarkable journey that will take you to the heart of Spain's northeasternmost region, exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, the charming beauty of Girona, the coastal allure of L'Estartit, and the enchanting village of Pals.

In Barcelona, prepare to immerse yourself in a city that effortlessly blends historical grandeur with avant-garde marvels. Marvel at the Gothic Quarter's labyrinthine streets - every corner of Barcelona is bursting with cultural treasures!

Venture north to Girona, a hidden gem that will sweep you off your feet with its medieval charm. Explore the well-preserved Jewish Quarter, cross the iconic Eiffel Bridge, and lose yourself in the narrow alleys of the Old Town.

The city of Girona's rich history and medieval architectural marvels will transport you back in time with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings.

Next, head to the sun-kissed shores of L'Estartit, where pristine beaches meet crystal-clear waters. In the Natural Park Montgrí and Medes Islands, you will visit a local project to promote sustainable fishing methods.

Last but not least, discover the idyllic villages of Pals, a hidden treasure nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills. It's truly a medieval gem that will leave you awestruck.

This trip is bookable between March and November.

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are generally considered the best periods to visit Catalonia. During these seasons, the weather is mild and comfortable, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.

Special time to visit: From May 11-19th, 2024, there is a flower festival in Girona ("Temps de Flors"). Dates adjust each year.

In June, the temperatures start to rise, but it's still relatively less crowded compared to July and August and can also be a nice time to visit Catalonia. September offers similar advantages, with warm weather and fewer tourists.

July and August are the peak summer months in Catalonia. During these months, the temperatures can soar, especially in Barcelona and along the coast. Additionally, these months attract a large number of tourists, resulting in crowded beaches, popular attractions, and higher accommodation prices. If you prefer to avoid large crowds and extreme heat, it's advisable to plan your visit outside of these months.

Transport not specified (i.e. between hotel & train station on Day 3)

5 nights in shared double rooms in 2* & 3* accommodations

Private transfer from Barcelona Airport to Hotel (Days 1 & 6)

Private guided visit to Barcelona's Gothic Quarter (Day 2)

Train tickets from Barcelona to Girona (Day 3)

Private transfer from Girona to L’Estartit (Day 4)

Train tickets from Girona to Barcelona (Day 5)

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Enchanting Catalonia: Medieval Villages, Cities, & Sea

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