SPAIN

A transformative journey along the final stretch of Spain’s most sacred trail.

Travel isn’t only about discovering new places, it’s about merging with your surroundings and embracing experiences that transform. For purpose-driven travelers, we offer one of Europe’s most powerful journeys: El Camino de Santiago. This sacred pilgrimage, walked since the 9th century, leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, where the tomb of Saint James the Apostle was discovered.

Our most popular curated experience follows the final 100 km from Sarria along the Camino Francés, the best-known route and the minimum distance required to earn the official Compostela certificate. Sarria is easily accessible from Lugo, a city rich in history, architecture, and atmosphere, offering a beautiful and meaningful transition into the journey.

But Sarria is only one of the ways. There are many routes to Santiago, including the Portuguese Way and the more demanding Camino del Norte along Spain’s dramatic northern coast. Each path offers something different, and we design each itinerary to suit the traveler’s style, goals, and rhythm.

Every step of the way, your comfort is our priority. Local guides walk alongside you, sharing stories, legends, and the deeply human spirit of the Camino. At the end of each day, unwind in handpicked boutique hotels full of charm and calm—perfect spaces to reflect, restore, and connect with the moment.

If your journey aligns with a Holy Year, when July 25th, the feast of Saint James, falls on a Sunday, you’ll be part of a more meaningful tradition. Pilgrims can pass through the Holy Door and receive a plenary indulgence. The next Holy Year is in 2027, a rare and special time to walk the Camino.

Reaching Santiago is a powerful reward. Witnessing the Botafumeiro swing across the cathedral and receiving your scallop shell, mark the end of a personal, unforgettable pilgrimage.

TRT travel designers Andrea and Elena recently embarked on a FAM trip along the Camino Francés. Along the route, they carefully scouted the finest hotels, authentic eateries, and hidden gems to ensure your journey is nothing short of seamless, soulful, and truly unforgettable.

Where?
The Camino can begin in several places around Spain, Portugal and even France. We tailor the starting point—whether León, Sarria, or elsewhere—to match your interests, pace, and desired level of challenge.
When?
The Camino is best experienced in September and October, when the weather is mild and the summer crowds have thinned. Spring months like May and June also offer ideal conditions. Advance planning is essential, especially during Xacobeo (Jubilee) years such as 2027.
Why?
Because every traveler should walk the Camino at least once, a journey of physical challenge, personal reflection, and deep connection with the landscapes, people, and timeless spirit of Spain.
Photography credits
Unsplash

Inspired yet? The journey continues…

Lifestyle

Lifestyle


ABOUT US

Hola! Welcome to THE REAL THING
The Really Top DMC in Spain & Portugal

We plan the trips that dreams are made of: trips tailored to your tastes and interests, with sophisticated proposals and all-around excellence. We help you discover the soul of vibrant cities and picturesque villages, the best coastal enclaves, the true countryside, and the natural beauty of rivers and mountains in their purest state.

You will enjoy food and wine like never before and soak up history and art at every turn; you will take part in our traditions and immerse yourself in our culture. Always in superb spaces, in great company, with an emphasis on quality, exclusivity and good taste.

We know how to have fun and how to make your trip truly enriching, connecting you with the local spirit: its people, its art, its cuisine, and its land.

What we do

We make sure you enjoy every moment of your trip, arranging one unforgettable experience after another.

We take care of absolutely everything so you don’t have to worry about absolutely anything. Our job is to ensure that your travels in Spain and Portugal are a pleasurable experience. We work for people with high standards (we have them, too), both on an individual and corporate level. We are flexible, but we like to have everything under control. And we aim to exceed expectations, including those of children: we love kids and know how important they are.

We put together packages based on what you want to experience. We are very well-versed in the cultural and dining scenes, and we have a long list of exceptional locations and contacts at our disposal. We open the doors of a convent full of precious art work just for you, we invite you to discover an enchanting Andalusian city guided by a viceroy, we take you to harvest oysters in the sea and cook with a chef, we send you sailing through Lisbon at dusk while listening to fados live… The accommodations, means of transport and restaurants, like everything else, will always be superb and fit with your style and preferences.

We highlight the local historic, artistic, natural and traditional heritage with a contemporary approach. We stand for a high-quality, inclusive, sustainable and respectful form of tourism. We want you to feel like a local, but not just any local: we provide you with the best of the best because there are so many wonders to see and no time to waste.

Monuments, museums, urban vibes, shopping, heritage, traditions, festivals, local cuisine, wine, crafts, relaxation, slow life, wellness, sports, adventure, nature, sea, music, fun, the good life…

During your travels will we be available to assist you 24/7 and help you with whatever you need.

Letting go is easy when everything feels so good. THE REAL THING always makes your wishes come true.

Who we are

We are your hip insiders, the guardian angels of your travels.

Gloria Pou and Marta Muñoz
Glòria Pou and Marta Muñoz Recarte

We are a small but strong team led by Marta Muñoz Recarte and Glòria Pou. Both of us had long-standing careers in the art world until 2013, when our passion for travel led us to create THE REAL THING.

We are based in Madrid and Barcelona, where we design and oversee your journeys. We have a close-knit network of choice collaborators that make us the really top DMC we are. They include hoteliers with class, tour guides with cachet and chauffeurs with an eye for detail and impeccable timing; people who hold the keys to historic and unique buildings, art curators, cultural ambassadors and personal shoppers; contacts at the trendiest restaurants and bars of our cities, musicians, DJs, flamenco dancers, chefs, sommeliers, bartenders… Farmers and winegrowers, ceramicists, cheesemakers, sports instructors, massage therapists, fishermen, percebeiras (goose barnacle hunters), sailboat captains, jugglers, magicians… Want to meet them?

We like to keep up with the latest developments and traverse villages and cities in search of the best locations, hotels, businesses and restaurants.

We’re passionate about fine dining, great wine, and—above all—art. Creative, communicative, and detail-driven, we deliver impeccable service at every step.

Postcards

Welcome to our Postcards, a curated collection of travel inspiration from across Spain and Portugal.

This section is your gateway to the destinations, experiences, stays, flavors, and cultural gems that shape The Real Thing’s bespoke itineraries. Each Postcard offers a glimpse into the essence of our journeys – exclusive, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.

Whether it’s a hidden boutique hotel, an unforgettable dining experience, a must-see art exhibition, or a private escape to a secluded beach, each Postcard reflects the detail, creativity, and luxury that define our approach to travel.