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3 minute read

Tour Director Profile: Emma Bonthorne, Spain and Portugal

June 24, 2022

The word multicultural aptly describes tour director Emma Bonthorne: she hails from Australia, has lived in Bilbao in Spain’s Basque country for the past 12 years, and along with English, speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and some Basque.

Emma (far right) with guests in Porto on our Across Spain and Portugal small group tour

She also loves being a tour director. “I love waking up every day in a new place. From an isolated mountain lodge in the Pyrenees, to a 15th-century pilgrim hospital in the center of Santiago de Compostela, or a chic, modern hotel in lively Bilbao, every day is a different adventure on tour!” says Emma.

“EMMA IS UNBELIEVABLY GREAT!”

– CAROL HENNRIKUS, CLAYTON, NC

Even more than that, Emma loves surprising her guests, whether it’s sharing gastronomic delights of the region or adding little unplanned stops to the itinerary. “With my last group,” she explains “we hiked across the border between Portugal and Spain then walked the last few miles of the Way of
St. James. It’s fun to have the chance to share that with our travelers.”

Hiking in the Pyrenees near Parador de Bielsa

Currently finishing her PhD in Archaeology, Emma directs excavations of a medieval cemetery in the western Pyrenees linked with the legendary Battle of Roncesvalles when not on tour. “It fits in perfectly with touring, as the topics overlap a surprising amount,” adds Emma.

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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