Explore Galicia's Rias Baixas an exceptionally indented coastline, with creeks and hidden coves at every turn, a scattering of inlets lying close inshore, and an alternating pattern of cliffs and beaches. In this Forgotten Celtic region of Northwestern Spain nature alone is not at play however. The imprint of different cultures, from the era of the Celts right down to the Modern Ages is also clearly identifiable as part of Galician culture. From Celtic Castros (Hill-forts) to the Dolmens left here by the region's first inhabitants, the ability to work stone with the enviable expertise and craft of the master mason never seems to have been a secret in these parts. There is much to be enjoyed including it's famous Albariño wines accompanied by rich local cuisine. We can't forget to mention the lively Celtic music that charms it's visitors to returning to this magical land.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago
Arrival to Santiago de Compostela the end of the Pilgrims' way. Upon arrival you will meet your Private English speaking dpecialist driver/guide. Transfer to your hotel. Check into hotel anytime after 2:00 pm. On this evening we meet in the hotel lobby (meeting time: 7:30pm).
Introduction and Galicia tour orientation. Enjoy a "Galician Welcome Dinner" in the beautiful Parador. Overnight in Santiago. Includes: (D);
Day 2: Santiago - Walking Day Tour In The Historic Quarter Of The Ancient Pilgrimage City
Breakfast. Morning visit of the Ethnographic museum of the Galician people, plaza de Abastos market, cathedral & old quarter. Lunch on your own. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city
Dinner in Michelin Star Restaurant restaurant in the old quarter. Overnight in Santiago. Includes: (B), (D);
Day 3: Santiago - Noia - Baroña - Corrubedo - Catoira - Cambados – Pontevedra
Breakfast. Follow down the Upper Rias Baixas coastline passing by many small fishing. Visit the Celtic Hill-Fort Of Baroña. Visit the ancient Dolmen of Axeitos. Lunch in a restaurant in the village of Corrubedo with excellent views of the coast and delicious fresh seafood & Albariño white wines. Visit the Dunes of Corrubedo, a nature beach park with large sand dunes, wild flora & fauna. Entering into the Rias Baixas Of O Salnes, visit the remains of the 17th century defense towers in Catoria. Visit Bodega Pazo De Señorans, an Albariño winery located in the O Salnes sub-zone of the Denomination Of Origin Rias Baixas. Then we visit CAMBADOS village, the heart of Albariño wine country. Walk around the Plaza de Fefiñanes and quaint streets of this noble village. After this we drive by highway to Pontevedra. Check in Hotel and some free time.
Dinner in Parador with traditional cuisine & Albariño wines. Overnight in Pontevedra. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 4: Pontevedra - Donon - Nature Walk Around Man's Cape - Hio - Soutomaior – Pontevedra
Breakfast. In the morning we leave to visit Pontevedra city's Archeology & Art Museum, also the old quarter. Then we continue on following along the coastline arriving at the point of the Peninsula of O Morrazo. In the small village of Donon we will have a seafood lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch we will walk around what is know as Cabo Home (Man's Cape) here we see a few lighthouses (including an Ancient Celtic Lighthouse at the top of Monte Facho) all with excellent view of the Cies Island in front. From here we walk in the direction of the Beach of Melide whereas we reach an other lighthouse of this Cape, which faces to the Ria of Vigo offering spectacular view over the Ria.
Before returning we stop in the small village of Hio to visit the Wayside Cross of Hio the most famous in Galicia and built from on solid block of granite. Beside the cross is the Romanesque Church of San Andres (St. Andrews) we take a peek inside before leaving. Then we make our way around the other side of the Peninsula passing through small fishing villages like Cangas and enjoying views of the Rande Bridge and Vigo across the Ria. Curling around the Bay of San Simon we arrive in Soutmaior. Then we visit the vineyard valley of Soutomaior, another sub-zone of the D.O. Rias Baixas and the Castle Of Soutomaior. Dinner in a traditional Galician. Tavern, with live Celtic Music. Overnight in Pontevedra. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 5: Pontevedra - Vigo - Playa America – Baiona
Breakfast. We drive by highway to Vigo. Then a panoramic tour of Vigo city & it's picturesque bay today viewing from the other side. Visit the Quinones de Leon Manor Museum. Free time on your own for lunch. At leisure to shop the streets of Vigo and visit its famous fishing port largest port in Spain. Or even take an optional ferry ride across the Ria de Vigo to visit the fishing village of Cangas. Group meeting point in the late afternoon, drive to Baiona village stopping to visit the America beach where Europe first got word of the discover of America. In the harbor we will also see the replica of the Caraval Pinta which brought the word of the discover of America. Then off to the Castle of Monterreal. Free time before dinner. Dinner in Parador. Overnight in Baiona. Includes: (B), (D);
Day 6: Baiona - La Guardia – O Rosal - Tui – Baiona
Breakfast. Today continuing down the Lower Rias Baixas until reaching La Guardia fishing village. Visit the Monte Santa Tecla Celtic Hill-Fort with reconstructed huts and the museum with artifacts. Lunch in a restaurant at the top of the hill with Panoramic Views of the River Miño meeting the Atlantic sea, and views of the mountains of Northern Portugal. Enjoy a Seafood feast with Lobster, crab etc. and Albariño wines. Visit Bodegas Terras Gauda, an Albariño winery located in the O Rosal sub-zone of the D.O. Rias Baixas. Visit the Fortified Cathedral Of Tui and it's old quarter. Then we return back to Baiona by highway. Free time before dinner. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Baiona. Includes: (B), (L);
Day 7: Baiona - Tui – Valença Do Minho – Melgaço – Arbo – Ribadavia – Leiro
Breakfast. Today we drive by highway until reaching the boarder whereas we cross over an ancient Iron Bridge into Northern Portugal's Minho Valley region to visit the Fort boarder village of Valença Do Minho. Free time to walk around the Fort of Valenca with its quaint shops etc.
Following along the Portuguese side of the Miño River until reaching Melgaço, visit the Solar do Alvarinho wine museum of the Denomination Of Origin Vinho Verde, which displays the Alvarinho wines in this region of Northern Portugal. Cross back over into Galicia entering ARBO "Villa da Lamprea" (village of Lamprey Eel). Lunch in a quaint Manor House overlooking the Miño River. Visit Sean O'Rourke's family Artisan wine cellar inside the old Abadia (Abbey) De Cabeiras that does not sell on a commercial level and conserve the traditional method of producing Albariño & Condado wines in the valley of Condado De Tea, another sub-zone of the D.O. Rias Baixas. Visit the Miños da Rocha, recently resorted old flower-mills. Visit the historic Jewish quarter of medieval Ribadavia village, heart of the Denomination of Origin Ribeiro. Transfer to Leiro. Free time before dinner. Dinner in the hotel's restaurant famed for excellent local cuisine accompanied by Bodega Viña Mein, an excellent wine from a winery which is located right near the hotel and is within the D.O. Ribeiro. Overnight in Leiro. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 8: Leiro - O Carballiño - Lalin - Lavacolla, Santiago's International Airport - Train Station & City Centre
Breakfast. Morning (9:30am) departing hotel. Transfer to Lavacolla, Santiago's International Airport, Note: When arranging your fight departure if you are flying out of Santiago it must be no earlier than 12:00pm due to the traveling time from Leiro. Those who are continuing on by other means of transportation will be dropped off in the Renfe Train Station in Santiago city. Includes: (B);
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices above are per person based on 6 people traveling. This tour is available for as little as 2 people. Please inquire for exact prices. When you book your vacation, an agreement is made between you, our company and others who provide services. Upon request we can provide you with our general terms and conditions governing the provision of these holidays. A non-refundable upfront initial deposit of € 200 Euros is due within 7 days of the initial booking request. Final payment is due 45 days before the tour departure. Within 45 day full payment is due upon booking request. All prices, itinerary etc. listed are subject to change without notice
No unused portion of the vacation can be refunded. Cancellation penalties apply & change fees after booking is confirmed, refer to our general terms. Please inquire for pre or post tour add-ons / hotel stays.
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