Vigo (Santiago de Compostela), Spain

Please note: This tour includes approximately 2.5 hours of walking, at times over uneven surfaces- guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part.<-p>

Please note: this tour includes long periods of walking, sometimes on uneven surfaces, stairs, and inclines. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part.<-p>

Please note: this tour includes periods of walking on uneven ground with steps- it is unsuitable for guests with walking difficulties. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call. Shops at Cambados and Agro de Bazán only accept euros.<-p>

Please note: external viewings only of the places visited. This tour includes walking on uneven ground. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part.<-p>

Please note: guides available in English and Spanish only. This tour takes place entirely on foot from the pier, involves 1.5 hours of walking including some steps, hills, and uneven terrain. It is unsuitable for guests with mobility problems. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call. At the end of the guided walk, guests can decide to stay in the city and return independently to the ship.<-p>

Please note: This tour includes long periods of walking over uneven surfaces with steps- it is unsuitable for guests with walking difficulties or heart problems. If the Cathedral is closed on Sundays, public holidays or during special events, the visit will be external. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call.<-p>

At Cambados you'll enjoy an explosive mix of aristocratic palaces, stone alleyways and a wine that's more than just tasty...it's legendary! Albariño runs in the veins of this town like a family heirloom. Close your eyes, raise your glass and savor Galicia at its best!

• Cambados old town
• Tasting of Albariño

Welcome to Cambados, where history isn't hidden away in a pile of dusty books - here, it roams the streets like an elegant nobleman from days gone by. Get lost in the narrow streets of the old town, a Cultural Heritage Site, with a collection of stone palaces that exude centuries of prestige. Here, every wall has seen things that we humans can only imagine...but a glass of Albariño wine is all you need to start to understand.

Yes, we're talking about wine, because the next stop is a local winery, where the famous Albariño is not only the product of the vines, but also the ticket to an exclusive taste club. Here, every bunch of grapes is treated better than a Hollywood star, and you'll find out what's behind one of the most sophisticated whites in Galicia. From the vineyard to the bottle, among the wine-making secrets and intoxicating aromas, you'll reach the highlight of the day: a tasting that will make you feel more Galician than a fisherman with his glass of wine at the end of the day.

And to top it off? A few plates of tapas, because the pleasures of this region aren't only found in the glass, but also in the authentic flavors that accompany it. A toast to history, tradition and above all, to how good it tastes to really experience Galicia.

• Catamaran cruise
• Cíes Islands
• Monteagudo
• Praia das Rodas
• Alto do Principe trail

• We meet our guide at the port and a short walk takes us to the catamaran that will lead us to discover the Atlantic islands scattered along the stretch of sea in front of Vigo.
  
• We set sail towards our destination, the Cíes Islands, a true paradise made up of three islands part of the Atlantic Islands of the Galicia National Park.
  
• The Cíes Islands, which the ancient Romans defined as islands of the Gods, are particularly striking thanks to their richly populated seabeds and variety of scenery, alternating white dunes, steep cliffs and pine forests.
• We disembark on the largest island, Monteagudo, connected to the second island of the archipelago thanks to a long sandy crescent forming the magnificent Praia das Rodas beach, considered by the press and international organisations as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.
• In this idyllic scenery, we can choose whether to explore the island on our own or follow the guide on an excursion along the Alto do Principle trail, which winds its way around the island of Monteaguno and offers superb views of the archipelago peaks and sea as far as the spectacular belvedere.

• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

If you thought that aristocrats were just about palaces, noble titles and high tea, the Pazo de Rubianes is ready to change your mind. Here, nobility is measured in hectares of spectacular gardens, huge trees and wines that have more character than a duke on parade. Stroll among camellias and vines, record-breaking magnolias, colossal eucalyptus trees, perfectly manicured flowerbeds... and then toast to their health!

• The Pazo de Rubianes
• Tasting of local wines

Welcome to Pazo de Rubianes, where history doesn't lie dormant - it flourishes! It's a world away from enchanted castles and damsels awaiting their princes: here, the elegance is authentic, carved from stone with deep roots in the earth. Want to bet that you'll agree with us?
We're talking about one of the three official dominions of Spain, which has been guarded and handed down through the same family since the 15th century - yes, that's right, for an amazing 600 years!

The real spectacle here lies in the eleven hectares of gardens, where the pedigree trees are gigantic: eucalyptus with trunks so thick they could be hiding the gateway to Narnia, majestic magnolias that are so big that they feature in Galicia's catalog of historic trees, and olives that survey the world with the wise air of those who have seen it all. Among the biggest stars of the show are the camellias, which not only decorate the countryside, but also embrace the rows of vines - a perfect blend of beauty and flavor.
This combination of flowers and vines, coupled with a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years, gives the house wine a unique character, which tells of the history and nobility of these lands.

So sit down, raise your glass and sip one of the best wines of Galicia, because at Pazo de Rubianes, even the wine is blue blooded.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.

• Pazo de Rubianes:historic garden and lush vineyards
• Wine and tapas
• Cruise along theO Grove estuary
• Visit to a “batea”
• Tasting ofmussels, white whine and soft drinks

• We leave the port of Vigo behind us andhead towards our first stop: the magnificent historic residence of Pazo deRubianes where history, wine culture and the art of gardening form a uniquecombination. The residence was built in the 15th century and is thereforeover 600 years old, during which it changed in line with the times and stylesuntil it became the house-museum where we can now retrace history.
• Pazo de Rubianes opens up its doors and invites us in to wander around the gardenscovering over 11 hectares and featuring huge eucalyptuses with acircumference of up to 12 metres,tall sequoias and grand magnolias listed asGalician monumental trees, lovely flowerbeds arranged into geometrical motifsand over 4500 types of camellias whose aromas are reflected in the wine, withits unique personality.
• Our experience cannot but include atasting of the wines produced on the estate * a toast worthy of a lord!
• We move on towards O Grove, aseaside town located on the estuary of the Arousa river. We get on a boat andenjoy a cruise along the estuary to admire the rugged coast where the steeprocks alternate with vast beaches and numerous ports dotted with picturesqueand colourful boats.
• We then reach the “batea”, a floating woodenplatform used to farm mussels and other shellfish. The guide illustrates thiscurious activity that is one of the cornerstones of local agriculture. Theyare, in fact, so popular that a special festivity is dedicated to it * inOctober, O Grove celebrates the seafood festival, which was declared one ofnational tourist interest.
• We then head back to the port but, beforeending our excursion, we are enticed by a *delicious plate of mussels paired offwith white wine and or a soft drink * * the perfect way to end this unforgettablemulti-sensory experience.

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This excursion is not recommendedfor guests with mobility problems.

Galicia and its delightful towns boast Medieval charm, the fruit of a thousand years of history and the scent of the ocean.

• Monte del Castro or Mount la Guia (panoramic)
• Baiona
• Panoramic Vigo
• Parador Monterreal

• After leaving the port by coach we head for the Monte del Castro or Mount La Guia. From here we can admire the panorama of the city of Vigo, the bay and the port.
• Back on our coach we proceed along the coast road in the direction of Baiona, one of the major and most characteristic fishing villages on the Galician coast. Its historic centre, with its quaint narrow streets and neat stone and granite houses, cobbled streets and the views from the ramparts with a sheer drop above the sea, exudes an atmosphere of orderly tradition and a sense of pleasant intimacy.
• It was right here, on 1st March 1493, that one of the caravels of the Columbus expedition, the "Pinta", having crossed back over the Atlantic Ocean, docked on its return to Europe with the news of the discovery of the "New World". Today a replica of the Pinta is berthed in the very same port.
• After our stroll around the historic centre, we visit the Parador Monterreal, an imposing 16th century palace, built in the style of a Galician manor house within the walls of a Medieval fortress. Today it houses a splendid hotel, whose centrepiece is the magnificent stone staircase which leads from the entrance to the floor above. From the terrace you can admire the wonderful panorama of the city while enjoying a drink at the bar of this magnificent hotel.
• Once back in Vigo, a short panoramic coach tour gives us an overview of some areas of the city.

• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• The visit to the Parador Monterreal does not include the services of a guide.

Travelling between Spain and Portugal: cathedrals and fortresses amidst impressions of ancient times and scenes that evoke historical battles.

• Valença do Minho Fortress
• Panoramic view of Tui Cathedral
• City of Tui
• Cathedral of Santa Maria

• We leave Vigo and head south towards the Province of Pontevedra and we cross the border to reach Valença do Minho, a charming town situated in the north of Portugal on the main artery which links Santiago di Compostela and Porto. We stop to visit this magnificent fortified town, with its characteristic star shape, whose walls shelter pretty small squares and picturesque alleys which leave indelible impressions in our memory.
• The city was originally founded with the name "Contrasta", because it was built in front of the Galician city of Tui at the behest of King Sancho I of Portugal after the breakdown of the marriage of his daughter Teresa with Alfonso IX of Castile. Its current name dates back to 1262.
• From the fortress of Valença we admire the view of the fortified cathedral of Tui, on the opposite bank of the River Miño.
• We return to the coach and after crossing the border back into Spain, we visit Tui, which has been declared a city of historical and artistic interest.
• In this city in the Province of Pontevedra we visit theCathedral of Santa Maria, founded in 1120 and subsequently an embattled fortress in Romanesque-Gothic style.
• From the tower, which is like a balcony overlooking the river, we can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city before returning to Vigo.

• Places are limited, so please reserve early.
• This excursion is not recommendedfor guests with mobility problems.

An excursion to discover Galicia and admire some of the most spectacular views of this region which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and appreciate the aromas and flavours of the typical produce of this land.

• Galician landscape
• Hermitage of La Lanzada 
• the Village of Cambados
• Agro de Bazán Winery

• We set off to discover Galicia, a land of magnificent views that is rich in local products that are all waiting to be enjoyed.
• We leave the port and head north. Once we have crossed the bridge over the Vigo estuary we continue our journey through the typical lush Galician countryside. Lying between valleys rich in vegetation and a beautiful coastline, lapped by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Galicia bewitches us with its unique combination of history, art and scenic splendour.
• Our first stop is the Hermitage of La Lanzada, located at a peninsula next to the biggest beach ofGalicia. Before the hermitage was built seems that a little fortress was herein combination with other defensive points against the invasions of Vikings andNormans. Also from here we can get a great view of all the landscape of theregion and also a view of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park.
• When we arrive in the village of Cambados, we can admire its typical picturesque characteristics. The town is dominated by stone buildings, which exude ancestral sturdiness, and is home to one of the most important noble palace complexes of Galicia. The historic centre was declared to be a Heritage of Cultural Interest by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. 
• We then take the coach to the renowned "Agro de Bazán" Wine Cellar, which, exploiting the fine Albariño grape, produces excellent white wine, sold in particularly original bottles. Accompanied by our guide, we visit the premises where the wine making and bottling processes take place. At the end of our visit we enjoy a snack, a fitting conclusion to our excursion, to appreciate the aroma and flavour of typical local cheeses and wines.

• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• The Agro de Bazan winery may be closed on Sundays and holidays. On those dates, an alternative winery of equal quality will be chosen.

Get ready to discover Tui, the city that has spent its life defending itself from invasions, looting, and more recently, tourists armed with selfie sticks! From its imposing cathedral-fortress to the breathtaking views over the river Miño, to the final stop at the Parador for a strategic toast, this experience is the perfect combination of history, views and...full glasses.

• Tui Cathedral, from the Romanesque to the Gothic
• Tasting of local wines at the Parador

We'll set off from Vigo and then head south, straight towards Tui, a town perched atop a hill, right on the border with Portugal. A strategic position? Without a doubt! So strategic that in medieval times, it was visited by more armies than pilgrims. For this reason, beauty is not enough for its cathedral: it has crenelated towers, thick walls and a menacing air that seems to say "try us if you dare". From the top of its tower, the view over the river Miño is simply epic.

After exploring the old town – a mix of cobbled streets, ancient convents and noble palaces – we'll take a pit stop at the Parador. Here, you'll taste local wines and a few plates of tapas, because tourism is best enjoyed with a glass in hand...or even two!

After the toast, we'll head back to Vigo, in the knowledge that we've conquered Tui…at least with our eyes (and our palates).

*Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.

We cover a part of the Road to Santiago, in contact with Nature and spirituality, before arriving in the city of Santiago to visit the Cathedral. In our free time we have a taste of Spanish cuisine in a splendid 15th century hotel.

• Road to Santiago
• Santiago Cathedral
• Lunch with traditional tapas

• The coach takes us to the point of departure of our walk.
• Even though this is the part of the "Road to Santiago" which is meant to be covered after arriving in Santiago, today it is one of Santiago's most fascinating walking itineraries. Other sections of the French Way lead to the centre of Santiago along new roads with modern buildings.
• Once we reach the point of departure a 5 km walk awaits us; a winding trail through forests, mountains and rivers.
• During our walk we will be immersed in Nature for a totally unique experience, in which meditation and spirituality come together in search of an often lost contact with the beating heart of the world. The excursion ends in Santiago with the visit to the Cathedral, one of the most important Catholic sanctuaries and the burial place of the Apostle Saint James the Greater, patron saint of Spain and Christian martyr. The most important aspects of the building will be illustrated to us by a guide. It will be possible to visit the interior independently.
• In our free time we can go for an enjoyable walk in the picturesque alleys of the historic centre. We can then enjoy a lovely tapas lunch, the traditional Spanish finger food, and other typical delicacies at the Parador de los Reyes Catolicos, an exclusive five star hotel built in 1499 to accommodate pilgrims when they arrived in Santiago.
• After lunch, we still have a little more free time before going back to Vigo.

• The visit of  the Cathedral will be only from outside. Guestscan visit the interior on their own and depends from the times  of holy services and may involve a long queue.
• Suitable clothing is recommendedfor entrance to places of worship.
• This excursion is not recommendedfor guests with mobility problems.
• Tapas will be served on dishes toshare.

Combarro is a rebellious corner of Galicia that really wants to surprise you: the horreos - ancient grain stores on stilts - rise up like something from a film set, while the sea is not just a nice view, but a resource which encapsulates hard work, tradition and passion. Want to know more? Jump aboard the catamaran and discover the bateas, where ingenuity transforms the sea into a work of art!

• The horreos of Combarro
• A catamaran trip to discover the bateas

Combarro isn't one of those fairytale villages where everything is graceful and groomed: it's a fishing village, where everything is still dictated by the rhythms of the sea. You'll see it immediately: nets stretched out in the sun, boats ready to take to the water, salty sea air that stings your face...while the port seems to whisper: *"What're you going to do? *Stay on land, or come and discover what life's really like around here?"

Before accepting the challenge, however, get lost among the cobbled alleyways, where the stone houses seem to have been sculpted by time and salt. And then there are the horreos: grain stores raised up on stone pillars, suspended between ingenuity and necessity. Once upon a time, they protected the harvest from damp and mice, but today they are the silent guardians of a rural architecture that you won't find anywhere else.

Then it's time to leave the photos and tourist poses behind you: climb aboard. The catamaran will take you straight to the beating heart of Galicia's economy, the bateas: floating platforms where mussels and oysters are cultivated as opposed to fished. You'll see them growing attached to long ropes, swinging in the water like divas waiting to make their debut... yes, in the most famous restaurants in the region!

And speaking of the stage...get ready for a star tasting! Super-fresh mussels await you, just cooked and served with wine, water and a soft drink. No fork necessary - all you need to get stuck in is your fingers, and plenty of enthusiasm to experience the taste of the sea!

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the trail, without forgetting a light, windproof jacket.

Forget walking kilometer after kilometer lugging a heavy backpack: we'll take you directly to the heart of Santiago de Compostela, the destination that has welcomed wandering travelers for centuries (and now, tourists wearing comfortable shoes too). Among its historical squares, legends and architecture that combines Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles, discover why this city is so much more than a simple destination.

• The spectacular Santiago Cathedral (external visit)

Forget the fatigue of the Camino: from Vigo you'll jump straight to the best bit - the triumphant arrival in Santiago! At Obradoiro, the most picturesque square in the city, the Cathedral of Santiago strikes an imposing figure with its Baroque facade, dominated by the statue of James the Apostle in VIP pilgrim style.
Your guide will tell you all there is to know about this gem of a place and its illustrious neighbors: the Town Hall, Pazo de San Xerome and the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, which was originally a hospital for pilgrims in the 15th century, but is now a hotel fit for a king, literally... as you'll realize when you visit its inner courtyards!

The tour continues as you discover the facades of the cathedral, each with its own style and personality, looking out over the various iconic squares: the sober neoclassical façade which overlooks the Plaza de la Azabachería, the only one still faithful to the Romanesque style which overlooks the Plaza de Platerías, and finally, the charming Plaza de la Quintana, which houses the mythical Holy Door, only opened in Jubilee years – and you're in luck, this is one of those!

After the tour, the time is yours to decide what to do with: step inside the cathedral to admire its interior, wander through the old town in search of less kitsch souvenirs, or climb up to the Alameda to take the photo that will make your Instagram friends green with envy.
Then, rejoin your guide and head back to Vigo with a whole load of stories and a little envy from those who have actually walked the Camino.

• They may be queues for guests who decide to enter the cathedral and it depends from the times  of holy services.
• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.

Excursion details<-strong><-p>

Begin your journey with a 1.5-hour coach ride from Vigo, offering picturesque views of Galicia¿s lush countryside. On arrival in Santiago de Compostela, an assistant will accompany you on a brief walk to Obradoiro Square, the heart of the city and a perfect starting point for exploration. Here, you will have four hours to immerse yourself in the city¿s unique atmosphere and rich history.<-p>

Explore the UNESCO-listed historical quarter, renowned for its labyrinth of narrow lanes, centuries-old architecture, and vibrant ambience. Notable landmarks surrounding Obradoiro Square include the majestic 18th-century Rajoy Palace and the 11th-century San Martín Pinario Monastery. The city¿s highlight, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture blended with Gothic and Baroque styles, built between 1075 and 1211. This cathedral is the final resting place of Saint James the Greater and the culmination of the famous Way of St. James pilgrimage.<-p>

During your free time, you may want to visit local cafés to sample traditional Galician delicacies such as Tarta de Santiago, pause for lunch in a restaurant or explore nearby museums and artisan shops. You will reconvene with the assistant at Obradoiro Square for a short walk back to the coach, followed by a 70-minute return drive to Vigo.<-p>

Important Information:<-strong>Streets are uneven and cobblestoned, which may be challenging for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair. A tour assistant will accompany the group to ensure that everything runs smoothly- however, please note that this person is not a guide and will not provide commentary. The cost of the lunch (optional) is not included in the price of the tour. Comfortable shoes are recommended.<-p>