Vigo

One of the most stylish resorts in Galicia; La Toja Island is connected to mainland Spain by bridge. Famous for its thermal spa and tranquil lifestyle, this international resort is enjoyed by the many famous personalities who visit during the summer.

Enjoy a refreshment stop at the Hotel Balneario Isla de la Toja for a selection of mouth-watering ‘tapas’ and local wine.

Treat yourself to some of the renowned bath products, which are on display next door. A ten-minute stroll from the Hotel will lead you to the island’s souvenir stalls, where you will have free time to browse.

Crossing the Rande Strait and passing Pontevedra, you will drive past summer resorts and fishing villages to reach La Toja.

Enjoy a tour of the Agro de Bazan Winery and then sample three different Albariño white wines: Granbazan Ambar, Granbazan Verde and Contrapunto. Granbazan Ambar has an attractive straw yellow colour and its aroma has tones of ripe fruit, fennel and flower petals. Granbazan Verde, a typical Albariño wine with a fruity after-taste, has an aroma with hints of apple and fennel. Contrapunto has fresh fruit aromas and pleasant floral notes. After your tasting, there will be a chance for you to purchase your own bottles to take home.

Your wine tasting spree continues at Parador de Cambados, a former 17th century stately home, with samples of more regional red and white wine. A selection of appetizing Spanish ‘tapas’ will be served accompanied by coffee, tea or soft drinks.

Pontevedra boasts one of the largest and most elegant historic quarters in the whole of Galicia and is itself the second largest city in the region.

The city has a wonderful collection of cobbled streets, historic buildings, secluded squares and typical shopping streets. View the many different displays of architectural styles including gothic, plateresque and baroque.

Join your guide on a walk around the old town of Pontevedra including some free time to browse the traditional shops and boutiques. Hear about its historical personalities and the city’s seafaring past, its geographical setting and the crafts and trades of its settlers.

Starting at Alameda square, your guide will point out many of the important monuments of the city, including the Ruins of Santo Domingo, Pazo do Concello, St Mary’s Church, the traditional Plaza de la Ferreira and many more.

To round off your tour, sit back, relax and enjoy a refreshing tea or coffee on the covered terrace in the beautiful gardens of the exclusive Parador de Pontevedra, a former 16th century renaissance palace.

Board your coach, sit back and relax while a local guide enlightens you on the countryside that you’ll pass during your transfer to Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The old, world-famous centre of European pilgrimage, its Romanesque cathedral, with an impressive Baroque façade, is the centre of life in Santiago de Compostela. The city has many other interesting buildings, such as the Old University, the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Maria del Sar and the Gelmirez Palace to name but a few.

This is the perfect opportunity to adapt your day to suit your needs and make the very most of your time in this fascinating city. You will have approximately 4 hours to explore independently.

Magnificent Santiago Cathedral is a monument to Christ’s apostle, James, whose relics are believed to have been discovered here in the 9th century. Half a million pilgrims flock each year to this great shrine, which was once the third most important place of pilgrimage after Jerusalem and Rome.

Four majestic squares surround the Cathedral and your guide will explain the characteristics of all four. Admire the majestic square of Plaza del Obradoiro, still the focal point for pilgrims when arriving in the city. Time permitting, you will have a brief chance to browse for souvenirs from the local vendors (this is subject to the local stalls being open and nearby at the time of the visit).

Refreshments will be served at the 15th century Parador Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos during the tour.

Santiago de Compostela is undoubtedly the showpiece of Galicia.

Winding your way through the city your coach will take you up to La Guia Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching out over the Galician countryside and down to the bay - peppered with numerous mussel farms.

Continuing through the city, admire the elegant facades as you pass by Plaza de Espana and Plaza de America, have your cameras at the ready as your guide will point out some of the most outstanding fountains, monuments and statues, including the bronze Fishermen and the Statue of the Wild Horses.

Upon arrival at 17th century Castrelos Park you will have free time to wander through the stunning French style gardens, located within the grounds is the palace built in 1620 and recently restored to become Quiñones de Leon Municipal Museum (exterior visit).

Before returning to Vigo a stop will be made at a 19th century Galician country manor, Pazo Los Escudos. The manor is now a 5 star exclusive hotel which houses a fabulous collection of family coats of arms of Galicia, dating between the 15th and 19th century. Sit back and enjoy a selection of typical Spanish tapas with wine, coffee, tea and soft drinks and marvel at the magnificent views.

The news of Columbus’ discovery of the New World was first heard here in 1493 on arrival of the ‘Pinta’. The village is now a popular summer resort whose 16th century fortress has been converted into a tourist parador (hotel). A ‘must–see’ is the Old Quarter, where you can stroll through the cobbled streets of Old Bayona, passing the cloistered Convent of the Dominicas, the Misericordia Chapel and Casa Lorenzo Correa, now the town hall.

Relax and enjoy local Spanish tapas, tea, coffee or soft drinks at the Parador Conde de Gondomar as you admire the scenery.

From La Guia Hill, one of Vigo's highest points, capture exceptional panoramic views of the city and its Bay.

A trek of approximately 1½ miles offers you wonderful views of a Galician riverside and forest located in the Monte Aloya Natural Park. This was the first Natural Park in Galicia, with vineyards, cultivated terraces, numerous water mills and a hiking route.

The forest trail will immerse you in the Galician countryside, and is surrounded by oaks, chestnut and pine trees. These trees create the ideal habitat for a vast variety of animals, including foxes, rabbits and birds, such as Partridges or Tawny Owls.

The trek continues along an old bullock cart path, used in times past by farmers to transport their grain to the water mills.

At the end of the trail, a well deserved stop is made at an Albariño Wine Cellar. Savour the impressive views of the Galician landscape as you sample some Albariño white wine and regional tapas.

Enjoy a panoramic drive across the Vigo bay to Cangas fishing village and summer resort. A guided walk along the waterfront will take you past the Señal Gardens, fish market and the Old Fishermen’s quarter. An interior visit to the 16th Century Santiago church may be possible if mass is not taking place and if it is open at the time of your visit.

You’ll have approximately 30 minutes of free time to browse the shops before you continue on your journey to Bueu fishing village. Here you will visit the Massó Maritime Museum which contains nautical instruments and interesting archaeological artefacts.

Board your boat for a ride out to a Galician suspended mussel bed. Mussels are one of the major products in the Galician fishing industry and you’ll be able to sample these Galician mussels along with local tapas whilst enjoying the scenic boat ride.

Enjoy a 40 minute transfer by boat along the stunning Atlantic coastline of Galicia to one of the jewels of the coast, ‘Cies Island’. Your guide will give you all the necessary safety and itinerary information whilst you relax and take in the scenery.

Once a pirates' haunt, Cies Island is now an uninhabited national park abound with all types of flora and fauna, nature trails, a bird observatory and a lagoon full of fish.

You’ll have approximately 3 hours of free time on the island to explore, swim or sunbathe at Rodas Beach or you may prefer to follow your guide on the optional walk to the Alto do Principe, a 2 mile (1¼ hour walk). This path gently rises from Rodas Beach to the cliffs where you will have excellent views over the Cies Archipelago.

Depart from Vigo to the town of Mondariz, via the Old Berbes Fishermen’s Quarter, Vigo Ship Repair quay and Bouzas, once an independent municipality and the fishing port of Vigo. The scenic drive continues along the motorway with views of the Galician country.

A bubbling pool of warm, therapeutic water awaits at the Palacio del Agua. A towel bathing cap and flip flops will be provided before you give yourself over to a wonderful spa experience. You’ll have approximately 1 ¼ hours to enjoy the facilities which include a large swimming pool with a waterfall, bubble chairs, water-massage seats, a hydro-massage toadstool and also a "Celtic Spa" that includes a cave sauna and an outdoor communal Japanese bath/pool and sauna.

Feeling rejuvenated and relaxed after your spa experience, there’s nowhere better to chill out at the Balaneario De Mondariz Spa Hotel, savour tea, coffee, Mondariz mineral water, soft drinks and assorted buns and pastries.

Return via a short pleasant drive, along the motorway, as you head back to Vigo.

Board your coach, sit back and relax while a local guide enlightens you on the countryside that you’ll pass during your transfer to Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The old, world-famous centre of European pilgrimage, its Romanesque cathedral, with an impressive Baroque façade, is the centre of life in Santiago de Compostela. The city has many other interesting buildings, such as the Old University, the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Maria del Sar and the Gelmirez Palace to name but a few.

This is the perfect opportunity to adapt your day to suit your needs and make the very most of your time in this fascinating city. You will have approximately 4 hours to explore independently.

One of the most stylish resorts in Galicia; La Toja Island is connected to mainland Spain by bridge. Famous for its thermal spa and tranquil lifestyle, this international resort is enjoyed by the many famous personalities who visit during the summer.

Enjoy a refreshment stop at the Hotel Balneario Isla de la Toja for a selection of mouth-watering ‘tapas’ and local wine.

Treat yourself to some of the renowned bath products, which are on display next door. A ten-minute stroll from the Hotel will lead you to the island’s souvenir stalls, where you will have free time to browse.

Crossing the Rande Strait and passing Pontevedra, you will drive past summer resorts and fishing villages to reach La Toja.

Portugal lies a mere twenty miles away from Vigo, and your route passes through vineyards and pine plantations set amongst the picturesque hills of Galicia. You will cross over the Minho River, which forms the border between the two countries.

Enjoy panoramic views at La Guia Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching out over the Galician countryside and down to the bay - peppered with numerous mussel farms.

Valenca Do Minho, Portugal, an attractive fortified town, whose 17th century ramparts were raised to keep the neighbouring Spaniards out, now invites former foes and others to visit its quaint streets. Gothic houses and a Romanesque church epitomise the character of this place, where local souvenirs include pottery, port, vinho verde, linen and crockery. After your guided walk, you will have free time to do some shopping.

Refreshments and snacks will be served at the exclusive Pousada de Sao Teotonio in Valenca, which offers magnificent views over the river, and the bridge allegedly built by Eiffel.

Portugal lies a mere twenty miles away from Vigo, and your route passes through vineyards and pine plantations set amongst the picturesque hills of Galicia. You will cross over the Minho River, which forms the border between the two countries.

Enjoy panoramic views at La Guia Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching out over the Galician countryside and down to the bay - peppered with numerous mussel farms.

Valenca Do Minho, Portugal, an attractive fortified town, whose 17th century ramparts were raised to keep the neighbouring Spaniards out, now invites former foes and others to visit its quaint streets. Gothic houses and a Romanesque church epitomise the character of this place, where local souvenirs include pottery, port, vinho verde, linen and crockery. After your guided walk, you will have free time to do some shopping.

Refreshments and snacks will be served at the exclusive Pousada de Sao Teotonio in Valenca, which offers magnificent views over the river, and the bridge allegedly built by Eiffel.