GALICIA'S HIDDEN GEMS: A JOURNEY THROUGH WINE AND HISTORY
Depart on a captivating journey through the heart of Galicia, a region rich in history, culture, and gastronomy, expertly crafted for an unforgettable Spanish adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Picturesque Pontevedra
Your journey begins with an optional private transfer from Santiago or Vigo airport, leading you to the enchanting city of Pontevedra. Check into the Parador de Pontevedra, an accommodation full of history and character, providing a serene start to your Galician exploration.
Day 2: Exploring Pontevedra and Combarro's Charm
Immerse yourself in Pontevedra's historical wonders through a guided city tour, followed by an exquisite lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Post-lunch, a transfer takes you to the quaint marine village of Combarro. Here, a guided tour reveals its unique blend of maritime heritage and traditional Galician architecture. The day winds down with a return to the comfort of the Parador de Pontevedra.
Day 3: Albariño Wines and the Arousa Estuary
Today, journey to Cambados, the capital of Albariño wine. Revel in a guided tour and tasting at a renowned winery, followed by lunch at a famous local restaurant. Next, embark on a boat trip along the Arousa Estuary, starting from Vilanova de Arousa or Vilagarcía de Arousa to Pontecesures, a journey shaped by the tides. Your day concludes with a transfer to Santiago de Compostela, where you'll stay at the Parador de Santiago.
Day 4: Gastronomic Delights in Santiago de Compostela
Discover the culinary heart of Santiago with a gastronomic tour, including a delightful lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore the historic streets of Santiago de Compostela at your leisure. Retire to the Parador de Santiago, a perfect blend of history and luxury.
Day 5: Serene Monforte de Lemos
A private transfer takes you from Santiago to Monforte de Lemos, with a pleasant stop in Chantada for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to discover Monforte de Lemos' charm at your own pace. Your accommodation, the Parador de Monforte de Lemos, awaits with its peaceful ambiance.
Day 6: Ribeira Sacra's Wines and Landscapes
Journey into the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, known for its exquisite wines and breathtaking landscapes. A boat trip through the Sil Canyons offers a unique perspective of this stunning region. A guided winery tour with tasting and lunch in Rías Baixas wine country caps off your day. Spend the night at the serene Parador de Santo Estevo, a haven of tranquility.
Day 7: Departure Day
Your Galician sojourn ends with breakfast and fond farewells. An optional private transfer is available to take you from Santo Estevo to the airport in Santiago or Vigo, each mile traveled a lasting memory of your journey through Galicia's heart.
Pontevedra
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Dicen que Santiago es el pueblo más grande del mundo y, al mismo tiempo, la ciudad más pequeña del planeta. Esta capital gallega combina las comodidades de las pequeñas localidades y las ventajas de las grandes ciudades sofisticadas. Se puede recorrer de una punta a otra en un tranquilo paseo y goza de las comodidades de las grandes capitales. Rincones solitarios y tranquilos y calles bulliciosas de bares de vinos comparten el mismo escenario. El centro histórico, declarado patrimonio de la humanidad por la UNESCO, es la joya de la corona. Construida piedra a piedra alrededor de su majestuosa catedral. El descubrimiento de la tumba del apóstol en el siglo IX transformó este lugar sagrado para siempre.
HOTELS SUPERIOR
Parador de Pontevedera, Pontevedera
Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago Compostela
One of the most luxurious and beautiful hotels in the Paradores chain is located in Santiago de Compostela. In this city, the destination of millions of pilgrims, rays of sunlight illuminate the building façades in summer and the rain creates a magical ambiance that overtakes the cobbled streets in winter. The Parador de Santiago, known as the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, is a blend of history, art and tradition, the dream of pilgrims and emblem of Santiago. It is located on Obradoiro Square near the cathedral, creating an area of spectacular beauty in one of the most visited provincial capitals in the world. A stay at this Parador means a visit to a truly unique and exclusive location.
The hotel was built as a royal hospital in 1499 to accommodate pilgrims traveling to Santiago. Today, it continues to invite visitors to enjoy a city that is as universal as it is fascinating. Inside this Parador Museum, considered the oldest hotel in the world, you will discover four beautiful cloisters, elegant rooms, spectacular guest rooms and a luxurious dining room that offers fish and meat prepared in the Galician style, along with classic apple filloas (a type of crêpe) and crème brûlée.
Tour Features
- Private Vehicle
- Tailored transportation according to your itinerary for seamless travel.
- English-speaking Guide
- Professional guidance for days 2, 3, and the morning of day 4, ensuring insightful explorations.
- Lunches
- Five lunches including drinks, offering culinary delights.
- Winery Visits
- One guided visit to a winery in Cambados, under the Denominación de Origen (D.O.) Rías Baixas.
- Another guided visit to a winery in the Ribeira Sacra, also featuring D.O. Rías Baixas wines.
- Boat Trips
- A scenic boat trip along the Ría de Arousa.
- A boat journey through the stunning Sil Canyons.
- 24-hour Emergency Assistance: Round-the-clock support for any urgent needs.
Not Included
Private Transfers to/from Airports
Santiago or Vigo-Pontevedra Airport, and Santo Estevo (Ourense)- Santiago or Vigo-Pontevedra Airport. Prices available upon request.
Frequently Ask Questions
How do I arrive to the starting point?
Petrabax can help you arrange a transportation from the closest airport to your starting point. We can also arrange train tickets through Renfe (Spanish Railways) from most Spanish cities. Contact Petrabax for additional information about the best way to arrive to your starting point.
What can I expect from this trip?
You will live an unforgettable experience, away from the bustle of everyday life. This is a trip that you can do in total liberty, on foot or by bicycle, and at your own pace as this is not a race. Your luggage (maximum 1 piece, 44 lbs) will be carried for you from one destination to the next. We provide you with all the necessary expert advice, information and documentation that you require to complete your journey safely: local maps detailing your route, vouchers for your lodgings, tags for your luggage and a travelers notebook for your trip with descriptions on each daily walking or biking route.
What is the “Compostela”
The “Compostela” is a certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims that have completed the Camino de Santiago upon presentation of your stamped "Credendial" or Pilgrims Passport. In order to receive the “Compostela” you must complete the last 100 km walking or 200 km cycling. You obtain the “Compostela” at the Office of the Pilgrim located a few meters from the Platerias façade of the Santiago Cathedral.
Where do I obtain a Pilgrims Passport?
The "Credencial" or Pilgrims Passport will be provided to you by Petrabax in Spain at the beginning of your trip. It is part of the travel materials and insurance informaion provided upon arrival to your starting point.
Where do I receive my trip documentation?
You will receive most of your documentation prior to your departure so that you can review it and prepare for your Camino. Other documentation will be delivered at your first hotel.
When can I take this trip?
You can take this trip starting any day of the year. The Camino offers diverse countryside and conditions depend on the season and time of year. Consult the weather of Galicia before arranging your trip. Rainy season is from November through February. March through June and September through October are optimum months for the Camino. The summer months of July and August can be somewhat more challenging due to the warmer weather.
What is the profile of the traveler on this trip?
This trip is suitable to any person who enjoys a normal physical condition. We do however highly recommend that you do some training, especially those persons who are not accustomed to walking or cycling for longer periods of time.
Can I travel with children?
Yes, older children are welcome on the trip as long as they are energetic and accustomed to walking long distances on successive days.
Petrabax
Petrabax is also a leader in Spanish language escorted tours of Europe, Middle East and the Orient.
News
Test`
Test... This year we celebrate 32 years of serving the American traveling public. Petrabax specializes in travel arrangements in Spain and Portugal including hotels, Paradores and Pousadas; transfers and sightseeing activities; escorted tours; walking tours; Renfe train tickets and car rentals.
