Live the experience:Private Circuit Through Inland Galicia: Pazos and Charming Accommodations

• Day 1: Departure – Santiago de Compostela

On the first day, our chauffeur will pick you up at the airport or train station and drive you to the designated accommodation in Santiago de Compostela, where you will stay for one night. We chose Santiago because it offers several easily accessible stations, making it a perfect base to explore this magnificent city.

After check-in at the hotel, we will enjoy a guided tour. We will visit various sites in this town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including its Cathedral, entering through the Portico of Glory, the Platerías Square, Obradoiro Square, and the Parador Reyes Católicos.

After the tour, and if time allows, you can savour its exceptional gastronomy, such as Galician broth, octopus, raxo, cheeses, and wines.

The day will end with rest at the designated accommodation.

• Day 2: Santiago – Oseira Monastery – Allariz – Ourense

After a good rest at the accommodation in Santiago, we will have breakfast and check out. Our chauffeur will be waiting to take us towards Ourense, making some very interesting stops along the way.

The first visit will be to the Oseira Monastery, a monastery that, after a century of abandonment, was restored with a remarkable library and a small archive. A group of Cistercian monks settled there and worked hard to restore its former glory. A must-see if passing near the area.

Depending on the time available, there are two options. If time permits, it would be ideal to do both. In Ourense, we can check in, visit the city, and have lunch, or we can visit the town of Allariz. This charming place was awarded the European Urbanism Prize for the rehabilitation of its historic centre, where we can also enjoy its gastronomy before continuing to Ourense.

After a very full day, we will rest at the chosen accommodation in Ourense.

• Day 3: Ourense – Ribadavia – Castelo de Ribadavia – Winery Visit – Outariz Thermal Baths

After having breakfast at our accommodation in Ourense, our chauffeur will take us to Ribadavia, where we will enjoy a guided tour. Ribadavia is a fascinating place along the banks of the Avia River, where strolling through its beautiful streets is a true pleasure. The town offers several spots where tapas and food are the main attractions.

In the same town, we will discover the Castelo de Ribadavia, located near its Main Square.

After this guided tour of the old town of Ribadavia, we will visit the D.O. Ribeiro Winery, which includes a special wine tasting.

You will have the option to have lunch at the winery or, if preferred, our chauffeur can take you back to Ribadavia to enjoy its excellent gastronomy.

After a refreshing meal, we will head to the Outariz Thermal Baths, where you can freely relax with an outdoor thermal bath.

The baths are a place of Zen relaxation, offering all the comforts of Eastern civilisation and Japanese-inspired techniques that are truly innovative.

Finally, we will return to the accommodation and enjoy a well-deserved rest in Ourense.

• Day 4: Ribeira Sacra – Catamaran Tour on the Sil Canyon – Monforte de Lemos – Spa

We will start the day with breakfast at the accommodation in Ourense, which we will leave after check-out. Our chauffeur will head towards the Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in the Ribeira Sacra during the Middle Ages. However, it was abandoned after the 1835 disentailment. Despite this, much of the monastery is well-preserved, located in a spectacular area with breathtaking views of the Canyon.

Following the river, near the Ribeira Sacra Viewpoint in Vilar de Cerrada, we will reach the Embarcadero de Santo Estevo, from where we will embark on a Catamaran Tour of the Sil Canyon.

The Mythology of the Sil Canyon:

According to Roman mythology, the Sil Canyon has a fascinating history tied to jealousy. It is said that Jupiter, the father of the gods, fell deeply in love with Galicia, a region so green and fertile that it captivated his heart. Juno, his wife, jealous of his love for the Galician land, sought to punish Jupiter by creating a wound in Galicia’s heart—something that would mar its beauty and make him stop loving it. This wound became the Sil Canyon, a deep rift separating the mountains of Ribeira Sacra.

However, the story doesn’t end there. Instead of being repelled by this wound, Jupiter became even more enchanted by Galicia’s wild beauty and powerful nature. Furious at Juno’s disobedience, Jupiter cursed her, condemning her to wander the canyon forever as a perpetual wound that would never heal.

This mystical and symbolic tale is one of many myths tied to the Sil Canyon, a natural formation that has endured through the centuries, marked by the strength of nature and history.

During this catamaran tour, we will admire the canyon’s 500-metre drops in some areas, slopes of over 70%, and the canyon walls, which are home to century-old vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra Denomination of Origin.

For lunch, we can stop in Monforte de Lemos, a charming place to enjoy local gastronomy. Along the way, we can visit the Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil Monastery, a baroque and Romanesque monastery dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries.

After lunch in Monforte de Lemos, we will visit the San Vicente do Pino Monastery, a monumental complex guarded by the remains of the Castle of San Vicente, which includes the Keep and its imposing walls.

At the end of the visit, we will head to our accommodation, where we can enjoy a moment of relaxation at the spa.

• Day 5: Samos Monastery – Sarria – Lugo

After having breakfast and checking out of the accommodation in Monforte de Lemos (if desired, you can enjoy a thermal bath before departure), our chauffeur will pick you up at the agreed time and take you to the Samos Monastery.

This monastery, known as the Monastery of San Julián and Santa Basilica of Samos, dates back to the early medieval period, specifically to the 7th century during the Visigothic Kingdom. Its foundation is attributed to Saint Martin of Braga, later renewed by Saint Fructuosus. Over the centuries, it witnessed significant historical events, although two major fires marked its recent history. Fortunately, the monastery has been restored and is now in perfect condition, serving as the headquarters of the Benedictine Order.

Once the visit to the monastery is complete, we have several lunch options. You may choose to eat in Samos, Sarria, or head directly to Lugo for lunch.

Once in Lugo, we will begin a free visit to the city. One of Lugo’s main attractions is its Roman Wall, which surrounds the city’s old town and has been declared a World Heritage Site. In addition to the walls, we can explore the Provincial Museum, the Casa dos Mosaicos, and the impressive Lugo Cathedral, among other points of interest.

After the visit, we will transfer to the designated accommodation for the night to rest.

• Day 6: Lugo – Santiago

We will have breakfast at the hotel in Lugo and, after checking out, our chauffeur will continue the route back to Santiago de Compostela, passing through the towns along the French Way of Saint James.

Upon arrival in Santiago, we will check into the designated accommodation. Once ready, and since we couldn’t dedicate all the time this city deserves on our first day, we will spend the rest of the day strolling and enjoying Santiago de Compostela, the city where this wonderful adventure began.

• Day 7: Breakfast and End of Services

After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel, and depending on your flight or train schedule, our chauffeur will take you to the departure point, whether it be the airport or the train station, marking the end of the circuit.

We wish you a pleasant journey back and hope these days in Galicia have left unforgettable memories in your heart.

• It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear to ensure optimal comfort and prevent potential discomfort, especially on routes that involve uneven terrain or slippery surfaces. Some of these routes may be longer or more demanding, so it is essential to plan departure times in advance, ensuring you can enjoy the experience without rush or setbacks.

• Please note that the activity itinerary is subject to availability at the time of booking the circuit, so we suggest confirming the details as soon as possible.

• Private transfers included throughout the circuit.
• 7 days / 6 nights in Charming Hotels and Pazos with Breakfast (B+B).
• Guided tour in Santiago de Compostela.
• Guided tour in Ribadavia.
• Guided visit to a D.O. Ribeiro winery, including vineyards, winemaking process, and special tasting.
• A catamaran tour through the Sil River Canyon in the Ribeira Sacra.
• Complete route itinerary.
• Basic travel insurance.

Not Included:

• Entrance to the Outariz thermal station. Reservations are not accepted. Payment must be made on-site.
• Visit to Samos Monastery. Reservations are not accepted. Payment must be made on-site.
• Visit to Oseira Monastery. Reservations are not accepted. Payment must be made on-site.

Additional Options:

• Half-board supplement.
• Single room supplement.

How to Formalize Your Booking

For better management by our travel agency, we recommend making your booking at least 15 days in advance. However, if the booking is made with less time, we will still process it, although it is always advisable to book in advance.

To formalize the booking, a payment of €60 per person is required as a deposit and handling fee.

Once your booking is formalized, our team will contact you as soon as possible to finalize all the details.

After the booking is formalized, we will send you all the related information for your review and confirmation.

Once all services are confirmed, and with 15 days’ notice before the start of the trip, the client must pay the remaining amount of the booking, i.e., the total price of the trip minus the deposit already paid.

If the booking is made less than 15 days in advance of the trip's start date, the client must pay the total amount of the trip at the time of booking.

Free Cancellation Fees Up to 7 Days Before

If you wish to cancel your booking, you will not incur any cancellation fees if you do so at least 7 days in advance of the trip's start date, with the corresponding refund of amounts paid.

For more information, you can contact us by sending an email to info@getingalicia.com, or by calling or WhatsApp at (+34) 639 635 925.

Thank you for trusting www.getingalicia.com.