SHORE EXCURSIONS

Spend the day in cosmopolitan Santiago de Compostela, which gained fame in medieval times as a pilgrimage site for the faithful who came to visit the tomb of Saint James. Depart from the pier and begin driving into Spain's northwestern interior to Santiago de Compostela, a city so architecturally rich it's now deemed a World Heritage Site. The marquee attraction is undeniably the Cathedral, home to the relics of Saint James. Despite its Baroque façade, the cathedral boasts a spectacular predominately Romanesque interior. It took more than 150 years to build, finally being completed in 1211. There are so many inspiring features, including the largest cloisters in Spain, a sacred carving where countless pilgrims have worn five deep indentations in the marble with their fingers, and of course the silver coffer that holds the saint's relics. Four magnificent squares surround the Cathedral, and you'll have time to explore them in detail, as part of your guided walking tour and then on your own. The squares are graced by fountains, framed by historic buildings, and replete with shops. No matter where you venture in Santiago de Compostela, the setting is phenomenal. That is especially true of the historic hotel where you’ll enjoy a delicious Galician tapas experience, sampling a variety of regional small plates that highlight the culinary heritage of Galicia. In fact, the luxurious Parador de los Reyes Catolicos is a Spanish national monument and considered to be the world's oldest hotel. After your tapas experience, you will have free time to enter the Cathedral on your own, or continue exploring the historic heart of Santiago at your leisure. When the time comes, enjoy a scenic and relaxing drive back to the pier.

Immerse yourself in the charming scenery of the area and enjoy a catamaran ride out to the mussel beds and taste some fresh mussels farmed from the estuary, accompanied by local wine. You’ll also travel to the traditional village of Combarro, Here you’ll walk the narrow streets of this picturesque village to the seaside where you’ll see two different structures characteristic of the area. One is a raised granary, used for drying and storing grain. The other can be seen floating in the middle of the estuary – a floating dock used for mussel farming. Enjoy some free time to walk around, absorb the atmosphere and take some pictures.

Drive to the charming town of El Grove where you’ll board a catamaran for a cruise along the estuary. Your guide will explain all about mussel farming, which this area is well known for and you’ll be treated to fresh-boiled mussels accompanied by white wine or soft drinks while enjoying the splendid views.

Discover an Iron Age settlement, enjoy magnificent views and take a stroll in lovely Baiona, as you learn of the pioneering spirit of this area. Head up to Mount Castro and enjoy a scenic view of the city of Vigo, the estuary and your ship in port. Drive along the beautiful inner roads of Galicia to La Guardia, near the border of Portugal. You’ll visit a Celtic Iron Age settlement, one of the most important in Galicia. Stop at Mount Santa Tecla and enjoy the impressive views of the Mino River flowing into the valley, mountains and the sea. Continue to Baiona - its harbor and fishing fleet make it one of the most important coastal towns in Galicia. This is the village where the Pinta arrived after Columbus first returned from America. Here, in this historic setting, you’ll see the Castle of Monterreal, an old fortress where a hotel now stands, it retains its original outer walls with its battlements and sentry walks, as well as the Clock Tower and the Prince’s Tower. Enjoy some free time in Bayona before returning to Vigo.

Take in the magnificent views and learn about the historic past of two frontier fortress cities, separated by the natural border of the River Minho, and joined by a bridge, completed in 1878 under the direction of Gustave Eiffel.

A southbound scenic drive to Portugal brings you to the village of Valença do Minho. Stroll the streets of this well preserved charming, fortress town. Originally built to protect the Portuguese border from Spanish incursion, it is now constantly invaded by Spanish shoppers looking to purchase its renowned textiles.

The strategic location of this city affords unrivaled views of the fertile valley with the city of Tui right across. You’ll have great photo opportunities from the ramparts. Enjoy some free time for shopping or exploring on your own its squares and lanes are lined with cafes and shops selling pottery, linen and more.

Driving to the Spanish side, you’ll arrive at the beautiful walled medieval city of Tui, located on a hill on the other side of the river. It is one of one of the best preserved historic centers in Galicia. The imposing cathedral was built in the 12th century, but converted later into a fortress studded with battlements, as a result of frequent invasions. Its tower forms a magnificent balcony over the river.

Sit back and enjoy the views on your way to Baiona, one of the most important and prettiest coastal towns of Galicia. Head up to Mount Castro and enjoy a view of the city of Vigo, the estuary and your ship in port This stop is made after the Visit in Baiona before driving back to the pier. Make your way to Baiona, a picturesque coastal village with lots of charm, the harbor and fishing fleet make it one of the most important towns in Galicia. This is the village where the Pinta arrived after Columbus first returned from discovering America. On the way to the center of the village, your guide will offer you a briefing, so that you can enjoy the town at leisure during free time. Walk along the seaside promenade, have a coffee at one of the cafés or visit the replica of the Columbus ship in port. The return drive to Vigo will take you along a different route for a view of the countryside and you’ll pass by one of the most beautiful medieval-style bridges still standing in Galicia.

Join your knowledgeable guide on a walking tour and discover Vigo’s hidden corners. A stroll along Montero Ríos Avenue, takes you to the statue of Jules Verne, French novelist, poet and playwright. Did you know that the 2nd chapter of his famous novel ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ is set in the bay of Vigo? Walk from square to square; absorb the local atmosphere and admire the modernist style buildings. See the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Garcia Barbon Theater and Puerta del Sol in the heart of the city, with the imposing sculpture of the Merman.

Walking in the old quarter is always a pleasant surprise, as is hard to imagine that such a place exists in a large city like Vigo. Discover its narrow winding streets, Constitution Square and Basket Makers Street. Admire the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, the oldest in town. At Oyster Street you’ll find a market that sells freshly harvested oysters. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the option to stay in town to explore more on your own or walk back to the port with your guide.

Explore Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important cities in Europe and the third most important place in the world for Christian pilgrimage at your own pace. You’ll have a guide during the bus ride who’ll inform you about the city and possible things to do on your own once you arrive. Enjoy approximately 3 1/2 hours of free time and at the designated time, meet back at the parking lot for the return to your ship in Vigo.