Vigo, Spain - Mediterranean Cruises

Relax on this leisurely visit to Vigo - enjoy views over the bay, admire Galician gardens and sample the Spanish tapas.

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.

Note: This tour involves a limited amount of walking, the ground is flat and gravelled. There are a few steps in the gardens but guests do not need to negotiate these in order to enjoy the sights.

Whether you’ve been before or never visited, beautiful Santiago de Compostela is well worth exploring independently

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 four hours to explore independently

Note: The transfer takes approximately 1¼ hours each way by coach. From the drop off point your guide will walk you (approximately 15 minutes) to the Obradoiro Square, the main square in front of the Cathedral. Modest dress is required inside the Cathedral. During mass services, visits and photography are not permitted. At a time specified by your guide, you’ll meet back at Obradoiro Square to walk back to the coach park for the transfer back to Vigo. City maps will be provided on the coach. This is a transfer service only and no entrance fees or refreshments are included.

Follow in the pilgrims’ footsteps on this comprehensive tour to the beautiful medieval city of Santiago with its grand Cathedral.

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 incredible 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 each of them. Admire the impressive 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.

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 and a ‘must-see’ attraction from the port of Vigo.

Note: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking (approximately two hours) over uneven and cobbled ground and many steps at the Cathedral. There is no seating available at the refreshment venue. Modest dress is required inside the Cathedral. During mass services, visits and photography are not permitted. Free time is limited and shopping is dependent on local vendors being on site. If you wish to have free time, you can opt out of the guided tour of the four squares. The order of visits may vary.

Experience Galicia ‘off the beaten track’, and see the region’s flora and fauna. Enjoy wonderful views and sample the local wine and tapas.

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 into 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.

Note: Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure. This excursion is only suitable for those in good physical condition. There is approximately 1½ hours’ total walking along the nature trail. The trail involves mixed terrain with altitudes ranging from 82m to 250m. Please wear footwear suitable for hiking over rough, uneven and wet ground as the trail may get slippery in parts. Children may not participate.

Discover the elegant pine-covered island of La Toja. Sample some typical Spanish ‘tapas’ and perhaps shop for souvenirs.

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 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. A ten-minute stroll from the Hotel will lead you to the island’s souvenir stalls, where you will have free time to browse.

Note: The walk on the island is mostly over flat ground. There are 21 steps at the entrance to the refreshment venue and one lift for wheelchairs. Guests should be able to climb a few steps to enter the coach. The order of highlights may vary. Please note that souvenir stalls and shops at La Toja will only accept Euros. The drive to La Toja Island is approximately 1¼ hours.

Unwind and experience this wonderful indoor therapeutic spring water spa and let your cares drift away.

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, bathrobe and a bathing cap will be provided before you give yourself over to a wonderful spa experience. You will 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

Note: Guests must be in good health and should not suffer from heart trouble, high or low blood pressure, be pregnant or have varicose veins. Guests must remember to take swimming attire; it is compulsory to wear the bathing cap. Children cannot participate on this tour.

Journey to the historic fishing village of Bayona. Stroll through the streets of the old quarter and enjoy delicious ‘tapas’.

The news of Columbus’ discovery of the New World was first heard here in 1493 on the arrival of the ‘Pinta’. The village is now a popular summer resort featuring a wonderful 16th century fortress, which has now been converted into a parador (hotel).

Visit the Old Quarter, where you can stroll through the quaint cobbled streets of Old Bayona, passing by the cloistered Convent of the Dominicas, the Misericordia Chapel and Casa Lorenzo Correa, now the town hall.

Enjoy refreshments of local Spanish tapas accompanied by 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.

Note: This tour involves an optional 20 – 30 minutes’ walking on uneven, cobbled ground in Bayona’s old quarters. If you wish to have free time, you may opt out of the guided walk. There is an approximate 10 minute walk and a few steps to be negotiated at the refreshment venue. The order of highlights may vary.

With its historic buildings and pretty plazas, Pontevedra is one of Galicia’s charming cultural gems and is well worth a visit.

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 Pontevedra’s 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 some refreshments served on the covered terrace in the beautiful gardens of the exclusive Parador de Pontevedra, a former 16th century renaissance palace.

Note: Guests are reminded that this tour involves approximately 1¾ hours’ walking (including free time) over uneven, cobbled ground and through some narrow streets. There are a couple of steps at the refreshment venue. Please note, the drop off point and pick up point for this tour will be at different locations. Shops are closed on Sundays.

Enjoy a morning at leisure on the Cies Island Nature Reserve.

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 three 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 two mile (1¼ hour walk). This path gently rises from Rodas Beach to the cliffs where you will have excellent views over the Cies Archipelago.

Note: Guests are reminded to wear suitable attire, take a towel and sunscreen. A light jacket is recommended for the boat ride. There are seven steps to negotiate in order to board and disembark the boat. An optional walk to Alto do Principe will be offered, but this is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Please wear comfortable, flat walking shoes and bring bottled water. Snacks are available for purchase on the island. Please be advised that some beaches on the island are ‘clothing optional’. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

A perfect opportunity for the wine connoisseurs amongst you. Don’t miss this chance to try Albariño wines - a true taste of Galicia.

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.

Enjoy refreshments including a selection of appetizing Spanish ‘tapas’ served with tea, coffee and soft drinks.

Note: There is approximately 50 minutes total walking during this tour including a 30 minute visit to the winery and 20 minutes walk from the coach drop off at Cambados to the Parador along some cobbled, uneven ground. There are also four steps at the entrance to the Winery and seven steps at the entrance to the wine tasting room. There is a ramp for wheelchair use at the entrance of the wine tasting room. Wine is available to purchase at both venues, major credit cards are accepted. Children cannot participate on this tour.