If you would like to shatter all the usual stereotypical images of Spain, then this deluxe food, wine and cultural tour of Galicia is just for you!
Galicia is in the north-western corner of Spain right above Portugal, it is a fresh and verdant land that has gushing rivers and a coastline more reminiscent of Scotland than Spain. The weather is cooler than other parts of Spain and often misty with an age-old magical atmosphere, which travelers can share in historic sites like; Cathedrals , Castles and Celtic Hill-forts .
Galicia is the most forgotten of the seven Celtic nations, the others six being; Brittany, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Isle of Man and Cornwall. Even so, it has some of the oldest Celtic traditions, going back more that 2000 years. You may even hear Galician bagpipes (Gaitas) droning across the pasture while touring this unique Celtic Land .
On this tour you will discover Galicia with all senses... starting off in Santiago de Compostela the Capital of the region and also the end of the important Pilgrimage Way of St. James . Here you will walk the streets of the old quarter and visit the Cathedral which marks the heart of this historic centre. Then you will follow down the Atlantic coast in the area called the Rias Baixas (Low Estuaries or Bays), here you will get a chance to stroll along the ports of small fishing villages and enjoy exclusive visits to various wineries making the highly acclaimed Albarino white wines of the D.O. Rias Baixas.
In between winery & cultural sites you will stop to dine in a mix of different types of restaurants while touring, we have selected them to show you the variety of the Galician Cuisine ... from Michelin Star Restaurants like Toni Vicente in Santiago to small fishermens taverns right on the docks offering an abundance of fresh seafood (Spider Crab, Bay Prawns, Lobster, etc...) caught just that morning and served in handmade wicker baskets right on the table for everyone to dig in and enjoy this delectable “finger-food”. While on the coast you will get the chance to learn in-depth about the gastronomy by cooking side-by-side with a Galician woman who owns/runs a small Rural Country Manor & Restaurant and knows just about all the traditional coastal cooking secrets of Galicia!
After following down the Rias Baixas coast your inland journey begins alongside the Mino River visiting a few more Albarino wineries, then entering into the next wine region D.O Ribeiro. Walk the streets of the old Jewish Quarter of Ribadavia the heart of Ribeiro wine country . Finally the Mino River will take us to the Ribeira Sacra (Sacred Riverbanks) where it meets with the powerful River Sil. The name Ribeira Sacra comes from having a large concentration of Monasteries in the area, and thanks to these Monks over the years they have founded the tradition of the D.O. Ribeira Sacra wines made fundamental of the Menica red grape . A young wine that goes excellent with baby goat or lamb, which will be on the menu after visiting wineries of this region and taking a catamaran cruise down river to see the vines and beautiful landscape of this sacred land .
Moving on across Galicia our next wine region is the D.O. Valdeorras where you will try Godello white wines as well as Mencia reds. Next we step over to El Bierzo right next door to Galicia in Castilla y Leon , but who have much in common from their ancient Celtic ties. As well in this region there is an important reminder of the Roman past with the largest gold mine of the Roman Empire in Las Medulas . In this region you will try yet another Mencia wine, but from the more arid lands of D.O. Bierzo, which have a distinct flavor to them.
Bierzo marks the end of the winery visits, but we still have some cultural and gastronomical treats on the agenda before winding down. Making our way back to Santiago we will follow through some of the historic towns on the pilgrimage way of St. James like; Villafranca del Bierzo , then on to the mountain-top Celtic village of O Cebreiro and the Roman Walls of Lugo a UNESCO Monument .
Our last night will be spent in the Historic Parador de Vilalba built within the old castle tower of Vilalba, nearby you will dine in a traditional restaurant saying goodbye to your final evening in this Celtic land with a magical Queimada (traditional spirit, flavoured with coffee beans, and then flamed)".
For your comfort during the trip we have selected a mix of Paradores in Santiago, Baiona, Ribeira Sacra and Vilalba. These accommodations are placed within historic building like Monasteries, Castles, etc... Ranging from 4* to 5* GL (Grand luxury) . Then as well you will have a few more rural stays in Galician Pazos , which are Noble Manor House with all the amenities of a Parador but on a smaller more personal scale.
Galicia’s Growing Economy: Industry Snapshots
Renewable Energy (Wind, Tidal, Solar Power) — Galicia is among the top six regions around the globe with the greatest power resources. Given Galicia’s location and geographic features, the establishment of hydroelectric and thermal power station
[Back to Press Releases Main]
