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New World TourVigo - Baiona - Vigo
Baiona
The village of Baiona lies 25 miles (30mins) to the south of Vigo. This quaint town was the first place to learn of the discovery of the Americas, when the Pinta, one of Columbus' ships came into port on 1st March 1493. The town has a small yet pleasant old quarter with historic churches and numerous cafes and bars, along with many monuments commemorating the discovery of the Americas, which makes for an enjoyable stroll.
However the main attraction is the Fortress of Monterreal (main picture of the Guided Galicia blog). This fortress with its 14th century walls, sits out on a small peninsular, the walls are complete and are some 3km in length which make for a very pleasant walk, offering beautiful views out to the islands and coast.
VigoThe city of Vigo is situated around the Ria de Vigo (Vigo Bay), protected from the Atlantic by the beautiful off shore islands Las Islas Cies. Vigo is the largest fishing port in Europe and second largest fishing port in the world after Tokyo. Vigo is a wholly down to earth fishing port and your cruise ship docks, literally right on the city's historic old quarter. Vigo doesn't have any must see attractions, but don't let that put you off. It is all the better for it. Vigo doesn't suffer from throngs of tourists and this gives you an opportunity to see a real Spanish city not geared to the tourist trade. Vigo is an intriguing and very likeable place. Wandering its cobblestone streets and visiting its many bars, cafes and seeing real locals doing what they do every day without the tourist hordes is fascinating in itself. That said, there is a ruined 17th century hilltop fortress with lovely views over the bay, the oyster ladies of A Pedra, an 800 year old olive tree, a street dedicated to the sole trade of wicker baskets, wonderful architecture up on the "Golden Mile" and much more.
The Tour
The tour leaves Vigo and heads straight to Baiona, where we visit the Fortress of Monterreal, we then make our way to the historic quarter, before we take a look around we can stop for some tapas and wine. Then after our walk we stop for lunch in a traditional Galician restaurant.
After lunch we then head back to Vigo and take in the stunning views of the bay and islands from "La Guia" before making our way to "El Castro" a ruined 17th century hilltop fortress, which again offers lovely views of Vigo and the bay. We then descend down into the historic quarter and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of this very intriguing city, before finally leaving you to board your ship.
The tour takes approximately 6-7 hours and is completely flexible to your requirements. A reasonable level of fitness is needed but the tour can be altered to accommodate those who have physical limitations.
For groups of 2-3 people transport is by car, 4-6 people large "people carrier/minivan"
All tours are conducted by myself and in English. Entrance fees are included to all sites visited. Meals are not included.
Please contact us for further information and prices at guidedgalicia@yahoo.com
Magical Santiago Tour
Vigo - Santiago de Compostela - Vigo
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city and its crown jewel is its towering cathedral. This magical city is a must see for many tourist visiting Galicia and is a welcomed site for the many pilgrims ending their Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James).
Santiago was founded around the beginning of the 5th century not long after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Santiago shot to notoriety with the discovery of the the remains of the Apostle St. James in the early 9th century, this sparked a chain of events that would change the face of Santiago forever.
Construction of the present day cathedral began in 1075 but was not completed until 1128 when it was consecrated in the presence of Alfonso IX of Leon. However, further construction continued to endow and beautify the cathedral during the 16th and 18th centuries.
The Plaza Obradoiro is where the main entrance to the cathedral is situated, opposite is the Pazo de Raxoi (Raxoi Palace) which is now the town hall and home to the Galician Xunta. Adjacent is the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, claimed to be the oldest hotel in the world.
Santiago de Compostela's historic quarter is full of architecture monuments dating from the Romanesque to Baroque and Neo Classical periods and almost all are of an impressive grandeur. The city never fails to impress, even when the heavens open, the Galician granite seems to shine under the falling rain, giving the city an illustrious aura "at least for the first three days or so" as told by Cees Nooteboom, Roads to Santiago.
Tour
Leaving Vigo we take the autopista (highway) direct to Santiago de Compostela, where we will enjoy a walking tour of this magical city, taking in its rich history and fabulous architecture with the cathedral as its centre piece. We will stop for lunch in one of the many excellent restaurants and enjoy some fabulous Galician cuisine accompanied by some fabulous local wine, as well as making obligatory tapas stops to sample various local delicacies and wine.
The tour takes approximately 6-7 hours and is completely flexible to your requirements. A reasonable level of fitness is needed but the tour can be altered to accommodate those who have physical limitations.
For groups of 2-3 people transport is by car, 4-6 people large "people carrier/minivan"
All tours are conducted by myself and in English. Entrance fees are included to all sites visited. Meals are not included.
Please contact us for further information and prices at guidedgalicia@yahoo.com
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city and its crown jewel is its towering cathedral. This magical city is a must see for many tourist visiting Galicia and is a welcomed site for the many pilgrims ending their Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James).
Santiago was founded around the beginning of the 5th century not long after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Santiago shot to notoriety with the discovery of the the remains of the Apostle St. James in the early 9th century, this sparked a chain of events that would change the face of Santiago forever.
Construction of the present day cathedral began in 1075 but was not completed until 1128 when it was consecrated in the presence of Alfonso IX of Leon. However, further construction continued to endow and beautify the cathedral during the 16th and 18th centuries.
The Plaza Obradoiro is where the main entrance to the cathedral is situated, opposite is the Pazo de Raxoi (Raxoi Palace) which is now the town hall and home to the Galician Xunta. Adjacent is the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, claimed to be the oldest hotel in the world.
Santiago de Compostela's historic quarter is full of architecture monuments dating from the Romanesque to Baroque and Neo Classical periods and almost all are of an impressive grandeur. The city never fails to impress, even when the heavens open, the Galician granite seems to shine under the falling rain, giving the city an illustrious aura "at least for the first three days or so" as told by Cees Nooteboom, Roads to Santiago.
Tour
Leaving Vigo we take the autopista (highway) direct to Santiago de Compostela, where we will enjoy a walking tour of this magical city, taking in its rich history and fabulous architecture with the cathedral as its centre piece. We will stop for lunch in one of the many excellent restaurants and enjoy some fabulous Galician cuisine accompanied by some fabulous local wine, as well as making obligatory tapas stops to sample various local delicacies and wine.
The tour takes approximately 6-7 hours and is completely flexible to your requirements. A reasonable level of fitness is needed but the tour can be altered to accommodate those who have physical limitations.
For groups of 2-3 people transport is by car, 4-6 people large "people carrier/minivan"
All tours are conducted by myself and in English. Entrance fees are included to all sites visited. Meals are not included.
Please contact us for further information and prices at guidedgalicia@yahoo.com
Two Countries Tour
Vigo - Tui - Valenca do Minho - Monte Santa Tecla - Vigo
Tui
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Tui is a charming town situated on top of a hill above the river Mino and faces its Portugese counterpart (once bitter enemies) Valenca do Minho across the river, a mere kilometer away.
The main attraction is its 12th century Fortress Cathedral. This imposing building consecrated during the rein of King Alfonso is located on the towns highest point, which offers commanding views from its battlements over towards Portugal.
Tui has a charming old quarter with sections of its original 12th century walls still intact, as well as numerous churches and two monestaries. Along with its many cafes and bars, this attrative town makes for a very pleasant stop.
Valenca do Minho
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Across the border from Spain and into Portugal lies the walled town of Valenca do Minho. This charming village nestled within its defensive walls, is a lovely place to stop and enjoy a walk through the cobblestone streets and around the ramparts, with fine views of the river Mino and back over to Spain.
Monte Santa TeclaAt the foot of Monte Santa Tecla is the last town on Spain's Atlantic coast, the small fishing town of A Guarda. The must see site here though is not in the town, but high above, near the summit of Monte Santa Tecla, here there is one of the best Celtic hilltop settlements in Galicia. Although ruined (there
are two restored huts) it is a wonderful experience to walk the impossibly narrow paths of this 2000 year old village.At the summit of Santa Tecla you can enjoy some stunning 360deg views towards Portugal and out over the Atlantic, from what was once known as the edge of the world.
Baiona
The village of Baiona lies 25 miles (30mins) to the south of Vigo. This quaint town was the first place to learn of the discovery of the Americas, when the Pinta, one of Columbus' ships came into port on 1st March 1493. The town has a small yet pleasant old quarter with historic churches and numerous cafes and bars, along with many monuments commemorating the discovery of the Americas, which makes for an enjoyable stroll.
However the main attraction is the Fortress of Monterreal (main picture of the Guided Galicia blog). This fortress with its 14th century walls, sits out on a small peninsular, the walls are complete and are some 3km in length which make for a very pleasant walk, offering beautiful views out to the islands and coast.
VigoThe city of Vigo is situated around the Ria de Vigo (Vigo Bay), protected from the Atlantic by the beautiful off shore islands Las Islas Cies. Vigo is the largest fishing port in Europe and second largest fishing port in the world after Tokyo. Vigo is a wholly down to earth fishing port and your cruise ship docks, literally right on the city's historic old quarter. Vigo doesn't have any must see attractions, but don't let that put you off. It is all the better for it. Vigo doesn't suffer from throngs of tourists and this gives you an opportunity to see a real Spanish city not geared to the tourist trade. Vigo is an intriguing and very likeable place. Wandering its cobblestone streets and visiting its many bars, cafes and seeing real locals doing what they do every day without the tourist hordes is fascinating in itself. That said, there is a ruined 17th century hilltop fortress with lovely views over the bay, the oyster ladies of A Pedra, an 800 year old olive tree, a street dedicated to the sole trade of wicker baskets, wonderful architecture up on the "Golden Mile" and much more.
The Tour
Leaving Vigo travelling by car, we head to an area known as the Baixo Mino where we will find the two border towns of Tui and Valenca. Tui is a charming town situated a top of a rocky outcrop, where a 12th century fortress cathedral overlooks the river Mino, which separates Galica from Portugal. We will walk around the historic quarter of Tui and visit the Cathedral a pilgrimage stop for those doing the camino from Portugal. Before venturing across the border, we’ll stop to sample some of the local cuisine in a lovely Galician restaurant and of course sampling some of the famous local wine. We then cross into Portugal over the Mino and enter the walled town of Valenca do Minho for a little shopping and history.
We will then cross back into Spain and head towards the coast following the Mino, to the fishing village of A Guarda the last Spanish town on the Atlantic coast and make our way to the top of Monte Santa Tecla and take in the stunning 360deg views. We visit a 2000-year-old Celtic Hill Fort with museum and restored huts, and wander through this tiny village and its impossibly narrow paths.
We then head to Baiona along the Atlantic coast road where news of the discovery of the Americas first reached Europe. Before making our way back to Vigo and up to El Castro for some great views of the bay from a ruined 17th century fortress and then down into Vigo’s historic quarter.
The tour takes approximately 6-7 hours and is completely flexible to your requirements. A reasonable level of fitness is needed but the tour can be altered to accommodate those who have physical limitations.
For groups of 2-3 people transport is by car, 4-6 people large "people carrier/minivan"
All tours are conducted by myself and in English. Meals are not included.
Please contact us for further information and prices at guidedgalicia@yahoo.com
Vigo - Cambados - Combarro - Pontevedra - Vigo
Cambados
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Cambados is a striking town with an elegant appearance, its old quarter is among the most charming in Galicia. The town is also the capital of O Salnes, the famous wine growing area renowned for its Albarino wine. This is a great place to sample the many wines of the region, in one of the many shops, bars and restaurants that line the streets of this charming town.
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Combarro
The old-world fishing village of Combarro is a step back in time from the bustling resort town of Sanxenxo further west along the coast. Combarro's old world charm never fails to impress and its many Horreos (Granaries) for which it is famous, are found everywhere in this small village.
Wandering the streets of this charming town is a real delight and you will more than likely be offered to try some homemade Orujo (a type of liqueur) from one of the old ladies sitting outside their houses - of course you will be expected to buy a bottle for the favor!
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Pontevedra
This ancient Roman town is full of history and charm. Its large historic medieval quarter and numerous plazas along with cafes and bars make for great places to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Of the many historical buildings and churches, La Capela da Virxe Peregrina (The Pilgrim Chapel) is one of the more interesting, built in the shape of a scallop.
Vigo
The city of Vigo is situated around the Ria de Vigo (Vigo Bay), protected from the Atlantic by the beautiful off shore islands Las Islas Cies. Vigo is the largest fishing port in Europe and second largest fishing port in the world after Tokyo. Vigo is a wholly down to earth fishing port and your cruise ship docks, literally right on the city's historic old quarter. Vigo doesn't have any must see attractions, but don't let that put you off. It is all the better for it. Vigo doesn't suffer from throngs of tourists and this gives you an opportunity to see a real Spanish city not geared to the tourist trade. Vigo is an intriguing and very likeable place. Wandering its cobblestone streets and visiting its many bars, cafes and seeing real locals doing what they do every day without the tourist hordes is fascinating in itself. That said, there is a ruined 17th century hilltop fortress with lovely views over the bay, the oyster ladies of A Pedra, an 800 year old olive tree, a street dedicated to the sole trade of wicker baskets, wonderful architecture up on the "Golden Mile" and much more.
The Tour
Leaving Vigo travelling by car, we head to an area known as O Salnes where we will first visit elegant Cambados and enjoy a stroll around this charming town, stopping to try some of the local wine in one of the many bars and cafeterias.
From Cambados we follow the scenic coast to the old world fishing village of Combarro and wander this picturesque town with its many Horreos and Cruceros, we will stop for lunch and sample some of the local cuisine in a lovely Galician restaurant and of course sampling some of the famous local wine.
We will then head to Pontevedra taking a slight detour to visit the Monastery of Poio. In Pontevedra we will take in the many historical sights of this captivating town, which is also the provincial Capital. We then head back to Vigo and up to El Castro for some great views of the bay from a ruined 17th century fortress and then down into Vigo’s historic quarter.
The tour takes approximately 6-7 hours and is completely flexible to your requirements. A reasonable level of fitness is needed but the tour can be altered to accommodate those who have physical limitations.
For groups of 2-3 people transport is by car, 4-6 people large "people carrier/minivan"
All tours are conducted by myself and in English. Entrance fees are included to all sites visited. Meals are not included.
Please contact us for further information and prices at guidedgalicia@yahoo.com
Cambados
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Cambados is a striking town with an elegant appearance, its old quarter is among the most charming in Galicia. The town is also the capital of O Salnes, the famous wine growing area renowned for its Albarino wine. This is a great place to sample the many wines of the region, in one of the many shops, bars and restaurants that line the streets of this charming town.
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CombarroThe old-world fishing village of Combarro is a step back in time from the bustling resort town of Sanxenxo further west along the coast. Combarro's old world charm never fails to impress and its many Horreos (Granaries) for which it is famous, are found everywhere in this small village.
Wandering the streets of this charming town is a real delight and you will more than likely be offered to try some homemade Orujo (a type of liqueur) from one of the old ladies sitting outside their houses - of course you will be expected to buy a bottle for the favor!
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PontevedraThis ancient Roman town is full of history and charm. Its large historic medieval quarter and numerous plazas along with cafes and bars make for great places to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Of the many historical buildings and churches, La Capela da Virxe Peregrina (The Pilgrim Chapel) is one of the more interesting, built in the shape of a scallop.
VigoThe city of Vigo is situated around the Ria de Vigo (Vigo Bay), protected from the Atlantic by the beautiful off shore islands Las Islas Cies. Vigo is the largest fishing port in Europe and second largest fishing port in the world after Tokyo. Vigo is a wholly down to earth fishing port and your cruise ship docks, literally right on the city's historic old quarter. Vigo doesn't have any must see attractions, but don't let that put you off. It is all the better for it. Vigo doesn't suffer from throngs of tourists and this gives you an opportunity to see a real Spanish city not geared to the tourist trade. Vigo is an intriguing and very likeable place. Wandering its cobblestone streets and visiting its many bars, cafes and seeing real locals doing what they do every day without the tourist hordes is fascinating in itself. That said, there is a ruined 17th century hilltop fortress with lovely views over the bay, the oyster ladies of A Pedra, an 800 year old olive tree, a street dedicated to the sole trade of wicker baskets, wonderful architecture up on the "Golden Mile" and much more.
The Tour
Leaving Vigo travelling by car, we head to an area known as O Salnes where we will first visit elegant Cambados and enjoy a stroll around this charming town, stopping to try some of the local wine in one of the many bars and cafeterias.
From Cambados we follow the scenic coast to the old world fishing village of Combarro and wander this picturesque town with its many Horreos and Cruceros, we will stop for lunch and sample some of the local cuisine in a lovely Galician restaurant and of course sampling some of the famous local wine.
We will then head to Pontevedra taking a slight detour to visit the Monastery of Poio. In Pontevedra we will take in the many historical sights of this captivating town, which is also the provincial Capital. We then head back to Vigo and up to El Castro for some great views of the bay from a ruined 17th century fortress and then down into Vigo’s historic quarter.
The tour takes approximately 6-7 hours and is completely flexible to your requirements. A reasonable level of fitness is needed but the tour can be altered to accommodate those who have physical limitations.
For groups of 2-3 people transport is by car, 4-6 people large "people carrier/minivan"
All tours are conducted by myself and in English. Entrance fees are included to all sites visited. Meals are not included.
Please contact us for further information and prices at guidedgalicia@yahoo.com
Gastronomic Tour of Vigo
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Guided Gastronomic Tour of Vigo's Historic Quarter
This tour takes in the sights, sounds and tastes of Vigo's Historic Quarter.
In A Pedra market try an oyster or two fresh from the bay ,washed down with a cool Albarino.
At a wholly down to earth bar we will sample some traditional Galician tapas, such as Pulpo a la Galega (Octopus) accompanied with some homemade Galician wine straight from the barrel served in traditional ceramic bowls. Continuing our gastronomic theme, we visit another Vinoteca (Wine bar) where you can try some of the fine Galician cheeses on offer, along with Jamon Iberico (cured ham).
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Taking a break from our Gastronomic tour, we burn off some calories by heading up El Castro, where you can take in the wonderful views of Vigo and the bay from the ruins of a 17th century fortress.We then head back down into the old quarter and try a Galician specialty, Empanada (Galician Pie).
And finally to round off the day we sample some of the best wines Galicia has to offer and for the brave, try some Orujo de Galicia (Galician Liqueur).
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This is a walking tour, the tour takes approximately 4 hours and is completely flexible to your requirements. A reasonable level of fitness is needed but the tour can be altered to accommodate those who have physical limitations.All tours are conducted by myself and in English. Entrance fees are included to all sites visited. Meals are not included.
Please contact us for further information and prices at guidedgalicia@yahoo.com
Guided Grain Mill Nature Walk
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Vigo - Los Molinos de Picon y Folon - Vigo
Los Molinos de Picon y Folon
The little known region of O Rosal is one of Galicia's best kept secrets. This region called the Baixo Mino (Lower Mino) is often referred to as the "Jardin do Baixo Mino (The Garden of the Lower Mino) and is a thriving grape growing area and there are many boutique wineries dotting this picturesque landscape.
Located in these beautiful green surroundings are Los Molinos de Picon y Folon (The Grain Mills of Picon and Folon) These wonderfully restored grain mills (many of which date back to the 17th century) of which there are seventy one, represent one of the highest concentration of there type in Europe. The Mills follow a river which runs a steep course amid the hills and woods and are completely in tune with the environment, representing a rare balance between industry and nature.
The Tour
Leaving Vigo travelling by car we head to Los Molinos de Picon y Folon. Here we begin our 2 hour circular walk of the grain mills and learn about the rich heritage of the area. After our walk we will stop for lunch and enjoy some of the fine cuisine and local wine from the area. Next we make our way back to Vigo and the end of your tour.
Please note: This tour requires a high level of fitness as it covers difficult hilly terrain.
The tour takes approximately 5-6 hours and is completely flexible to your requirements. A high level of fitness is needed.
For groups of 2-3 people transport is by car, 4-6 people large "people carrier/minivan"
All tours are conducted by myself and in English. Entrance fees are included to all sites visited. Meals are not included.
Please contact us for further information and prices at guidedgalicia@yahoo.com
