By coach, with a half way overnight stop in both directions at a comfortable 3* hotel that includes free half board upgrade. The stop allows for a short visit to Segovia outwards and a visit to Salamanca on the return.
In Galicia, daily outings by coach to – La Toja, Santiago de Compostela, and Santa Tecla. Shell fishing by boat is included and eat in a mountain top restaurant (a great treat which David buys lunch for all). You'll experience one of the most beautiful parts of Spain and we use a seaside hotel, with comfy rooms, friendly staff, and good food options in and around.
- B&B 4* HOTEL / 3* HB EN-ROUTE
- Dates: 2012 JULY 23-30
- Prices: 439€ HALF BOARD
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Visit... GORGIOUS GALICIA
A land of witches, fairies, bagpipes and stories of the supernatural. Freckled, white faced soft spoken Celtic people that live in solid granite houses perched on the edge of lakes, rivers and pine clad mountain sides. Broom and heather colour the hillside. Have we left Spain to visit another country?
No this is magical Galicia. The furthest north west part of Spain. The Galicia region is the chunk of land belonging to Spain but which geographically at least could almost be a northern part of Portugal. Bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. To the north by the Cantabrean sea. Its land borders in the south and east bordering Portugal, Asturias and Castilla Leon. As we approach Galicia from the dry flat dusty plains of Castilla, there is a marked change in the scenery.
First the mountains replace the plains. The yellow broom, purple heather, and the various shades of green could easily lull you into believing you were crossing into a completely different country.
Large rivers meander through the valleys. Large peaceful lakes appear. This is not the Spain of the holiday brochures. It is a place of great natural beauty and incredible variety. Our holiday starts in Vigo. Quite a large city which sits on the southern Atlantic coast of Galicia. We immediately notice the natural friendliness and good humour of the Galician people as the hotel staff help settle us in. Galicia is renowned for its culinary expertise.
Especially (but not exclusively) fresh seafood. Throughout our stay we can expect to eat well and enjoy the distinctive flavour of local wines served by courteous helpful waiters. After a good nights rest a day of sightseeing in the City of Vigo.
A short distance from the hotel we can board a tourist bus which offers a multilingual commentary to help us identify places of interest. Vigo has an old ramshackle fishing district, with restaurants famed for a wide selection of tasty seafood. From the port you can take a small boat to visit the Cies islands, just a short distance from the mainland, watch the Tuna fishing fleet unloading their catch, or sit and watch the world go by in fashionable seafront cafes.
Moving up into the city, takes us through a modern shopping precinct, past various monuments statues and museums to El Castro Park at the top of the town. Here you can visit the Archeological museum and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the city, the magnificent bay, and the islands beyond. In the days that follow we visit a hillside Celtic settlement over 2,000 years old, we eat in a mountain top restaurant which looks across the impressive blue waters of the river Miño to the Portuguese countryside, visit the fortified cathedral at Tui, cross the border to take in the fortified market town of Valenca in Portugal. We visit quaint villages set on rocky shores, seaside towns with golden beaches, go aboard the replica of the sailing ship Pinto. Which first broke the news of the discovery of America in the Galician town of Baiona, take a visit by boat to the shell fishing bays to see at first hand Europe's most successful shell fishing industries, and visit a country monastery which owns the largest "Horreo" in the world. (A sort of barn on stilts which is made of wood or granite). In Galicia we encounter quite a few new names. Because Galicia does have its own language. We also have for example "Curros" (A name given to the annual round up of the wild horses which roam the mountains of Galicia), "Pazos" (Old mansions built from local Granite) and Batteos. (The wooden platforms used to cultivate shell fish).
We have a day in Santiago de Compostella. Not only the most famous city in Galicia, but also one of the most famous in the world. Regarded as the 3rd most holy city in Christendom. Following only by Jerusalem and Rome in importance. A town which sprung up from the small hermitage built on the spot where the remains of the Apostle James are said to have been buried, later to become a mighty bastion of Christendom. For centuries, pilgrims have come to the town in hordes.
This year of 2010 is a special year of pilgrimage, with many more pilgrims than usual visiting the town. Four long arduous routes have been established bringing pilgrims by land and sea along routes which lead from France, Portugal and Spain to worship in the cathedral of this revered city. People stop to applaud the arrival of each group of Pilgrims. They in turn make their way to the massive cathedral built on the site of the original hermitage. Within the cathedral is the traditional botafumeiro. A large metal incense dispenser. In times gone by this was used as a huge air freshener come delouser, as large numbers of pilgrims, in a somewhat less than fresh condition filled the pews. The tradition of swinging this large metal container above the heads of the congregation is still ceremoniously performed by clergymen. Each pulling his rope at exactly the right time to maintain the momentum of this huge vessel as it swings to and fro. In Santiago a modern new town rubs shoulders with an ancient historical area with narrow cobbled streets, and the beautiful ornate buildings of medieval Spain. A visit to Galicia is a rewarding experience which will leave lasting memories. Not least because of the exceptional diversity of the area, the fascinating history, the gentle warmth of its people, the vibrant yet historical cities and the outstanding beauty of its coastlines and countryside.
An extra bonus is overnight stays which allow visits to Madrid and Segovia
An 8 day "David's Coachtrips SL" excursion leaves the Costa Blanca on 23 - 30 July. The price of 439€ includes excursions to the all the places named above. The Hotel In Galicia is 4* Vigo City centre. Give us a call for more info or to book.
