Silversea Luxury Cruises À LA CORUNA

Experience the medieval beauty of Betanzos and spirits of La Coruña during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

La Coruña, Betanzos Village, Old Quarter

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to Betanzos (Village of Medieval Knights). One of the capitals of the Old Galician Kingdom, Betanzos was declared a historical and artistic monument in 1970, and is home to one of the best-preserved old quarters in Galicia.

Guided Walking Tour, Narrow Streets, Old House, Church of San Francisco

Upon arrival in Betanzos, take a guided walking tour through its narrow, medieval streets and past typical old houses en route to the hilltop Church of San Francisco. During a guided tour inside this 14th-century Gothic church, see the tomb of medieval knight Fernan Perez de Andrade, whose coffin rests atop of the figures of a boar and a bear, which here his coat-of-arms. Following your guided tour, some free time is made available for independent exploration.

MEGA Museum, Estrella Galicia Beer Factory

Next, re-board your coach, leave the village along its estuary and return to La Coruña, the 'Crystal City' with its thousands of windows and Roman Lighthouse that is still operational. Upon arrival, head to one of the new icons of the city, MEGA, the new museum and home to the Estrella Galicia Beer Factory, established in 1906. Following a guided tour of the museum, proceed to the Beer Factory for a beer tasting. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the history and treasures of Santiago during this excursion to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy local refreshments and be entertained with a typical performance by Galician dancers.

Board your motor coach at the pier and relax on the approximate 1-hour scenic journey to Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela

Arrive at the start point of an approximate 5km (3.11 miles) walk along tree lined paths that begins at the river with beautiful mountain views. Become one with your magnificent surroundings as you make your way to the Cathedral in Santiago, your final destination.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the end destination of the legendary pilgrimage along the Way of Saint James, or 'Camino de Santiago'. In addition to its religious significance, the cathedral is adorned with spectacular monuments and architecture. It is believed that the remains of the apostle St. James were taken from Jerusalem to Spain and this is now his final resting place.

Be provided an outside explanation of the Cathedral by your guide and then enter through the crypt and up to the main floor where along the way, the guide offers unique insights into the treasures of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. See the Holy Door, which is only opened in a Holy Year when July 25th falls on a Sunday, and the Crypt of Saint James. Your visit also includes a look at the cathedral's most important work, the Portico da Gloria. One of the finest examples of medieval sculpture, its lintels was laid in place in 1188 AD.

Hotel de los Reyes Católicos

Afterward, meet again with your guide to enjoy the tapas and Galician Dancers at the impressive Parador of the Reyes Catolicos. Upon arrival, relax with a refreshing drink, enjoy your snack and be entertained by the dancers.

At the conclusion of your visit, return to your coach and commence the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the history and treasures of Santiago during this half-day excursion to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a refreshing drink and take in a performance by Galician dancers.

Board your motor coach at the pier and relax on the approximate 1-hour scenic journey to Santiago de Compostela.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is the final destination of the legendary pilgrimage along the Way of Saint James, or 'Camino de Santiago'. In addition to its religious significance, the cathedral is adorned with spectacular monuments and architecture. It is believed that the remains of the apostle St. James were taken from Jerusalem to Spain and this is now his final resting place.

Cathedral Tour

Be provided a guided tour of the Cathedral through the crypt and up to the main floor where along the way, the guide offers unique insights into the treasures of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. See the Holy Door, which is only opened in a Holy Year when July 25th falls on a Sunday, and the Crypt of Saint James. Your visit also includes a look at the cathedral's most important work, the Portico da Gloria. One of the finest examples of medieval sculpture, its lintels was laid in place in 1188 AD.

Hotel de los Reyes Católicos

Following your tour of the nave, choir, crypt and transom, some free time is made available for independent exploration. Afterward, meet again with your guide to enjoy the tapas and Galician Dancers at the impressive Parador of the Reyes Catolicos. Upon arrival, relax with a refreshing drink, enjoy your snack and be entertained by the dancers.

At the conclusion of your visit, return to your coach and commence the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore La Coruña at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore La Coruña at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore La Coruña at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore La Coruña at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Experience the unique flavours and history of La Coruña during this half-day sightseeing excursion with a wine tasting accompanied by local specialities. This wine region is named after the presence of so many monasteries, hermitages and churches. Since the roman period, it has been a legendary land full of magic and mystery that encapsulates the heart of Galicia renowned for its profound, steeply sloping valleys and cultivated wine terraces with a Mediterranean micro-climate.

La Coruña Promenade and Castle of San Anton

Depart the pier for the scenic drive along the coastal promenade, the longest in Europe. La Coruña is also known as the 'Crystal City' due to its many houses with windows that reflect sunlight, and façades built by fishermen out of wood and glass. From here, your sightseeing drive passes by the Castle of San Anton. Built on an island, the castle originally served as a local fortress; today, it serves as the city's archaeological museum and is connected to the mainland by a stretch of road.

Tower of Hercules and Puentedeume

Next, proceed to the Tower of Hercules, La Coruña's most important monument. This ancient, 180-foot-tall (55 metre) beacon is the oldest Roman-built lighthouse in the world that is still used as a lighthouse. After a photo stop at the Tower, re-board your coach for a panoramic drive along the motorway en route to Puentedeume, where another stop is made to photograph a typical Galician village.

Wines and Pairings

Your drive continues along the coast, offering spectacular views of the Galician forest, estuary and ocean. Your last stop is at a local restaurant for an exclusive wine tasting. Upon arrival, the owner and one of the best sommeliers in Spain will prepare a sampling of Spanish wines, including Ribeiro of Galicia, Rioja and others. The wine selections are paired with Spanish delicacies, fresh from the market that day, to produce unique flavour combinations that heighten this memorable experience.

Re-board your motor coach for the return trip back to the pier, approximately 40 minutes away.

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 219 yards (about 200 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility but is not wheelchair accessible; guests will need to transfer out of chairs. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.