Silversea Luxury Cruises À LA CORUNA

For active guests, this Coruña biking tour is the way to take in the ancient yet vibrant atmosphere of La Coruña at a heart-pumping pace. Enjoy seeing this an important coastal town from a unique vantage point, from your bicycle. Take your bike along the promenade that surrounds part of the city, with several stops along the way including beaches and other key sights.

One major highlight of your biking tour is the Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use, which was dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built possibly as early as the 2nd century, this ancient stone tower structure is also referred to at the Roman Beacon, standing impressively on a hill that provides a sweeping panoramic view of the city. Also pass by the Castle of San Anton, a former prison and originally a fortress.

Follow your guide through the Old Town and past examples of ancient architecture characterized by its glazed window balconies. Your path is the promenade, also called the Paseo Marítimo, which is 5.6 miles in length and runs around the city's main center. Ride past the Aquarium and the Estadio Riazor, a massive stadium that holds over 32,000 people.

Your tour concludes at the end of the promenade at El Portiño, where you relinquish your lovely bicycle before returning to the ship.

La Coruña is an important coastal town of Galicia and has the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use (dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Enjoy a panoramic driving tour of the coastal city of La Coruña, stopping at the main point of the city.

Drive to see the Tower of Hercules, and then follow the coastline past several estuaries with great views of the picturesque Galician forest. The villages you will see are typical and boast some of the best beaches in the region.

At a local restaurant, the owner and one of the best sommeliers has prepared for you a sample of some Spanish treats and a tasting of several wines of Spain, including Ribeiro of Galicia, Rioja and others. The wines are selected depending on the food market of that day. Enjoy a four-course meal followed by a perfectly paired dessert.

Make the 30-minute return drive to La Coruña and rejoin the ship.

Discover the Roman roots of this region of Spain on this fascinating tour of history that features a classic Spanish tapas lunch.

Drive for 90 minutes from La Coruna to visit the Castro de Viladonga. The archaeological and museum complex of Viladonga occupies the peak of a mountain, which also affords a spectacular view of the Terra Chá (Flat Land) of Lugo and the mountain chains of Monciro, Pradairo and Meira. The archaeological importance and the historical interest of the Castro de Viladonga were showcased after excavations initiated in 1971, due to the monumentality and the diversity of structures discovered and to the quantity and quality of the findings. The site is a remarkable example of settlement, especially between the 2nd and 5th centuries AD of the castros (fortified castles) created as part of the Roman conquest.

After a museum visit, proceed with a 30 min drive to Lugo, visit and walk of the Roman wall, outside Cathedral and old quarter. The Roman Walls of Lugo (UNESCO) are an exceptional architectural, archaeological and constructive legacy of Roman engineering, dating from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.

The defenses of Lugo are the most complete and best-preserved example of Roman military architecture in the Western Roman Empire. Despite the renovation work carried out, the walls conserve their original layout and the construction features associated with their defensive purpose, with walls, battlements, towers and fortifications.

Next, take a walk in the Old Quarter. Notable landmarks include the Gothic Church of San Francisco, the cloister of which is a national monument, and the Romanesque cathedral (begun 1129) with Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical additions.

After a classic Spanish lunch of small plates (tapas), continue with a short drive to Bóveda de Mera, a small rural town near Lugo to discover one of the most enigmatic monuments of Galicia's cultural heritage: the underground monument of Santalla de Bóveda. Made public in 1926, this monument was discovered by the local parish priest, José María Penado, after studying the factory books of the present church and digging a hole under the atrium to find the old construction. After several excavations, restorations and studies, it was declared a National Monument in 1931 and an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1985.

At the end of your visit, depart for the 90-minjute drive back to 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.

La Coruña is an important coastal town of Galicia and has the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use (dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Be out on deck early in the morning to see it while Silver Cloud approaches the harbor on its way to beautiful Santiago de Compostela.

This excursion takes you through the city of Santiago de Compostela and its famous Obradoiro Square and the Cathedral. There are two options: you can either walk on one of the most beautiful paths into Santiago, normally made at the end of the famous, sacred Road to Santiago (Camino de Santiago), or you can choose to explore the Plaza Obradoiro in depth.

There is some free time before meeting again at the Square, heading over to a lovely local restaurant for a seated tapas lunch. Over lunch, watch the performance of a Galician dance group. On the return drive to the pier, get a panoramic view of the city.

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.

La Coruña is an important coastal town of Galicia and has the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use (dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Be out on deck early in the morning to see it while Silver Cloud approaches the harbor on its way to beautiful Santiago de Compostela.

Begin with a little hike the pilgrims did after arriving in Santiago before continuing the trip to the end of the world, the Finis Terrae. Walk over 3 miles through paths along the forest, with a mountain and rivers. Enjoy a path in nature with the ever-present view of the towers of the Cathedral before returning to the pier.

Return to the center of Santiago de Compostela and its famous Obradoiro Square and the Cathedral. There are two options: you can either walk on one of the most beautiful paths into Santiago, normally made at the end of the famous, sacred Road to Santiago (Camino de Santiago), or you can choose to explore the Plaza Obradoiro in depth.

There is some free time before meeting again at the Square, heading over to a lovely local restaurant for a seated tapas lunch. Over lunch, watch the performance of a Galician dance group. On the return drive to the pier, get a panoramic view of the city.

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.