Silversea Luxury Cruises À LA CORUNA

Discover the picturesque beauty and historic landmarks of La Coruña and Betanzos during this half-day sightseeing excursion. La Coruña is an ancient city founded by Hercules, according to local beliefs, where Celts, Phoenicians and Romans have all occupied its port. Betanzos is a town with a lot to offer, especially to the visitor interested in medieval districts, grand churches and the genuine undiluted version of Galicia.

La Coruña

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. Sights to be seen include the Gardens of Los Cantones, Castle of San Anton and Tower of Hercules, La Coruña's most important monument. This ancient, 180-foot-tall (55-metre-tall) beacon is the oldest Roman-built lighthouse in the world that is still used as a lighthouse. After a photo stop here, re-board your coach and continue on to Betanzos, approximately 40 minutes away.

Betanzos

One of the capitals of the old Galician kingdom, the village of Betanzos was declared a historical and artistic monument in 1970, and is home to one of the best-preserved old quarters in Galicia. Upon arrival in Betanzos, take a guided walking tour through its narrow streets, past typical old houses and up the hill.

Following your walking tour, a refreshment stop is made at a local restaurant that offers splendid views of the mouth of the estuary and ocean before commencing the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately .62 miles (about 1,000m), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and cobblestones and steep inclines at Betanzos. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Take part in a walking tour that will show you the modern architecture in La Coruña. Between the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, Modernist architecture became present here; arriving to houses, kiosks, cafeterias and shops thanks to architects like Antonio López, Pedro Mariño or Julio Galán. Make your way to the city's market and enjoy a taste of the local wine and products.

La Coruña

Begin your discovery directly from the pier as your guide describes the development of the city's modernist architecture with some references to Pablo Picasso in his younger years. Outside the port you will cross through the gardens that have two of these modernist buildings, the Quiosk and the Terrace. View the new promenade, one of the longest in Europe that make its way directly to the beaches.

Plaza Pontevedra

Make your way to what was the main street in La Coruna called Los Cantones; from here your guide will explain the different buildings that can be seen. Continuing the walk you will reach a narrow point from where it can be understood how small the city is in certain points of this Peninsula. From Plaza Pontevedra your guide will explain in detail how the city grew into the protected side and left the part of the beaches more untouched due to the heavy winds and strong sea.

City Market

As you near the market, continue to view even more modernist buildings. Once at the market take in the sights, sounds and smells that make up what is the only typical market left in the city with different fish and seafood; Galician products, fruit, meat, etc. Stop and enjoy a taste of the local flavours of wine and the local produce from this region.

Guests can decide to stay in the market area from here for shopping or go back to the ship

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 2.18 miles (about 3,500m), over mostly paved surfaces with a few steps to negotiate in the market. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

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.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.9 miles (about 1.4 kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Appropriate dress is required for the church visit; covered knees, shoulders, etc.The Cathedral in Santiago will go through a severe inside refurbishing from 2018 to 2021, socertain areas might be closed.

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.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

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.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

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.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

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.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

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.