Silversea Expedition Cruises À VIGO (Galicia)

Visit the stunning gardens and manor homes of Galicia on this memorable excursion that also features a Spanish wine and food tasting. Departing the pier, drive 45 minutes to the magnificent Pazo da Saleta, a Galician manor dating from the eighteenth century. This pazo features a surprising garden considered "one of the largest private gardens in Spain" and recognized by the Spanish Committee of Man and Biosphere Program of UNESCO. Designed in 1970 by landscape architect Brenda Colvin, this massive garden currently has one of the most diverse botanical collections of Galicia with species from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, United States, and Asia. The garden is so vast that it cannot all be visited, extending two hectares with a style typically English and picturesque, with wild, romantic and exuberant elements that integrate seamlessly into the beautifully sculpted landscape.

Also visit the impressive Pazo de Rubianes, located in the Arousa estuary (Pontevedra), home to one of the three official lordships in Spain. The main building was constructed in 15th century, though in the 18th century the tower was pulled down and a summer residence with rectangular plan was created. The gardens, covering more than 11 hectares, have remarkable eucalyptus trees spanning 12 meters, and also imposing olive and magnolia trees. Stroll the geometrical flowerbeds made in the French style, with sequoias and camphor trees punctuating the scenery. The garden's grandiose magnolias Magnolia grandiflora L. have been included in the Galician Monumental Tree Catalogue.

As available, see the rooms inside Pazo Rubianes, and taste the wine made directly from the grapes of the Pazo together with some delicious tapas.

Make the return 1-hour drive to Vigo.

Baiona is among the most important coastal towns in Galicia due to its harbour and fishing fleet. On the approach to the centre of the village, your guide informs you about the town's history and landmarks. Baiona was originally situated within the domain of Monte Real Castle, whose remaining walls date from the 16th century and are visible from the village. Christopher Columbus' fabled ship, the Pinta, first arrived in Baiona upon returning from his discovery of America.

The centre of Baiona features narrow streets lined with stone houses, and has been declared a Historically and Artistically Interesting Area. During your visit, some free time is made available for a stroll along the promenade, a visit to the replica of the Pinta, or for taking photographs of the Castle, where today a Parador (State hotel) stands. It retains its original outer walls with their battlements and sentry walks, as well as the Clock Tower and the Prince's Tower. Otherwise, just relax with a coffee and admire your surroundings. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the scenic, approximate one-hour drive back to the pier in Vigo.

Explore the Medieval past and taste the indigenous grapes along the Spanish-Portuguese border during this half-day excursion to the Cathedral of Tui and Bodegas Terras Gauda.

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to the beautiful walled Medieval city of Tui, located on a hill next to the Portuguese border near the River Miño. Upon arrival, visit the imposing Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral was later converted into a fortress studded with battlements due to frequent invasions. Its tower forms a magnificent balcony over the River Miño, and offers a scenic view of the fortified city of Valensa on the other side.

Next, re-board your coach and proceed for a visit to the cellar Terras Gauda. A premium boutique winery,

leader in working with the heirloom varieties of Rías Baixas, including Albariño and the rare Caiño Blanco, an indigenous grape used in the O Rosal blend and showcased in the limited bottling, Terras Gauda La Mar. Caiño Blanco almost disappeared from Rías Baixas in the 1980s, until Terras Gauda rediscovered its high quality and launched an ambitious replanting program in 1989. Taste a selection of wines and local tapas.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier in Vigo.

The Cíes Islands are Vigo estuary's greatest treasure, a true natural paradise of exceptional ecological interest.

Sail from Vigo onboard a private catamaran and reach the Cíes Islands with 1-hour scenic ride. Once well known as a hideout for pirates, this archipelago, made up of three islands, is now part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, a beach paradise with crystalline waters, in a natural environment that makes it a unique wildlife observatory, home to over 15,000 nesting seabirds, most of them Yellow-legged Gulls.

Choose between a guided easy walk to a lookout on the north-western side, a more moderate hike to the lighthouse towards the south, or just enjoy the islands crystalline waters and Spain's finest white beaches.

Look out for robins, blackbirds, Dunnocks, and Coal Tits, and keep your ears peeled for the woodpeckers' hammering.

At the end of your visit, board the catamaran and cruise back to Vigo.

Explore Vigo 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. 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 Vigo 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. 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 the Medieval past along the Spanish-Portuguese border during this half-day excursion to the Cathedral of Tui and the Valensa Fortress.

Cathedral of Tui

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to the beautiful walled Medieval city of Tui, located on a hill next to the Portuguese border near the River Miño. Upon arrival, visit the imposing Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral was later converted into a fortress studded with battlements due to frequent invasions. Its tower forms a magnificent balcony over the River Miño, and offers a scenic view of the fortified city of Valensa on the other side.

Valensa Fortress

Next, re-board your coach and cross into Portugal. Upon arrival at the village of Valensa do Minho, a visit is made to the city's fortress. Although part of the city is situated outside of the fortress, the nicest part of the city is located inside. Originally known as 'Contrasta' due to its similarity to the city of Tui, Valensa has been known by its current name since the 13th century. The fortress offers a splendid view of the fortified Cathedral of Tui on the opposite side of the River Miño.

Following your guided tour of the fortress, some free time is made available for independent exploration. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier in Vigo.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometre), with cobblestones and inclines at the fortresses, a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 15 steps at the sites visited. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Galicia, the land of a thousand rivers nestled on the Atlantic Ocean and full of stone structures, houses, mansions and granaries.

Begin at the Monastery of Armenteira (one-hour drive), which is estimated to be built in the 12th century, with renovations occurring in the following centuries. This magnificent church is oriented to the east to greet the first sign of light every morning. This structure is impressive built out of stone, and in its structures you can see the different styles like Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque that were added on over the centuries. At the monastery, the nuns make their own soap, among their other jobs like ecologic agriculture or attending the hostelry.

After the monastery visit, take a hike that follows the River Armenteira down a hill. Take your time hiking along this trail that winds along the bank of the River Armenteira, surrounded by the forest studded by manmade stone mills, some restored.

At the end of your scenic hike, return to the coach and make the trip back to Vigo.

Discover the scenic beauty and history of coastal Galicia during this memorable sightseeing tour of Vigo and Baiona.

Mount Castro and the Virgin of the Rock

Depart the pier for the scenic drive up to Mount Castro. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made for panoramic views overlooking the city, the estuary and the ship. Afterward, re-board your coach and proceed to Baiona. En route, a photo stop is made at the Virgin of the Rock, built from granite on San Roque Hill.

Baiona

Baiona is among the most important coastal towns in Galicia due to its harbour and fishing fleet. On the approach to the centre of the village, your guide informs you about the town's history and landmarks. Baiona was originally situated within the domain of Monte Real Castle, whose remaining walls date from the 16th century and are visible from the village. Christopher Columbus' fabled ship, the Pinta, first arrived in Baiona upon returning from his discovery of America.

The centre of Baiona features narrow streets lined with stone houses, and has been declared a Historically and Artistically Interesting Area. During your visit, some free time is made available for a stroll along the promenade, a visit to the replica of the Pinta, or an opportunity to relax with a coffee and admire your surroundings. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier in Vigo. En route, pass by the Bridge of La Ramallosa, one of the most beautiful Medieval-style bridges still standing in Galicia.

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 273 yards (about 250 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is 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.