Pontevedra & Combarro - VG05

This tour provides you with a taste of the Galician culture - in both urban and rural surroundings. Start with a drive north to Pontevedra, where your guide will describe the history of the region as well as the different attractions along the "Ria de Vigo."
Your first stop will be in the second largest city in the region, Pontevedra. There you will see several very important monuments of the city, including the "Alameda," Monument to the Pontesampaio Heroes, Santo Domingo Ruins and the Santa Maria La Mayor Church.
Other venues that will be viewed include the Church of Pilgrim, Herreria Square, San Francisco Church, "La Lena" Square (national monument) and several other beautiful corners of the city.
Continue the tour with a visit to Combarro, a small and picturesque fishing village declared an ethnographic monument, together with typical "Horreos and Cruceiros."

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles (approximately 2.5 hours) over even and cobblestone streets with several steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The walking distance between the parking area and the town center is approximately 10 minutes each way. The drive between Vigo and Pontevedra is approximately 0.5 hour and the return drive from Combarro to Vigo is approximately 0.5 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

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	Santiago de Compostela with Lunch - VG03

Santiago de Compostela has long been one of the great places of pilgrimage for the people of the Catholic faith. This excursion will allow you to explore the unique cathedral and plaza. You will drive through the scenic Galacian countryside towards Santiago de Compostela, which translated means "Field of the Star." From the hills, see the suspension bridge, one of the largest in Europe, crossing the Rande Straight. Part of Vigo Bay, Rande Straight, is the site of numerous naval battles between Spain and England in the 18th century.

Upon arrival in town, a comprehensive tour of the Santiago de Compostela begins. The magnificent Romanesque Cathedral embraces a multitude of architectural elements, including Baroque, Gothic, and stylish Plateresque. The Portico de la Gloria is perhaps one of the finest examples of 12th century European sculpture in existence. Carved by Mateo between 1166 and 1188, this ancient door is where four friars during ceremonial rights swing the giant incensary known as "Botafumeiro."

Lunch will be served at the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos, a 16th century building, declared as a National Monument, where typical dishes from the area will be offered. An optional guided walking tour through the quiet streets and picturesque squares observing the St. Martin Pinaro, Plaza de los Literarios and Plaza de las Platerias is provided. Some free time will be given for shopping or exploring on your own before the return to Vigo.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1.25 miles over 2 hours on cobblestone streets with some uphill grades and steps. There are no wheelchair ramps to access the Cathedral. Guests may find themselves standing and waiting in lines for a period of time. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Respectful attire is suggested. Tank tops and revealing clothing are not acceptable. The order of the above tour may be altered. The walking distance between the parking area and the town center is approximately 15 minutes (550 yards) each way. The drive between Vigo and Santiago de Compostela is 1.5 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions.

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	Vigo Sightseeing & Bayona - VG02

Vigo has been a major Spanish port for centuries and the great Spanish galleons returned there, loaded with treasure and riches, from the New World.

Drive through Vigo, a city that expanded greatly during the last century thanks to the importance of its active commercial port. From the coach, you get a spectacular view of the Cies Islands, which have been declared a National Park. You will stop is at Fortaleza del Castro for a panoramic view over Vigo Ria.

Continue with a drive through the Galician countryside to Bayona La Real, one of the most important fishing towns on this coast. Bayona was the town where the boat "Pinta" first arrived back, after Columbus first voyage of discovery to the Americas in March 1493. See the remains of the old walls and ramparts. A visit will also be made to the fascinating Monterreal Palace. En route to the ship and time permitting, you can walk through the Oyster Stalls on Stone Street to glimpse the seafood culture in Galicia. (This option is available only for the ships that are docked in the cruise terminal.)

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over cobblestone and uneven surfaces with slight inclines and several steps. Tour order may vary to avoid congestion. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

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Plan your cruise with a cruise specialist 1-800-377-9383

Royal Caribbean Europe ports of call:
View sample shore and land excursions:
• Barcelona, Spain
• Kusadasi, Turkey
• Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
• Mykonos, Greece
• Naples, Capri, Italy
• Piraeus, Greece
• Rome, Italy
• Santorini, Greece
• Split, Croatia
• Southampton, England
• Tenerife, Canary Islands
• Tunis, Tunisia
• Vigo, Spain
• Villefranche (Nice), France

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• Royal Caribbean Northern Europe homepage