Vigo, Spain
Vigo is steeped in a history that dates back to the Romans. Vikings once saw trade opportunities here and landed briefly on its shores. Soon, Vigo’s strategic importance was recognized throughout Europe, resulting in raids by English privateer Francis Drake. Today, Vigo is one of the largest cities in Galicia, Spain’s autonomous northwestern region that boasts a rich farming and fishing heritage. The city’s markets still overflow with seafood and all the ingredients locals need to prepare traditional caldo galego, a hearty potato soup made with grelo, or broccoli rabe.
Vigo is steeped in a history that dates back to the Romans. Vikings once saw trade opportunities here and landed briefly on its shores. Soon, Vigo’s strategic importance was recognized throughout Europe, resulting in raids by English privateer Francis Drake. Today, Vigo is one of the largest cities in Galicia, Spain’s autonomous northwestern region that boasts a rich farming and fishing heritage. The city’s markets still overflow with seafood and all the ingredients locals need to prepare traditional caldo galego, a hearty potato soup made with grelo, or broccoli rabe.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Enchanting Vigo
Witness the elegant city sights of Vigo and enjoy a stroll around the stunning French gardens of Castrelos Park.
Panoramic City Tour and Stunning Gardens
Witness the elegant city sights of Vigo and enjoy a stroll around the stunning French gardens of Castrelos Park. Vigo, known as the "Gateway to the Atlantic," offers a combination of ancient history and scenic vistas. Board your motor coach and ascend Mt. Castro, where you will enjoy panoramic views over the bay. Continue through Vigo, admiring the beautiful architecture as you pass the Plaza de España and Plaza de América. You will glimpse some of the city’s famous monuments along the way, including the bronze fishermen and a sculpture of wild horses by self-taught local artist Manuel Oliveira. Arrive at Castrelos Park and enjoy free time to explore the gardens at leisure. This stunning 17th-century estate was recently restored and now features the Quiñones de León Municipal Museum. Admire its palatial facade before returning to your ship.
Vigo Segway Experience
Zoom through the streets of charming Vigo on a two-wheeled Segway electric scooter.
Tour the Sights On Board Your Own Segway Scooter
Zoom through the streets of charming Vigo on a two-wheeled Segway electric scooter. This trendy, eco-friendly vehicle is a fun and practical way to take in the sights of the largest city in Galicia. Your Segway instructor will welcome you at the pier and lead a safety briefing and training session. Then, you will set off together along the seafront promenade, passing by Montero Ríos Street, Estrella Square and the lush Alameda Gardens at Plaza de Compostela. You will continue on to Puerta del Sol--considered the heart of the city, and presided over by the imposing “El Sireno” (The Merman) sculpture--then return to the pier through the Old Quarter, past Constitution Square, “Rua das Cesteiras” (Basketmakers Street), and Santa María Collegiate Church.
A Day in Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy a scenic drive to Santiago de Compostela, where you will see its stunning cathedral and tour the Old Town.
Explore a Medieval Pilgrimage Site and a Grand Cathedral
Enjoy a scenic drive to Santiago de Compostela, where you will see its stunning cathedral and tour the Old Town. Upon arrival in the beautiful medieval city, a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Plaza del Obradoiro, marvel at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela’s magnificent facade. The cathedral’s original style was Romanesque, but over the centuries it has been embellished with Gothic and baroque features, including finely carved statues of apostles and saints in the portico and on the columns. Enjoy lunch at the Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos, a former hospital and now a luxury hotel. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the cathedral and surrounding area on your own before returning to your ship.
Santiago de Compostela & Cathedral Rooftop
Drive to Santiago de Compostela and explore the cathedral and Old Town of this important place of pilgrimage.
Enjoy a Unique View of a Medieval Town
Drive to Santiago de Compostela and explore the cathedral and Old Town of this important place of pilgrimage. Upon arrival, walk to Plaza del Obradoiro and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where you will experience a rooftop perspective on the unique architecture. Learn about cathedral highlights including the silver urn containing the ashes of St. James, the Apostle of Santiago, kept in a small crypt beneath the ornate high altar. Continue on an Old Town walking tour, followed by free time, where you can take your time to explore the cathedral's interior at your leisure. You will enjoy lunch at Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos—a former hospital, now a luxury hotel—before returning to your ship.
Galician Roots & Wine Tasting
Sample wines at a local winery, and savor the sights of the unique region of Galicia.
A Taste of Galicia
Sample wines at a local winery, and savor the sights of the unique region of Galicia. You will travel from Vigo to the Bodegas Terras Gauda in the beautiful O Rosal Valley. Here, you will enjoy a guided visit at the vineyard, renowned for its superb Albariño wines, followed by a wine and tapas tasting session. Then, you will visit the historical Celtic Settlement of Monte de Santa Tecla, overlooking the Miño River Estuary – the natural border between Galicia and Portugal. Discovered in 1913, the interesting hill fort settlement remains date back to the first century BC. Departing the fort, you will continue down the coastal road to Bayona, where lunch will be served at the stunning Parador Conde de Gondomar. After a sumptuous meal of Galician specialties, you will have the option to enjoy a guided visit of Bayona’s Old Quarter or take some free time to explore independently at your leisure.
Bayona La Real
Discover the beauty of the historic harborside village of Bayona.
Panoramic Views and Charming Old Town History
Discover the beauty of the historic harborside village of Bayona. You will travel comfortably by motor coach to the La Guía Hill vantage point, where you will marvel at the sweeping panoramic views over the city of Vigo and the tranquil bay. Then, you will travel through Vigo's city center and along the coastal road to Bayona. Here, you will visit the 16th-century Bayona fortress atop Monte Real, and have the chance to enjoy a glass of wine, mineral water, coffee, tea or soft drinks with a selection of Galician tapas at the splendid Parador Conde de Gondomar. You may then join your guide on a stroll through the winding cobbled streets of Old Bayona to discover some of the town’s most relevant and historical buildings. Alternatively, you may choose to remain and relax at the Parador, or to wander the laneways and seaside boardwalk on your own before returning to the pier.
Cíes Islands Escape
Cruise to the idyllic Cíes Islands, dubbed by the Romans as “The Islands of the Gods”.
The Islands of the Gods
Cruise to the idyllic Cíes Islands, dubbed by the Romans as “The Islands of the Gods”. Part of the Islas Atlánticas National Park, the Cíes are an archipelago of three islands: Monteagudo, Faro and San Martiño. Your experienced guide will provide commentary and relevant safety information, itinerary, and tour timings as you make your way to Monteagudo. Here, you will find pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, a network of quiet hiking trails, and a stunning coastline. You may choose to join your guide to hike the 1.8 mile-Alto del Príncipe Route nature trail that climbs up to the top of Agudo Mountain, or you may prefer to explore independently, or relax at Rodas Beach – the long strip of sand that connects Monteagudo and Faro, considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Castelo de Soutomaior & Pazo de Rubianes
Discover Galicia’s glorious gardens and enjoy a visit to a local vineyard estate.
Historical Castle Gardens and Vineyard Visit
Discover Galicia’s glorious gardens and enjoy a visit to a local vineyard estate. You will depart the pier and enjoy a scenic drive to the Castelo de Soutomaior. This medieval castle is magnificent, and its remarkable 19th-century gardens were awarded “Garden of Excellence” honors from the International Camellia Society in 2012. Next, you will visit the Pazo de Rubianes, where more stunning gardens await, as well as lush vineyards and the impressive manor house of the only lordship in Galicia. In this magical setting, you will have the chance to sample locally produced Albariño wine, along with an array of tapas, including homemade empanadas, Spanish omelettes, potato chips, and Galician cheeses with bread sticks. You will then have some time to browse the shop, or enjoy a stroll around the beautiful grounds before returning to your ship.
Mondariz & Palacio del Agua
Relax and enjoy the tranquil thermal waters at Palacio del Agua.
A Thermal Spa Experience
Relax and enjoy the tranquil thermal waters at Palacio del Agua. Your scenic drive from Vigo will take you through the old Berbes Quarter and the fishing quarter of Bouzas to the thermal village of Mondariz. Famous for the properties of its waters, Mondariz is home to the Palacio del Agua (Water Palace). Here, you will enjoy the large swimming pool with a cascading waterfall, bubble chairs, water-massage seats, a hydro-massage toadstool, as well as a "Celtic Spa," featuring a cave sauna and an outdoor Japanese bath/pool. Refreshments including Mondariz mineral water, soft drinks, tea and a selection of tapas will be served, and you will also have the chance to see the region’s most famous mineral spring, Fuente de Gándara, which was discovered in 1872 and gave birth to the spa.
Rías Baixas Tapas Workshop
Learn to make traditional tapas in the region of Rías Baixas.
Craft Your Own Local Specialties
Learn to make traditional tapas in the region of Rías Baixas. You will cross the Rande strait and pass by the city of Pontevedra on your panoramic drive to the village of Cambados. Here, you will enjoy a guided stroll through the charming cobblestone streets, past the Palacio de Fefiñanes and the historic Church of San Benito on your way to the village market. After selecting fresh ingredients, you will continue on to the enchanting La Quinta de San Amaro Rustic Hotel, where the local chef will introduce you to Galician gastronomy, and lead you through a workshop on traditional tapas. You will learn about, and participate in the preparation and cooking process, then you will enjoy a delicious lunch of Galician-style octopus and soft Tetilla cheese over local corn bread toast, pork cannelloni stuffed with turnip tops, chorizo and Arzúa cheese, Spanish omelet, empanada, and Santiago almond cake served with beer and local wines.
Gourmet Galicia
Enjoy a private catamaran ride and a gourmet Galician lunch.
Catamaran Cruise and Exquisite Lunch
Enjoy a private catamaran ride and a gourmet Galician lunch. Set sail around the Bay of Vigo, enjoying the sights and viewing and learning about typical Galician suspended mussel beds, one of the major products in the Galician fishing industry. Sample steamed mussels with vinaigrette dressing, along with Galician salty pie and local Albariño white wine or mineral water. After arriving in Bayona, make your way on foot to the Parador Conde de Gondomar, where you will enjoy a gourmet Galician lunch. Within the walls of a 16th-century fortress with fabulous sweeping views, you will be served a sumptuous selection of Galician specialties, assorted regional desserts and local red and white wines. Then, you will have the option to join your guide for a tour of the city’s Old Quarter or explore independently at your leisure before the catamaran returns you to the pier.
Santiago De Compostela
Enjoy a scenic drive to Santiago de Compostela, where you will see its stunning cathedral and tour the old town.
Cathedral and Museum of a Medieval Pilgrimage City
Enjoy a scenic drive to Santiago de Compostela, where you will see its stunning cathedral and tour the old town. Upon arrival in the beautiful medieval city, a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, stroll through the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Plaza del Obradoiro, marvel at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela’s magnificent facade. The cathedral’s original style was Romanesque, but over the centuries it has been embellished with Gothic and baroque features, including finely carved statues of apostles and saints in the portico and on the columns. Enjoy refreshments at the Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos, a former hospital and now a luxury hotel. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the cathedral and surrounding area on your own before returning to your ship.
The Kitchen Table
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure.
Join Our Executive Chef for a Unique, Market-to-Table Experience
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Take a walk to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.
Please note: In the absence of a traditional food market in the destination, guests will visit various local stores for ingredients.
