Santiago de Compostela (Guided in French)

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your excursion begins in Vigo where you'll board a motorcoach and drive north along the highway, crossing the Strait of Rande via Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela is a national monument. The city features long stone arcades, superb buildings and spacious plazas. The Plazas del Obradoiro and Platerias are located at two of the four cardinal points of the cross-shaped cathedral.

Enjoy a guided walking tour around the majestic squares of Platerías and Obradoiro, the focal point for pilgrims arriving to Santiago. You will be given free time to visit the interior of the Cathedral at your own pace. St. James Cathedral is the shrine of St. James the Apostle, Spain's patron saint. The original church was a 12th century Romanesque building, but additions over the ages have altered the cathedral considerably. For example, the ornate Obradoiro façade dates from the 18th century.

Final stop of the popular "Way of St. James", the temple is considered a masterpiece of religious architecture for its interior organization –which makes the constant stream of pilgrims possible without interrupting liturgical acts-, its harmonious proportions, and the perfect integration of numerous decorative elements in an ensemble that is a monumental symbol of the apostle's glory. Imagine how so many pilgrims must have felt in completing their pilgrimage to where you now stand.


Explore independently or wander through the squares to shop for souvenirs and religious articles among the local vendors before re-boarding your motorcoach for the ride back to Vigo and your cruise ship.

Special Notes:

On Sundays, most stores close and shopping will be limited.

The drive between Vigo and Santiago de Compostela is approximately 75 minutes each way, subject to traffic conditions.

Tour guides will provide commentary outside of the Cathedral, in the interior the visit will be non-guided. Passengers will be given free time to visit the interior independently. Modest dress is required inside the cathedral. During Mass services, visits and photography are not permitted. In addition visitors may not enter with backpacks or other bags.

Restoration work will be taking place inside St. James Cathedral through 2020, so certain sections may be unavailable to visit.

This tour is entirely on foot, with an approximately 15-minute walk from city's bus terminal to Cathedral and another 15-minute walk back. The motorcoach will not park at the city's bus terminal and will only stop long enough to disembark/embark all passengers. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced

Medical Restriction:

This tour involves a very considerable amount of walking over infirm/uneven ground, including many steps at the Cathedral and Squares, and thus it is not recommended for those passengers requiring any sort of mobility assistance.