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Best of Santiago de Compostela
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Santiago de Compostela was the most venerated shrine in Europe during the Middle Ages. It remains a major destination for pilgrims, who come to worship at the tomb of St. James the Greater, one of Christ's apostles. Experience the cathedral on an interior visit after touring its museum.
Board your motorcoach at the quay and drive south on the motorway to Santiago de Compostela. Disembark at the coach parking lot and proceed on foot to Obradoiro Square facing the Cathedral. Your tour begins with a visit to the interesting Cathedral's Museum and the interior of the Church. Housed in the cathedral's exquisite 16th century cloisters, the museum exhibits superb Spanish and French tapestries, a Romanesque stone choir and religious sculptures. St James is credited with having brought Christianity to Celtic Spain. Following his martyrdom in Jerusalem, St. James' body was brought back to Galicia and entombed on the site of the cathedral sometime in the first century AD. Santiago de Compostela became an important pilgrim's shrine in the 9th century - arguably the most venerated Christian shrine outside of Rome and Jerusalem.
The original church was a 12th-century Romanesque building, but additions over the ages have considerably altered the cathedral. The ornate Obradoiro façade, for example, dates from the 18th century. The interior is richly decorated and its design responds to a symbolic scheme, often used in medieval religious architecture, of a transition space between Earth –represented by the temple's three portals- and Heaven –the High Altar that indicates the site of the Apostle's remains.
Following your visit, view Obradoiro and Platerias Squares. Located at two of the cathedral's cardinal points, the squares feature long stone arcades, superb buildings and wide plazas.
Enjoy some free time to explore the town of Santiago and browse the shops. Lunch featuring traditional Galician dishes is served at the exclusive Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. After lunch, board your motorcoach for the return drive to La Coruña.
Points of interest
Santiago de Compostela
Pilgrim Museum
Plaza del Obradoiro
Special Notes
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. Sensible/Comfortable shoes are recommended. On Sundays, most stores close and shopping will be limited.The drive between La Coruña and Santiago de Compostela is approximately 60 minutes each way, subject to traffic conditions. A guided visit to the interior of the Cathedral and its Museum is included in your tour. Whisperers will be used.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. There are about 70-90 steps in the Cathedral and Museum.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Santiago de Compostela was the most venerated shrine in Europe during the Middle Ages. It remains a major destination for pilgrims, who come to worship at the tomb of St. James the Greater, one of Christ's apostles. Experience the cathedral on an interior visit after touring its museum.
Board your motorcoach at the quay and drive south on the motorway to Santiago de Compostela. Disembark at the coach parking lot and proceed on foot to Obradoiro Square facing the Cathedral. Your tour begins with a visit to the interesting Cathedral's Museum and the interior of the Church. Housed in the cathedral's exquisite 16th century cloisters, the museum exhibits superb Spanish and French tapestries, a Romanesque stone choir and religious sculptures. St James is credited with having brought Christianity to Celtic Spain. Following his martyrdom in Jerusalem, St. James' body was brought back to Galicia and entombed on the site of the cathedral sometime in the first century AD. Santiago de Compostela became an important pilgrim's shrine in the 9th century - arguably the most venerated Christian shrine outside of Rome and Jerusalem.
The original church was a 12th-century Romanesque building, but additions over the ages have considerably altered the cathedral. The ornate Obradoiro façade, for example, dates from the 18th century. The interior is richly decorated and its design responds to a symbolic scheme, often used in medieval religious architecture, of a transition space between Earth –represented by the temple's three portals- and Heaven –the High Altar that indicates the site of the Apostle's remains.
Following your visit, view Obradoiro and Platerias Squares. Located at two of the cathedral's cardinal points, the squares feature long stone arcades, superb buildings and wide plazas.
Enjoy some free time to explore the town of Santiago and browse the shops. Lunch featuring traditional Galician dishes is served at the exclusive Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. After lunch, board your motorcoach for the return drive to La Coruña.
Points of interest
Santiago de Compostela
Pilgrim Museum
Plaza del Obradoiro
Special Notes
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. Sensible/Comfortable shoes are recommended. On Sundays, most stores close and shopping will be limited.The drive between La Coruña and Santiago de Compostela is approximately 60 minutes each way, subject to traffic conditions. A guided visit to the interior of the Cathedral and its Museum is included in your tour. Whisperers will be used.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. There are about 70-90 steps in the Cathedral and Museum.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.