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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.
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.
At St. James Cathedral, embark on a guided tour of its interior and interesting Museum. 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. 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. Imagine how so many pilgrims must have felt in completing their pilgrimage to where you now stand.
You'll have free time to explore independently or wander through the squares to shop for souvenirs and religious articles among the local vendors.
Lunch will be served at the hotel Parador Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos, a former 15th century royal hospital, which provided shelter to the numerous pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Afterward a leisurely lunch, re-board your motorcoach and return to Vigo and your cruise ship.
Points of interest
Santiago de Compostela
St. James Cathedral
Pilgrim Museum
Schedule
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.
A guided visit to the interior of the Cathedral and its Museum is included in your tour. Headsets will be used inside the Church to avoid disturbing the congregation. 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.
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.
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Moderate Activity
Includes meal
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.
At St. James Cathedral, embark on a guided tour of its interior and interesting Museum. 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. 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. Imagine how so many pilgrims must have felt in completing their pilgrimage to where you now stand.
You'll have free time to explore independently or wander through the squares to shop for souvenirs and religious articles among the local vendors.
Lunch will be served at the hotel Parador Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos, a former 15th century royal hospital, which provided shelter to the numerous pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Afterward a leisurely lunch, re-board your motorcoach and return to Vigo and your cruise ship.
Points of interest
Santiago de Compostela
St. James Cathedral
Pilgrim Museum
Schedule
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.
A guided visit to the interior of the Cathedral and its Museum is included in your tour. Headsets will be used inside the Church to avoid disturbing the congregation. 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.
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.