Candela’s Tour of the Galicia Region of Spain
October 12th to 21st 2027
9 Nights 10 Days
$5155.00
Click on pay now to pay the deposit amount of $1289.00
Join Candela Raposo, who grew up in Santiago de Compostela, as she guides us through Galicia’s stunning landscapes and vibrant traditions. Through Candela’s eyes, we will discover dramatic scenery, ancient customs, and a culture deeply connected to land, sea, and pilgrimage. This is not just a tour through northern Spain, but a personal invitation to experience Galicia’s unique spirit and timeless beauty.
Candela grew up surrounded by stories of pilgrims arriving in Santiago de Compostela from across the world. Her own path later took her abroad to study, work, and experience what it means to arrive somewhere new.
Becoming a professional tour guide gave her a deep understanding of how much richer a journey becomes when you are welcomed by someone who knows the land and is genuinely proud to share it with you. And yes — she takes history seriously, but cheese, wine, and local traditions like queimada even more so.
Highlights
❖ Begin in Madrid, the heart and soul of Spain’s vibrant capital on this exclusive private walking tour of Madrid. Designed for travelers who value a personalized experience, this tour takes you beyond the guidebook to explore the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture at your own pace.
❖ Discover Ourense, Galicia’s renowned thermal city, where guests will relax in the soothing mineral-rich waters of Termas de Prexigueiro before continuing to the magnificent Parador de Santo Estevo, a beautifully restored monastery nestled among the mystical landscapes of the Ribeira Sacra.
❖ Explore the cultural heart of inland Galicia as we visit the ancient Celtic hillfort of Castro de Santomé, the remarkable rock-cut Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, picturesque stone villages, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Sil River canyon.
❖ Continue to Santiago de Compostela will be our home base, where Candela will lead a walking tour through the city’s medieval stone streets, hidden artistic corners, lively plazas, and enduring pilgrim traditions that have drawn travelers for over a thousand years. also take part in a pilgrim craft workshop and enjoy a traditional Galician dinner with a queimada ritual, a theatrical fire ceremony with pagan roots, local aguardiente, and a spell to welcome good spirits.
❖ Journey to Cambados, the heart of Albariño wine country, and visit the historic Palacio de Fefiñanes winery, the birthplace of modern Albariño. The following day, walk a scenic section of the Spiritual Variant of the Camino de Santiago along the beautiful Route of Stone and Water before sailing the legendary Translatio Route across the Ría de Arousa, retracing the maritime journey traditionally associated with the arrival of Saint James’s remains in Galicia.
❖ Experience the rugged beauty of the Costa da Morte, Galicia’s dramatic Atlantic coastline. Visit the medieval village of Pontemaceira, the sacred sanctuary of Muxía, the legendary Cape Finisterre, once believed to be the end of the known world, the charming fishing town of Fisterra, and the spectacular Ézaro Waterfall, where the Xallas River cascades directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Conclude the journey surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, timeless legends, and the invigorating sea air that make Galicia one of Spain’s most unforgettable regions.
Day 1 Arrive in Madrid
Our journey begins in Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, a city celebrated for its remarkable beauty, rich history, world-class culture, and exceptional culinary traditions. You will have the opportunity to explore Madrid’s iconic landmarks, elegant plazas, charming neighborhoods, and hidden streets . It is the perfect introduction to Spain before we journey north into the enchanting region of Galicia.
Day 2:
Discover the heart and soul of Spain’s vibrant capital on this exclusive private walking tour of Madrid. Designed for travelers who value a personalized experience, this tour takes you beyond the guidebook to explore the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture at your own pace. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll stroll through Madrid’s iconic landmarks, charming plazas, and hidden streets while learning fascinating stories about the city’s royal heritage, artistic legacy, and everyday life. Visit highlights such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Plaza de la Villa, and the picturesque Barrio de las Letras, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and recommendations from your guide.
You will also take advantage of a skip-the-line entry to the Museum which will help you gain time and avoid waiting in the line to get a ticket.This evening we will have our welcome dinner.
Day 3
Today we continue by train to Ourense and will have lunch upon arrival. Ourense is a city in northwestern Spain. It’s known for its hot springs, such as the Burga de Abajo, a neoclassical fountain with thermal waters. Nearby, the As Burgas Interpretation Center explores the history of the city’s medicinal baths. The 12th-century Ourense Cathedral houses the ornate Gate of Paradise. Spanning the River Minho is the iconic Ponte Romana bridge, with its trademark arches.
Afterward, the group will go to Ribadavia (30 min) by bus transfer to experience Termas de Prexigueiro. Here, guests will enjoy the thermal waters before staying at the atmospheric Parador de San Estevo, a historic retreat surrounded by the mystical landscapes of Ribeira Sacra. For 1 night in Orense: Parador de San Estevo
Day 4— Private excursion to Lugo, Ribadeo, and Las Catedrales Beach
Bus Transfer from Orense to Lugo
OVERNIGHT IN Lugo
This day combines Roman history, the Cantabrian coast, and one of Galicia’s most famous natural landscapes. Lugo
The guests will visit a city with a Roman wall declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They will be able to walk along part of the wall, explore the historic center, and understand Lugo’s importance in the Roman history of Galicia. Ribadeo
Afterward, the group will visit Ribadeo, an elegant coastal town known for its “Indianos” houses.
Here, the guests will see a different side of Galicia, shaped by Galician emigrants who returned from the Americas and built large, stately homes. Las Catedrales Beach
This will be the highlight of the day. The guests will see the famous natural rock arches that give the beach its name. The visit will be organized according to the tide, as access and the overall experience depend on low tide. It is a very visual and striking stop, especially appealing for guests interested in nature and photography. For 1 night in Lugo: Hotel Este Oeste.
Day 5
Today we will transfer from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela. Arriving in Santiago, we will enjoy lunch and allow time to rest from the journey.
Afternoon: Embark on a walking tour around the charming Santiago de Compostela with a Candela. Learn about the rich history, culture, and magnificent architecture from your guide as you explore this city.
Enjoy this incredible tour of Santiago to experience the city like a local where we will learn about the fascinating history of the city, the beautiful squares around the Cathedral (Plaza de Platerías, Plaza de Quintana, and Plaza de la Inmaculada), Plaza Cervantes, and the Abastos Food Market, ending the tour by walking through its ancient streets. Guided by Candela, packed with local, personalized, and up-to-date recommendations for them to explore the city afterward.
Free time: Santiago really is full of little lanes, corners, and patios that nest tiny artistic universes. You need to have time to explore them by yourself, or you will leave with the feeling of having missed out OVER NIGHT IN SANTIAGO.
Day 6
A 2-hour morning tour to visit the famous Cathedral of Santiago in a fun and adventurous way. The visit includes access to the cathedral rooftops, where the group can walk above the historic building and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. They will also take part in a pilgrim craft workshop and enjoy a traditional Galician dinner with a queimada ritual, a theatrical fire ceremony with pagan roots, local aguardiente, and a spell to welcome good spirits. It uses a strong grape brandy called aguardiente, which is mixed with sugar, coffee beans, and citrus peels. The mixture is set on fire to create a blue flame while a person reads a spell.
The ritual starts by placing all the ingredients into a deep clay pot. The clay represents the earth, and the clear brandy represents water. When the liquid is set ablaze, the flames represent light and purification. The person leading the ritual uses a ladle to lift the burning liquid and pour it back into the pot in small fiery waterfalls. Once the blue flames die down, the drink is served warm.
OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO
Day 7— Transfer to Cambados 1 night
In the afternoon
Bus transfer from Lugo to Cambados. Arriving at lunchtime. Hotel check-in in the town center. Free time for lunch?Afternoon/evening: Wine Cellar Tour + Albarino wine experience in the town center
The cellar and experience: A tour at Bodegas del Palacio de Fefiñanes in Cambados is a unique walk through history and viticulture. Located in a 17th-century Renaissance palace (town center), it is the birthplace of modern Albariño wine, producing the first commercial brand in 1928
The tour includes a walk through the palace grounds, the vineyard, and the winemaking facilities. You’ll get to see historic production machines and old oak barrels, followed by an expert-guided tasting of their highly regarded Albariño production.
Day 8 — Doing the Camino: walking a spiritual trail and sailing to Santiago, following the route of OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO
- Check out of the hotel. Luggage is loaded onto the bus.
- Bus transfer from Cambados to Meis to begin the Spiritual Variant of the Camino, on the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga. o Distance: approx. 6–7 km along the riverside path + optional final ascent to Armenteira (total 10–12 km depending on start point). o Terrain: mostly flat and easy along the Armenteira River, then a steady, moderate hill through forest to reach the Monasterio de Armenteira.
o Timing: 3–4 hours at a relaxed Camino pace with photo stops.
- Why is this walk special? o It follows the “Route of Stone and Water,” a shaded path beside cascades, old watermills (muíños), and granite slabs that give the trail its name. o You experience the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino, a route intertwined with the Translatio legend of Saint James.
o The finish at the serene 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Armenteira offers a contemplative end to the morning’s walk, with time to wander the cloister and church.
- Lunch
- Country lunch in the Armenteira/Meis area featuring Rías Baixas produce and Albariño wine. Dietary requirements catered for with advance notice.
- Bus transfer to Vilanova de Arousa to board the Translatio boat to Pontecesures/Padrón, retracing the maritime route said to have carried Saint James’s remains on a stone boat.
- On the boat trip, we will see:
▪ The Ría de Arousa’s shellfish beds (bateas) for mussels and oysters and the working life of the estuary.
▪ The only maritime-fluvial Way of the Cross in the world: granite “petos de ánimas” and stone crosses rising from islets and riverbanks.
▪ River Ulla wetlands and birdlife, and the approach to Padrón, linked to the pedrón stone where the boat was moored in the legend.
o Commentary on board about the legend, local ecology, and traditional fishing.
- Disembarkation and a short walk to the coach. The bus, which has carried the luggage separately from Vilanova, drives to Santiago de Compostela.
- Arrival in Santiago de Compostela
Day 9 — Private excursion to Finisterre and the Costa da Morte OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO
Costa da Morte, Death’s Coast: the name refers to the dramatic, rugged coastline of Galicia.
- Finisterre: Origin: The name comes from the Latin Finis Terrae, which translates to “end of the earth” or “land’s end”.
- The History: When the ancient Romans first reached this rocky peninsula on the Atlantic coast, they believed it was the absolute westernmost edge of the known world. It has also become the traditional final stop for modern pilgrims extending their journey on the Camino de Santiago.
Pontemaceira
A small village with a beautiful medieval bridge over the river. It is a peaceful and very photogenic stop, ideal for starting the day and explaining the connection between the Camino de Santiago and the routes that continue toward the coast.
Muxía and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Boat
Here, the guests will see a sanctuary facing the Atlantic Ocean, set in a dramatic natural landscape. It is a place full of legends, closely linked to the sea, pilgrims, and Galician spirituality.
Cape Finisterre
This will be one of the most important stops of the day. The guests will arrive at the famous “end of the world,” a place that, for centuries, was associated with the edge of the known earth. From the lighthouse, they will enjoy open views of the Atlantic and understand why many pilgrims continue here after reaching Santiago.
The town of Finisterre
There will be time for lunch and to enjoy the fishing-town atmosphere. It is a good place to try fish, seafood, or local cuisine in an authentic setting.
Ézaro Waterfall
One of the most special natural stops on the route. The guests will be able to walk along the wooden walkway and see the Xallas River waterfall, a very unusual place because the river falls almost directly toward the sea.
Muros or Carnota, depending on timing
The day will be completed with a stop in a fishing village such as Muros, or at the Carnota granary, one of the most representative in Galicia. OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO 1
Day 10 Santiago de Compostela Flight home
9 Nights luxury hotels
Daily breakfast and 4 Meals
Personal Guide with Candela
All transportation in Spain
All entrance fees
Guide Services provided by Jim Cramer
$5155.00 land only based on double occupancy
(707) 548 1023-1023Jimomicramer@gmail.com
www.anamcaratravelservices.com
Not Included
Air to Spain
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Notes on Galica Spain Region
What is the Camino de Santiago?
- The Camino de Santiago is a network of medieval pilgrimage routes across Europe converging on the tomb of Saint James the Greater in Santiago de Compostela. Walkers, cyclists, and, on some variants, sailors trace historic paths for spiritual, cultural, or personal reasons. The Portuguese routes—including the Spiritual Variant you’ll sample—thread coast, vineyards, and old market towns, blending nature with living tradition.
It rivaled and occasionally outpaced Rome in sheer pilgrimage foot traffic during its “Golden Age” in the 12th and 13th centuries
The Crusades (11th–13th Centuries): When travel to Jerusalem and the Holy Land became incredibly dangerous and virtually inviable, Christians turned to the Camino de Santiago as a safer, accessible alternative for major spiritual devotion
Papal Recognition: In the late 15th century, following the Reconquista, Pope Alexander VI officially declared Santiago de Compostela one of the three great pilgrimages of Christendom, alongside Jerusalem and Rome
Galicia — why it’s culturally and gastronomically rich
- Landscape and sea: With an ocean-indented coastline (rías), ancient granite massifs, and lush river valleys, Galicia supports world-class seafood (mussels, oysters, percebes, octopus), pasture-raised meats, and market-garden produce.
- Wine: Indigenous varieties thrive—Albariño (Rías Baixas), Godello, Mencía (Ribeira Sacra), among others—each tied to distinct microclimates and dramatic vineyard landscapes.
- Heritage: Roman sites (e.g., Lugo’s wall), medieval sanctuaries, and pre-Roman petroglyphs speak to deep continuity. Stone crosses, granaries (hórreos), and monasteries knit faith and agrarian life.
- Living traditions: Craftwork (wood, pottery, jet), music (gaita bagpipes), festivals, and kitchen culture endure in daily life. The queimada ritual and seafood “a feira” are not museum pieces— they’re lived customs.
- Outdoors: Coast-to-coast trails, river walks, boat routes (like the Translatio), surf beaches, canyons, and waterfalls (Ézaro) make it easy to shift from culture to nature within the same day. Practical planning checklist.
