6. Ribeira Sacra from Santiago: with wine tastings and Cruise
Fill a day with wine, art, gastronomy, and natural beauty. Visit exclusive wine cellars for a tasting and a medieval towns on this guided day tour of Ribeira Sacra. Enjoy a boat ride along the Sil River between the hills where grapes are grown , sometimes at vertical cliffs. Discover Galician cuisine and roman & celtic culture.
Start your tour from the Plaza de Galicia in Santiago de Compostela. Local guides join you in the air-conditioned minibuses.
First stop will take place at the medieval town of Castro Caldelas, one of the most beautiful ones of Spain. A huge medieval castle and quiet walks along small streets full of historical buildings. Fantastic views from the valleys of the Sil river can be enjoyed, and also time for a coffe break. It´s really recomendable trying the tipycal "bica" with the coffe, which is a really tasty cake.
Driveing down Sil River valley for a leisurely cruise. More vineyards cover the slopes along the river, sometimes at vertical cliffs. Thats the reason for the name "heroic viticulture", done along centuries at this valleys. The guide will explain a lot of interesting things about this special wine production systems.
One of the most spectacula viewpoints of Galicia will be waiting at the north side of the Sil River. Amazing views of vineyards wich have been built at impossible places, and the Sil River, always quiet. Views of many kilometers of chessnut and oak forests, vines and very tiny villages.
Lunch time at the main town of the area: Monforte de Lemos. There are lots of nice restaurants waiting for us and offering the best meals of this region. After lunch, guided visit to the "Mons Fortis", where the tower of Lemos and the Monastery of San Vicente are built.
Learn about the region on the way to the Church of San Vicente. From the church, snap a photo of the commanding view over the valley and vineyards.
Exclusive local wine cellar visit. 5 of the varietals grown in the region will be on hand to sample. Find your favorite one!