Description
Tour Features
Travel Itinerary
Tour Program
Day 1 – Pazo de Rubianes and arrival in Santiago
Arrival of participants in Porto in the morning. Meeting with the guide and driver. Transfer to Pontevedra to visit the Pazo de Rubianes, a 17th-century aristocratic residence, famous for its historic gardens and centuries-old camellias. Wine tasting at the estate. Continuation to Santiago de Compostela and accommodation at Hotel Eurostars Araguaney*****. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 – Camellias and palaces of Pontevedra
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the palaces with gardens and camellias circuit. Visit to the Pazo Quinteiro da Cruz, with its extraordinary collection of camellias, and the Pazo de Saleta, an English-style garden with more than 200 varieties of rare camellias. Transfer to Pontevedra for a guided walk in the historic center, through medieval alleys and squares. Return to Santiago, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3 – The Versailles of Galicia and Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast and departure for Vedra. Visit to the Pazo de Oca, a sumptuous complex with baroque gardens and water features. Then visit to the Pazo de Santa Cruz de Rivadulla, with over 500 camellia varieties and an avenue of centuries-old olive trees. Return to Santiago, free time for lunch and a guided walk in the historic center with the Cathedral and Plaza del Obradoiro. Free time and overnight stay.
Day 4 – Casa de Mateus and Porto
Breakfast, departure with luggage and transfer to Vila Real to visit the Casa de Mateus, a Portuguese baroque masterpiece, with lunch included in one of the palace halls. Continuation to Porto, accommodation at Hotel Carrís Porto Ribeira**** and guided walk along the Ribeira and the historic district of Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its Porto wine cellars. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 – Porto and departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time for city visits and shopping. Independent transfer to the airport and return.
Everything you need to know about this trip
What to pack
- Layered clothing, waterproof/windproof jacket.
- Comfortable shoes for walking in cities and gardens.
- Folding umbrella or rain poncho.
- Elegant-casual clothing for dinners in 5* hotels and tastings.
- Hat or sunglasses.
- Personal medicines and small first aid kit.
- Power adapter type C/F (standard European, so UK plug not needed).
- Camera or smartphone with charger and power bank.
Required documents
- Valid identity card for travel abroad or passport.
- Recommended validity of at least 6 months from the return date.
- Photocopy or digital copy of documents.
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The fee includes
- 3 nights at Hotel Eurostars Araguaney***** (two nights with half board and one night with bed and breakfast)
- 1 night at Hotel Carrís Porto Ribeira**** in Porto with bed and breakfast
- Entrance fees and visits to all gardens and sites included in the itinerary
- Reservation service for gardens and private residences included in the program***
(Since some private gardens are included in the itinerary, in case of serious and proven issues related to the property, we reserve the right to replace them with others) - Wine tasting at Pazo de Rubianes
- Visit and lunch included at the Casa de Mateus Foundation
- Italian-speaking guide and tour leader for the entire duration of the tour
- Private bus transfer service for the entire duration of the tour
- Meals and accommodation for driver and guide
- Medical and baggage insurance
- Il Giardino Segreto assistance
The fee does not include
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Round-trip airfare
- Hotel porterage
- Meals not specified in the program
- City tax to be paid individually at the hotel
- Tips, extras, personal expenses and anything not expressly mentioned under “The fee includes”
General information
- Climate: March in Galicia and Portugal → 10–18°C, variable with rain and mild days
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Spanish (Galicia) and Portuguese; English spoken in tourist areas
- Time zone: same as Italy
- Electric current: 230V – plug type C/F (same as in Italy)
- Tips: not mandatory, but appreciated (around 10%).
- Telephone: EU → roaming included in Italian plans.
