Galicia

Myths and legends of Galicia

Myths and legends are an integral part of the culture of the northern region of Spain. The inhabitants of Galicia believed that even stones, trees and water have a soul, which is why many holidays and traditions are closely intertwined.

• Meiga (Meiga) – literally means “sorceress”. This is always an old ugly woman, the prototype of our Baba Yaga. The terrible Meiga is capable of using curses and spells to cause damage, the evil eye or discord in the family.
• Bruja (Bruxa) – Bruxa is a mythical character in the form of a gray-haired elderly woman with a broom. Unlike Meiga, she can be kind. Brusha can cure diseases, remove damage and bring prosperity to the home. This character is a kind of symbol of Galicia, so feel free to buy souvenirs in the form of a little witch.
• Mouros (Mouros) - the first inhabitants of Galicia. There is a belief that they lived in stone settlements called Castro’s under the dolmens. The Mouros built palaces underground and wore rich clothes and gold jewelry. Over time, they were expelled, but not all left. Now they periodically appear on the surface and, with just a touch, push the ground apart in order to descend back under the dolmens.
• Nubeiro (Nubeiro) – lord of the weather. According to legend, Nubeiro was very tall and always wore black leather clothes. He could cause storms and bad weather. There are even chants in which the Galicians appease him to the sound of church bells.
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Tour to Galicia for 6 days

What to expect on your tour of Galicia:

This excursion is full of gastronomic discoveries: we will be able to taste real Galician Albariño wine, see how mussels, oysters and scallops grow on the Ria de Arousa, taste the freshest seafood in local restaurants. Almost every city is filled with historical places and amazing architecture, and the last point of our tour will be the legendary place - Santiago de Compostela, a place that Paulo Coelho sang in his book!

Tour program:

• Day 1. Departure and day on the road, there will be short stops along the way with the opportunity to have a snack (at your own expense). In the evening, arrive at the hotel, check into your rooms and have dinner.
• Day 2. Vigo - Cambados - Valle del Salnes (Valley of O Salnes).
  In the morning, breakfast at the hotel and departure to the city of Vigo - one of the main cities in the south of Galicia. Vigo is relatively young, cosmopolitan and industrial. Here we will visit the Del Castro observation deck with a beautiful panoramic view of the city and port, where you can take unforgettable photographs. Then we return to the hotel and have lunch. After lunch we will have a unique opportunity to taste real Galician wine! We will go to the picturesque O Salnes valley, where the city of Cambados is located. In addition to its rich architectural heritage, the famous Albariño wine is also produced here. We will visit the Rias Baixas winery, where a tasting will take place (the cost of the tasting is included in the total cost of the tour), and you will be able to purchase the famous Albariño wine. Then we return to the hotel, have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
• Day 3. Thermal springs Ourense.
  An additional intensive excursion lasts the whole day. We're going to the hot springs. Bring swimsuits and hats. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Lunch will be provided as a picnic.
• Day 4. O Grove, La Toja Island, Pontevedra, Combarro.
  Breakfast at the hotel, and the first half of the day is designed to visit the amazing city of O Grove. This place is also called the seafood capital! If you wish, you can go sailing along the Ria de Arousa to see how mussels, oysters and scallops grow: let's tell you a secret - it's very interesting! On board there is a tasting of mussels and young wine. We will then cross the picturesque early twentieth century bridge that joins the Eau Grove Peninsula to La Toja Island, where you will be able to take amazing photos as a souvenir. We return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon there will be an excursion to the city of Pontevedra, where we will learn a lot of interesting things about the capital of the municipality of the same name. It's hard not to be amazed by the historical and architectural richness of the city of Pontevedra! According to ancient legend, the city was founded by the hero of the Trojan War, Teukr, and today Pontevedra is considered one of the richest heritage of Romanesque architecture in Galicia. Here we can see the Temple of Peregrina from the 18th century - an almost circular building with a Baroque façade and neoclassical elements, the Church of San Francisco, built in the 14th-15th centuries, and the Basilica of Santa Maria from the 16th century. After a wonderful walk, we head to the fishing village of Combarro, where the historical Galician “orreos barns” are displayed, numbering about 30,000, they are recognized as an architectural monument and are carefully protected. The second important attraction of Combarro are the stone crucifixes of cruseiros - they can be seen at the entrance to the houses of local residents. They were installed to protect against evil spirits, and now there are about six of them, the oldest was installed in 1727. Combarro also has a beautiful port, the view of which is simply mesmerizing! Then we go to the hotel, have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
• Day 5. Santiago de Compostela. Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a full day excursion to the legendary site of Santiago de Compostela. People from all over the world come here every day to walk the “Way of Santiago” and reflect on life and touch the holy places. This is the place described in the book by Paulo Coelho. We will have a unique opportunity to visit here and receive a charge of positive energy. The city is filled with architectural masterpieces and historical sites. The cathedral of the same name was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. In the afternoon, we will have a breathtaking walk to the ocean, where you will feel the free spirit of the elements and take the most romantic photos. You will also have free time to have lunch.
• Day 6. Return back. Breakfast at the hotel and departure. There will be short stops along the way with the opportunity to have a snack (at your own expense). Arrival at your destination.
• THE TOUR PROGRAM IS INDICATIVE, IT MAY BE CHANGED OR ADDED.

Excursions included in the package:

• Vigo – Cambados – O Salnes Valley (wine tasting)
• O Grove, Pontevedra, La Toja, Combarro
• Santiago de Compostela (guided walking tour)

Additional excursions:

• Ourense thermal springs (full day excursion). The cost of an additional excursion is 35 euros.
• If you don't want to go on additional excursions, you can take a walk in the city where your hotel is located.

What is included in the tour price:

• guide in Russian throughout the trip
• excursion program
• 5 nights in 2*-3* hotels
• breakfasts, lunches, dinners
• Drinks during meals and dinners are included in the price (water/wine)
• insurance

What is NOT included in the tour price:

• additional services at the hotel (minibar, telephone calls, etc.)
• entrance tickets to museums that are not marked in the program as paid
• all additional services that are not marked in the program as included in the price

Departure for this excursion is carried out from Torrevieja, Alicante, Elche, Benidorm, Murcia, Valencia, Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Marbella, Malaga, Granada, Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, etc.

You can check the city of departure in our office or by phone: +34 625 355 025.