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Sculpted granite crosses, winding estuaries and majestic terraces where the Albariño grape is king. Galicia is a treasure trove of beauty tucked away along the stunning northwest coast of Spain. Join us as we immerse ourselves into a vibrant world and bike along ancient pilgrimage routes to reach our grand finale, the spectacular site of Santiago de Compostela.
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• Exploring the winding passageways of the old Jewish barrio
• Winding along the scenic Miño River
• The majestic pilgramage site of Santiago de Compostela
• Sampling the local vintages of the Rías Baixas wine region
• Feasting on the tasty regional specialties at a jamonería
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Day 1 & 2 Leiro
We meet in the premier fishing port of Vigo and transfer to Leiro in the heart of the Ribeiro wine region famed for its delicately crisp white wines and fruity reds. Our route takes us along scenic estuaries, lush vineyards and into the medieval village of Ribadavia. We explore the web of passageways in the well-preserved Jewish barrio and savor some traditional 15th c. recipes at a delightful local pastry shop in the quarter.
• Two nights at Mosteiro San Clodio, an elegant 4 star hotel.
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Day 3 & 4 Portugal and Mondariz
Bidding farewell to Leiro, we ride to Ribadavía and take a short train ride along the banks of the majestic Miño river to the border with Portugal. We continue our day's ride through the beautiful Vinho Verde wine country of northern Portugal to the fortress town of Monçao before arriving in Mondariz, one of Spain's premier spa towns. On our layover day, choose between horseback riding, golf or a thermal massage at our hotel spa.
• Two nights at the 4 star hotel Meliá Balneario Mondariz in Mondariz.
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Day 5, 6 & 7 Pontevedra & Santiago la Compostela
The genteel town of Pontevedra with its shaded streets and squares, granite buildings and stone crosses greets us as we continue our pilgrimage. We ride along the Rías Baixas where legend has it after creating the world in 6 days God rested on the 7th day, placing his hand on this part of Galicia, his fingers carving out the rías that form the beautiful western coastline of Spain. We mingle along this majestic shoreline from Cambados to the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela where Claudio guides us through the famous cathedral. We toast our week at the Michelin starred Toñi Vicente featuring succulent zamburiñas scallops, pulpo a la gallega and a fine glass of white Ribeira wine.
• Overnight at the Parador de Cambados located in the heart of the Rías Baixas wine region.
• One night at the magnificent 15th c. Parador Hotel de los Reyes Católicos.
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Dates: May 11-17, Jun 8-14, Jul 6-12, Sep 7-13, Oct 5-11
Length: 7 days/6 nights
Level: 1 B/C
Daily Mileage: 15-45 miles on gently rolling terrain to rolling terrain. A few climbs.
Cost: $3780
Single Supplement: $800
Meals: All breakfasts, all dinners but 1; picnic lunch
Hotels: Luxurious 4 & 5 star inns and historic residences.
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