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Leave Santiago and explore Ribeira Sacra on a full-day guided tour. Sail through the Sil River canyons, visit ancient monasteries, and discover Galicia’s most scenic and spiritual landscapes.

Highlights

• Sail by catamaran through the breathtaking Sil River Canyons
• Visit San Pedro de Rocas, Galicia’s oldest rock-carved monastery
• Admire heroic vineyards and panoramic views from scenic viewpoints
• Discover the historic soul of Ourense, a city of thermal waters and Roman legacy
• Enjoy a seamless day trip with luxury transport and local storytelling

Description

Discover the Natural and Spiritual Soul of Galicia on a Day Trip to Ribeira Sacra and Ourense Embark on a full-day guided journey through one of Galicia’s most breathtaking landscapes. This carefully curated itinerary takes you from Santiago de Compostela to the heart of Ribeira Sacra, a land of deep canyons, ancient monasteries, and legendary viticulture—with a final stop in the historic city of Ourense. Before You Go: The order of visits may change depending on boat and site access Bring comfortable footwear, a light jacket, and water The tour is conducted in Spanish and English Lunch is not included – free time will be provided to eat or shop locally We depart at 8:00 AM from the Hotel Universal in Santiago. From there, we travel through the provinces of Lugo and Ourense, crossing valleys, vineyards, and historic lands. Please note: the order of visits may vary depending on boat and monastery schedules. ⛵ Catamaran Cruise through the Sil River Canyon The highlight of the tour is a scenic catamaran ride along the Sil River, departing from Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil. For 90 minutes, you'll glide between towering granite cliffs, passing terraced vineyards that cling to impossible slopes—a tradition known as “heroic viticulture.” Learn how wine is cultivated in one of the most dramatic terrains in Europe, all while soaking in the serenity of the canyon waters. Breathtaking Viewpoints and Monastic Heritage After the cruise, we’ll ascend to one of the region’s most iconic viewpoints, where the canyon reveals its full grandeur—granite cliffs rising over 700 meters, dropping more than 400 meters toward the river below. It’s a moment to pause, breathe, and connect with Galicia’s wild beauty. Next, we visit the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, carved into the rock of the Barbeiró mountains. This 6th-century sanctuary is Galicia’s oldest monastery, featuring anthropomorphic tombs, a rustic church, a medieval bell tower, and the Fountain of San Benito, said to have healing properties. ️ Ourense – Thermal Waters and Roman Legacy We finish the afternoon in the vibrant city of Ourense, known for its thermal springs and impressive Roman heritage. With your guide, you’ll explore the Old Town’s narrow streets, admire the Roman Bridge over the Miño River, and discover architectural gems like the Cathedral of San Martiño. Take time to enjoy local gastronomy or even dip your feet in one of the city's famous hot springs, depending on availability. Return to Santiago is scheduled for the early evening, after a day filled with nature, history, and unforgettable experiences. Book now and let the magic of Ribeira Sacra and Ourense sweep you away.

Includes

Catamaran ride through the Sil River Canyon Comfortable air-conditioned bus Guided walking tour in Allariz Visit to San Pedro de Rocas Monastery Stop at panoramic viewpoints over the canyon Professional bilingual guide (Spanish & English) Travel insurance for a worry-free experience

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund