Routes
Culture Routes | 7 nights
This route runs along the southern bank of the River Sil, from Castro Caldelas to Ourense. The landscape offered up in Ribeira Sacra terrain is grandiose, running from the banks of the River Miño to the rocky hills of Sil Gorge.
The route includes the following Paradores:
Verín: First day
The region's history is based around Monterrei fort, the cultural centre of old controlled by Celanova monastery and later passing into royal hand. The monumental heritage is made up of the 16th-century Los Condes Palace, Santa María Gracia church and the Keep from 1482. From amongst the oldest archaeological finds in the area, the remains of Neolithic pottery found in Santa Ana as well as some dolmens and tumuli are highlights. Rock art is seen in the Abedes sculptures. A visit to nearby Do Invernadoiro Nature Reserve is also worthwhile.
Monforte: Second day
Great historians such as Pliny and Strabo date the origins of Monforte to 900 and 600 BC. The town has great cultural heritage with the standout Benedictine monastery of San Vicente, the noble country house, the Old Bridge, Santa Clara convent and San Jacinto convent, etc. A visit to nearby Pazo de Tor is worth the effort as are some of the examples of Rural Romanesque structures such as Rivasaltas or Valverde churches. Monforte is an excellent starting point for visiting the Ribeira Sacra and exploring all the natural beauty and landscapes with its spectacular cliffs and abundant vegetation. Many monasteries are located here, having found refuge in the mediaeval period and giving rise to the Ribeira Sacra name.
Santo Estevo: Third and fourth days
It first being known as "RIVOYRA SACRATA" dates back to 1124, when Teresa of Portugal alluded to the area in making reference to the abundance of chapels, monasteries and small convents located on both banks of the lower course of the River Sil. The proliferation of holy settlements along the banks of the Sil has its origins in the foundations carried out in the 6th century by San Martín Dumiense and San Fructuoso de Braga. Catamaran cruises along the River Sil, routes by the many monasteries and convents, visits to the over one hundred winemakers, and rambling routes along the ancient royal roads may be enjoyed in the area, getting away from bustling noise in holy sites where hermits withdrew in the late Middle Ages.
Baiona: Fifth days
Baiona is a town steeped in history, its origins dating back to Roman times. The most important historical date, however, is 1st March 1493 when the Carabela Pinta arrived in port and made Baiona the first town in Europe to receive news of the discovery of America. There is a lot to see in this beautiful coastal town such as the church of Santa María de Baiona, Monterreal Fort - where the Parador is located -, La Trinidad cross, a marvellous old town and the sea front with its important marina, etc. The outskirts of the town also offer many beautiful spots such as A Groba Mount, where the Rías Baixas appear like a sober and colourful watercolour, Sillero Cape and the nearby Cíes Islands.
Tui: Sixth and seventh days
Tui is a frontier town where, just by crossing a bridge, visitors find themselves in Portugal. A town full of beautiful areas such as the Fortress Cathedral, rising above in the highest part of the city. Initial construction began in 1120. Make sure to visit the old Santo Domingo church and the more modern San Francisco. Las Clarisas convent, also known as "Las Encerradas" and La Misericordia chapel are also worth a mention. The Baroque Portuguese style can be seen at San Telmo church - patron saint of the city. Make sure you stop off in Portugal - just on the other side of the River Miño.
Rates
Route with bed and breakfast (full route price. VAT included):
Per person in standard double room: 368 euros.
Per child in extra bed (children up to 12): 280 euros.
For second child in an extra bed (children up to 12): 280 euros.
Per adult in extra bed: 368 euros.
Double room for single occupancy: 736 euros.
Route with half board (full route price. VAT included):
Per person in standard double room: 564 euros.
Per child in extra bed (children up to 12): 378 euros.
Per adult in extra bed: 564 euros.
Double room for single occupancy: 932 euros.
The route includes:
Seven nights stay in a standard double room in selected board type (bed and breakfast or half board).
The route does not include:
Transport is down to guest/s as are trips or tickets to monuments and places of interest (information provided is merely a guide).
Terms and Conditions
General Terms and Conditions:
Starting on Sunday and finishing on Sunday.
Dates of the stay and establishments may not be changed or modified en route.
The route and rates are not valid for groups.
Credit card required for booking guarantee.
Validity dates:
This route is valid for routes starting between 21 February and 11 July 2010 (inclusive). Routes starting between 22 August and 12 December 2010 (inclusive). Except routes starting 28 March 2010.
PLEASE NOTE: Once en route, failure to check-in at any Parador on the route without prior notice leads to automatic cancellation at that Parador as well as the others on the route.
Cancellations and no-shows:
Cancellations made less than 5 working days prior to the date of arrival will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to the cost of the first night's stay on the route.
Cancellations made during the course of the route will not be entitled to any refund of the price paid.
No-shows: Failure to keep your reservation for the first night of the route will result in cancellation of the entire route, and will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to the cost of the first night's stay.