From Santiago: Excursion to Ribeira Sacra and Ourense

Exploring the captivating Ribeira Sacra and Ourense regions from Santiago offers travelers a well-rounded adventure. This day trip blends breathtaking natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and regional wine appreciation. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the excursion promises stunning Cañones del Sil views, a visit to the historic Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, and a scenic catamaran cruise. But the true highlight may just be discovering the renowned local wines through an included tasting. With round-trip transportation and all activities covered, this excursion provides convenience and value for those seeking to uncover the highlights of this remarkable Spanish destination. What else awaits those who join this captivating exploration?

Key Points

• Approximately 10-hour day trip from Santiago covering the Ribeira Sacra and Ourense regions, led by a live tour guide in Spanish and English.
• Highlights include the stunning Cañones del Sil landscapes, the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, scenic viewpoints, a catamaran cruise, and local wine tasting.
• Transportation provided by bus, with a boat ride included; food and drinks excluded from the $65.37 per person price.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve and pay later.
• Departure from Santiago at 8:00 AM, with a pickup in Ourense at 9:30 AM; return times are flexible.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Day Trip

This day trip from Santiago to the Ribeira Sacra and Ourense regions lasts approximately 10 hours and is led by a live tour guide who provides commentary in both Spanish and English.

The highlights include stunning landscapes of the Cañones del Sil, a visit to the historic Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, scenic viewpoints for photography, a catamaran cruise along the River Sil Canyons, and a tasting of local wines from the Ribeira Sacra region.

Transportation is provided by bus, and the tour includes the boat ride but excludes food and drinks. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights of the Excursion

The day trip showcases the breathtaking landscapes of the Cañones del Sil, offering visitors the chance to marvel at these dramatic river gorges carved into the rugged terrain.

Travelers will also have the opportunity to explore the historic Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, a well-preserved example of Romanesque architecture nestled amidst the scenic surroundings.

Plus, the tour includes a scenic catamaran cruise along the River Sil, allowing participants to admire the region’s natural beauty from the water while also sampling the renowned local wines of the Ribeira Sacra.

The excursion also provides ample time for photography at the various scenic viewpoints along the way, ensuring visitors can capture the stunning landscapes of this picturesque region.

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip bus transportation from Santiago, with a stop in Ourense to pick up additional participants along the way.

An official tourism guide accompanies the group throughout the excursion, providing insights in both Spanish and English.

The tour’s inclusions also feature a 1.5-hour catamaran ride through the breathtaking River Sil Canyons.

Guests will have the opportunity to savor local wines from the renowned Ribeira Sacra region.

However, food and drinks, other than the wine tasting, aren’t included in the tour price.

The excursion is priced at $65.37 per person, and travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking Details and Policies

Travelers can reserve their spot for the excursion now and pay later, with the tour priced at $65.37 per person. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning.

This day trip from Santiago to the Ribeira Sacra and Ourense regions runs for approximately 10 hours, with a live tour guide providing commentary in both Spanish and English.

The tour includes bus transportation, a 1.5-hour boat ride on the River Sil Canyons, and the opportunity to taste local wines from the Ribeira Sacra region. Food and drinks aren’t included in the package price.

Booking the excursion is easy, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Departure and Pickup Locations

The excursion departs from Santiago, with a stop in Ourense to pick up additional participants before continuing the tour. This allows the tour to gather a full group and maximize the experience for all travelers. The tour schedule is as follows:

Departure	Pickup
Santiago	Ourense
8:00 AM	9:30 AM
6:00 PM	N/A

After the Ourense pickup, the group will embark on the day’s activities, including the catamaran cruise, winery visit, and exploration of historic sites. At the end of the tour, travelers have the option to return to Santiago or conclude the experience in Ourense, providing flexibility based on individual preferences.

Catamaran Ride and Wine Tasting

After departing Ourense, the group embarks on an exhilarating catamaran ride through the dramatic Caũones del Sil, offering breathtaking views of the river canyons.

During the 1.5-hour cruise, they’ll have the opportunity to savor local wines from the renowned Ribeira Sacra region. The catamaran glides silently upstream, allowing passengers to enjoy the stunning natural scenery.

Steep, rugged cliffs line the riverbanks, which are dotted with ancient vineyards clinging to the slopes. As they sip the robust, aromatic wines, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

This unique combination of sightseeing and wine tasting promises an unforgettable experience.

Monastery of San Pedro De Rocas

Following the captivating catamaran ride and wine tasting, the group makes its way to the historic Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, a revered religious site dating back to the 6th century.

Carved into the rugged rock formations, this ancient monastery offers a glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual heritage. Visitors explore the serene cloisters, admire the intricate Romanesque architecture, and learn about the monastery’s role in the development of Christianity in the Iberian Peninsula.

The tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural setting make this a truly memorable stop on the excursion, offering a chance to connect with the area’s deep-rooted history and traditions.

Exploring Ourense’s Historic Center

Next, the group ventures into Ourense’s historic city center, where they’re free to explore the area’s captivating architecture and landmarks at their own pace.

Centuries-old bridges spanning the Miño River connect the two halves of the city, inviting visitors to wander through the charming plazas and winding streets lined with historic buildings.

The group discovers some of Ourense’s highlights, including:

1. The Old Town, with its medieval structures and lively squares.

2. The impressive Catedral de San Martín, a Romanesque masterpiece.

3. The Roman Thermal Baths, a testament to the city’s ancient roots.

4. The iconic Ponte Vella, a 13th-century stone bridge that offers stunning river views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, outside food and drinks are not permitted on the tour. The tour includes a 1.5-hour boat ride, but any meals or snacks must be purchased separately. Participants should plan to buy food and drinks during the free time in Ourense.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no option to extend the tour duration. The day trip is a fixed 10-hour itinerary from Santiago to Ribeira Sacra and Ourense. However, participants can opt to end the tour in Ourense instead of returning to Santiago.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not currently offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, the operator may be willing to provide discounts for group bookings or last-minute reservations. Customers should inquire about any special offers when making their reservation.

Can I Request a Different Departure Time?

Yes, customers can request a different departure time, though it may be subject to availability. The tour operator can try to accommodate requests for alternate departure times when possible, but cannot guarantee availability.

Is the Catamaran Ride Wheelchair Accessible?

The catamaran ride through the River Sil Canyons is wheelchair accessible, providing an opportunity for all travelers to enjoy the scenic landscapes and local wine tasting during the excursion.

Recap

This captivating day trip from Santiago provides a well-rounded exploration of the Ribeira Sacra and Ourense regions.

Travelers can enjoy stunning natural landscapes, historic cultural sites, and renowned local wines.

With convenient round-trip transportation, a scenic catamaran cruise, and a guided wine tasting, this excursion offers an exceptional value for those seeking to discover the highlights of this remarkable Spanish destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: