Santiago De Compostela: Portico of Glory and Cathedral Tour

The Santiago de Compostela: Portico of Glory and Cathedral Tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of Spain’s most renowned religious sites. Spanning 2.5 to 4 hours, the guided experience takes participants on a journey through the city’s rich history and architecture. From the captivating Praza do Obradoiro to the intricately carved Portico of Glory, this tour promises to captivate and inform. With knowledgeable guides, optional visits, and stunning panoramic views, the tour provides a well-rounded experience for those seeking to delve deeper into the cultural significance of Santiago de Compostela. What awaits those who embark on this immersive journey?

Key Points

• The tour explores the iconic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, including the Portico of Glory and rooftop views, with a duration ranging from 2.5 to 4 hours.
• Highlights of the tour include visits to the Pazo de Xelmírez, Porch of Glory, Cathedral Museum, and the opportunity to climb the Carraca Tower for panoramic city views.
• The tour includes entry tickets to the rooftops, Carraca Tower, Cathedral Museum, and Portico of Glory, along with guided tours with headsets for clear communication.
• The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations, as climbing 150 steps is required for rooftop access.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and stunning rooftop views.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The ‘Santiago de Compostela: Portico of Glory and Cathedral Tour’ offers visitors the chance to explore the renowned Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, including its iconic Portico of Glory and panoramic rooftop views.

The tour lasts between 2.5 to 4 hours, with a price starting from $27.13 per person. It is likely to sell out, so travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants can reserve their spot and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience. With the guided tour and included access to various Cathedral features, this tour promises an immersive and comprehensive exploration of one of Spain’s most significant religious and architectural wonders.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at the Praza do Obradoiro, the tour typically begins with a visit to the Pazo de Xelmírez, which lasts approximately 1 hour.

Afterward, the group enjoys a 45-minute break at the Plaza del Obradoiro, where participants can explore the area on their own.

From there, the tour offers optional visits to the Porch of the Glory, the Museo da Catedral, and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, each lasting around 45 minutes.

Guests can also climb the roofs and Carraca Tower to take in panoramic views of the city.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guides share the history and secrets of the Cathedral, providing an immersive and informative experience.

Included Features

This tour includes entry tickets for the rooftops, Carraca Tower, Cathedral Museum, and Portico of Glory (if selected). Plus, it provides guided tours with headsets, allowing participants to clearly hear the knowledgeable guides as they share the history and secrets of the Cathedral. However, hotel pickup, drop-off, food, and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Included Features	Excluded Features
Rooftop Access	Hotel Pickup
Carraca Tower	Hotel Drop-off
Cathedral Museum	Food
Portico of Glory	Drinks
Guided Tour with Headsets

Accessibility and Restrictions

While the tour offers an immersive experience of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Accessibility is limited, as the tour involves climbing 150 steps to access the rooftops, restricting participation for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The steep staircase and lack of elevator access make this tour challenging for some visitors.

Children must also be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour. Plus, pets aren’t allowed inside the museum.

However, those who are able to navigate the steps will be rewarded with panoramic views from the rooftops and a deeper understanding of the cathedral’s rich history and architecture.

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Customer Reviews

Travelers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and engaging guides who brought the cathedral’s rich history to life. Many were awed by the stunning rooftop views, calling them a highlight of the experience.

While some requested more English-language tour options, the tour is widely recommended for its excellent value and immersive experience.

A few travelers noted they’d have appreciated better assistance from staff, but the vast majority found the tour to be a memorable and worthwhile activity during their visit to Santiago de Compostela.

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral tour lasts between 2.5 to 4 hours, providing visitors ample time to explore the cathedral’s rich history and stunning architecture. Travelers can book their spot and pay nothing upfront, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund.

Tour Duration	Cancellation Policy
2.5 – 4 hours	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Ample time to explore	Full refund available
Cathedral history & architecture	Book now, pay later
Flexible schedule	Convenient for travelers

Starting Location and Break Time

The tour starts at the Praza do Obradoiro, placing visitors right at the heart of the historic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

After an initial visit to the Pazo de Xelmírez, the group enjoys a 45-minute break at the Plaza del Obradoiro, allowing time to take in the grandeur of the cathedral’s exterior.

During this break, guests can explore the iconic square, snap photos, and prepare for the next phase of the tour, which may include optional visits to the Porch of the Glory, the Cathedral Museum, and the Cathedral itself.

Optional Visits and Cathedral Exploration

After the break at the Plaza del Obradoiro, the tour moves on to the optional visits that allow guests to delve deeper into the cathedral’s history and architecture.

Visitors can choose to explore the Porch of the Glory, which features intricate Romanesque carvings, for around 45 minutes.

Those interested in the cathedral’s treasures can then visit the Museo da Catedral, where they’ll discover the rich religious artifacts and artwork housed within.

Finally, the highlight of the tour is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela itself, where guests spend 45 minutes seeing the grandeur and sacred history of this renowned pilgrimage site.

The tour also offers the opportunity to:

1. Climb the roofs and Carraca Tower for panoramic views of the city.

2. Discover the history and secrets of the Cathedral.

3. Experience the Portico of Glory (if selected).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Cathedral?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, though visitors may be asked to refrain from using flash photography. Specific rules may vary, so it’s best to check with cathedral staff upon arrival.

Can I Bring Water/Snacks on the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to bring water and snacks on the tour, though it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. Some sites may have restrictions, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly and consume food and drinks discreetly.

Are Guided Tours Available in Multiple Languages?

The tour offers guided tours in multiple languages, including English, allowing visitors to fully experience the cathedral and its highlights in their preferred language. However, the availability of language options may vary, so it’s best to check when booking.

How Do I Get to the Starting Location?

The tour’s starting location is Praza do Obradoiro, which is the main square in Santiago de Compostela. Travelers can easily access the square by walking, taking public transportation, or arranging private transportation to reach the designated meeting point.

Can I Leave the Tour Early if Needed?

Yes, you can leave the tour early if needed. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to get a full refund. Plus, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you can leave at your convenience.

Recap

The Santiago de Compostela: Portico of Glory and Cathedral Tour offers a comprehensive and flexible sightseeing experience.

Visitors can explore the iconic Portico of Glory, admire the cathedral’s stunning architecture, and take in panoramic city views.

With knowledgeable guides, a free cancellation policy, and optional activities, this tour caters to a range of interests and ensures an informative and memorable visit to this renowned Spanish religious site.

You can check if your dates are available here: