Trip to Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

On your first day in Santiago de Compostela, you will arrive in either Santiago de Compostela Airport or Railway Station. The city is located in the northwest of Spain and is the capital of the Galicia region. Once you check-in in your hotel, you can go for a leisurely walk to explore the city’s charm. Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been an important pilgrimage destination for over 1,000 years. You can dive into history by visiting the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of Saint James is located. The area is surrounded by cafes, shops, and restaurants where you can sample some of the finest Galician cuisine.

Day 2: City Tour and Shopping

Begin your day with a nice breakfast and prepare to enjoy your guided tour of the city. You will explore the Old city inside the walls of Santiago, where you will discover streets like Rua do Franco and Rua Nova, full of traditional shops where you can find the finest pieces of crafts and items typical of the Galician culture. This day you can also visit the local market, Mercado de Abastos, where you can find the freshest and most delicious seafood, meats, and all kinds of Galician culinary treasures.

Day 3: Day trip to Fisterra and Muxia

On Day 3, you will go on a full-day trip to Fisterra and Muxia. An hour’s drive from Santiago, Fisterra is known as “The End of the World” as it was originally believed to be the westernmost point of Europe. The town is located on a hill that offers magnificent views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. You can walk along the beach or take a hiking trail to the lighthouse. The next stop is Muxia, a picturesque fishing village that offers stunning views of the Galician coast. The town is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Boat, where pilgrims have been coming for centuries to seek blessings on their pilgrimage to Santiago.

Day 4: Museum Tour

On Day 4, you can learn more about the region’s history and culture by visiting some of the museums. You can start with the Museum of the Galician People, which houses an impressive collection of Galician ethnography, art, and history. The Contemporary Art Museum (CGAC), located in a beautiful 18th-century building, is also worth a visit. The building’s design will leave you delighted while strolling around its intriguing galleries, following the exhibitions from old masters to contemporary art.

Day 5: Relaxation day

On Day 5, you can dedicate the day to leisure and relaxation. Santiago de Compostela is home to several parks and squares that offer a perfect place for rest and contemplation. One of the favorite parks among the locals is Monte del Gozo, which is located on the outskirts of the city and offers staggering views of Santiago. This day, you can enjoy some spa time and massages at one of the many wellness centers in Santiago.

Day 6: Wine and Dine

On Day 6, you will take a full-day trip to the Rias Baixas wine region. Located just an hour from Santiago, Rias Baixas is one of the wine regions and the perfect place to discover aromatic and flavorful wines made from the Albariño grape. You will visit some of the most prestigious wineries and have the opportunity to taste some of their award-winning wines. You can also enjoy a traditional lunch that features local seafood, meat, and cheeses.

Day 7: Departure

Your 7-day trip to Santiago de Compostela has come to an end. After breakfast, you should check-out of the hotel and prepare for your departure. If time permits, there are always some more things you may want to do before leaving. You can explore more of the city’s ancient streets, enjoy your last cup of coffee in a cozy café, or visit the Romanesque monastery of San Martín Pinario, one of the most important monumental sites of Santiago de Compostela. Finally, you can take a taxi or a train to the airport or the railway station, and head back home, taking with you positive memories and centuries of cultural heritage you’ve experienced throughout the journey.