A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Galicia is famed for its gardens and flowers, especially the Camellia. Traditional Galician pazos, or manor houses, are dotted over the countryside and were once homes to kings and nobility, all having splendid gardens for us to visit. Discover some of the famous Galician seafood and wine in the Rias Baixas region.
Spain
Culture
Food & Wine
Apr
Sep
Average group size: 12-14
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.
Overview
Galicia is famed for its gardens with collections of exotic flowering plants such as camellias. Traditional Galician ‘pazos’ – manor houses – were once homes to the nobility and have magnificent ornamental gardens open to the public. The region has numerous paths criss-crossing the countryside offering gentle strolls through woods, alongside rivers and through vineyards. These paths meander through traditional villages, past old churches and the characteristic ‘horreos’ (grain stores on stilts), down to the coast
We spend the week exploring the Rias Baixas region of Galicia. Rias are little fingers of the ocean which cut into the land, creating the perfect equilibrium, because of the rias, this region offers some of the best fish and seafood. From our base, in the pedestrianised old town of Pontevedra, we shall visit the Pazo de Rubianes and the Pazo de Faramello with their formal gardens and visit the World Heritage City of Santiago de Compostela where we amble through the Parque de Alameda. We also offer walks along sections of the Portuguese ‘camino’, and visits to picturesque seaside towns.
This is a different Spain. One of green hillsides, bubbling streams, picturesque coastlines and spectacular flora and fauna.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
56350
Experience the serene beauty of Andalucía as you journey through the captivating white-washed villages of the Alpujarras. This idyllic escape includes visits to charming gardens, tastings of local delights, and an exploration of the iconic Alhambra Palace, along with coastal adventures, taking you to the castle-topped village of Salobrena and the mesmerizing caves of Nerja, allowing you to savour the best of Andalucía's culture, history, and natural wonders
The province of Cadiz has a lot to offer from hill side white towns to flamenco shows. Our visit to Jerez and surrounding towns includes a mixture of gentle walks and sightseeing as well as lunch in a Parador and a visit to Donana National Park.
This truly beautiful region of northeast Spain is one of history, tradition and untouched landscapes. We stay in the picturesque village of Berdún which lies close to glacial valleys and verdant forests, medieval villages, megalithic monuments and beautiful Romanesque churches. Sampling some of the best of Spanish food with a homemade picnic for lunch every day.
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Meals
Accommodation
You fly to Santiago de Compostela, in the north of the Galicia region, and transfer to Pontevedra by coach. The journey time is approx. 1 hour. Once you check in at the hotel, there will be time to relax before dinner in a local restaurant. Please note that dinners in Spain are taken later than in the UK, expect to sit down for dinner at roughly 8/8.30pm.
Transfer Time = 1 hour
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
The walk today takes you to the pretty sea-side village of Combarro along one of the pilgrimage paths through vineyards, oak forests, farmlands and past the monastery of San Juan de Poio. On the return to Pontevedra there is some free time before a guided tour of Pontevedra before dinner at the hotel.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
You leave Pontevedra this morning by coach and travel south to the beautiful fortress town of Valenca do Minho, just across the border into Portugal. After your visit, you take a gentle walk from the fortress, with time to see the ramparts and churches, as you walk back into Spain, to Tui, across the Minho River. The cathedral city of Tui is in sight as you walk. You stop off at Tui Cathedral for a visit and after stop for a lunch break. From here, you drive to the beautiful bay of Baiona, where you take a short walk around the walls of Castle of Monterreal and the Parque de Castro with splendid sea views before heading back to Pontevedra. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
The coach will take you to the village of Armenteira, where you follow the path of Piedra y Agua along the river, seeing ancient watermills as you go. You stop for free time for lunch at the town of Villanova de Arousa before visiting the Pazo de Rubianes, a Ducal palace from the 1700s with spectacular botanical gardens and vineyards. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
You start the day with a short drive to the sea-side town of Cambados to visit the Manolo Paz museum, dedicated to the famous Galician sculptor. The gardens have splendid views over the coast. You follow this with an enjoyable walk that takes you in the National Park of Ons, along the coast, which is known for its birdlife and you'll also sees the Praza de Fefinans, the Old Town, walk past the fishermen quarters and onto the spectacular ruins of Santa Marina and San Sadurnino Tower. You have lunch break before continuing to walk towards Torre de Sadorniño. This evening is a free evening, however for those interested your leader may be able to arrange a cheese and wine tasting (not included and subject to availability), or you can explore the many restaurants in Pontevedra.
Meals
Accommodation
Your morning, guided visit of Santiago de Compostela takes you through the old streets seeing the architecture and Obradoiro square and a visit to the newly restored cathedral (recently reopened after 2 years of work) and the Alameda Gardens, a green space within the city noted for its trees and flowering plants. You make a visit this afternoon to the Pazo de Faramello for a guided visit of the the 18th century building and gardens.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
The walk today, follows part of the Padre Sarmiento Route, that runs along the coast between the resorts of Sanxenxo to Lanzada beach, famed for its incredible dunes. The walk starts in the coastal town of San Vicente do Mar, where you join the boardwalk with views onto striking, jagged boulders stretching out of the ocean, and towards the islands of Salvora and Cies. You continue onto easy, dirt paths and pass stretches of lovely beaches and finish at a mirador (look out point). You take the transport to A Illa da Toxa with free time to walk along the promenade on the island, gran and ice cream and explore the shopping complex. You return back to Pontevedra with time to pack for your flight the next morning. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.
Meals
After breakfast you leave for Santiago de Compostela airport for the flight to the UK.
From (GBP)£1,799
Departure dates for your selected tour
26th Apr 2025 - 3rd May 2025 (7 Nights)
27th Sep 2025 - 4th Oct 2025 (7 Nights)
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Pontevedra is located in the Rias Baixas region of Galicia, in the heart of Albariño wine country. The town has its fair share of historic buildings, churches and monuments, along with plenty of attractive plazas, restaurants and cafes. It is a lovely place to stroll in the evening, with everything close at hand. There are numerous facilities on hand – banks, ATMs, medical facilities, chemists and shopping.
The Hotel Rias Bajas is located in the pedestrianised centre of Pontevedra’s old town. Everything is close at hand - bars, cafes, shopping and restaurants - and is an ideal location to enjoy an after dinner stroll. While the hotel, which was built in the 1960’s, may have a more austere rather than historical look on the outside, the rooms are comfortable and a very good size. All have en suite modern bathrooms, hairdryers, safe, minibar/fridge, TV and air conditioning. Single guests are given double or twin rooms for sole use. The electricity supply is 220V AC and you will need a round 2 pin plug adaptor to use electrical items. You can find European adaptors in UK retailers and at airports. The hotel has a restaurant, where it serves a buffet breakfast and a bar/cafeteria with panoramic picture windows looking onto the street.
Trip Information
This level mixes active sightseeing with shorter, city or countryside walks. Trips are not aimed at seasoned walkers, but you should be confident in managing walks of around 3miles at a leisurely pace with a few ups and downs. Where in more mountainous areas we use transport to access higher ground with ease.
Usual daily walks - Distance: 3 miles; Ascent/Descent 150-200m; Terrain: good paths and tracks; Time: Short or Half Day exploration.
The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary" .
Holiday Budgeting
As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.
Local Transport Costs
In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.
Country Currency
The currency in Spain is the euro. ATMs are widely available in the larger towns and villages and most establishments accept credit/debit cards. You may wish to take some euro in cash with you for the first day or so until you locate a bank.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Your Leader
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
Local Guides
Visiting historical sites, churches or museums are much more rewarding with a local guide. They give an insight to the local culture, language and traditions and can bring a destination alive. Many of our Adagio holidays include a knowledgeable English speaking guide on at least one of the days. Please refer to your daily itinerary to see where a guide is included.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Getting to your Holiday
We fly from London to Santiago de Compstela. The flight takes about 2 hours. The transfer from the airport on arrival to our hotel is approx. 1 hour.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements
If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.
Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.
Hotel Transfers
When you book a flight or rail inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport/station and hotel (and vv) are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Brexit Passport Advice
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
This holiday includes six dinners. Buffet breakfasts will be taken at the hotel and dinners will be taken at a mixture of the hotel and local restaurants within walking distance of our hotel, giving the opportunity to try the excellent local cuisine (except on our first day, when we eat at our hotel). Fish and seafood dishes are popular in Galicia. Dinners will be three courses and include wine and water. Please note that it is the custom in Spain, especially out of the main tourist areas, to eat dinner from 20:30 onwards.
We also include lunch in the programme, on day five. This will be a tapas style lunch. Lunches on other days are not included allowing you the opportunity to eat at local cafes or restaurants. Your leader will also advise you on where to purchase picnic supplies.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.
Water To Go
Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.
As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.
Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water-to-Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
Electricity in Spain
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
The following books cover the area that we feature in this holiday :
Useful books:
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Country Health
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Spain
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
GHIC / EHIC Cards
Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.
It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
Travel Insurance
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.
Height
It is important to ensure while purchasing insurance that you are insured for guided walking upto 1000m.
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.
Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
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Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 59mm
February
Avg. Rain: 51mm
March
Avg. Rain: 47mm
April
Avg. Rain: 49mm
May
Avg. Rain: 42mm
June
Avg. Rain: 27mm
July
Avg. Rain: 14mm
August
Avg. Rain: 18mm
September
Avg. Rain: 37mm
October
Avg. Rain: 61mm
November
Avg. Rain: 69mm
December
Avg. Rain: 69mm
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