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ROUTE OF THE RIBEIRA SACRA REGION

Culture Trails | 7 Nights
All reservations are done in US$ and your credit card is charged in US$ WITHOUT any international charges (for US Cards) Your rates will NOT INCREASE once the payment for reservation is processed no matter what happens with Currency exchange rates
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.

Day 1. Start Parador for the Trail. Sunday (one night stay) (Verín)

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.

Day 2. Monday (one night stay) (Monforte de Lemos)

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.

Days 3 and 4. Tuesday and Wednesday (two-night stay) (Santo Estevo)

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 trails 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.

Day 5. Thursday (one night stay) (Baiona)

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.

Days 6 and 7. Friday and Saturday (two-night stay) (Tui)

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.
All reservations are done in US$ and your credit card is charged in US$ WITHOUT any international charges (for US Cards).

Your rates will NOT INCREASE once the reservation is processed no matter what happens with Currency exchange rates.

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