Spain’s ‘secret garden’ is the verdant region of Galicia. This less-visited section of the country is a true gem, awayfrom the tourist crowds and beloved by Spanish visitors. Locals still speak Galician, and the blond, blue-eyedinhabitants proudly hold onto their Celtic heritage. Bring your umbrella, as it may rain, but it’s all worth it. Thisregion is a lush, green enclave amid Spain’s dry and arid interior.The coastal city of A Coruña is steeped in maritime heritage, celebrated through its iconic Tower of Hercules, theonly working Roman lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of Spain’s major port cities, A Coruña hasbeen a hub of maritime trade and exploration since ancient times, with various naval battles played out off itsshores. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast has made it a pivotal point for voyages across the seas, includingjourneys to the Americas during the Age of Exploration, when A Coruña served as a departure point for explorerssuch as Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who founded St Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.Today, A Coruña continues to embrace its maritime past, while evolving as a modern city with vibrant culturalfestivals. Its picturesque waterfront invites both locals and visitors to stroll, enjoy local wines, indulge in abundantAtlantic seafood, and soak in the charm of this historical coastal city.Join a tour to the city’s popular brewery, walk a section of the pilgrimage trail or hear tales of maritime champions,before we set sail early evening for our second Galician port of call at Vigo.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: A Coruña and Galicia’s Favourite BeerExperience the vibrant flavours and heritage of A Coruña on this engaging morning excursion. Begin with a drivealong Europe’s longest coastal promenade, soaking in the historical charm of the city, including the Castle of SanAntón and the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tower of Hercules. The tower has served as a lighthouseand landmark at the entrance of La Coruña harbour since the late 1st century BCE. Having seen the major sights ofthe city our journey shifts focus to a local favourite: Estrella Galicia. For over a century, this iconic brew has been thebeer of choice for Galicians. The MEGA Museum and Estrella Galicia Beer Factory, a city landmark since 1906, hostour guided brewery tour where you’ll learn about the brewing process and delve into the brewery’s storied past.Then, indulge in a tasting session where you can sample a variety of Estrella Galicia beers, roll your own brew, andsavour a selection of five different brews.Option 2 – Morning experience: Ferrol – A Maritime ChampionAcross the bay from A Coruña, we visit Ferrol, a town steeped in maritime history. A city hardened by a thousandbattles, Ferrol is a wise mixture of urban elegance, and former military power, seeking a resurgence in popularity asthe starting point of the ‘English Way’ portion of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Stroll through theneighbourhood of Barrio da Magdalena, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, known for its rationalist layout from theEnlightenment era, and the origins of the typical gallery-fronted Galician houses. Visit the Mirador de los Jardines deHerrera to admire the Church of San Francisco, the Palace of the Navy Captaincy, and the Military Arsenal.Our morning includes a visit to the shipbuilding museum in Ferrol, offering a deep dive into the town’s rich navalheritage. Housed in a historic building, you’ll learn about the shipyards that have been central to Ferrol’s economyand defence. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations bring to life the stories of the ships built in Ferroland the people who constructed them. A visit to this naval town offers us a chance to embrace its maritime past,which is such an integral part of the communities in this region.Option 3 – Full-day experience: Santiago de Compostela – Walking the Pilgrimage TrailToday we join the trail to Santiago de Compostela, Europe’s most significant pilgrimage city. Once a major site duringthe Spanish Reconquista, Santiago was heavily damaged by Moorish invaders in the 10th century, igniting ChristianIberia’s passion and spurring a resurgence centred on the city’s fervour for St James. Today, its Old Town, with itsblend of Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture, is renowned as the endpoint of the 790-kilometre CaminoFrancés pilgrimage route. The Camino de Santiago has long been a spiritual journey, offering pilgrims a chance toseek personal transformation, fulfil vows, or find purpose through devotion, self-discovery, or adventure.Our scenic drive takes us to Sigüeiro, where we become pilgrims ourselves for a while, walking a few kilometresalong the historic trail. Having stretched our legs and contemplated our path, we continue to Santiago deCompostela where we embark on a guided walking tour, passing landmarks like the Town Hall, the Pazo de Raxoi(‘the Pazo’), and the Palace of Saint Jerome, as you make your way to Obradoiro Square. A highlight of your visit willbe the 12th century Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Admire its stunning façade, showcasing a mix ofarchitectural styles, and step through the Holy Door to explore the captivating history of St James and the city’sbelief that his bones lie within its walls. (Note this tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and through forestedareas, requiring a good level of fitness and balance.)