Galicia's Camellia Route

Day 1 London Gatwick to Porto, Portugal & Pontevedra, Spain.

Fly by scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Porto. Upon arrival we leave Portugal and drive north to Pontevedra and check in to the Parador de Cambados, a centrally located 17th century palace, for our three night stay. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. (D)

Day 2 Pazo de Saleta & Gardens of Castle Sotomayor, Pontevedra.

After breakfast we will drive to Pazo da Saleta. Here, we will find a five hectare English-style garden designed by landscape architect Brenda Colvin and see an octagonal dovecote surrounded by a forest of oaks, eucalyptus and cork oaks. The garden has many plants of exotic origin: rhododendrons, azaleas, members of the Australian sugarbush and myrtle families and South American heathers, along with many varieties of camellias with white, pink, red, purple, mottled and reticulated petals that fill the garden with colour to the beginning of spring. After lunch we visit the gardens of Castle of Sotomayor, which date back to the 12th century. The garden is home to 400 camellia plants of up to 25 different species, some of which are centuries old. Return to our hotel in the afternoon and take a walking tour of Pontevedra, an elegant old town which has been shaped by a rich maritime and trading past. Amongst the sights we will see is the Peregrina Chapel, the city’s most emblematic building. This Baroque church has an unusual rounded facade and was built in the late 18th century in honour of the Virgin guiding pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Also see the 13/14th century Saint Francis Convent and Church. Legend has it the church was founded by Saint Francis himself. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Pazo de Lourizan, O Grove & Martin Codax Winery, Pontevedra.

This morning we drive to the modernist building of Pazo de Lourizan and its large estate of 54 hectares. A striking element of the enclosure is the large Modernist design greenhouse made from metal and glass and a stone granary dating from 1798. The Botanical Garden houses both exotic and native species planted from the 19th century to the present. Of note are the Dutch elm, the queen palm and the avenue of magnolias. Next we will visit the village of O Grove where we board a small catamaran for a trip along the estuary. Our guide will explain all about the mussel farming that forms the backbone of the economy of this area and has made it quite famous. Sample fresh boiled mussels, a delicious, briny taste of the region whilst enjoying a splendid view of the estuary. Continue driving through this land of Albarino wine to visit the cellar of Martin Codax ending with a wine tasting and tapas lunch. After lunch we follow the road back to Pontevedra enjoying scenic views of the estuary and the coastline. Return to the hotel where we have dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Pazo de Rubianes, Pontevedra & Santiago de Compostela.

After breakfast we visit the impressive Pazo de Rubianes, an elegant country estate dating back to the late 17th century and surrounded by extensive vineyards and centuries-old camellias in all colours: yellow, white, fuchsia and red. We visit the interior of the main building which, since its refurbishment in the 18th century, was converted into a pazo. Our tour ends with a taste of the local wines produced on site served with lunch. We depart for Santiago de Compostela and on arrival check in to the luxurious Parador de Santiago de Compostela for our three night stay. We take a walking tour through the Old Quarter visiting the cathedral which without a doubt is one of the great buildings of the world; its facade is a Baroque masterpiece, and there are even greater treasures within. We will end at the 80,000 square metre Alameda Gardens which was created in the 19th century and holds over fifty different species. This evening we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Pazo de Faramello, Santiago de Compostela.

After breakfast we drive to Pazo de Faramello, an early 18th century building with strong Italian influences that give away the Genoese origin of its founder, the Marquis of Piombino. This pazo was the location of the first paper factory in Galicia and the old mills and its corresponding tools can still be visited. Admire the perfectly kept French 19th century gardens spread across more than two hectares leaning out in terraces over a tiny canyon whilst we enjoy lunch. We head back to our hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Pazo de Oca & Pazo de Ribadulla, Santiago de Compostela.

Pazo de Oca, usually referred to as “Galician Versailles” is the final milestone of St. James´s way. Originally a fortress dating from the 12th century, it was during the 18th century when Fernando Gayoso, Marquis of Camarasa transformed it into its current appearance of golden granite stone wall that evokes a forgotten paradise full of romanticism. Above all, the gardens at Oca are what astonish the most. Recently restored to its 18th century glory, the beauty here is the fusion of formal garden with working farm. This is a mossy, misty melancholic garden, wonderful in early spring when the legendary camellias come out. We then visit the Pazo de Ribadulla which dates back to the 1500s. The English-style gardens, which were laid out in the 19th century, are subtler and more natural than the French-style gardens of the Pazo de Oca and include a pretty waterfall and a wonderful grove of olive trees, some of which are nearly 300 years old. After lunch we return to our hotel and enjoy our final afternoon at leisure. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Santiago de Compostela, La Coruna to London Gatwick.

After breakfast we leave our hotel and head towards La Coruna. En-route we will visit Pazo de Marinan, an old Galician Manor with splendid French style gardens. There are beautiful groups of azaleas, aucuba specimens, camellias, spiraeas, ivies, roses, and also yew trees and centuries-oId specimens of clethra. Our journey will end at a local restaurant, with a great view over the ocean, tasting local dishes paired with good wines. We then drive to La Coruna airport for our return scheduled flight to London. (B)