Visit to A Coruña and Rias Altas

Pickup at the port by our guide identified with the Shore2Shore sign.

We will begin our coastal excursion by touring two of the upper estuaries, those of A Coruña and Betanzos. The estuaries are one of the peculiarities of Galician geography, traditionally divided into Upper and Lower Estuaries according to their position relative to Cape Finisterre, and they have great fishing importance. The Galician coast is one of the most internationally significant fishing areas and tourist destinations due to its scenic surroundings and beaches.

Upon arriving in Betanzos, we will take a tour of the old town. Its privileged location between the Mendo and Mandeo rivers and its interesting historic center make Betanzos one of the most interesting visits in the area. This town, former capital of one of the seven provinces of the Kingdom of Galicia, is one of the most historic villages, located in the heart of the Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve and has a strong agricultural tradition, highlighted by certain varieties of potatoes and the famous Betanzos cabbage. Considered the Gothic capital of Galicia, the city boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers in the region and was declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble in 1970. Betanzos was home to a large number of noble families as well as, later, illustrious families, which resulted in an extensive cultural and architectural legacy that means there is still much to see today.

After some free time for a coffee or to try the famous Betanzos omelette, we will continue to the Pazo de Mariñán for a walk through its gardens. They are part of the Camellia Route and, while beautiful at any time of year, the last and first months of the year, coinciding with the camellia blooming season, are the most spectacular. The origins of the Pazo de Mariñán date back to the mid-15th century and it was declared a historic-artistic ensemble in 1972. The term “Pazo” generally refers to the large Galician country houses, buildings that usually feature heraldic elements and above-average sanctuaries. Currently, the Pazo serves three purposes: institutional events, a course center, and a museum of the Pazo itself, housing much of the artistic collection of the Provincial Council.

Return to A Coruña where we will take a panoramic view of the city before heading back to the port. A Coruña is a port city, known for its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, which offers wide views of the coastline, the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world and declared a World Heritage monument in 2009; and for its medieval old town whose streets transport us to the heartbeat of a medieval city tinged with Baroque.

Return to the port for farewell.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• DURATION: BUS AND GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 4 HOURS
• NO ADDITIONAL CHARGES

 NOTES

• Easy level/Panoramic/City tour.
• It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
• Important note: the tour and access to the gardens of Pazo de Mariñán involve dirt paths that are very difficult to navigate with wheelchairs. People with reduced mobility who use wheelchairs must be accompanied by others who can assist them, as Shore2Shore staff and the driver, by legal requirement, cannot assist these individuals due to lack of necessary qualifications. We kindly ask that you use folding wheelchairs, as buses do not have lifts or ramps. We are not responsible if the client does not inform us of their situation at the time of booking.