Have you ever wondered what it feels like to trace the footsteps of ancient pilgrims or stroll through misty fishing villages and storied cathedrals, all while savoring the flavors and spirit of northern Spain? Join us and explore this famed region on our new 3-night Santiago de Compostela land package, available exclusively on our 7-night Enticing Douro itinerary beginning in 2027. Discover how history, culture and breathtaking landscapes converge over three unforgettable nights, promising adventure at every turn.

Combarro: Picturesque Coastal Charm

En route to Santiago from Porto, Portugal, enjoy time in Combarro, a village that seems to have been plucked from another era and gently set along the edge of the Ría de Pontevedra. One of Combarro’s most distinctive features is its collection of hórreos—granaries perched on stone stilts, their weathered wood and slate roofs standing sentinel throughout the village. These iconic structures, once used to store corn and fish, are as much a part of the landscape as the monumental granite crosses (cruceiros) that punctuate the winding cobblestone passages.

The estuary side of Combarro is lined with inviting terraces and seafood restaurants. Here, the scent of grilled octopus and steamed mussels drifts on the breeze, mingling with the briny tang of the sea. Take a seat at a harborside café, where Combarro’s tranquil beauty and maritime heritage offer a serene introduction to Galicia, leaving you refreshed and inspired as you continue your journey toward Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela: The Heart of Pilgrimage and Heritage

Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, you’re welcomed into a city where history and spirituality are woven into every stone. Alongside an expert guide, venture to the bustling Mercado de Abastos, Santiago’s vibrant food market. Leaving the market, stroll through Alameda Park, where elevated promenades offer sweeping views of Santiago’s iconic skyline, the cathedral’s towers rising above a sea of terracotta rooftops.

With ample free time, your exploration may continue at the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, a masterpiece of Galician Baroque architecture. The monastery’s grand façade, adorned with intricate carvings and the coat of arms of Spain, gives way to serene cloisters and chapels filled with the soft glow of candlelight. Inside, the baroque altarpieces shimmer with gold leaf, and the silence is broken only by the distant tolling of bells. The monastery’s history, stretching back to the 9th century, is palpable in every stone and archway.

The Cathedral: A Masterpiece of Faith and Architecture

No visit to Santiago de Compostela is complete without a visit to its magnificent cathedral, the final destination on the Camino de Santiago. For over a millennium, pilgrims have journeyed these routes seeking spiritual growth, cultural connection and personal transformation. The Camino weaves through diverse landscapes, medieval towns and sacred sites, remaining a profound experience blending history, faith and adventure.

Inside the cathedral, the Romanesque nave soars overhead, its arches and columns adorned with intricately carved saints and angels. Sunlight streams through stained glass, casting jewel-toned patterns on the ancient flagstones. The gilded main altar, lined with cherubs and crowned by the statue of Saint James, glows in the candlelight. You may also marvel at the Pórtico da Gloria, a masterpiece of medieval sculpture, and, if your visit coincides, witness the Botafumeiro, the cathedral’s famous giant thurible, which burns incense as it swings high above the congregation as part of the church’s service on solemn dates throughout the year. The spiritual energy and architectural grandeur of this sacred space are sure to leave an indelible impression.

A Coruña: Ancient History Meets Atlantic Beauty

On your final day, the journey continues to A Coruña, a city where the Atlantic’s wild beauty meets centuries of history. Your tour includes a visit to the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest working Roman lighthouse. Perched atop a rocky promontory, the tower has guided sailors since the 1st century AD, its stone walls weathered by centuries of wind and sea.

You will also visit the Old Town, known as Ciudad Vieja, which is a treasure trove of history and culture, its charming streets lined with traditional Galician architecture. Explore the stunning Plaza de María Pita, dedicated to the local heroine who led the defense of the city against invading English troops, and admire the Church of Santiago, a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in this charming seaside city, it’s sure to be the perfect ending to your journey through Portugal and Spain.

Reserve your 3-night post-cruise Santiago de Compostela land package along with your Douro River cruise

What's included in your land package:

• Transfer from the ship to your hotel
• 3 nights luxury hotel accommodations in Santiago de Compostela
• Daily guided excursions
• Daily breakfast
• Services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager throughout your journey

Add this incredible package to your 2027 Enticing Douro river cruise.