- Members only
Sip n quip with Kathy Lette in Galicia
Explore Galicia in Spain's green northwest with a gourmandise journey that artfully blends the iconic Camino de Santiago trail with inspiring cultural experiences, lively company and the Noite da Queima festival. Walk parts of the Portuguese Route into the historic heart of Santiago de Compostela before retreating to the serene coastal beauty of Bouzas.
This trip promises an unforgettable mix of local charm, from market visits and lively tapas evenings, to meeting trailblazing women winemakers in their vineyards and homes. And of course, you’ll not only in the company of like-minded Avandra members intent on a new kind of luxury solo travel – but your sparkling host, Kathy Lette, whose stories, insights and quick wit will bring layers of laughs and thought-provoking conversation, too. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes, forging memories that truly capture the spirit of Spain’s green northwest – and connections that will last a lifetime.
Your trip gallery
Your host: Kathy Lette
Bestselling author, comedian and Australian institution Kathy Lette loves hiking as much as wine and so is incorporating both in hosting this trip to Galicia – along with her inimitable wit and warmth, guaranteeing great conversation and food for thought along the way.
‘What do women like most? I’d say, talking and walking, quipping and quaffing,’ she says. ‘The best thing about this trip is that we get to do all those things simultaneously. Exciting adventures, both physical and historical, are balanced out with unique boutique vineyard experiences. Plus, all that exercise makes for guilt-free gourmandising. So here’s cheers! Can’t wait for this delicious trip.’
Hotels
Hotel Virxe da Cerca by Pousadas Compostela: Your first hotel is a converted 18th-century Jesuit residence which combines a blend of historical charm, a serene, central base for exploring Santiago de Compostela. Escape the city with a coffee or glass of wine in its tranquil garden and enjoy the work of local artists rotated around the hotel without even leaving the building.
Pazo Los Escudos Hotel & Spa Resort is a stunning second 5-star stop on the beach in Bouzas. This converted Galician manor house (‘pazo’) is a short taxi ride from Vigo’s city centre and has stunning gardens with gated entrance onto the beach and spa with hot tub, sauna, hammam, indoor pool and outdoor pool (open in season – and during our trip!).
Gran Hotel Nagari Boutique & Spa is located in a historic building designed by renowned architect Manuel Gómez Román in 1960. Today it retains its imposing, listed façade but inside has been entirely renovated to create an eclectic and elegantly contemporary interior and is perfectly situated for exploring Vigo, but in a quiet enough location to feel secluded. There’s a gym, hot tub, sauna, and Turkish bath and rooftop Skyline Pool and spa circuit with panoramic views of the Vigo estuary – and a tapas terrace perfect for cocktails.
Your itinerary
The itinerary includes three private vineyard visits and exclusive experiences. Guests will have a closed-door wine tasting and pairing dinner with the owner at Nomade Santiago. At Bodega Son de Arrieiro, the celebrated winemaker Xulia Bande will lead a vineyard trek and host a homemade lunch at her house. The trip also features a private visit to Anónimas Viticultoras, a tribute to female winemakers, including a vineyard tour and lunch with the owners. Other exclusive cultural events include a guided tour of Ourense, the legendary stories at Punta Faxilda, and a chance to join in the Bonfire of St. John festival.
Today’s highlights
- Relaxed walking tour of Santiago de Compostela
- Dinner at Nomade Santiago (private visit)
15:00 After time to settle in, it’s time to introduce you to Santiago de Compostela. An hour and a half (don’t worry, we’re easing you in gently) wandering through the streets of this iconic city is a wonderful introduction – and an opportunity to shake off your journey!
19:00 Dinner at Nomade Santiago. Prepare for an exceptional evening as you are hosted for a private, closed-door wine tasting and pairing dinner in this renowned restaurant. Fran, the passionate owner and sommelier, will personally guide you through a curated selection of wines and expertly paired dishes.
Today’s highlights
- Four-hour hike on the Portuguese Route
- Lunch at Anaco
- Arrival in Bouzas
- Relaxed local tapas, or evening at leisure
07:00 Get ready for a memorable morning! It’s an early start – and breakfast – today as there’s a lot to fit in…
09:00 After checking out (don’t worry about your luggage, we’ll take care of that) you’ll be transported to a scenic starting point on the Camino de Santiago. From there, enjoy a four-hour hike on the spectacular Portuguese Route, handpicked for its scenic views and enjoyable trails, and which leads directly into Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral.
13:00 Lunch at Anaco. Anaco’s bare stone walls house an excellent restaurant showcasing local ingredients in its contemporary dishes and offering fine local wine (the cellar is run, as they like to say, by a ‘proper wine waiter’) in a beautiful setting.
After lunch, it’s time to leave Santiago behind and head for Bouzas.
16:00 The stunning Pazo Los Escudos Hotel & Spa Resort, is located directly on the beach – if you can tear yourself away from the swimming pool, that is – within walking distance of lively bars and restaurants, and just a taxi drive from Vigo.
19:00 Tonight is all about small-town drinks and tapas, if you want to join the group for a low key local evening out. If not, Bouzas is your oyster…
Today’s highlights
- Early morning hike or swim
- Vineyard tour and homemade lunch in Leiro (private visit)
- Hot springs visit
- Guided tour of Ourense
- Local tapas
09:00 Up already? Join our early morning hike before breakfast, or take an early swim at the beach by the hotel. If you can prise yourself out of bed, of course…
Breakfast at leisure
10:30 Set out on an hour’s drive to Leiro for an exclusive private visit to Bodega Son de Arrieiro, the vineyard of Xulia Bande. Xulia is a big deal in Northern Spain – a matriarch of wine, and in this very patriarchal place, even the male viticulturas defer to her. Bodega Son de Arrieiro is a tribute to Xulia’s grandfather and the ‘arrieiros’ (muleteers) who helped make Ribeiro wines famous by transporting them throughout Spain, and she honours their memory via her focus on indigenous grapes, sustainable viticulture, and low yields of high quality. This has resulted in Galician wines of great note including ‘Son de Arrieiro’ Tinto and ‘A Argallada de Xulia’.
In an exciting Avandra exclusive, Xulia will not only lead the group on a trekking tour of her vineyards and her winery, but will host you for a delicious homemade lunch at her house.
17:00 Relax at the local hot springs and then explore Ourense, a historic hot spring town via a guided tour of the charming old town.
19:00 Guess what? It’s tapas time again, and some mingling with the locals before heading back to Bouzas at the end of the evening.
Today’s highlights
- Early morning hike or swim
- Guided tour of Pontevedra old town and market
- Punta Faxilda and local legends
- Tour of Combarro
- The Bonfire of St John
- Midnight swim – if you dare!
08:30 Calling all early birds… Join our early morning hike before breakfast, or have a dip in the sea..
Breakfast at leisure
10:30 The day begins with a short drive to Pontevedra where you will be taken on a guided tour of the beautiful historic old town, wander its charming streets and visit the bustling local market.
13:30 Lunch at a local restaurant where fresh ingredients are transformed into unique dishes.
15:00 Your next stop is Punta Faxilda and its incredible coastal views. Get ready to be captivated by local legends including tales of the Santa Compaña, a ghostly procession, and a magical gateway believed to connect our world to Ons Island, allowing spirits to cross between realms.
It’s then on to Combarro, a picturesque fishing village famous for its traditional granaries (hórreos) by the sea. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1972, this village is a must-visit with a unique atmosphere.
19:00 This evening’s spectacular is the Bonfire of Saint John, also known as “Noite da Queima” or “Noite de San Xoán.” This cultural celebration marks the summer solstice with the lighting of large bonfires, or “cacharelas,” which symbolize purification. It is a Galician tradition to jump over the flames nine times for good luck, and to write down what you want to let go of on a piece of paper to throw into the fire, making space for new beginnings. Wishes at the ready! Bring your swimsuit if you want a dip in the sea afterwards…
Today’s highlights
- Early morning hike or swim
- Anónimas Viticultoras winery (private visit)
- Lunch at Anónimas Viticultoras
- Vigo by night
09:00 Your last chance to join an early morning hike before breakfast, or have an early swim.
Breakfast at leisure.
10:30 Your final full day will bring you to the beautiful Salnés Valley, a region celebrated for its exquisite Albariño wine and the unique opportunity to visit Anónimas Viticultoras, a truly inspiring winery making fresh and elegant wines, and run by winemakers Cris Yagüe Cuevas and Maria Falcón. Cris has made wine for many years, and Maria’s family has done so for generations. In As Cris says; ‘Anónimas is a project from the vine to the consumer, a tribute to the anonymous women that should have had their place in history and were never recognized. We collaborate with other women in the world of winegrowers, winemakers, and enologists to make these personal wines.’ During your time at this award-winning wine project, you will get to walk their vineyards and learn about their passion firsthand.
13:00 Lunch at Anónimas Viticultoras with Cris and Maria
17:00 / 17:30 It’s off to Vigo and to spend your final night in this fantastic city. Check in to the Gran Hotel Nagari Boutique & Spa, explore the charm of Galicia’s largest city and discover the very heart of the Rías Baixas. Of course, you will also get the chance to try some of the city’s amazing culinary delights and wines that this town has to offer! You may also need your dancing shoes…
09:00 Breakfast and departures
What's included
TRIP INCLUDES:
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Solo room occupancy in luxury boutique hotels
- Visits to wineries and wine tastings
- English-speaking guide/driver during all excursions
- Transport to all the locations
- A 4-hour guided walk along the Camino de Santiago to the Cathedral
- Private tour Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra, Orense, Vigo, Combarro and the coast
- Early morning hikes
- Breakfasts, lunches, drinks and dinners as specified.
EXCLUDED:
- Flights
- Trip Insurance, health insurance
- Incidental expenses
- Gratuities
- Add-on activities.
£5,200 per person
Based on 10 members travelling
This trip is only available for Club Avandra members
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Email one of our specialist travel partners to create your perfect experience.
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Speak to one of our specialist travel partners to create your perfect experience.
This trip is operated by Travel Seen. Itineraries subject to change and standard check in times apply. Please refer to full T&C’s here.