Knulps Reisen

Guided hiking and wine tour

Galicia. There is hardly any other country that offers such diverse wine regions with different soils, different climate, and such a variety of indigenous grapes within such a small region. In recent years, winemakers began with a cautious modernization of their traditional wineries and produce excellent quality wines. However, the most important element of the wine production remains the quality of the grape: the wine is made on the vineyard, not in the winery.

On this tour, we will visit important locations of different wine regions, and go on short walks through an exciting landscape with deep gorges, ancient forests, and steeply terraced vineyards. Of course, we also stop at various wineries, where we will taste regional wines with sweeping views of the vineyards. Our accommodations are as unique as the wines: two magnificent paradores, a gorgeous country house, and two romantic wineries.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival to Santiago de Compostela 

Day 2 On Roman footsteps

We say good-bye to Santiago and head inland to the famous Miño gorge. The Romans were the first to build terraced vineyards on the Miño's steeply sloped riverbanks. These 2000 year-old vineyards are currently being nominated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. We stop at a family-run winery with spectacular views of the Miño Gorge and taste their superb wines. The winery Abadia da Cova is one of the world's most award-winning wineries (winery visit and tasting, D.O. Ribeira Sacra). Afterwards, we hike through the terraced vineyards and feel the deep history of this unique place. We stay at the „Parador de Monforte de Lemos“, a magnificent hotel in the heart of wine region. (hiking distance: 9.5km, total altitude gain: 460m)

Day 3 Land of the Counts

We walk through the Count's city, Monforte de Lemos, and visit the wine museum before tasting different wines and tapas. Then, we walk along ancient trading routes through an impressive rocky landscape and past former wine cellars. The microclimate is unique permitting Mediterranean plants such as strawberry trees, fig trees, cork oaks, and laurel trees. We check-in at a gorgeous country house located between vineyards and fruit trees. (hiking distance 15km, total altitude gain: 550m)

Day 4 Valleys of Gold

We “dive” into the Valdeorras, the "Valley of Gold" by hiking deep into a gorge past Roman gold mines, ancient olive groves, and beehives once surrounded by high walls protecting from bears. In the Middle Ages, Galicia belonged to one of most important oil producers of the Iberian peninsula, a tradition some young companies are taking up on. The village of Vilamartín has a well-kept secret: It is full of underground wine cellars. We will visit some of those cave wineries to taste the locals' young red wine (D.O. Valdeorras). (hiking distance: 11km, total altitude gain: 550m)

Day 5 Terraced vineyards of the Miño Canyon

The vineyards on the Sil's riverbanks are situated in a quiet and secluded environment. Taking a boat, we are getting a closer view. Grapes are still being harvested by hand and brought to the next winery by boat. The winery Adega Algueira is one of the first wineries to produce excellent quality wines from almost forgotten, indigenous grape varieties (winery visit and tasting, D.O. Ribeira Sacra). Afterwards, we hiked to a breathtaking vista point high above the Sil river. Then, we check in at the luxury hotel Parador Santo Estevo, one of the most beautiful Paradores of Spain. (hiking distance: 8.5km, total altitude gain: 415m)

Day 6 Feel the Middle Ages

After breakfast, we take a turn through the venerable hallways of the Parador, once the most powerful monastery of the Ribeira Sacra with three cloisters. Then, we set off on a hike through the woods with its ancient gnarled chestnuts and oaks, that have been surrounding the Parador for centuries. In the afternoon, it is time to relax, e.g. at the hotel's spa, or café in the beautiful cloister. (hiking distance: 9km, total altitude gain: 450m)

Day 7 Bathing like the Romans

We go on to the next wine region D.O. Ribeiro. On the way, we stop in Ourense and stroll through the alleys of the old town and walk to the city's hot springs at the Miño riverbanks. Before continuing, we bathe our feet in the healing water that the Romans appreciated so much. In the afternoon, we walk through the famous Jewish quarter of Ribadavia, the capital of the Ribeiro wine region. On the picturesque main square, we taste the regional wines in a medieval setting. The next two days, we stay at a beautiful country hotel and winery.

Day 8 Ribeiro - wines with tradition

In the Middle Ages, Ribeiro was one of the most important wine producers of Europe. Today, the region produces refined white blends of rare grape varieties that provide unique flavor experiences. We hike through a beautiful landscape with rustic granite stone cottages and vineyards and visit a family-run bodega (winery visit and tasting, D.O. Ribeiro). (hiking distance: 8km, total altitude gain: 200m)

Day 9 Vineyards by the sea

We change our location to see the wine region Rías Baixas on the Galician coast. Albariño vines grow right by the sea and produce grapes that make for fresh white wines with notes of citrus fruits, peach, pineapple, or apple. Albariño wines have been conquering the international market. We meet Xurxo Alba, a professional winemaker, who performs excellent Albariños in his parents' wine cellar (winery visit and tasting, D.O. Rías Baixas). Of course, we won't miss hiking along the beach, with vineyards on our left, and the sea on our right, to enjoy Galicia's unspoilt, pristine beaches with turquoise water and white sand. We stay overnight at a four-star hotel with spa close to the bathing beach of Sanxenxo. (hiking distance: 8km, total altitude gain: 150m)

Day 10 Transfer to Santiago and departure  

After breakfast, transfer to Santiago. Individual departure, or you extend your stay, for example on the Galician coast.