The Origins of Vigo: Celtic, Roman, Historic Battles and the Best Seafood & Wines of Spain

A Panoramic View of Vigo City and the Historic Galician Fortress of O Castro

Vigo´s lively growth since the late 19th century is rooted in its ideal combination of a stunning bay—described by G. Borrow as "in many respects, none other in the world can compare"—and a solid maritime industrial infrastructure, including shipyards, canneries, and a bustling fishing port. Now the largest city in Galicia, Vigo offers a vibrant blend of modernity and history. Its scenic parks, museums, beaches, and even a zoo, coexist with the old sailing quarter of O Berbés. The crown jewel, Castrelos Park, hosts the Quiñones de León manor house, now a museum. Despite modern development, Vigo remains a city of historical significance, originating from a Celtic Castro, housing Galicia´s largest Roman necropolis, and boasting medieval landmarks such as the O Castro fortress. With nearly 300,000 inhabitants, Vigo is set in one of the peninsula´s most picturesque landscapes, overlooking the bay that shares its name. The city´s maritime ties run deep; in the 16th century, its port, Berbés, was a hub for international trade, enduring pirate raids and shaping its legacy through events like the Battle of Rande. Vigo´s role in the Galician economy continued into the 19th century when it briefly became a provincial capital. Notable landmarks include the Neo-classical Collegiate of Santa María and an urban center that harmoniously blends peaceful streets with grand avenues. Visitors should not miss the Quiñones de León Museum´s fine art collection or the breathtaking views of the ria and nearby Cíes Islands from vantage points such as O Castro, A Guía, and A Madroa.

The Galician Flavours: Arroz de Marisco & Albariño Wine

Close to the port, we´ll take you to a seafood restaurant where you´ll enjoy one of Galicia´s signature dishes: Arroz de Marisco (Fisherman´s Seafood Rice). Often compared to Spanish paella and even referred to by some as a Galician-style version, this dish stands apart with its focus on fresh seafood as the star ingredient. Mussels, prawns, shrimp, clams, and other shellfish take center stage, simmered in rich fish broth and infused with flavors unique to the region, like the popular spice in the Galician cuisine, paprika. To complete the experience the dish will be paired with the “wine of the sea,” a crisp and aromatic Albariño from the D.O. Rías Baixas.

Legendary Sunken Treasures of the Battle of Rande in Vigo Bay

Feeling full already? The day isn’t over yet! After that, we will take a walk along the promenade and explore the scenic nautical port, where an impressive bronze statue of Jules Verne, sculpted by the artist José Molares awaits. Verne, the renowned French author,  wrote the famous book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, in which he dedicated a chapter to Vigo Bay and its legendary sunken treasures from the historic Battle of Rande.

DAY 1:
VIGO

• 10:00AM: Your Private English-speaking guide will meet you at the designated point in Vigo
• Board the bus to begin the tour.
• Enjoy a panoramic tour of Vigo city
• Stop to see the views from the Monte O Castro and the remains of the Celtic Ruins
• Follow along the port area of Vigo the largest fishing port in Vigo
• A short walk along the promenade to an excellent seafood restaurant
• Here we will enjoy some Galician tapas and the Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice) with white Albariño wine from the D.O. Rias Baixas, ending with dessert and coffee.
• After lunch, we will walk along the nautical port of Vigo stopping out front of the Real Club Nautico de Vigo to see the bronze statue at the port sculpted by local artist José Molares of Jules Vernes
• Ending back at the cruise terminal.
• 03:00PM: Drop off back at the designated point in Vigo

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END OF CUSTOMIZED TOUR SERVICES