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Where
Galicia, Spain
Group Size
6 - 11 Travelers
Duration
8 Days, 7 Nights
When
Sep 20 - 27, 2026
Price
5,000 USD / person
The Romans once considered Galicia, the rugged coastal region of northwestern Spain, the end of the world. Today, it is still one of Europe’s least-explored, but most fascinating corners: the region’s Celtic heritage, seafaring tradition, and language – closer to Portuguese than Spanish – all contribute to a distinct Galician identity.
Here, active fishing villages, monasteries, lighthouses, and ancient settlements punctuate panoramic views of the sea. For many visitors, the region’s allure is the pilgrimage route known as Camino de Santiago, but what draws us here is another mission entirely: exploring its incredible and diverse bounty of seafood.
On this eight-day seafood pilgrimage, we’ll be exploring the historic fishing villages of the Galician coast, where we’ll open ourselves to a whole world of traditional producers and craftsmen that make their living along the sea: from barnacle hunters, oyster fishermen, and razor clam-diggers, to lobster trap builders and net menders. We’ll also get a unique opportunity to meet the chefs who use this incredible local produce to transform Galician cuisine into something new and exciting.
Though our focus will be seafood and the traditional artisans along this coast, we’ll be exploring all facets of Galician identity – history, folklore, architecture, music, language, and religion – and gaining a deeper understanding of its unbreakable bond with the sea.
MEET
TREK
LEARN
IMMERSE
HEAR
Your itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & Welcome
Day 2
Celtic Origins
Day 3
Fish, Cook, Feast
Day 4
Harvesting Shellfish in Cambados
Day 5
Monumental Santiago
We check out of the hotel and head to Santiago de Compostela. The day begins at the Mercado de Abastos, where a local Michelin-starred chef leads us through the stalls, tasting our way through seasonal produce and regional specialties. From there, we continue to her restaurant for lunch, a menu shaped by what we’ve just seen and sampled, focused, ingredient-driven, and rooted in place.
In the afternoon, we explore Santiago’s historic center on foot, passing the cathedral and slipping into quieter corners that reveal the city beyond its pilgrimage routes. The evening is free to explore on your own.
Day 6
Barnacle Hunting & Sunset Celebration
In the morning we’ll head to what local sailors refer to as the “Coast of Death,” where stone crosses on the shore mark lost ships. Here, some of the world’s finest barnacles cling to dramatic cliffs pounded by the surf. We’ll meet with a local barnacle hunter who’ll introduce us to his work and explain how he “reads” the sea on his dangerous daily hunts, and learn how he catches the barnacles. Together, we’ll picnic overlooking the ocean, cooking and tasting our freshly caught produce. After walking along one of the paths of the St. James pilgrimage route, we’ll end at a lighthouse on the tip of a cape. Since ancient times – Greek and Roman ruins attest to that – this stretch of coast has been a site where pilgrims watch the sunset, believed to be a gateway to the beyond. We’ll watch the sun sink into the water before feasting with our new friends, the barnacle hunter and eel dryer, at a local taverna serving exquisite seafood and other local specialties.
Day 7
Combarro & Michelin Stars
Day 8
Farewell & Departure
Meet the Crew
We are firm believers in the power of local knowledge. Our guides and the culinary masters and other artisans who are part of our trips all deeply reflect that. Meet some of our Galicia’s finest culinary heroes:
Paula
Xiana
Pepe
Santiago
Antón
Lorena and Juan
Maria
Sara
Isidro
Lurdes
Where you'll stay
AC Hotel Palacio Universal
The deeply local experiences of the week start within the walls of where we sleep: carefully selected, independent, small local places, inspired by international standards loyal to their local heritage – that’s the balance we seek for more than a good night’s rest.
Our group will first be staying at the AC Hotel Palacio Universal, a four-star hotel in a converted 19th century neo-classical building. The hotel is situated in the heart of Vigo, just in front of the Marina.
Parador de Cambados
For two nights we’ll be staying at Parador de Cambados, in the charming fishing village of Cambados. The hotel, located in a former manor house, has been lovingly preserved, and designed in such a way as to balance modern luxuries with historic character, complete with extensive gardens, a pool, and a relaxing interior patio.
Hotel Virxe de Cerca
Hotel Virxe da Cerca is located in the very heart of Santiago de Compostela, and directly overlooking the city’s stunning cathedral. Housed inside a historic 18th century property, the hotel also enjoys views out over its own scenic garden.
Hear what travelers are saying
Phenomenal. A unique experience not to be missed!
Lauren C.
Wow! The things we saw, the things we ate were all so amazing! We were pampered beyond anything I've experienced.
Janice H
Fabulous! If you love great food and excellent experiences, do sign up!
Judy G.
Know before you go
Pricing and Accommodation
<p>The total cost of this trip is $5,000. For travelers wishing to have single accommodations during the trip, an additional $1000 will be due at the time of the final payment. A $500 non-refundable deposit per traveler is required to secure space on the trip. The balance is due 90 days prior to the start of the trip.</p>
Activity Level
Travelers should feel comfortable walking three to five miles each day and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on during a couple cooking workshops. This is an outdoor trip that takes place rain or shine. We can expect to be outdoors with raincoats in periods of light showers.
Arrival and Departure
<p>Note that the trip begins in Vigo and ends in Santiago de Compostela. Vigo’s Peinador Airport has direct connections to Madrid, Barcelona, London, Paris, Lisbon, and other nearby cities, while its Guixar Railway Station has connections to Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Porto, and more. There are also high speed trains from the <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Vigo-Urzáiz Vialia station. </span>We recommend that you arrive in Vigo by 3 p.m. on Day 1 and depart from Santiago de Compostela anytime on Day 8. If you’d like to extend your stay on either end, we’re happy to arrange extra nights and provide suggestions for things to do and see on your own.</p>
Inclusions
<ul class="rich-bullet-list"><li><p>All accommodation throughout the trip in stylish, boutique hotels.</p></li><li><p>Professional guides throughout the entire experience.</p></li><li><p>A belt-popping experience, with all meals and drinks included in planned activities.</p></li><li><p>All activities and events as mentioned in the itinerary.</p></li><li><p>A hungry group of Culinary Backstreets travelers, excited to explore all that Galicia has to offer!</p></li></ul>
Exclusions
<ul class="rich-bullet-list"><li><p>Transportation and flights to Vigo and from Santiago de Compostela.</p></li><li><p>Note that the trip begins and ends in different locations.</p></li><li><p>Transportation to and from the airport.</p></li><li><p>Food and drink outside of Trip offerings as well as any personal expenses.</p></li><li><p>If applicable, applying for an Spanish visa.</p></li><li><p>Travel insurance (recommended).</p></li></ul>
Dietary Restrictions
Due to the region’s seafood traditions, there will be a number of meals during the trip that are exclusively shellfish, and which won’t have vegetarian substitutes. While most of our trips can generally cater to vegetarian diets, this culinary itinerary has more limited options. If you are neither a pescatarian nor omnivore, it will be hard to fully participate in this trip. Itineraries and daily schedules are subject to change. We expect to do everything listed in the itinerary, though the order may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions.
Our Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
<p>We have reinforced our commitment to sustainability and safety with new guidelines to assure maximum safety of our guests on our trips while maintaining the quality of the experience. All of our experiences are designed to have minimal impact on the community and environment. For more details on our precautions, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-[#781e2a] underline" href="/safety-and-sustainability">read here</a>.</p><p></p>
Cancellation Policy
<p>You may cancel 90 days before the start of the trip and receive a full refund minus a $500 per-person service fee. If you cancel on or after 60 days before the start of the trip there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 30 days there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (see our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-[#781e2a] underline" href="https://culinarybackstreets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/culinarybackstreets/images_imported/For+CB+Trips_+Terms+%26+Conditions_updated2022.pdf">Terms and Conditions</a> for full details).</p>
Notes on the Itinerary
Itineraries and daily schedules are subject to change. We expect to do everything listed in the itinerary, though the order may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions.
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