Galicia’s Camellia Route
11th Mar 2026
Key Highlights
· Visit the famous pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela
· Enjoy the sight of camelias at a selection of country estates (pazos)
· The impressive hill-top site of Castillo de Soutomaior
Summary
With a milder, wetter climate than the rest of Spain, the gardens in Galicia have a luxuriant air, accentuated by the fact that many belong to grand country mansions (pazos). Another happy feature of the climate is that camellias thrive here, and in the spring sunshine of February and March they provide welcome splashes of colour, blooming exuberantly in shades of white, pink and red.
We will follow the length of the camellia route, which extends from La Coruña in the north by way of the historic pilgrimage centre of Santiago de Compostela to Vigo in the south. Along the way, we visit a collection of splendid gardens, including the outstanding Castillo de Soutomaior, while enjoying some spring sunshine and the uplifting sight of one of the garden world’s favourite flowering plants in full bloom.
What's included
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Return flights
- Accommodation
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per itinerary
- Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
Meet your tour manager
Tony Russell
A former Head Forester at Westonbirt Arboretum, Tony Russell is widely regarded as one of Britain's leading authorities on trees and shrubs, having written 18 books and presented many programmes for both TV and radio. Tony Russell's career with plants and gardens began in 1978 when he joined the Forestry Commission in Snowdonia. In 1980 he went to Newton Rigg, Cumbria to study forestry and horticulture and after qualifying in 1983 he took up post as Forester for the New Forest in Hampshire. In 1989 he was appointed Head Forester of Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, one of the finest collections of tree and shrubs in the temperate world. Tony left Westonbirt in 2003 and over the past fifteen years he has presented many gardening, horticultural and countryside programmes for both TV and radio, and regularly writes for several magazines and newspapers, including The Daily Telegraph, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and Country Life. His travels have taken him to Japan, Costa Rica, China and New Zealand and he has built up a loyal following among Brightwater guests.
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart on a flight from London to La Coruña. On arrival we will be met by our local coach and transferred to our hotel. Evening is at leisure.
Meals includedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| London Gatwick Airport | 00:00 | |
| A Coruna Airport | 00:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
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