The Sil canyon from the water, and in the afternoon, wine in Doade.

The most complete way to see the Ribeira Sacra in a day: the canyon from the water in the morning, a long lunch at a winery and, in the afternoon, a tasting with the river at your feet. It all happens within a few kilometres around the Ponte do Sil bridge, on the Lugo bank, so there is little driving once you are there.

The day, hour by hour

9:30 · Set off. From Ourense, via the N-120 and Monforte, allow an hour; from Lugo, an hour and a half; from Santiago, about two. From Monforte, the OU-0605 winds down to the bridge over the Sil.

11:00 · Catamaran through the canyon. It leaves from the A Abeleda landing stage, on the Ourense bank, just after you cross the bridge. It is 1 h 30 with a guide on the Santo Estevo reservoir, among terraced vines. Adults, €13; ages 4 to 12, €5. Arrive half an hour early: the boat leaves on time. Free parking beside the road.

13:30 · Lunch at O Castelo. The restaurant of the Algueira winery, in Doade, with a terrace among the vines: caldo with turnip greens, kid from the Caurel, mencía-braised shank. Open on Sundays at midday and closed on Wednesdays.

16:00 · Tasting at Regina Viarum. A guided visit with a projection room and a commented tasting of three to five wines, and a final glass on the terrace above the canyon. About 70 minutes.

17:30 · Head home. Via Monforte. In Ourense or Lugo before seven.

If you are driving

Choose the three-wine tasting or let someone else drive: the way back is a road with many bends. At O Castelo there are dishes without wine that go just as well.