12-NIGHTS PORTUGAL, SPAIN, & FRANCE

Make your way through the wine capital of Bordeaux, where you can explore over 7,000 winemakers in the world’s largest and oldest wine-producing region. Discover this stunning French city, half of which has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy its unrivaled culinary scene, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking architecture on a Bordeaux cruise.

Make your way through the wine capital of Bordeaux, where you can explore over 7,000 winemakers in the world’s largest and oldest wine-producing region. Discover this stunning French city, half of which has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy its unrivaled culinary scene, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking architecture on a Bordeaux cruise.

Bilbao, located in Spain’s Basque region, is the ideal gateway to Vitoria and the famous Rioja wine region. Today, the city is famed for the Museo Guggenheim, which opened in 1997, firmly placing Bilbao on the art and tourism map which, subsequently, led to a major urban regeneration. Since then, more museums and galleries have opened, and has in turn prompted a parallel resurgence of fabulous restaurants, cafes and bars. There are so many amazing sights to explore on your Bilbao cruise. Not sure where to begin? You can start with a bus tour of the city for an overview. Or, simply take a stroll through the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) to find yourself immersed in 14th century architecture, a whirlwind of boisterous bars, eclectic shops, gothic cathedrals, historic plazas and lively street performers. In addition to the architecture, this Basque gem is not short on places to eat and drink. Gastronomy joins the other arts flourishing in Bilbao. From traditional Spanish favorites to avant-garde culinary adventures, you’ll find them all in this city. Dine like a local and head out for “pintxos”, an assortment of appetizers to share and savor.

If there ever was a seafaring city, La Coruña is it. It’s been a port and gateway to world travelers for over 2000 years. And from almost any spot on your La Coruna cruise, you can witness spectacular panoramic views of the ocean.  La Coruña is the capital of Spain’s Galicia region and boasts some 2000 years of history. Much of it can be discovered along the streets of its “Ciudad Vieja” or Old Town. Here, cobbled lanes roll up and down hills, winding past gothic churches, stately plazas, imposing fortifications and all manner of medieval relics. At the blustery tip of the city looms the Tower of Hercules, a still working Roman lighthouse, built in the 1st century AD, when its beacon marked the very limits of the civilized world. Beyond the shadows of history, you might find yourself bathed in sun-drenched bliss on a spectacular beach, or trying on the latest fashions found along the shopping streets of this commercial and cultural hotspot.

Porto, Portugal’s second largest city after Lisbon, is one of Europe’s oldest cities and was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Of course, Porto’s name itself hints at perhaps Portugal’s most famous export—port. This is where the fortified wine was first produced. The city has a rich history and is reminiscent of times gone by. You wouldn’t be wrong to compare it to an ideal Shakespearean backdrop. In Porto, the skyline is composed of sky-high bell towers, opulent baroque churches, and majestic beaux art buildings, which all create a romantic air that’s only heightened by the glorious shafts of sunlight that illuminate the city.

Lisbon, Portugal-  See why this city stands out above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or be lured away and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril.

This storied capital with a history that extends back before the Roman Empire is only 1 of 2 cities in Portugal designated as a global city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group. Once one of the world’s great naval and shipping powers, modern day Lisbon is an important hub of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism.

Take a wonderful tour through Lisbon and you’ll discover Graca, the beautifully restored old area of the city, filled with old tiled buildings and mansions and Chiado, Lisbon’s arts district, for a different air of sophistication with its many boutiques, galleries and theaters. And, of course, a cruise to Lisbon is not complete without sampling a nice bottle of Port wine; the fortified red wine that can be found throughout the country.

From Cádiz you can easily get to Seville, exploring the old town with its quaint Moorish feel as well as its impressive monuments, pretty parks and lovely architecture. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country’s finest seafood and typical Andalusian cuisine.

The great Rock of Gibraltar is a sight to behold. Made of limestone, it towers 1,400 feet above the mouth of the majestic Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a nature reserve.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, when Spain held sway over the rest of Europe and the New World, much of its naval power was concentrated in the port of Cartagena. Many of the coastal fortifications from that era still exist, although instead of guarding the city, they provide splendid views of the harbor. Cartagena is one of the world’s great natural harbors and over the ages has known its fair share of conflict, conquest, and riches. Brimming with a fascinating history, this is the wharf where Phoenician traders unloaded exotic treasures and where Roman citizens crowded into a grand theatre. Explore the archeological ruins, castle battlements, artillery, museums, historic churches, and architectural wonders on your Cartagena cruise. For a casual stroll complete with a little sightseeing and a coffee, put on those comfortable shoes and head on a guided tour through the heart of the city.  Or, visit a family-owned wine cellar that produces traditional wine. Cartagena is a cosmopolitan city filled with tapas bars, art galleries, fine restaurants and world-renowned shopping. It’s a charming coastal city that utterly captivates all visitors.

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Rome, Italy: Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography. There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum. Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries. Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.