7-NIGHTS SPAIN & PORTUGAL

Vigo, Spain- El Sireno, a gilded sculpture depicting a figure that is half man, half sea creature, towers over the city’s lovely gardens and well-preserved historical buildings. The legendary black salts offshore on the Islas Cies are said to bring good health. Catholic pilgrims flock to the nearby sacred cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built over the burial spot of St. James.

As one of Europe’s largest fishing ports and maritime centers, this coastal town located in northern Spain is famous for its amazingly fresh seafood. Dine like a local on your Vigo cruise, sampling tapas, the finest oysters, and Galician wines for a hearty lunch at a tapas bar or pescadería. Then stroll through the narrow winding streets of Casco Vello, the historic district, to Rua do Príncipe where you’ll find an assortment of boutiques for keepsakes and souvenirs. For a great view of the Galician coast, there are several beaches worth visiting such as Playa de Samîl with its 1,800 meters of sandy, white coastline.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Southampton, England- Southampton is a bustling port city bursting with history, as well as shopping opportunities, great restaurants, and superb pubs. Located on England’s southern coast, the area has a deep connection with WWII, having been used as a staging area for the attack on D-Day. It’s also well-known to be the home port of the Queen Mary 2. Today, the city is largely defined by its universities and retail shopping. The real sightseeing, however, happens when you use this port as a jumping off point for attractions found outside, yet relatively close to the city. For instance, London is but a little over an hour away by train. You can also take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, an English holiday favorite with 25 miles of coastline, sand dunes and dramatic white cliffs. While on your Southampton cruise you can also visit the nearby, quaint town of Windsor where you can visit the many boutiques of High Street or enjoy a tour of historic Windsor Castle.