Atlantic Wine Country to Northern Europe

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers. While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.

Perched along the Douro River, the historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with medieval landmarks and architectural wonders. Make your way down Aliados Avenue to Ribeira, the city’s most iconic district, and board a traditional rabelo riverboat. Here, a cruise leads to a celebrated wine cellar for a sample of the famous port wine. Explore the charming Mercado do Bolhão, a historic market brimming with local produce, artisanal goods, and lively energy. Discover the city from another perspective on an e-bike excursion alongside a local guide who offers fascinating insight. Beyond the city limits, Porto serves as the perfect gateway to discover UNESCO-protected wonders. Venture into the Douro Valley, a picturesque wine-producing region featuring terraced vineyards and historic quintas (wine estates). From Porto, you can also explore Guimarães, the storied cradle of Portugal, where the nation’s first king emerged, and history imbues every corner. Immerse yourself where the past and present harmoniously intertwine..

A province of Galicia, La Coruña (also known as A Coruña) holds a great deal of history that attracts the intellectual traveler. Home of the Spanish Armada and second-biggest port town in the country, it’s a city that invites explorer spirts to rediscover all its lost secrets and hidden gems.

About an hour away lies Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful cathedral to which many make a pilgrimage spanning 500 miles across the top of Spain. If you seek the beauty of nature within the splendor of historic architecture, La Coruña offers the Garden of San Carlos and the Gardens of Mendez Nuñez with verdant patches of bushes and palm trees sprinkled throughout paved paths amid cultural landmarks.

From the antiquated architecture at Plaza Mayor to the ruins of Roman baths at Campo Valdés in Cimavilla, there are so many pieces of the past to uncover as you discover Gijón. Located within the Asturias, the heart of Spain’s cider production and culture, you can sample the locally crafted beverage here. Along with cider, try the cuisine, abundant in seafood. The Atlantic Botanical Garden has six main collections dedicated to showcasing plant life and the nature of the Atlantic, educating visitors on the importance of conservation. Take the walk up to the Catalina headland to see the intriguing monument, Elogio del Horizonte.

On the northern edge of the Iberian Peninsula lies Bilbao, a city with historical ties to Basque country. Its best-known museum, The Guggenheim, stands as a shining example of some of the most innovative 20th-century design from renowned architect Frank Gehry. Strolling through the central neighborhood, Indautxu, you’ll come across the picturesque Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This English-style garden, with its enchanting pond, verdant trees and decorative fountains adds a touch of refinement and romance. From the Arenal Gardens, the gateway to Casco Viejo (the Old Quarter), to Miguel de Unamuno Square, where a statue of the famed writer stands sentinel, Bilbao’s everyday life holds an extraordinary magic.

While its neighbor on the Basque coast Biarritz usually gets more travelers, the resort town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz holds a charm all its own. Take a stroll along Rue Gambetta with your fellow explorers and come upon the terraces of Louis XIV Square, where local artists are often found capturing the city’s enchantment on canvas. Traditional timber Basque houses lined along sandy shores inspire a sense of wonder for the city’s rich history. Explore the past further at the 17th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, an exemplary piece of architecture from the time. Find your way to Les Halles, the covered marketplace where you will find local vendors selling fresh produce, fish, meat and more. Share a culinary adventure with your new friends as you sample local favorites like gateau Basque cerise (sweet cherry cake), tortilla cakes prepared with ham or mushrooms, Bayonne ham flavored with piment d’espelette and many other savory bites.

There is no region in the world more closely associated with fabulous vineyards than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux. Located in the southwest of France, not far from the Bay of Biscay, Bordeaux offers about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux and 13,000 grape growers - more than you could possibly try. For an amazing overview of Bordeaux wine, journey up the Castles Route, which runs along the length of the Médoc peninsula. This road passes eight of the most famous châteaux, including Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Julien. Not far off lies the mouth of the Gironde estuary, off the coast of Royan and the Grave headland, where you’ll catch the first glimpse of the famous Cordouan Lighthouse of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the oldest working lighthouse in France.

There is no region in the world more closely associated with fabulous vineyards than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux. Located in the southwest of France, not far from the Bay of Biscay, Bordeaux offers about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux and 13,000 grape growers - more than you could possibly try. For an amazing overview of Bordeaux wine, journey up the Castles Route, which runs along the length of the Médoc peninsula. This road passes eight of the most famous châteaux, including Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Julien. Not far off lies the mouth of the Gironde estuary, off the coast of Royan and the Grave headland, where you’ll catch the first glimpse of the famous Cordouan Lighthouse of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the oldest working lighthouse in France.

There is no region in the world more closely associated with fabulous vineyards than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux. Located in the southwest of France, not far from the Bay of Biscay, Bordeaux offers about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux and 13,000 grape growers - more than you could possibly try. For an amazing overview of Bordeaux wine, journey up the Castles Route, which runs along the length of the Médoc peninsula. This road passes eight of the most famous châteaux, including Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Julien. Not far off lies the mouth of the Gironde estuary, off the coast of Royan and the Grave headland, where you’ll catch the first glimpse of the famous Cordouan Lighthouse of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the oldest working lighthouse in France.

The Brittany town of Concarneau holds a rich and deep history, from fishing along the main city’s harbor to its famous walled old town, Ville Close. It’s here your imagination can run wild as you and your fellow explorers traverse the medieval ramparts. You will also find that the past and present have come together, with stone houses converted into crêperies, ice-cream stalls, shops and galleries. Nearby, the quaint village of Pont Aven became a favorite hidden gem of painters, including French artist Paul Gauguin, famous for establishing the École de Pont-Aven art movement known as synthetism. While in Concarneau, listen closely for Breton spoken in the region, a distinct Celtic language that diverges from the usual French spoken in France. The unique Breton culture also offers an array of delicious local cuisine, from mouthwatering butter biscuits known as galettes to fresh seafood dishes like large prawns (camarón) or mussels and fries (moules frites).

With a history dating back to the first century BCE, Saint Malo, France has a deep and profound past that has stood the test of time. From the monolithic menhirs and dolmens of the Neolithic era to the Celtic influences and traditions running through its music, festivals and language, this city holds a fascinating story that every explorer can appreciate. Famous for its remarkable ocean tides, the view of the difference between high and low tide in St. Malo cannot compare. Just outside the city limits are the captivating Rochers Sculptes, sculpted rocks carved by deaf and mute French artist Adolphe Julien Fouéré, hugging the cliffs of the Emerald Coast. The city’s Brittany heritage runs strong in its local fare and you can indulge in a helping of moules frites - steamed mussels and chips (fries).

With a history dating back to the first century BCE, Saint Malo, France has a deep and profound past that has stood the test of time. From the monolithic menhirs and dolmens of the Neolithic era to the Celtic influences and traditions running through its music, festivals and language, this city holds a fascinating story that every explorer can appreciate. Famous for its remarkable ocean tides, the view of the difference between high and low tide in St. Malo cannot compare. Just outside the city limits are the captivating Rochers Sculptes, sculpted rocks carved by deaf and mute French artist Adolphe Julien Fouéré, hugging the cliffs of the Emerald Coast. The city’s Brittany heritage runs strong in its local fare and you can indulge in a helping of moules frites - steamed mussels and chips (fries).