Staying overnight in the UNESCO-listed Bordeaux, there's time for experiences such as journeying up the Castles Route, which passes eight of the most famous châteaux, including Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Julien, the perfect combination of wine and history. Strolling along the seaside promenade of Vilagarcía, local restaurants entice you with mouthwatering aromas of fresh seafood prepared in the traditional Galician style. Pair it with a locally produced Albariño wine, enjoying good food and wine along with good company. Find your way to Les Halles in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and share a culinary adventure with your new friends as you sample local favorites like gateau Basque cerise (sweet cherry cake). The rich, artistic heritage of Porto beckons with a river cruise that leads to a port wine tasting with your fellow connoisseurs. Venture to Bilbao for a taste of its vibrant history and the celebrated Basque culinary tradition of pintxos, as local tapas are known.
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.
May 21Leixoes (Porto), Portugal
Arrive: 10:00 am Depart: 7:00 pm
Leixoes (Porto), Portugal
Along the Douro River in the north of Portugal lies Porto, the country’s second-largest city. It may be renowned for its port wine - the Ferreira Caves being one such famed cellar and one of the oldest port wine cellars in Portugal - but the city contains so much more for the explorer spirit to discover. Starting in the port of Leixões, your journey takes you to the Dom Luis I bridge, a direct link to Ribeira, Porto’s oldest district. One of Porto’s most significant sites, the Livraria Lello, is filled with historical, architectural, and literary importance, containing a world of books that any bibliophile traveler will find exciting.
May 22Vilagarcía (Santiago de Compostela), Spain
Arrive: 7:00 am Depart: 7:00 pm
Vilagarcía (Santiago de Compostela), Spain
Sitting within the Galicia region of Spain, where the locals have their own distinct language and culture, lies the quiet town of Vilagarcía de Arousa, or simply Vilagarcía. The stone walls of Convento de Vista Alegre hold intrigue for architecture admirers seeking stories of the past. The lush gardens and grand estate of Pazo de Rubianes invite you and your fellow history buffs to pique your curiosity about the town’s origins and connections to winemaking. Strolling along the seaside promenade, many local restaurants entice you with mouthwatering aromas of fresh seafood prepared in the traditional Galician style. Pair it with a locally produced Albariño wine, enjoying good food and wine along with good company. Gather a group of adventurous spirits to make the journey to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santiago de Compostela. Every year many travelers make the pilgrimage to this beautiful cathedral, rumored to be the burial site of the apostle St. James.
May 23At Sea
At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
May 24Bilbao, Spain
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 11:00 pm
Bilbao, Spain
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.
May 25Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
Arrive: 7:00 am Depart: 4:00 pm
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
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.
May 26Bordeaux, France
Arrive: 9:00 am OVERNIGHT
Bordeaux, 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.
May 27Bordeaux, France
Arrive: 8:00 am
Bordeaux, 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.
Always Included
FREE cultural immersion
FREE gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
FREE stocked in-room minibar
FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
FREE afternoon and high tea
FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
FREE pre-paid gratuities
FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
FREE reusable water bottle
FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites
Exclusively on Polar Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE private charter jet service*
FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
FREE polar plunge
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
FREE use of knee boots
FREE private group transfers between airport and yacht*
FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay on all Antarctica expeditions
FREE 1-night post-cruise hotel stay on select Antarctica expeditions
*Available on Antarctica and select Arctic expeditions
Exclusively on Epicurean Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion includes culinary experience ashore, such as local market visits, specialty tastings and more
FREE Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
FREE culinary presentations and wine tastings
FREE cooking demonstrations and cuisine tastings
FREE events hosted by a Tastes & Traditions Expert on select expeditions
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack
Exclusively on Cultural Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE enrichment programs and workshops on select expeditions
FREE authentic, local experiences and on board events on select expeditions
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