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Connoisseur’s Delight: Northern Spain & Portugal
Aug 30, 2027 — Sep 7, 2027
Starting from
BORDEAUX → LISBON
8 Nights on Star Explorer
Some experiences are just too good to rush, and this voyage to Northern Spain, Portugal, and Bordeaux is one of them. That’s why our thoughtfully planned itinerary includes long days in port and overnight stays — time to savor the very best of this bountiful region. Taste Galicia’s legendary seafood fresh from the Bay of Biscay, sample port within sight of the Douro River in Porto, share pintxos with new Basque friends, and wine and dine amid French vineyards on the “hill with a thousand chateaux.” When you’re not busy pampering your palate, delve into the fascinating history of this region. There are ancient Roman baths in Gijon, medieval Old Towns, and countless modern wonders like Portugal’s stunning, multicolored Pena Palace and the iconic Guggenheim in Bilbao.
Popular Highlights
An overnight in Bordeaux gives you ample time to explore the wines of the Left Bank and Right Bank.
Your overnight in Bilbao allows you to explore the local town one day and visit nearby San Sebastian the next.
Gijon’s spectacular waterfront promenade is perfect for strolling, snacking, and watching the local bartenders pour cider. The cider is poured from above one’s head to aerate the drink and bring out its true flavors.
In Lisbon, explore the Belem Tower and the Monastery of the Hieronymites, both impressive UNESCO Heritage sites.
Taste Porto’s famous port wine after spending time shopping on the Avenida dos Aliados, one of the main avenues in the city.
In Lisbon, explore the Belem Tower and the Monastery of the Hieronymites, both impressive UNESCO Heritage sites.
Bordeaux has long been known as La Belle au Bois Dormant, Sleeping Beauty. And while the beauty part is undeniable, the sleeping part could be argued. Sure, the region is filled with treasures from long ago, including more than 350 historic monuments and buildings in the city alone. But the capital of Aquitaine is also home to a vibrant culture and, as oenophiles well know, is the gateway to some of France's most famous vineyards. In this UNESCO World Heritage city, 13th century cathedrals and 18th century palaces are commonplace. Venture beyond the city's borders to the chateaux of the Médoc region or to Saint-Émilion, a breathtaking medieval village set among the vineyards that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bordeaux has long been known as La Belle au Bois Dormant, Sleeping Beauty. And while the beauty part is undeniable, the sleeping part could be argued. Sure, the region is filled with treasures from long ago, including more than 350 historic monuments and buildings in the city alone. But the capital of Aquitaine is also home to a vibrant culture and, as oenophiles well know, is the gateway to some of France's most famous vineyards. In this UNESCO World Heritage city, 13th century cathedrals and 18th century palaces are commonplace. Venture beyond the city's borders to the chateaux of the Médoc region or to Saint-Émilion, a breathtaking medieval village set among the vineyards that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Three impressive sea walls protect Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s famous long beach of fine sand making it perfect for swimming. It is also famous for delicious and rustic-style Basque cuisine and its close proximity to well-known Biarritz, an eclectic place of posh restaurants, cozy pizza parlors, beautiful beaches with therapeutic waters popular for surfing and is a preferred haunt of the rich and famous.
Three impressive sea walls protect Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s famous long beach of fine sand making it perfect for swimming. It is also famous for delicious and rustic-style Basque cuisine and its close proximity to well-known Biarritz, an eclectic place of posh restaurants, cozy pizza parlors, beautiful beaches with therapeutic waters popular for surfing and is a preferred haunt of the rich and famous.
The resort town of San Sebastian on the beautiful Bay of Biscay is known for two golden-sand beaches, Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta. Walk along the picturesque bayside promenade lined with world-renowned restaurants. The cobblestoned Old Town features vibrant pintxo bars featuring local tapas favorites and upscale boutiques. A soaring statue of Christ overlooks this culinary capital of Spain.
The industrial port of Bilbao is surrounded by lovely green mountains, fertile landscapes with lush forests, steep coasts and the Bay of Biscay. Famed for the curvy, titanium-covered Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, other sites of Bilbao include the Euskalduna Conference and Music Centre, Norman Foster's Underground, towers designed by architects Arata Isozaki and Cesar Pelli, and an airport designed by Calatrava.
Gijon started out as a quiet fishing village some 3,000 years ago and there are many remnants of its passage through time. Explore the colorful houses and shops of Cimadevilla, the old quarter. There are ancient Roman baths at Termas Romanas. Rent a bike and ride the 13 miles of bike lanes past the many outstanding outdoor sculptures. Before you leave, try a glass of the local apple cider, or sidra.
See the twisting streets, old mansions, and beautiful plazas of the old district, parts of which have survived since medieval times. Dine on fresh seafood found all over Vigo but especially in the famous El Berbes Quarter. Or head further afield to Santiago de Compostela, where a magnificent cathedral has greeted pilgrims since the 9th century.
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Available Dates
| Date | Yacht | Starting from | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 26 (Wed) – Sep 3 (Thu), 2026August 26 (Wed) – September 3 (Thu), 2026 | Star Legend |