17-Night Lisbon to Zeebrugge

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Legend has it that the enchanted land of St. Peter Port was invaded by fairies once upon a time. For proof, head west to the edge of the island to find a mysterious Fairy Ring known as Pleinmont, walk around it three times and make a wish. Aside from local lore, Guernsey is charmed as the second largest of the Channel Islands ideally situated in the bay of St. Malo, a mere 30 miles from the coast of France and 80 miles from the coast of England. Speaking of England, while Guernsey is considered part of the British Isles, it is not a part of the United Kingdom, as it constitutionally owes allegiance to the English Crown, but has its own separate legislature.

Best known as the residence of William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda, there's an air of royal presence throughout the charming port of Caen. Located in the heart of Normandy, this French commune holds a deep and rich history waiting for you to explore. The grand twin abbeys and Caen Castle, both remnants of William the Conqueror's rule, inspire a sense of awe with ornate constructions. From this port, history buffs can come together to visit the D-Day Landing Beaches, a quest only made complete with a stop at the Mémorial de Caen. While taking in captivating views of Normandy, sip on a traditional Cambremer cider, a crisp and refreshing drink renowned since the times of King Henry IV, with new friends. For a true taste of Caen, stop in at a local restaurant with your fellow explorers and try the tripes à la mode, a French stew combining tripe with ox feet, vegetables, herbs and spices, cider and apple brandy.

Along the shoreline of the Seine sits a quintessentially French port, Rouen. Filled with Gothic architecture, Norman houses and a wealth of history that dates back to the 10th-century Vikings and Romans, it is a destination that invites you and your fellow explorers to let your imagination run wild. The enchanting spires of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen may strike a chord, as they often appeared in the paintings of the city's most famous resident, Claude Monet. Gather with newfound friends to sip on a Bénédictine, a French liqueur blended with honey and saffron that gives notes of citrus fruit, herbs and spices. Indulge your sweet tooth with an abundance of treats from so many confectionaries throughout Rouen. Take about a two-hour drive to Paris for all the highlights of the City of Lights. Or instead, make the drive to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic art and architecture.

Along the shoreline of the Seine sits a quintessentially French port, Rouen. Filled with Gothic architecture, Norman houses and a wealth of history that dates back to the 10th-century Vikings and Romans, it is a destination that invites you and your fellow explorers to let your imagination run wild. The enchanting spires of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen may strike a chord, as they often appeared in the paintings of the city's most famous resident, Claude Monet. Gather with newfound friends to sip on a Bénédictine, a French liqueur blended with honey and saffron that gives notes of citrus fruit, herbs and spices. Indulge your sweet tooth with an abundance of treats from so many confectionaries throughout Rouen. Take about a two-hour drive to Paris for all the highlights of the City of Lights. Or instead, make the drive to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic art and architecture.

Perhaps best known as the evacuation site of Operation Dynamo, where almost 400,000 troops were rescued from German forces during WWII in May of 1940, France's third-largest port Dunkirk holds a great deal of significant history. The city also holds a place in scientific research with the lesser-known Dunkirk Belfry, one of the poles that played a role in the 18th century that led to the creation of the standard meter length measurement. Beyond the city's rich history, explore miles of golden-sand beaches, charming boutiques and a treasure trove of local restaurants. Find a local cheese shop to discover your new favorite variety, from Domino, a farmhouse cheese made from raw goat's milk, to Boulette de Cambrai, a rindless cheese seasoned with chives, parsley and tarragon. Gather a group of new friends to visit the nearby Lille, a beautiful city with grand architecture, bell towers and a distinct art collection at Palais des Beaux-Arts.

Characterized by medieval architecture, canals and cobblestone streets, the Belgian city of Bruges is a picture straight out of a fairytale. It's this historic and charming image that made the whole city a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The picturesque Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) offers idyllic views along the waterfront, complete with local boaters, that is now one of the most photographed sites in the city. Its port, Zeebrugge, acts as a commercial center for European trade and fishing. When visiting Belgium, make sure to try a craft beer brewed by Trappist monks, with only 11 breweries in the world permitted to make it.

Characterized by medieval architecture, canals and cobblestone streets, the Belgian city of Bruges is a picture straight out of a fairytale. It's this historic and charming image that made the whole city a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The picturesque Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) offers idyllic views along the waterfront, complete with local boaters, that is now one of the most photographed sites in the city. Its port, Zeebrugge, acts as a commercial center for European trade and fishing. When visiting Belgium, make sure to try a craft beer brewed by Trappist monks, with only 11 breweries in the world permitted to make it.