7-Night Lisbon To Bordeaux

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.