On a Voyage of Discovery from the Basque Country to Portuguese City Life

Bilbao has always been an important port and industrial city. In 1993, Bilbao was a pilgrimage destination for lovers of modern art and avant-garde architecture. The Guggenheim Museum, with its idiosyncratic and unique design by famous architect Frank O Gehry, showcases everything that is important within its 11,000 square meters (118,403 foot). Steel used to be manufactured in Bilbao and it now plays a major role here, since other renowned architects have also been inspired to give Bilbao an attractive, distinctive look. Cross the futuristic Calatrava Bridge to reach the old town, where you can take a delightful stroll round the lanes and enjoy the art of Basque cuisine.

As an old port metropolis and capital of the Costa Verde or Green Coast, Gijón looks back on a long seafaring tradition. Especially in the quaint fishing quarter of Cimadevilla, colorful, rambling houses exude the charm of times gone by. About 18 miles away, Oviedo was once the residence of the independent kingdom of Asturias. Today, the picturesque old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best starting point for a walk along the well-kept cobblestone streets (for instance, to the famous cider taverns) is Oviedo's cathedral with its Gothic spire of openwork stone.

Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.

The old city of A Coruña is set picturesquely on a peninsula and its landmark is the Tower of Hercules, over 2,000 years old, set on the headland in front of the city. Culture, history and art come face to face with traditional Galician lifestyle. Santiago de Compostela, one of the world's most famous pilgrimage sites, is the goal and climax of the Camino de Santiago, a path that has existed since the 11th century. The beautiful cathedral, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christendom next to Rome and Jerusalem, also dates back to this time. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the old city. A special ritual takes place here – the Botafumeiro, where a huge thurible is swung through the magnificent transept.

Norman warriors, Turkish pirates and English privateers – for centuries, armies from all over the world attacked Vigo. For its protection, the city on the Atlantic built huge fortresses whose ruins still characterize the cityscape today. From the castle hill, there is a magnificent view over the red roofs of Vigo to the Cíes Islands National Park, large parts of which incorporate the sea and three uninhabited islands. Along beautiful hiking trails along imposing cliffs, dune landscapes and small forests, discover the diverse flora and fauna. Another well-kept secret is its stunning beaches: a British newspaper even called Playa de Rodas the most beautiful beach in the world.

Porto considers itself the country's secret capital. The narrow lanes of the historic old town "Ribeira", a UNESCO World Heritage Site, extend in terraces up the slope overlooking the Douro. The former working class district has blossomed into a beautifully restored trendy neighbourhood. A student of Gustave Eiffel created the bold design for the bridge, which stretches over the river in a wide arc and links the Ribeira with Vila Nova da Geia and its 50 port wineries that lie on the other side. The best way to reach the incredible Douro Valley and the countryside of the Alto Douro wine region, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is by river.

The most beautiful approach to the Portuguese capital is to travel up the River Tagus. One of the city's most famous landmarks has been greeting visitors right on the estuary since 1521 – the Torre de Belém. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and transports you back to the glory days when Portugal was a naval power. There are many landmarks, such as the facades of the houses decorated with azulejos tilework and the ancient trams that rattle through the city. But Lisbon has many different sides. Joie de vivre comes face to face with the melancholy of Fado music, winding lanes in the old city meet wide boulevards, while magnificent churches and austere monasteries show the two sides of former religious faith.

The most beautiful approach to the Portuguese capital is to travel up the River Tagus. One of the city's most famous landmarks has been greeting visitors right on the estuary since 1521 – the Torre de Belém. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and transports you back to the glory days when Portugal was a naval power. There are many landmarks, such as the facades of the houses decorated with azulejos tilework and the ancient trams that rattle through the city. But Lisbon has many different sides. Joie de vivre comes face to face with the melancholy of Fado music, winding lanes in the old city meet wide boulevards, while magnificent churches and austere monasteries show the two sides of former religious faith.

Itineraries are subject to change.