Wine & Culinary Delights of Spain, Portugal and France

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

Welcome to Spain's famous Costa del Sol and the ancient city of Malaga, where sunshine, history, and artistry intertwine. Málaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and the streets are filled with architectural delights, from colourful baroque designs to a historic Roman theatre.    

This afternoon, embark on a journey of unparalleled ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse II, your 6-star Discovery Yacht. Relax in your elegant suite, sip a drink on your private verandah, and toast to the beginning of an extraordinary voyage.  

Please book your flight to arrive into Malaga prior to 02:00 PM.

Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city.

At the northwestern tip of the African continent lies Tangier, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Tangier's allure is timeless, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and vibrant present.    

It’s known as the White City for the whitewashed houses strewn along winding streets, and many cultures and civilisations have left their mark here over centuries. A strong Spanish influence makes it an excellent showcase for Spanish-Moorish architecture and its celebrated café culture boasts over 1,000 establishments. Today, modernisation is in full swing and Tangier is the busiest port in the Mediterranean.

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

The historic city of Seville is around 100 kilometres from the coast, yet its position on the banks of the Guadalquivir River means Scenic Eclipse II can sail inland and dock right in its heart. Dating back to the days of the Roman Empire, the elegant capital of Andalusia is an architect's dream with striking styles ranging from the Gothic design of Cathedral de Santa María de la Sede to the Baroque style Iglesia Colegial del Salvador and strong Moorish influences.     

Your Discovery Yacht will be spending the night in Seville, giving you ample opportunity to sample the city’s famed culinary scene, small bars and flamenco dancing.

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

On your second day in Seville, seize the opportunity to explore beyond the city limits. Choose from a day trip to Cordoba, where you can marvel at the Mezquita-Catedral, or visit Jerez to sample its renowned sherry and witness equestrian traditions. Whichever experience you select, your day promises unforgettable experiences and lasting memories in southern Spain.  

Settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar tonight to enjoy your beverage of choice, reflecting on the day's discoveries.

Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive cruise port as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets—though sadly many of the more traditional retailers have closed in the wake of the global economic crisis. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled (lots of the coastal cruises depart from here). Don’t leave without stopping for an alfresco lunch at the Doca da Sardinha ("sardine dock") between the old bridge and the railway bridge. You can sit at one of many inexpensive establishments, eating charcoal-grilled sardines (a local specialty) accompanied by chewy fresh bread, simple salads, and local wine.

On the western Algarve, Portimão is a small port with a bustling historic centre. Spend the day exploring this former fishing town, where architectural masterpieces from the 19th and 20th century seamlessly blend with colourful contemporary structures, fronted by a breathtaking promenade. Visit the shops selling traditional lace, ceramics and leather goods, and dine in one of the many fantastic restaurants. Admire the steep limestone cliffs that surround its sandy beach of Praia da Rocha and swim in its turquoise waters.

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

This morning, you’ll arrive in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, the second-oldest city in Europe. This legendary harbour has been the starting point for seafaring expeditions for more than 500 years. Wander through the narrow streets of the Alfama district, where the sounds of Fado music drift from cosy taverns. Marvel at historic landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, testament to the city's rich maritime heritage. Indulge in local delicacies like pastéis de nata and fresh seafood at lively markets and quaint cafes. Embrace the city's artistic spirit at museums and galleries, or simply soak up the sun along the scenic waterfront.

Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using it as a trading post, Oporto has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of the fortified, sweet 'port' wine. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city was also awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2001. A large sandbar prevents ships from sailing into Oporto itself, so for over a century they have used nearby Leixões instead, a man-made seaport constructed nine miles from the city. Leixões is one of Portugal's major sea ports and is also home to one of the country's oldest football clubs, winners of the Taça de Portugal cup in 1961.

Spend the morning getting to know your 6-star Discovery Yacht before we arrive in port around midday. One of Portugal’s largest seaports, Leixões is just 8km from the heart of Porto. Located on the Douro River estuary, it’s the commercial centre of northern Portugal and a World Heritage-listed city of baroque splendour. It dates back to pre-Roman times and is the source of both the name Portugal and of the famed port wine. Stroll through the winding alleys, admire grand gothic and baroque architecture, see the public street art, greet the friendly locals, hear the rickety tram, and feel the breeze of the Atlantic.

El Ferrol has been inextricably linked to the sea for more than two millennia, being a major shipbuilding centre for most of its history. From its beginnings as a tiny fishing port in the 1st century BC, it endured conquests by Vandals, Suebis, Arabs and Christians. With the arrival of the Bourbons in the 18th century, Ferrol became a leading maritime centre, largely due to its large natural harbour on the Ferrol Inlet, an arm of the Atlantic. Now a large commercial port, Ferrol is also the gateway to the northern Spanish province of Galicia, a region noted for its green mountains, deep gorges and fast-flowing rivers. It is also well placed for visiting the medieval holy city of Santiago de Compostela. Interestingly, Ferrol's city centre is modelled on Lisbon in Portugal, a country with which it has strong historical and linguistic ties. The layout comprises of a rectangle lined with six parallel streets, with two squares on each side. These squares have the city's best shops, restaurants and bars.

Enjoy another slow start this morning, perhaps with a luxurious breakfast in bed or a morning yoga class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio. Scenic Eclipse II will arrive in Ferrol, on the northwestern tip of Spain, just after lunch.

Part of the region of Galicia, it has a rich history as a fishing village and strategic naval port. Explore stylish boutiques and Galician-style houses in the Magdalena neighbourhood, then visit the 18th century San Felipe Castle, where bulwarks and cannons defended the city. Around an hour inland, you can visit the World Heritage-listed city of Santiago de Compostela.

Embark on today's journey to Avilés, nestled in the picturesque Asturias region of northern Spain. The historic town is something of a hidden gem, known for its cultural vibrancy and relaxed ambience. Explore the enchanting old town, with well-preserved medieval buildings and churches dating back to the 13th century, and locals enjoying a glass of cider in the leady squares. Then stroll through the vibrant Plaza del Carbayedo, which hosts a bustling weekly market filled with local delicacies and lively chatter.

Time in Bilbao (Bilbo, in Euskera) may be recorded as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim or After Guggenheim). Never has a single monument of art and architecture so radically changed a city. Frank Gehry's stunning museum, Norman Foster's sleek subway system, the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge and airport, the leafy César Pelli Abandoibarra park and commercial complex next to the Guggenheim, and the Philippe Starck AlhóndigaBilbao cultural center have contributed to an unprecedented cultural revolution in what was once the industry capital of the Basque Country.Greater Bilbao contains almost 1 million inhabitants, nearly half the total population of the Basque Country. Founded in 1300 by Vizcayan noble Diego López de Haro, Bilbao became an industrial center in the mid-19th century, largely because of the abundance of minerals in the surrounding hills. An affluent industrial class grew up here, as did the working class in suburbs that line the Margen Izquierda (Left Bank) of the Nervión estuary.Bilbao's new attractions get more press, but the city's old treasures still quietly line the banks of the rust-color Nervión River. The Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)—also known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets)—is a charming jumble of shops, bars, and restaurants on the river's Right Bank, near the Puente del Arenal bridge. This elegant proto-Bilbao nucleus was carefully restored after devastating floods in 1983. Throughout the Casco Viejo are ancient mansions emblazoned with family coats of arms, wooden doors, and fine ironwork balconies. The most interesting square is the 64-arch Plaza Nueva, where an outdoor market is pitched every Sunday morning.Walking the banks of the Nervión is a satisfying jaunt. After all, this was how—while out on a morning jog—Guggenheim director Thomas Krens first discovered the perfect spot for his project, nearly opposite the right bank's Deusto University. From the Palacio de Euskalduna upstream to the colossal Mercado de la Ribera, parks and green zones line the river. César Pelli's Abandoibarra project fills in the half mile between the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna bridge with a series of parks, the Deusto University library, the Meliá Bilbao Hotel, and a major shopping center.On the left bank, the wide, late-19th-century boulevards of the Ensanche neighborhood, such as Gran Vía (the main shopping artery) and Alameda de Mazarredo, are the city's more formal face. Bilbao's cultural institutions include, along with the Guggenheim, a major museum of fine arts (the Museo de Bellas Artes) and an opera society (Asociación Bilbaína de Amigos de la Ópera, or ABAO) with 7,000 members from Spain and southern France. In addition, epicureans have long ranked Bilbao's culinary offerings among the best in Spain. Don't miss a chance to ride the trolley line, the Euskotram, for a trip along the river from Atxuri Station to Basurto's San Mamés soccer stadium, reverently dubbed "la Catedral del Fútbol" (the Cathedral of Football).

Welcome to Bilbao, one of the world’s great foodie destinations. The largest city in the Basque Country, it’s renowned for its incredible cuisine as well as its striking modern architecture, epitomised by the iconic Guggenheim Museum standing on the waterfront. Delve into its rich cultural heritage, discovering landmarks like the majestic 16th century Basílica de Begoña and Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s compact and captivating old quarter.

Indulge in the gastronomic delights and warm hospitality of pintxo bars and restaurants, showcasing traditional Basque fare. Bilbao offers a blend of contemporary allure and timeless charm, inviting you to immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere and cultural treasures. 

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

This morning, Scenic Eclipse II’s elegant and sleek design takes you where other ocean cruise ships are unable to reach. Sail inland along the Garonne River, surrounded by lush vineyards while the sun casts a golden glow upon Bordeaux’s elegant architecture. Look out for the spires of Saint-André Cathedral and the silhouette of the Grand Théâtre, icons of the city.  

The bustling quayside will be teeming with activity, from charming cafés and markets to street performers. The scent of freshly baked bread and aromatic coffee fills the air. An overnight stay means plenty of time to indulge in Bordeaux’s gourmet delights.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Your voyage draws to a close this morning in Bordeaux, a city steeped in elegance and renowned for its world-class wine. Savour one last splendid breakfast on board, reminiscing on the unforgettable moments shared during your cruise. Bid farewell to your fellow guests and the Scenic Eclipse II crew, then disembark to continue your travels or begin your journey home. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Bordeaux after 12:00 PM.

+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost.  

Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.