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

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

From EUR €4,922

Description

This coastal voyage links northern Spain with Portugal, combining historic cities, Atlantic landscapes, and celebrated maritime routes. Sailing from Bilbao, the itinerary follows the green shores of Asturias and Galicia, with calls at Gijón, A Coruña, and Vigo, gateways to medieval towns, pilgrimage traditions, and protected island nature reserves. The journey continues south to Porto, renowned for its riverside quarters and wine heritage, before concluding with a scenic passage up the Tagus River to Lisbon, where grand architecture and centuries of seafaring history frame the end of the voyage.

Trip Name
On a Voyage of Discovery from the Basque Country to Portuguese City Life
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-mast full-rigged ship Length: 138 meters Passenger Capacity: 136 Built: 2021 SEA CLOUD SPIRIT is a modern three-mast, full-rigged windjammer launched in 2021, combining traditional sailing heritage with contemporary shipbuilding and engineering. With an overall length of 138 metres and carrying up to 4,100 m² of sail across 28 sails, she is one of the largest and most advanced sailing cruise ships in the world. Built under the Maltese flag, the vessel accommodates a maximum of 136 passengers supported by a crew of approximately 85, preserving an intimate onboard atmosphere while delivering authentic tall-ship sailing. In addition to her classic rigging, SEA CLOUD SPIRIT is equipped with efficient diesel-electric propulsion, ensuring modern operational reliability alongside genuine sail-powered navigation. Onboard, the ship offers 69 outside cabins and suites, many with private balconies, all fitted with high-end amenities and refined finishes. Public spaces include a panoramic restaurant, lido bar and bistro, elegant lounge with a Steinway grand piano, library, sun deck, and boutique. A full wellness and spa area, fitness centre with ocean views, swim platform, water sports equipment, and Zodiac boats support both relaxation and active exploration. Designed as a true sailing vessel rather than a conventional cruise ship, SEA CLOUD SPIRIT sets a benchmark for combining windjammer tradition, spacious design, and 21st-century comfort at sea.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Bilbao, Spain
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 Gijón, Spain
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.
Day 3 - Day 3 Day under full sails
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.
Day 4 - Day 4 A Coruña, Spain
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.
Day 5 - Day 5 Vigo, Spain
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.
Day 6 - Day 6 Porto (Leixões), Portugal
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.
Day 7 - Day 7 Passage on the Tagus & Lisbon, Portugal
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.
Day 8 - Day 8 Lisbon, Portugal
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.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-07-202727-07-2027EUR €4,922Category E: Superior Cabins, Outside. From
20-07-202727-07-2027EUR €5,772Category D: De Luxe Cabins, Outside. From
20-07-202727-07-2027EUR €6,112Category F: Superior Single Cabins, Outside. From
20-07-202727-07-2027EUR €6,622Category C: De Luxe Lido Cabins, Outside. From
20-07-202727-07-2027EUR €7,812Category B: Junior Suites With Balcony. From
20-07-202727-07-2027EUR €8,832Category A: Suites With Balcony. From

Inclusions

    • Delightful Pre-Cruise Program: Bilbao’s modern architecture and delicious wines.
    • Medieval Oviedo: Stroll through the Asturian capital along ancient cobblestone streets.
    • Thrilling Santiago de Compostela: Inspiring pilgrimage site and destination of the Way of St James.
    • Island Paradise for Birdwatchers, Beach lovers and Hikers: The Islas Cíes nature reserve.
    • Sip on Sherry and Port Wine: Visit the wine cellars of Porto
    • Passage Up the Tagus: Enjoy breathtaking views of Lisbon, the charismatic explorer capital perched on seven hills.

Map