Cruising to the Heart of Seville & Bordeaux
This cruise has now set sail.
From sampling fine wines and tempting tapas to marvelling at the world’s largest gothic cathedral, there are plenty of diverse experiences to discover as Braemar brings you closer to five destinations in Spain and France, including beautiful Bordeaux and stunning Seville – Lonely Planet’s top cities to visit in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Your visits to Bordeaux and Seville are certain to be highlights of this 13-night summer sailing, thanks to your smaller cruise ship’s ability to navigate size-restricted waterways and sail straight into the heart of both cities. The gorgeous Guadalquivir River is your scenic route to Seville, where Braemar will dock overnight close to Parque de Maria Luisa and the iconic Plaza de España. You’ll be able to discover Seville’s very best attractions without losing time travelling to and from the ship; simply step ashore and explore to seek out sites such as the Moorish Alcázar Palace and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Your exploration begins at the end of the gangway in Bordeaux too; the famous landmarks of this French gem’s UNESCO-listed centre are within easy reach, while the nearby La Cité du Vin Museum offers a fascinating insight into the city’s legendary wine culture and cuisine. A full day here also affords you a chance to tour to the renowned Medoc vineyards; all before departing via the picturesque Gironde & Garonne rivers. [ReadMore]
As well as the delights of Seville, the Spanish leg of your adventure also packs in authentic cities in the picturesque regions of Galicia and Asturias, and another ancient Andalusian gem. There’s Avilés, where the modernist Óscar Niemeyer Centre – which Braemar will dock alongside – and a collection of fascinating historic architecture offer an interesting contrast. Here you could sample traditional Asturian cider at a charming rural cider house, too. On the northwest coast, Vigo is ripe for your exploration; sandy beaches, a stunning historic quarter and a scenic bay await. After Seville, three days in Andalusia concludes in Cádiz, where a maze of ancient cobblestone streets and alleys lead to a plethora of impressive historical landmarks and restaurants serving tempting tapas, which – according to legend – originated here. Authentic Andalusian flavours are also on offer at nearby Jerez, ‘sherry capital of the world’. On tour to Jerez, you can also visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art for a very special dressage show.