Cruising to the Heart of Seville & Bordeaux

The Spanish city of Avilés in the north-western province of Asturias, is steeped in history and architectural gems just waiting to be discovered. A former maritime and farming town, the scenic city of Avilés is now one of the country’s most important industrial centres.

The city centre remains stylish and easy to navigate, with plenty of high street stores, pretty cafes and a number of museums and galleries to visit, while the Old Town quarter is Aviles’ finest feature.[ReadMoreMob]

Largely pedestrianised, the Old Town consists of several historic squares and plazas, interlinked by a series of pretty boulevards from centuries past. The collection of stunning historic buildings includes the Camposagrado Palace, the Palacio de Valdecarzana – Avilés’ sole example of civil medieval architecture – plus a number of outstanding Gothic churches such as San Nicolás and San Francisco.

Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and with one of the world’s finest natural ports, the Galician gem of Vigo has been an important part of Spain’s maritime industry for centuries. Boasting a wonderful historic quarter, modern marina and pretty centre, this city is alive with attractions.

The historic old quarter – like many of Vigo’s other attractions – is a great example of the influence the sea has had on the city.[ReadMoreMob] Located around the port, the Cidade Vella has narrow streets lined with old fishing houses and large markets selling locally caught seafood. The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria is a neoclassical cathedral built on the site of a grand gothic church that was burnt down by Francis Drake.

In the newer part of town, La Colegiata de la Santa Maria la Mayor is a fine 16th century church with an authentic Renaissance façade. The Pazo de Castrelos, dating from the 17th century, is home to the Quiñones de León Municipal Museum and contains a vast collection of paintings and artefacts that demand discovery. Elsewhere, the Castro de Vigo archaeological site has reconstructed ancient dwellings.

Vigo is a firm favourite with many visitors. Its mild climate, renowned estuary and golden beaches of the Rías Baixas, fine mariscada (seafood platter) cuisine and expansive culture all add up to something very special.

Compact, rich in history and famous for its flamenco, tapas bars and orange trees, the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville, is bursting with antique charm. Located on the plain of the Guadalquivir River, Seville’s old Roman city is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

World-renowned for flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighbourhood, the city’s significant landmarks include the ornate Moorish-Renaissance Alcázar Palace complex, and the 18th century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring. The colossal Gothic Seville Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb and the Giralda, an imposing bell tower built on a minaret.[ReadMoreMob]

Many arrive ready to soak up the atmosphere in the city’s old town and explore the cobbled streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter, [ReadMoreDesk]or rest on the banks of the Guadalquivir to admire the views of the stunning Metropol Parasol project, commonly known as Las Setas (Mushrooms), which helped to revitalise the Plaza de la Encarnación. It is the world’s largest wooden structure. 

The tapas scene is one of the main cultural attractions of Seville. Visitors go from one bar to another, enjoying the small dishes. Popular desserts include pestiños, a honey-coated fritter; torrijas, fried bread with honey; roscos fritos, sugar-coated ring doughnuts; and magdalenas, while Seville oranges grow on trees lining the city streets.

The Sevillanos are masters of the art of celebrating and the city’s great annual festivals, notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, are truly awe-inspiring Spanish occasions.

Compact, rich in history and famous for its flamenco, tapas bars and orange trees, the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville, is bursting with antique charm. Located on the plain of the Guadalquivir River, Seville’s old Roman city is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

World-renowned for flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighbourhood, the city’s significant landmarks include the ornate Moorish-Renaissance Alcázar Palace complex, and the 18th century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring. The colossal Gothic Seville Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb and the Giralda, an imposing bell tower built on a minaret.[ReadMoreMob]

Many arrive ready to soak up the atmosphere in the city’s old town and explore the cobbled streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter, [ReadMoreDesk]or rest on the banks of the Guadalquivir to admire the views of the stunning Metropol Parasol project, commonly known as Las Setas (Mushrooms), which helped to revitalise the Plaza de la Encarnación. It is the world’s largest wooden structure. 

The tapas scene is one of the main cultural attractions of Seville. Visitors go from one bar to another, enjoying the small dishes. Popular desserts include pestiños, a honey-coated fritter; torrijas, fried bread with honey; roscos fritos, sugar-coated ring doughnuts; and magdalenas, while Seville oranges grow on trees lining the city streets.

The Sevillanos are masters of the art of celebrating and the city’s great annual festivals, notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, are truly awe-inspiring Spanish occasions.

Cadiz, one of Europe's most ancient cities, hugs Andalusia’s sunlit Atlantic coast and is characterised by palm trees, lookout towers and weathered old buildings. Now into its fourth millennium, Cádiz's fascinating Old Town district features huge stone walls from the 1500s and is home to a wealth of historic highlights, including the beautifully crafted 18th century Cádiz Cathedral. 

Boasting over 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, traditionally used for spotting ships; traditional tapas bars serving delicious traditional cuisine and local seafood; and fascinating maritime history;[ReadMoreMob] Cádiz offers a plethora of authentic sights and experiences. The winding streets assume the feel of a carnival, packed-out with friendly locals and humming to the sounds of upbeat alegrías (flamenco songs). 

Cádiz is also the gateway to the stunning city of Seville, with its maze of courtyards, atmosphere old quarters and ornate churches and cathedrals.

Widely regarded as the world’s wine capital, the graceful French city of Bordeaux offers far more than just vineyards and claret. Having shaken off its rather sleepy image over the last few years, Bordeaux is now amongst France's most exciting and dynamic cities. While a sizeable number of the city's visitors are still enticed by the chance to taste what makes this wine-rich region so special, Bordeaux has many other surprising secrets.

Stretched along the banks of the Garonne River, this City of Art and History is home to 362 historic monuments, with some buildings dating back to Roman times.[ReadMoreMob] Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2007, Bordeaux’s historic centre is home to the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, 18th century mansions and popular art museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, and many other impressive treasures to discover. This urban and architectural ensemble includes public gardens that line the curving river quays, and the imposing Place de la Bourse, which overlooks the reflecting pool, Miroir d’Eau. The Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe, is a fine space to while away some hours. [ReadMoreDesk]

Alternatively, other distractions include barista-run coffee shops, delicious food trucks, and exceptional restaurants and, of course, more fine wine than can ever be possibly drunk.

Widely regarded as the world’s wine capital, the graceful French city of Bordeaux offers far more than just vineyards and claret. Having shaken off its rather sleepy image over the last few years, Bordeaux is now amongst France's most exciting and dynamic cities. While a sizeable number of the city's visitors are still enticed by the chance to taste what makes this wine-rich region so special, Bordeaux has many other surprising secrets.

Stretched along the banks of the Garonne River, this City of Art and History is home to 362 historic monuments, with some buildings dating back to Roman times.[ReadMoreMob] Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2007, Bordeaux’s historic centre is home to the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, 18th century mansions and popular art museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, and many other impressive treasures to discover. This urban and architectural ensemble includes public gardens that line the curving river quays, and the imposing Place de la Bourse, which overlooks the reflecting pool, Miroir d’Eau. The Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe, is a fine space to while away some hours. [ReadMoreDesk]

Alternatively, other distractions include barista-run coffee shops, delicious food trucks, and exceptional restaurants and, of course, more fine wine than can ever be possibly drunk.

The beautiful River Garonne is possibly south-west France's most important river, and arguably one of the region's most picturesque too. 

Serving a number of important towns and cities, including beautiful Bordeaux, the River Garonne flows through beautiful French countryside, presenting you with stunning views to enjoy from your smaller cruise ship.

Just upstream from Bordeaux, the Garonne meets the Dore River and forms Western Europe's largest estuary, the Gironde.