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Free Drinks Package

Exploring the Landscapes of España Verde

S2523

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Urkiola Natural Park Views of Urkiola Natural Park, Spain
21 Aug 2025
Southampton
5 nights
Borealis

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Uncover the lush, mountainous side to Spain as we sail along its northern shores. Delight in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cantabrian Mountains, the limestone cliffs and deep valleys of Urkiola Natural Park, and the pristine Gorbeia Natural Park. Immerse yourself in diverse Spanish lifestyles; Cantabria offers mountain hikes and the spirited Jota Montañesa dance, while the Basque Country is known for its Rioja, pintxos, bertsolaritza (improvised poetry), and the traditional Basque pelota ball game. We’ve also timed your cruise to coincide with the vibrant Aste Negusia Basque festival. Admire remarkable art and architecture created to rejuvenate the cultural landscape, such as Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum.

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Highlights

Cantabrian mountains, Asturias Spain

Discover España Verde

Our journey planners have carefully planned this tour on board Borealis to allow you to explore the verdant landscapes and picturesque coastlines of "España Verde," or "Green Spain." From Santander, you can explore the Cantabrian Mountains, which span Asturias, Cantabria, Castile, León, and the Basque Country, and are known for their untamed terrain and expansive vistas; while Urkiola Natural Park, accessed from Getxo, is known for its diverse landscapes, limestone mountains, lush valleys and dense forests, offering a haven for flora and fauna. 

Pintxos, tapas, Spanish canapes, finger food

The Cantabrian Way Of Life

Throughout your 2025 cruise to Northern Spain, there will be numerous opportunities for you to immerse youself in the rich Galician culture. Getxo is your gateway to the lush vineyards of the Basque Country, one of Spain's most well-known wine regions and the source of some of the best Rioja wine. You will also get to sample some of the region's speciality dishes, such as Cocido montañés - a hearty bean and meat stew, and Pintxos, which are tapas like nibbles. Listen to the region's traditional improvised poetry known as "Bertsolaritza", sung by a local bertsolaris, and join a "Jota Montañesa" dance of lively footwork and colourful costumes. You may wish to have a go at learning Euskara, a native dialect spoken in the Basque Country and thought to be the oldest language still in use in Europe, or the Cantabrian language of Montañés.

The Guggenheim museum, Bilbao, Spain

The culture of Northern Spain

Each destination on this Borealis cruise is intended to present some of Northern Spain's most impressive cultural highlights. Join us on a tour of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, well-known for its avant-garde architecture and diverse art collection and for transforming the city into a global cultural destination whilst driving tourism and urban renewal. Also in Bilbao is Azkuna Zentroa, a centre for culture and art, while the Iberdrola Tower is a symbol of the city's modernisation, and well worth a visit. In Santander, do make time to visit the cultural hubs of Centro Botín and Palacio de Festivales, used for celebrations of local artists and for hosting diverse performances and events; and Magdalena Palace, all of which display architecture that has rejuvenated the city's cultural landscape.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Life On Board

Introducing Borealis

Sister ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world. 

Borealis at sea at sunset
Borealis at sea at sunset

Borealis

Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.

702 cabins
1,360 guests
662 crew
61,849 GT
25kts max speed
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Your Guest Speakers

We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.

Thom Gorst
Art & Architecture

Dr. Thom Gorst

Architect, historian and teacher of art and architecture, Thom Gorst will be speaking about the art and achitecture of the Guggenheim and Santiago de Compostela.

A photo of guest speaker Mike Eyley
Spanish Culture

Mike Eyley

Mike was raised bilingual in Spain and has built a diverse career, excelling in the leisure industry, education, and acquiring extensive knowledge in Spanish history, culture, food, and wine. He will be joining us on board to deliver a series of engaging talks about Spanish culture.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 19:00 15/10/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 19:00 15/10/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Freedom Fare From £1,799 pp
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Suite

Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Adapted Suites have a balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Freedom Fare From £1,799 pp
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Suite

Balcony Suite (BS)

Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.

Freedom Fare From £1,899 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Borealis' Premier Suites are located on Bridge deck, and have a private balcony.

Freedom Fare From £2,499 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

Borealis' Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on Bridge deck.

Freedom Fare From £2,499 pp
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Suite

Olsen Suite (OW)

The Olsen Suite is the largest suite on Borealis, with a private balcony and sitting area.

Freedom Fare From £3,299 pp
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Cruise Offers

FREE Drinks Package Upgrade   Freedom Fare

What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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