Italy, Africa & Iberia Discovery

Disembark your ship in Barcelona and transfer to the train station for a high-speed train to Zaragoza, Spain’s fifth-most populous city. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a walking tour of its notable landmarks, including the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites. After free time for lunch on your own, board your motor coach and transfer to San Sebastián to check in to your hotel. The evening is yours to spend at your leisure.

Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a panoramic drive to the hilltop setting of Monte Igueldo for views over the city. After time for photos, head to the old town for a leisurely walking tour to sample a selection of typical pintxos, the Basque region’s distinct version of tapas. The charismatic old town is a maze of medieval streets featuring shops, bars and hidden squares. Enjoy free time here to explore on your own before returning to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Today, visit Guernica, famously razed to the ground by German aircraft during the Spanish Civil War in 1937; the atrocity inspired Pablo Picasso’s painting. Next, head to Bermeo, a colorful town with a strong fishing heritage, for a guided tour and time to explore on your own. Continue to the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe viewpoint and a nearby restaurant for lunch, after which you may join a hike to the top of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe before heading to Bilbao and your hotel. (B, L)

See the sights of Bilbao’s old quarter and head to La Ribera to meet a local chef who will introduce you to the region’s cuisine, including its famous pintxos—small appetizers topped on a slice of baguette. At a local txoko, a traditional Basque restaurant, attend a cooking demonstration and sample the prepared dishes for lunch. Continue to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, to explore its repository of modern art. Return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Journey to Laguardia, the capital of the La Rioja Alavesa region, and take a guided walk around its medieval center. Continue to the Marques de Riscal City of Wine vineyard, one of Rioja’s most beloved winemakers, for a wine tasting and lunch. Considered the Spanish château of the 21st century, the vast complex combines historic cellars, award-winning dining and an avant-garde hotel designed by Frank Gehry. Enjoy a lunch of local dishes paired with wine before returning to your hotel. (B, L)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)