From Sea Breeze to Vineyard

Creativity runs deep in historic Porto, perched on the edge of the Atlantic and the emerald vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley. You’ll see it in the distinctive blue azuleo tiles that decorate the walls of Igreja do Carmo and Capela das Almas and bring vibrancy to the neo-gothic cloisters of Porto Cathedral. You’ll find it in the carved wooden interior of Livraria Lello, one of the oldest bookstores in Europe (hint: it may have been inspiration for Hogwarts in Harry Potter novels), and the architecture of the riverside Ribeira neighborhood. Amble across the Dom Luís I Bridge, and alchemy is found in Porto’s historic cellars, where ruby red Port wine is aged in oak barrels and uncorked in centuries-old tasting rooms, or served alongside river-view terraces at sunset over the Douro River.

Halfway between San Sebastien and Santander, Bilbao is the heart of Spain’s Basque Country, where language, culture and identity are proudly unique. Once a gritty tangle of shipyards and steelworks, now a powerhouse of art and culture, Bilbao’s evolution is embodied in Frank Gehry’s iconic Guggenheim Museum. Its twisted titanium façade will grab your attention, but Bilbao’s soul is found in bustling markets and creative kitchens, from Michelin-starred dining to casual pintxos bars in Casco Viejo, the storied old quarter. Gorge on grilled octopus under the colonnades of Plaza Nueva with a chilled glass of sparkling txakoli wine, or a thick cut txuleton steak with a full-bodied Rioja, before riding the funicular to Mount Artxanda’s summit to take in sweeping views of the Nervión estuary. 

Esteemed worldwide for its prestigious appellations, Bordeaux is the undisputed capital of wine. From legendary Left Bank labels in Pauillac and Margaux to the regal Right Bank château of Saint Émilion and Pomerol, the region is an Eden for oenophiles. Beyond the vineyards, Bordeaux is a celebration of 18th-century grandeur, split in two by the Garonne. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed center is an urban masterpiece of neoclassical and baroque architecture. You'll marvel at the Place de la Bourse, admire Victor Louis' magnificent Grand Théâtre and wander through triumphant medieval gateways. Fine wine is always accompanied by generous dining and there is no shortage of prestigious menus at generations-old restaurants hidden among Bordeaux’s atmospheric alleyways.