France, Spain & Portugal Cruise: Bordeaux, Bilbao & Porto

The France, Spain & Portugal Cruise: Bordeaux, Bilbao & Porto is a 11-night Northern Europe cruise aboard Azamara Quest, operated by Azamara. Departing Portsmouth, UK on September 2, 2028, the voyage visits 9 ports.

Length: 11 nights
Departs: Sep 2, 2028
Returns: Sep 13, 2028
Ports of call: 9
Days at sea: 1

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Itinerary

Day 1 Sep 2, 2028 Portsmouth, UK Departs 18:00 A cruise along the English coast offers numerous sights, time-honored harbors and breathtaking landscapes. If your cruise takes you to Portsmouth in the south of Great Britain, there is a lot to discover: Lively shipping tradition in the Historic Dockyard, the interesting Royal Navy Submarine Museum or Southsea Castle with a breathtaking view of the English Channel are just a small part of it. Experience England with all of its history, unique culture and the best shopping in Portsmouth Harbor! Portsmouth, UK port guide Search cruises visiting Portsmouth, UK

Portsmouth, UK photo — Day 1 Sep 2, 2028 Portsmouth, UK Departs 18:00 A cruise along the English coast offers numerous sights, time-honored harbors and breathtaking landscapes. If your cruise takes you to Portsmouth in the south of Great Britain, there is a lot to discover: Lively shipping tradition in the Historic Dockyard, the interesting Royal Navy Submarine Museum or Southsea Castle with a breathtaking view of the English Channel are just a small part of it. Experience England with all of its history, unique culture and the best shopping in Portsmouth Harbor! Portsmouth, UK port guide Search cruises visiting Portsmouth, UK

Day 2 Sep 3, 2028 Caen 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Caen is a port city and capital of Calvados department in northern France's Normandy region. Its center features the Château de Caen, a circa-1060 castle built by William the Conqueror. It stands on a hill flanked by the Romanesque abbeys of Saint-Étienne and Sainte-Trinité, which both date from the same period. The multimedia Mémorial museum is devoted to World War II, the 1944 Battle of Normandy and the Cold War. Caen port guide Search cruises visiting Caen

Caen photo — Day 2 Sep 3, 2028 Caen 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Caen is a port city and capital of Calvados department in northern France's Normandy region. Its center features the Château de Caen, a circa-1060 castle built by William the Conqueror. It stands on a hill flanked by the Romanesque abbeys of Saint-Étienne and Sainte-Trinité, which both date from the same period. The multimedia Mémorial museum is devoted to World War II, the 1944 Battle of Normandy and the Cold War. Caen port guide Search cruises visiting Caen

Day 3 Sep 4, 2028 St Malo, France 09:00 – 20:00 11.0 hrs ashore Ship sails flutter in the breeze, at the natural port of Saint-Malo - a historic and resilient walled city, which watches out over golden sands and island fortresses. Strung tenuously to the mainland, Saint Malo was the historic home of a rowdy mix of skilled sailors and new world explorers - as well as the plunderers who earned the place its 'Pirate City' title. Some of history's great voyages have launched from here - including Jacques Cartier's, which led to the settlement of New France and modern-day Quebec. View less Founded by a Welsh monk, who made his way here in the 6th century, Saint Malo's castle is forged from sheer granite, and its steep defensive ramparts arise defiantly. The atmospheric walled town turns its back to the mainland and gazes out longingly into the sea. Explore streets that breathe with maritime tales and medieval charm - restored from the intense damage sustained during the Second World War. Cathédrale de St Malo rises above the tight paths, offering views of the peppered islands and fortifications. Boatloads of fresh oysters and scallops are heaved ashore - savour them or grab savoury crepes galettes, stuffed with cheese and ham. Wash Saint Malo's foods down with a Brittany cider, which challenges wine as the indulgence of choice in these parts. A highly tidal region, the pocket-sized islands of Petit Bé and Grand Bé join the mainland, and you can explore at leisure as the tide recedes. The incredible island of Mont Saint Michel also looms in the estuary of the Couesnon River nearby, hovering like a cinematic mirage above high tide’s waters. Elsewhere, Cap Fréhel's lush green peninsula juts out from the emerald coast towards Jersey, tempting with rich coastal hiking trails. St Malo, France port guide Search cruises visiting St Malo, France

Day 5 Sep 6, 2028 Bordeaux Arrives 10:30 The name alone conjures images of sun-ripened grapes, splashes of refined flavour, and the joy of clinking glasses. Bordeaux is synonymous with quality and prestige, and the promise of endless opportunities to sample the city’s famous, full-bodied red wines makes a visit to this elegant French port city one to truly savour. Sprinkled with scenic, turret-adorned mansion castles, which stand above soil softened by the Atlantic and winding flow of the Garonne River, the vineyards of Bordeaux consistently produce revered wines, enjoyed right across the globe. Explore France’s largest wine region, walking through vineyards where dusty clumps of grapes hang, before descending into cellars to see the painstaking processes that make this region a global wine centre. The acclaimed, sensory experience of Cité du Vin wine museum lets you put your own nose to the test, learning more about the craft involved in producing world class vintages. Brush up on your wine knowledge, with our blog [insert You’ll Fall in Love with Wine in Bordeaux]. Bordeaux itself is an intoxicating blend of old and new – a fact perfectly illustrated by the Water Mirror. This living art installation has reinvigorated one of the city’s most important historical sites, and it feels as though you’re walking on water, as you step through the cooling mist of Place De La Bourse. The moisture generates a glorious mirrored composition of the 300-year-old elegant palatial architecture in front of you. Water also flows freely from the magnificent Monument aux Girondins statue, where horses rear up to extol the values of the Girondin revolutionaries. Marche des Quais – the city’s lively fish market – is the spot to try this wine capital’s freshest lemon-drizzled oysters and juicy prawns. Bordeaux port guide Search cruises visiting Bordeaux

Bordeaux photo — Day 5 Sep 6, 2028 Bordeaux Arrives 10:30 The name alone conjures images of sun-ripened grapes, splashes of refined flavour, and the joy of clinking glasses. Bordeaux is synonymous with quality and prestige, and the promise of endless opportunities to sample the city’s famous, full-bodied red wines makes a visit to this elegant French port city one to truly savour. Sprinkled with scenic, turret-adorned mansion castles, which stand above soil softened by the Atlantic and winding flow of the Garonne River, the vineyards of Bordeaux consistently produce revered wines, enjoyed right across the globe. Explore France’s largest wine region, walking through vineyards where dusty clumps of grapes hang, before descending into cellars to see the painstaking processes that make this region a global wine centre. The acclaimed, sensory experience of Cité du Vin wine museum lets you put your own nose to the test, learning more about the craft involved in producing world class vintages. Brush up on your wine knowledge, with our blog [insert You’ll Fall in Love with Wine in Bordeaux]. Bordeaux itself is an intoxicating blend of old and new – a fact perfectly illustrated by the Water Mirror. This living art installation has reinvigorated one of the city’s most important historical sites, and it feels as though you’re walking on water, as you step through the cooling mist of Place De La Bourse. The moisture generates a glorious mirrored composition of the 300-year-old elegant palatial architecture in front of you. Water also flows freely from the magnificent Monument aux Girondins statue, where horses rear up to extol the values of the Girondin revolutionaries. Marche des Quais – the city’s lively fish market – is the spot to try this wine capital’s freshest lemon-drizzled oysters and juicy prawns. Bordeaux port guide Search cruises visiting Bordeaux

Day 8 Sep 9, 2028 Bilbao 08:00 – 22:00 14.0 hrs ashore Whether it’s the flow of its boundary pushing architecture, delights of its finger food tapas, or sweeps of gorgeous shoreline nearby, Bilbao is a city that places a premium on aesthetics. The relentless drive to all things beautiful may be a reaction to the city’s industrial past, but it has led this Basque city to emerge as a new beacon of artistry. American architect Frank Gehry’s masterpiece of flowing metal is the shining standout here, a perfect harmony of smooth titanium and glass, and a thrilling piece in itself. Inside the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, world-class exhibitions are exhibited in the bright, expansive interior - which practically begs you to explore more. The city has gorgeous historical presence too. Casco Viejo - the medieval area - is its historic core, and home to the original seven streets and cathedral, dating back to the 14thcentury. Tall banks of coloured buildings rise either side as you walk, dwarfed by a tide of pretty facades, overflowing flower boxes, and intricate rail balconies. Plaza Nueva is Bilbao’s neoclassical square, with a procession of arches all around you. Morning flea markets regularly overtake it, offering opportunities to pick through piles of coins, dusty books and rusted antiques on the hunt for bargains, in this most elegant setting. The titanic Mercado de la Ribera market looms tall by the river. Explore to eat your way through an endless pile of Basque pintxos – the local take on tapas. Cocktail sticks will quickly stack up as you gorge on plump olives, organic cheeses, and feather thin slices of curled hams, while orbiting Europe’s largest covered market. Described as a perfect blend of beauty and function by UNESCO, the Vizcaya Bridge is an unusual but spectacular piece of industrial architecture. The world’s oldest, gigantic transporter crane is still in use today, swinging cars and passengers from one side of the gaping Nervion River’s mouth to the other. Bilbao port guide Search cruises visiting Bilbao

Bilbao photo — Day 8 Sep 9, 2028 Bilbao 08:00 – 22:00 14.0 hrs ashore Whether it’s the flow of its boundary pushing architecture, delights of its finger food tapas, or sweeps of gorgeous shoreline nearby, Bilbao is a city that places a premium on aesthetics. The relentless drive to all things beautiful may be a reaction to the city’s industrial past, but it has led this Basque city to emerge as a new beacon of artistry. American architect Frank Gehry’s masterpiece of flowing metal is the shining standout here, a perfect harmony of smooth titanium and glass, and a thrilling piece in itself. Inside the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, world-class exhibitions are exhibited in the bright, expansive interior - which practically begs you to explore more. The city has gorgeous historical presence too. Casco Viejo - the medieval area - is its historic core, and home to the original seven streets and cathedral, dating back to the 14thcentury. Tall banks of coloured buildings rise either side as you walk, dwarfed by a tide of pretty facades, overflowing flower boxes, and intricate rail balconies. Plaza Nueva is Bilbao’s neoclassical square, with a procession of arches all around you. Morning flea markets regularly overtake it, offering opportunities to pick through piles of coins, dusty books and rusted antiques on the hunt for bargains, in this most elegant setting. The titanic Mercado de la Ribera market looms tall by the river. Explore to eat your way through an endless pile of Basque pintxos – the local take on tapas. Cocktail sticks will quickly stack up as you gorge on plump olives, organic cheeses, and feather thin slices of curled hams, while orbiting Europe’s largest covered market. Described as a perfect blend of beauty and function by UNESCO, the Vizcaya Bridge is an unusual but spectacular piece of industrial architecture. The world’s oldest, gigantic transporter crane is still in use today, swinging cars and passengers from one side of the gaping Nervion River’s mouth to the other. Bilbao port guide Search cruises visiting Bilbao

Day 9 Sep 10, 2028 Gijon 08:00 – 13:30 5.5 hrs ashore Gijón began as a fishing village nearly 3,000 years ago, according to the records of the Campa Torres Archaeological and Nature Reserve in Gijón. Today the city is an important port on the Atlantic coast of Spain. The historic fishing village, known as Cimadevilla, is located on a penninsula that divides the port in half. The village is the main tourist attraction of the city. Most of the streets are cobble stone and barely two cars wide. Many of the buildings have been renovated to display the colorful life of the village. Those that have not are evidence of centuries of construction designed to withstand the powerful forces of the Atlantic. A hike up the hill and through Cimadevilla leads to Cerro de Santa Catalina. It is a park on the tip of the pennisula that provides a view of the outstretched coastline forming the port. On the very edge of the penisula is a sculpture the size of a house, Eligio del Horizonte, or Praise of the Horizon. It is one of 16 large sculptures placed in public spaces throughout the city over the last decade. A brief look out to sea and the numerous cargo ships bring back the present. The busy commercial port is to the left. The port authority building not only houses plenty of information about the port, but also one of the cleanest public restrooms in Europe, at least at this time of the year. To the right is Playa del San Lorenzo, the main beach of the city, which in summer becomes very busy, too. During spring, the Atlantic brings cold nights, rainy mornings for the city and snow for the mountains nearby. By afternoon though, the clouds break off from the sea and the sun shines, urging everything on toward summer. Gijon port guide Search cruises visiting Gijon

Gijon photo — Day 9 Sep 10, 2028 Gijon 08:00 – 13:30 5.5 hrs ashore Gijón began as a fishing village nearly 3,000 years ago, according to the records of the Campa Torres Archaeological and Nature Reserve in Gijón. Today the city is an important port on the Atlantic coast of Spain. The historic fishing village, known as Cimadevilla, is located on a penninsula that divides the port in half. The village is the main tourist attraction of the city. Most of the streets are cobble stone and barely two cars wide. Many of the buildings have been renovated to display the colorful life of the village. Those that have not are evidence of centuries of construction designed to withstand the powerful forces of the Atlantic. A hike up the hill and through Cimadevilla leads to Cerro de Santa Catalina. It is a park on the tip of the pennisula that provides a view of the outstretched coastline forming the port. On the very edge of the penisula is a sculpture the size of a house, Eligio del Horizonte, or Praise of the Horizon. It is one of 16 large sculptures placed in public spaces throughout the city over the last decade. A brief look out to sea and the numerous cargo ships bring back the present. The busy commercial port is to the left. The port authority building not only houses plenty of information about the port, but also one of the cleanest public restrooms in Europe, at least at this time of the year. To the right is Playa del San Lorenzo, the main beach of the city, which in summer becomes very busy, too. During spring, the Atlantic brings cold nights, rainy mornings for the city and snow for the mountains nearby. By afternoon though, the clouds break off from the sea and the sun shines, urging everything on toward summer. Gijon port guide Search cruises visiting Gijon

Day 10 Sep 11, 2028 Vigo 10:00 – 20:00 10.0 hrs ashore Few cities enjoy such a magnificent natural setting as Vigo. Arrayed along the sloping southern shoreline of its namesake estuary, it enjoys superb views not only of the bay itself, surrounded by green forest ridges, but also out towards the ocean. It’s undeniably magnificent when seen from your MSC cruise ship as it enters the harbour during its tour of the Northern Europe. These days, cruise passengers mingle with tourists arriving at the Estación Marítima de Ría off the Cangas ferry, and set off to explore the steep, cobbled streets that climb up into Vigo’s old city, known as O Berbés and crammed with shops, bars and restaurants. Along the seafront early in the morning, kiosks revive fishermen with strong coffee, while there and in the lively daily market hall nearby, the Mercado da Pedra, their catch is sold. Immediately below, on the aptly named Rúa da Pescadería, women set out plates of fresh oysters on permanent granite tables to tempt passers-by. A stiff but enjoyable excursion up from the old town, mostly along stone staircases, brings you to the top of the Castro hill. So named for the circular ancient ruins still visible on one side, and also the site of a seventeenth-century castle, the hill enjoys comprehensive views. The Museo Quiñones de León is the focal point of the large Parque de Castrelos, the extensive formal gardens and woodlands which begin 2km southwest of Castro hill. A nice excursion from Vigo is Pontevedra: a lovely old city, set slightly back from the sea at the point where the Río Lérez begins to widen out into the bay. A maze of pedestrianized flagstoned alleyways, interspersed with colonnaded squares, granite crosses and squat stone houses with floral balconies, the old quarter is always lively, making it perfect for a night out enjoying the local food and drink. Vigo port guide Search cruises visiting Vigo

Vigo photo — Day 10 Sep 11, 2028 Vigo 10:00 – 20:00 10.0 hrs ashore Few cities enjoy such a magnificent natural setting as Vigo. Arrayed along the sloping southern shoreline of its namesake estuary, it enjoys superb views not only of the bay itself, surrounded by green forest ridges, but also out towards the ocean. It’s undeniably magnificent when seen from your MSC cruise ship as it enters the harbour during its tour of the Northern Europe. These days, cruise passengers mingle with tourists arriving at the Estación Marítima de Ría off the Cangas ferry, and set off to explore the steep, cobbled streets that climb up into Vigo’s old city, known as O Berbés and crammed with shops, bars and restaurants. Along the seafront early in the morning, kiosks revive fishermen with strong coffee, while there and in the lively daily market hall nearby, the Mercado da Pedra, their catch is sold. Immediately below, on the aptly named Rúa da Pescadería, women set out plates of fresh oysters on permanent granite tables to tempt passers-by. A stiff but enjoyable excursion up from the old town, mostly along stone staircases, brings you to the top of the Castro hill. So named for the circular ancient ruins still visible on one side, and also the site of a seventeenth-century castle, the hill enjoys comprehensive views. The Museo Quiñones de León is the focal point of the large Parque de Castrelos, the extensive formal gardens and woodlands which begin 2km southwest of Castro hill. A nice excursion from Vigo is Pontevedra: a lovely old city, set slightly back from the sea at the point where the Río Lérez begins to widen out into the bay. A maze of pedestrianized flagstoned alleyways, interspersed with colonnaded squares, granite crosses and squat stone houses with floral balconies, the old quarter is always lively, making it perfect for a night out enjoying the local food and drink. Vigo port guide Search cruises visiting Vigo

Day 11 Sep 12, 2028 Leixoes, Portugal 07:00 – 15:30 8.5 hrs ashore Porto, Portugal's second largest city after Lisbon, is one of Europe's oldest cities and was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Of course, Porto's name itself hints at perhaps Portugal's most famous export—port—for it is here that the fortified wine was first produced. The city is reminiscent of times gone by and you wouldn’t be far wrong to liken it to an ideal Shakespearean backdrop. Here, the skyline is composed of sky-high bell towers, opulent baroque churches and majestic beaux art buildings, which combine to create a romantic air that’s only heightened by the glorious shafts of sunlight that illuminate the city.

Lisbon photo — Day 12 Sep 13, 2028 Lisbon Arrives 06:30 Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city open to the sea and carefully planned with 18th-century elegance. Its founder is said to be the legendary Ulysses, but the theory of an original Phoenician settlement is probably more realistic. Known in Portugal as Lisboa, the city was inhabited by the Romans, Visigoths and, beginning in the 8th century, the Moors. Much of the 16th century was a period of great prosperity and overseas expansion for Portugal. Tragedy struck on All Saints' Day in 1755 with a devastating earthquake that killed about 40,000 people. The destruction of Lisbon shocked the continent. As a result, the Baixa (lower city) emerged in a single phase of building, carried out in less than a decade by the royal minister, the Marques de Pombal. His carefully planned layout of a perfect neo-classical grid survived to this day and remains the heart of the city. Evidence of pre-quake Lisbon can still be seen in the Belém suburb and the old Moorish section of the Alfama that sprawls below the Castle of St. George. Lisbon is a compact city on the banks of the Tagus River. Visitors find it easy to get around as many places of interest are in the vicinity of the central downtown area. There is a convenient bus and tram system and taxis are plentiful. Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon since medieval times, is an ideal place to start exploring. After a fire destroyed parts of the historic neighborhood behind Rossio in 1988, many of the restored buildings emerged with modern interiors behind the original façades. The city boasts a good many monuments and museums, such as the Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Belém, the Royal Coach Museum and the Gulbenkian Museum. High above the Baixa is the Bairro Alto (upper city) with its teeming nightlife. The easiest way to connect between the two areas is via the public elevator designed by Gustave Eiffel. Cruising up the Tagus River to the ship's berth, you can already spot three of Lisbon's famous landmarks: the Monument to the Discoveries, the Tower of Belém and the Statue of Christ, which welcomes visitors from its hilltop location high above Europe's longest suspension bridge. Lisbon port guide Search cruises visiting Lisbon

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Show all 27 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom	P1	Balcony
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom	P2	Balcony
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom	P3	Balcony
Club Veranda Stateroom	V1	Balcony
Club Veranda Stateroom	V2	Balcony
Club Veranda Stateroom	V3	Balcony
Club Veranda Stateroom - Guaranteed	X	Balcony
Club Veranda Plus Stateroom - Guaranteed	XP	Balcony
Club Interior Stateroom	09	Inside
Club Interior Stateroom	10	Inside
Club Interior Stateroom	11	Inside
Club Interior Stateroom	12	Inside
Interior Stateroom - Guaranteed	Z	Inside
Club Oceanview Stateroom	04	Oceanview
Club Oceanview Stateroom	05	Oceanview
Club Oceanview Stateroom	06	Oceanview
Club Oceanview Stateroom (Obstructed View)	08	Oceanview
Oceanview Stateroom - Guaranteed	Y	Oceanview
Club Ocean Suite	CO	Suite
Panorama Suite Stateroom	CS	Suite
Club World Owners Suite	CW	Suite
Grandview Suite Stateroom	E1	Suite
Club Continent Suite	N1	Suite
Club Continent Suite	N2	Suite
Club Spa Suite	SP	Suite
Suite - Guaranteed	W	Suite