Windstar Cruises Northern Europe: 18 nights from Lisbon with Star Explorer
May 13, 2027

Leixoes

Vigo

Set sail on a captivating cruise from Vigo, Spain, a vibrant port city in Galicia, known for its stunning Rías Baixas, fresh seafood, and rich maritime history. Vigo offers a picturesque departure point for exploring the rugged beauty of the Galician coast, the Portuguese coastline, and Atlantic routes. Experience its lively atmosphere and culinary delights before embarking on a journey filled with historical discoveries and breathtaking ocean views.

Gijon

On the coasts of the Cantabrian Sea, Gijón offers an interesting combination of maritime tradition, monumental heritage and modern urbanism right by the sea.

It is a modern, welcoming and open city full of green spaces, sports facilities and protected artistic heritages that have been recently restored. Gijón is the venue for numerous fairs, conferences, large concerts and cultural and sporting events. All this has been possible thanks to the improvement of the connections between Gijón and the rest of Asturias and Spain.
Its very original center, with its narrow cobbled streets, attracts many tourists, and the Cerro de Santa Catalina park on the tip of the Cimadevilla peninsula offers a splendid view of the coast.
It has a temperate oceanic climate typical of the Atlantic coast of Spain, with cool summers and humid and mostly mild winters. Autumn and spring offer the best climate and in summer there is almost no rain.
Its life and culture, the people, the landscape and the gastronomy all mixed together offer visitors and citizens a great and diverse experience.

Bilbao

Bilbao, located on the Northern coast of Iberian Peninsula, is the ideal starting point to visit this area of Spain. Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, discover its culture and absorb its mild climate. With one of Europe's largest ports, the vibrant city has been able to invest in a redevelopment plan, trasforming its brownfield sites into cutting-edge cultural and architectural venues.

But it is its historic center, which continues to fascinate with its stores, alleys and monuments. The city was officially founded in the 1300s, consolidating its economic position. Thanks to the exploitation of mining and steel industry areas, port and ship activity and its financial center, the city became one of the most important cities during the Industrial Revolution. 

A modern and transportation network connects Bilbao to other cities in Spain. Thanks to its beautiful beaches, the city is the ideal destination for beach lovers. Beaches are not the only attractions in Bilbao, there are very fascinating places besides the beautiful beaches: the Cathedral of Santiago, located in the heart of the Old Town (Casco Viejo) is dedicated to the apostle Santiago, the official patron saint of the city of Bilbao since 1643.

Built at the end of the 14th century in the Gothic style, the neo-Gothic tower and façade were made by Severino Achúcarro in late 1887. The Old Bridge of San Antonio is located next to the church of the same name. Pablo de Alzola and Ernesto Hoffmeyer built a second bridge in 1877 but it was destroyed during the Civil War in 1937. San Antonio Bridge dates from the early 20th century, also known as the Atxuri Bridge, connecting the old neighborhood to the rest of the city. For nature lovers, the city is surrounded by a fertile landscape of forests, mountains, beaches, and cliffs that make Bilbao a tourist destination. A holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

San Sebastian

St. Jean De Luz

St. Jean De Luz

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

La Rochelle

St Malo

St Malo

Caen

London

London is not only the capital of the United Kingdom but is also its political, economic, cultural and financial center. The city boasts the largest number of museums, libraries and stadiums worldwide. Together with New York and Hong Kong, it represents an important global financial center. London is home to some of the most important companies in the world and 7 of the top 100 universities in the world.

Coming here you can't miss the following attractions:

1. London Eye (The British Airways London Eye): the London Eye is one of London's most iconic tourist attractions, located on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. At night, the lights of the London Eye twinkle and the revolving London Eye becomes the most beautiful show along the Thames. You can sit on the Ferris wheel with your family and friends and admire all of London.

2. British Museum (British Museum): is the largest museum in Great Britain and is one of the four most important museums in the world. The museum houses a large number of precious relics from all over the world, such as the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon stone sculpture and the head of Ramses II. There are also many valuable documents and manuscripts. If you like museums, this is the place for you!

3. Buckingham Palace: whose name means "house of others" is located in the West End of London, on the west side of James Park. Once the residence of the British royal family, the king's palace is now the seat of the British Parliament. If you are lucky, you might also come across the changing of the guard ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace.

4. Tower Bridge: the city is crossed by the River Thames and many bridges with different styles connect the different banks. One of the most beautiful bridges in the city is Tower Bridge, which has now become a symbol of the city. Tower Bridge is one of the most famous and recognizable bridges in the world, so much so that it has become one of the distinctive symbols of the city. Located in London on the River Thames near the Tower of London, it takes its name from the latter.