Star Pride, Beneath a Spanish Sun: Mediterranean Treasures ex Lisbon to Bordeaux

22 Night Cruise sailing from Lisbon to Bordeaux onboard Star Pride.

Highlights of this cruise:

Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. a lively and multicultural place. Pre World War I wooden trams clank up steep gradients, past mosaic pavements and Art Nouveau cafés, and the medieval, village-like quarter of Alfama hangs below the city's castle.

Modern Lisbon has kept an easy-going pace and boasts a vibrant, cosmopolitan identity from large communities of Africans and Asians. In 1994, Lisbon was European City of Culture, while in 1998 the city hosted the last great Expo of the millennium.

There are few monuments and little art in Lisbon, largely due to the 1755 earthquake. There is one building from Portugal's golden age – the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos at Belém – that is the equal of any monument in the country. More modern developments include the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian museum complex and the Tómas Taveira's amazing postmodernist shopping centre at Amoreiras.

Malaga
This lovely capital of Spain's Costa del Sol has an ancient history that goes back to Phoenician times. Presiding over the city is the majestic Moorish citadel, the Alcazaba. Visit Pablo Picasso's birthplace in the Plaza de la Merced or some of the beautiful old churches: Sagrario with its 16th century alter and Santiago with its Moorish tower. Venture to hilltop Mijas for an enchanting example of an Andalusian village.

Málaga is surrounded by mountains, lying in the southern base of the Axarquía hills, and two rivers, the Guadalmedina (on the left bank) and the Guadalhorce, flow near the city into the Mediterranean. The inner city of Málaga is just behind the harbour. The quarters of El Perchel, La Trinidad and Lagunillas surround this centre.

Apart from all the cultural attractions, Malaga is a perfect location to enjoy life. The relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere and the perfect climate attract many tourists.

The people in Malaga (Malagueños), are known for going out at night for a chat, a drink or to eat out. The town therefore has a great variation of restaurants, bars and bodegas, which are normally busy throughout the week. The Malagueños are also known for loving everything about their town and are particularly proud of their world famous citizen, the painter Pablo Picasso.

Vigo
The city of Vigo is located in the Galician province of Pontevedra and situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Spain. Vigo is considered to be one of the finest natural harbours in the world. The city boasts a traditional port area, major historic buildings and wide tree-lined avenues.

The historic quarter, the Cidade Vella, is located near the old maritime quarter of O Berbés, near the port. Situated in this quarter, are the arcades around the Plaza de la Constitución, fishing streets and emblazoned houses. Attractions in this network of tiny streets, is the Collegiate Church of Santa María and the do Pedra market.

The newer part of Vigo occupies a triangle formed by the Puerta del Sol, Colón and Urzáiz. Lining the wide avenues are notable buildings, one being the García Barbón Cultural Centre. The modern sector contains one of the best miradors over the Vigo estuary, the Monte do Castro mount.

Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a port city in the south west of France. It is the capital city of the Aquitaine region and is famous for its many varieties of wine, which are considered among the best in the world.

Bordeaux is a historical city with many tourist attractions. The city itself boasts elegant neoclassical architecture, wide avenues, and attractive public squares and parks. The centre of town lies between Place Gambetta and the Garonne River. There are many fascinating museums and art galleries, excellent shopping and beautiful gardens to enjoy.

Bordeaux also offers a great selection of cafes and restaurants in the Place de la Victoire, the Place du Parlement or the Rue de Parlement Sainte Catherine. Sample some of Bordeaux’s lively nightlife by checking out the city’s late night dance venues on the Quai de Paludate.