Culinary and wine delights of Spain and France on Windstar Cruise

The Windstar cruise line offers every guest a truly intimate experience on an exclusive yacht, which services less than 300 guests. This small cruise line allows you to spend more time with your family and friends, while receiving individualized and personal service from the Windstar staff. This tour will span the entire region of the Western Coast of Europe cruising through Portugal, Spain, and France. The trip finishes off in Ireland’s capital of Dublin.

The cruise begins in the port of Lisbon, Portugal, allowing the Windstar guests to tour one of the oldest cities in the world. Lisbon predates famous European capitals such as Paris, London, and even Rome. Guests can expect to see the city’s unique blend of ancient architecture such as long-standing churches, coupled with the modern lifestyle of many outdoor cafes paved with mosaic cobblestone.

The next stop in Portugal is the metropolitan area of Porto, one of the few cities in the country recognized as a global city. The city of Porto is internationally famous for Portugal’s famous wine, “Port Wine” which is packaged and exported all within the city.

Then the cruise drifts its way to Spain. The first stop is the city of El Ferrol, the capital of the Spanish Navy. Because of the military origins of the city, you can expect to spot themed architecture such as the El Ferrol Arsenal. El Ferrol is located along the Atlantic Coast, making it a beautiful destination to relax on its many tranquil white sand beaches.

The next port of call is in the port of Bordeaux, France, which is known for its impressive number of preserved historical structures totaling over 350 in monuments and buildings. Keep an eye out for exquisite palaces and cathedrals, which have given the city the nickname “City of Art and History,” with some structures dating back to the 13 th and 18 th century. The city’s major economical source is the famous “Bordeaux wine,” which has become one of the biggest companies in the wine industry, globally.

The second to last stop in France is the city of La Rochelle, which has been the center of the fishing trade for centuries. The mismatched houses and little lighthouses at sea are what make this city so charming and endearing to all who pass through. You will want to keep your cameras handy to capture the medieval Renaissance architecture, especially of the prominent stone towers, which guard the entrance to the medieval city.

After a day at sea, you will arrive at the final destination in France, St. Malo. Despite its noticeable fortress granite wall fortifying the city, there is no shortage of seafood and oysters, as St. Malo is France’s largest port city. Expand your palate past a potato French-fry and taste French’s finest cuisine at one of the city’s numerous cafés and restaurants.

After relaxing on a day off taking advantage of all the fine amenities the ship has to offer, you will find yourself in your final destination, Dublin. Just one of the glorious landmarks of Dublin, is the Dublin Castle which is one of the oldest monuments in the country. It was once built as a multi-purpose structure for the defense of the city and as a protection for the king’s treasures and riches. After the building was used for many significant purposes, it now serves as a major Irish Government complex. Learn about the city’s history and heritage at the Dublinia, a historical recreation museum focusing on the Viking and medieval history of the city. And if you are an animal lover like I am, you must visit the Dublin Zoo, home to over 600 exotic animals vying for your attention and admiration.

So what are you waiting for? If you are a world traveler or an aspiring traveler, this cruise will let you choose your independence and prioritize the sites you’ve had waiting on your bucket list!

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