Discover the rich heritage and architecture of Spain’s inland cities through their UNESCO World Heritage sites, modern masterpieces such as Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and tastings of the region’s distinct wines.
DAY 1 – Thursday, June 13, 2024
After disembarking in Lisbon, you will drive across the border into Spain and on to Merida to visit its Roman theatre, the emblem of Merida's heritage. The location for the 3,000-seat theatre was chosen to ensure the best possible acoustics. The Roman general and architect Marcus Agrippa built the theatre circa 15 BC on the hill of San Albín, a slope that naturally enhances the acoustics.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, you will check into the Parador De Merida or a similar hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day as you please. Dinner will be on your own.
DAY 2 - Friday, June 14, 2024
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you will depart for Salamanca. As you will discover at Salamanca University, the world’s third oldest such seat of learning, it was founded in 1134, when Salamanca was in the
Kingdom of Leon. Like so much of Salamanca, the university exudes history. Other notable attractions that lend insight into the city include the Irish College, Casa de las Conchas palace, Monterrey Palace, the Art Noveau and Art Deco Museum at Casa Lis, the convents of Las Dueñas and St. Stephen and the baroque Clergy Church.
Following a traditional Spanish lunch at a local restaurant, you will check into your hotel. You will then be free to spend the remainder of the day exploring on your own before retiring for the evening. Dinner is served at your hotel this evening.
DAY 3 –Saturday, June 15, 2024
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will enjoy a relaxing drive into northern Spain. Along the way, you will visit Bodega Matarromera. Although the Tempranillo grape variety dominates this region, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Albillo grapes are also grown there. After a tour of the vineyard, you will sample some distinct wines that will be chosen that day. The Matarromera Crianza may be among them, as it is a champion red wine made entirely with Tempranillo grapes.
Continuing on, you will next explore Burgos, a city located along the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela. Its medieval Old Town is particularly attractive as it is full of Spanish Gothic architecture. The highlight is the Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose construction began in 1221. It wasn’t completed for nearly 350 years; consequently, the cathedral is a comprehensive example of the evolution of the Gothic style.
After visiting the revered landmark, you will check into your hotel in Burgos. The remainder of the day and dinner will be on your own, giving you plenty of time to further explore Burgos.
DAY 4 – Sunday, June 16, 2024
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will drive further north toward Bilbao. Be sure to notice how the scenery becomes greener and more lush as you approach the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arriving in Bilboa, you will tour the magnificent Guggenheim Museum. Clad in swirls of titanium, limestone and huge glass panes, the
Frank Gehry-designed museum is a work of art itself and definitely the most photographed building in Bilbao.
Afterwards, you will be treated to a lunch of pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. Next, you will pause for photos of the Hanging Bridge. Opened in 1893, this towering latticework of metal is the oldest hanging transporter bridge in the world and so architecturally significant that it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. If the design reminds you of the Eiffel Tower, it’s no coincidence. The bridge’s architect was one of Gustave Eiffel’s students.
Continuing on, you will soon arrive at the port and re-embark the cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with updated details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:00am Disembark in Lisbon and drive to Merida
11:00am Arrive in Merida and visit the Roman theatre
1:30pm Lunch at the Parador de Merida
3:00pm Check in to your hotel and remainder of the day at leisure
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Parador De Merida or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:15am Check out and drive to Salamanca
11:00am Arrive in Salamanca
1:00pm Lunch at a local or hotel restaurant
3:00pm Check in to your hotel and group dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Parador de Salamanca or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Check out of the hotel and drive to Valbuena de Duero Valladolid
10:15am Arrive at Matarromera Cellar for tasting and visit
11:15am Depart for Burgos
12:45pm Arrive in Burgos for lunch
2:30pm Visit of Old Town with a local guide
4:45pm Transfer to the hotel for check in
The remainder of the day is at leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at the Hotel Silken Gran Teatro or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Depart for Bilbao
10:15am Arrive in Bilbao and visit the Guggenheim Museum
12:15pm Drive to the Old Quarter
1:15pm Pintxos lunch at an Old Quarter bar followed and by free time
2:45pm Walking tour of the Old Quarter
3:45pm Drive to pier in Bilbao with photo stop at the Hanging Bridge
4:30pm Re-embark the ship
Expected Weather
Maximum 89 º F / 32º C
Minimum 57 º F / Min 14º F
What to Bring
Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking visits, warm jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures, foldable umbrella in case of rain. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, short and short skirts when visiting religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat are recommended as well.
Local Currency
The Euro. U.S. dollars are not usually accepted.
Electricity
22O V
An adaptor is required therefore we recommend brining your own travel adaptor for electric devices
Luggage information
Bring one small suitcase or bag per person for this short trip.
Documents Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Accommodations
MERIDA
Parador De Merida
C. Almendralejo, 56, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz
Phone: +34 924 31 38 00
SALAMANCA
Parador De Salamanca
C. Teso de la Feria, 2, 37008 Salamanca
Phone: +34 923 19 20 82
BURGOS
Hotel Silken Gran Teatro
Av. del Arlanzón, 8, 09004 Burgos
Phone: 34 947 25 39 00
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes:
• One night at the Parador De Merida or similar hotel (standard double room)
• One night at the Parador De Salamanca (standard double room)
• or similar hotel (standard double room)
• One night at the Hotel Silken Gran Teatro or similar hotel (standard double room)
• 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner with water, coffee or tea, one choice between wine, beer or a soft drink.
• Entrance fees and activities per the itinerary
• English-speaking tour guide throughout all itinerary, plus local guides as per local regulations
Program Excludes for guests:
• Any meals not listed above
• Gratuities for drivers and guides
• Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces that may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs at times. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:15am Check out and drive to Salamanca
11:00am Arrive in Salamanca
1:00pm Lunch at a local or hotel restaurant
3:00pm Check in to your hotel and group dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Parador de Salamanca or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Check out of the hotel and drive to Valbuena de Duero Valladolid
10:15am Arrive at Matarromera Cellar for tasting and visit
11:15am Depart for Burgos
12:45pm Arrive in Burgos for lunch
2:30pm Visit of Old Town with a local guide
4:45pm Transfer to the hotel for check in
The remainder of the day is at leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at the Hotel Silken Gran Teatro or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Depart for Bilbao
10:15am Arrive in Bilbao and visit the Guggenheim Museum
12:15pm Drive to the Old Quarter
1:15pm Pintxos lunch at an Old Quarter bar followed and by free time
2:45pm Walking tour of the Old Quarter
3:45pm Drive to pier in Bilbao with photo stop at the Hanging Bridge
4:30pm Re-embark the ship
Expected Weather
Maximum 89 º F / 32º C
Minimum 57 º F / Min 14º F
What to Bring
Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking visits, warm jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures, foldable umbrella in case of rain. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, short and short skirts when visiting religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat are recommended as well.
Local Currency
The Euro. U.S. dollars are not usually accepted.
Electricity
22O V
An adaptor is required therefore we recommend brining your own travel adaptor for electric devices
Luggage information
Bring one small suitcase or bag per person for this short trip.
Documents Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Accommodations
MERIDA
Parador De Merida
C. Almendralejo, 56, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz
Phone: +34 924 31 38 00
SALAMANCA
Parador De Salamanca
C. Teso de la Feria, 2, 37008 Salamanca
Phone: +34 923 19 20 82
BURGOS
Hotel Silken Gran Teatro
Av. del Arlanzón, 8, 09004 Burgos
Phone: 34 947 25 39 00
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes:
•One night at the Parador De Merida or similar hotel (standard double room)
•One night at the Parador De Salamanca or similar hotel (standard double room)
•One night at the Hotel Silken Gran Teatro or similar hotel (standard double room)
•3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner with water, coffee or tea, one choice between wine, beer or a soft drink.
•Entrance fees and activities per the itinerary
•English-speaking tour guide throughout all itinerary, plus local guides as per local regulations
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals not listed above
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces that may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs at times. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.