Bordeaux to Lisbon

France’s Atlantic shore between Pointe de Grave, at the mouth of the Gironde River, and Biarritz, at the foot of the Pyrenées, is known as Côte d’Argent. The river narrows near Bordeaux, center to one of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing regions. More than 10,000 vineyards dot the countryside, providing most of the Epicurean nation’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Savignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Bordeaux reveals itself through taste and texture, historic stone façades, vine-covered hills, and the simple pleasure of lingering over a perfectly chosen glass. With hundreds of historical buildings and monuments, dozens of art galleries and museums, and distinctive French cuisine, Bordeaux is simply unmissable.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing port on the Basque coast and now a famous resort, known for its architecture, sandy bay, the quality of the light and the cuisine. The town is located south of Biarritz, on the right bank of the river Nivelle (French for Urdazuri) opposite to Ciboure. The port lies on the estuary just before the river joins the ocean.

The Kursaal Convention Center’s glowing cubes and Basque Culinary Center’s elongated terraces have become symbols of contemporary San Sebastian, but traditional Belle Époch and Baroque were certainly never abandoned. Begin your San Sebastian journey in the atmospheric Old City – the capital of Pais Vasco’s Gipuzkoa Province, it is a vibrant center of Basque culture and history. The French frontier is just a few kilometers down the road, and perhaps San Sebastian shares more with Biarritz and Bayonne than it does with Madrid.

Just south of the Bay of Bisbay in northcentral Spain sits mountain-backdropped Bilboa. The town’s remarkable landscapes and defining architecture, including the Guggenheim Museum and Catedral de Santiago, only begin to express its charm. Known as one of the secret treasures of Spain, Bilbao comes with a cultural allure that few can resist. Bask in Bilbao’s rolling green hills and breathtaking coastline, enjoy Michelin-inspired restaurants, and stroll Old Town’s endless cobblestone streets filled with wine bars and bistros. Indulge in traditional Basque cuisine, including classics like pintxos and bacalao al pil-pil.

Santander, Spain is located on the northern coast of Spain. It is an idyllic combination of sea and mountains. It has eleven sandy beaches with crystal clear waters and are a favorite summer attraction. Main attractions include the Cathedral, El Sardinero, The Placio de la Magdalena, El Hotel Real, Gran Casino del Sardinero and the Lighthouse of Cabo Mayor.

Avilés

On the northwesternmost corner of Spain lies La Coruña, a distinguished city favored by history for its strategically important placement. Its most prized landmark is the 2nd-century Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest Roman lighthouse still in use, a colossal structure that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through graceful María Pita Square, named for the revered 16th-century Coruñan woman who inspired a successful counterattack on Sir Francis Drake’s intimidating English Armada. At the spectacular Aquarium Finisterre, gaze at myriad undersea creatures through massive glass panes, perhaps continuing your exploration of the city’s striking shoreline at the formidable San Antón Castle, a terrifically preserved 16th century fortification. Should you strike out to the lovely countryside, quaint villages such as Betanzos will delight you with houses that showcase the region’s distinctive glass-paned balconies. Don’t forget to visit one of La Coruña’s inviting tabernas, where excellent seafood is complemented by the lively conversation of friendly locals.

Vigo sits pretty along an estuary on the northwest coast in the province of Galacia, close to the Portuguese border. Boasting a lively ambience, atmospheric Old Town, and dynamic cultural scene, Vigo is the perfect seaside town, best explored by foot or bike. With its strategic location in the northwest corner of Spain, Vigo was constantly fought over during the many periods of war between Spain, Britain, and France. Nearby Baiona is a town with a medieval historical center situated by the outlet of Vigo Bay. On March 1, 1493, the Pinta, one of the ships from Columbus’ voyage to discover the New World, returned to Europe and arrived in Baiona, making the town’s port the first to receive news of the discovery of America. A replica of the ship can be visited, and the event is celebrated every year. Vigo is your gateway to the UNESCO-Awarded town of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galacia region.

Straddling the mouth of the Douro River, the splendid city of Oporto holds such architectural importance that the entire historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. A great place to begin your exploration is Praça da Liberdade, a lengthy public esplanade lined with graceful 19th-century buildings. You’ll find the city has no shortage of marvelous churches, from the imposingly fortified Porto Cathedral to the graciously appointed Clérigos Church, whose soaring bell tower offers panoramic vistas over the city’s picturesque red-tile roofs. In the 1906 Lello Bookstore, prepare to be swept away by elaborate art nouveau features including a sinuous double staircase and a luminous stained-glass skylight. But what’s a visit to Oporto without sampling its signature export, the fortified wine that shares the city’s name. Tour one of the illustrious cellars dotting the Douro’s southern bank, where port is crafted just as it has been for centuries, and savor exquisite samples of the sweet libation. When evening comes, take advantage of Oporto’s reputation as the best place to eat in Portugal, perhaps choosing among the delectable cod dishes for which the city is renowned.

Straddling the mouth of the Douro River, the splendid city of Oporto holds such architectural importance that the entire historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. A great place to begin your exploration is Praça da Liberdade, a lengthy public esplanade lined with graceful 19th-century buildings. You’ll find the city has no shortage of marvelous churches, from the imposingly fortified Porto Cathedral to the graciously appointed Clérigos Church, whose soaring bell tower offers panoramic vistas over the city’s picturesque red-tile roofs. In the 1906 Lello Bookstore, prepare to be swept away by elaborate art nouveau features including a sinuous double staircase and a luminous stained-glass skylight. But what’s a visit to Oporto without sampling its signature export, the fortified wine that shares the city’s name. Tour one of the illustrious cellars dotting the Douro’s southern bank, where port is crafted just as it has been for centuries, and savor exquisite samples of the sweet libation. When evening comes, take advantage of Oporto’s reputation as the best place to eat in Portugal, perhaps choosing among the delectable cod dishes for which the city is renowned.

Portugal's bustling capital showcases a rich contrast of the historical and modern. Situated near the Tagus River and endlessly sunny, Lisbon embodies a unique beauty and an internationally acclaimed architectural singularity. Its charming hilly neighborhoods boast winding, cobblestone streets and pastel-painted homes and cafés, which happily serve up the city’s signature cuisine, including pastel de nata and custard tarts. From imposing Sao Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the city’s Old Town, Tagus Estuary, and suspension bridge; the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles.