Yachting France's & Spain's Coastline

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.

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.

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.

Gijon began as a fishing village nearly 3,000 years ago. The historic fishing village known as Cimadevilla is located on a peninsula that divides the port in half. The village is the main tourist attraction of the city. Most of the streets are narrow and cobblestoned. Many of the buildings have been renovated to display the colorful life of the village. Nearby Oviedo is the capital city of the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain. It is said that two monks, Maximo and Fromestanus, founded the city in 761. Oviedo was featured prominently in Woody Allen's movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

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.

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.

Sitting pretty at the mouth of the Bensafrim River and dominated by limestone cliffs, the lovely seaside town of Lagos charms for its scenic coastline and natural beauty. Once a center of the Portuguese Age of Discovery and home to Henry the Navigator, Lagos enjoys a rich history expressed in its Mercado de Escravos Museum and charming Old Town. Its narrow cobblestone streets, old churches, and tiled buildings are ripe for discovery, as are the vineyards and wineries above the town. Lagos boasts several golden-sand beaches, including Meia Praia, perfect for swimming, strolling, or snorkeling. Wooden steps point to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo, and the nearby cliffs of Ponta de Piedade offer panoramic views and a stone lighthouse that stands guard over the Atlantic Sea.

At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Tangier opens the door to Morocco. This port on the Strait of Gibraltar is truly a feast for the senses. Take in the influences of peoples and cultures, the heavy fragrances of the spice markets, the murmurs of the sea and city swirling together. The Old Town, or medina, is an architecturally rich labyrinth, boasting Byzantine-era cobblestone streets, Grecian whitewashed homes, and ancient mosques and temples. Separated from the medina by ramparts, the Kasbah, ancient palace district, is built on the highest point in the city, overlooking the harbor.

At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Tangier opens the door to Morocco. This port on the Strait of Gibraltar is truly a feast for the senses. Take in the influences of peoples and cultures, the heavy fragrances of the spice markets, the murmurs of the sea and city swirling together. The Old Town, or medina, is an architecturally rich labyrinth, boasting Byzantine-era cobblestone streets, Grecian whitewashed homes, and ancient mosques and temples. Separated from the medina by ramparts, the Kasbah, ancient palace district, is built on the highest point in the city, overlooking the harbor.

SeaDream will scenically navigate by the very impressive Rock of Gibraltar. Should time allow, the Captain may stop for a few minutes to allow a fantastic photographic opportunity. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the entrance of the Mediterranean on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. Most visitors arriving by sea are impressed by the rock’s huge visual impact.

Puerto Banus is a very upscale marina to the west of Marbella, Spain on the Costa del Sol. It was built in 1970 by Jose Banus, a local property developer, as a luxury marina and shopping complex for the jet-set. The focal point of Puerto Banus is the marina. It is also a scene for many exotic cars that are owned by international celebrities and wealthy owners that also own large mega yachts. Our local agent tells us that SeaDream is the only commercial yacht that has docked in Banus.

Malaga, together with adjacent towns and municipalities such as Rincon de la Victoria, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Alhaurin de la Torre, Mijas, and Marbella, forms the Malaga Metropolitan area. The important cultural infrastructure and the rich artistic heritage have culminated in the nomination of Malaga as a candidate for the 2016 European Capital of Culture. The internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso and actor Antonio Banderas were both born in Malaga. SeaDream calls to Malaga both as an embarkation point as well as a typical port of call. Kindly check on the land adventures tab to see all of the activities and options. Should you need embarkation information, it’s also available there.