Day 1 - Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain: Time in Bilbao (Bilbo, in Euskera) may be recorded as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim or After Guggenheim). Never has a single monument of art and architecture so radically changed a city. Frank Gehry's stunning museum, Norman Foster's sleek subway system, the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge and airport, the leafy César Pelli Abandoibarra park, and the Philippe Starck AlhóndigaBilbao cultural centre have contributed to an unprecedented cultural revolution in what was once the industry capital of the Basque Country. Greater Bilbao contains almost 1 million inhabitants, nearly half the total population of the Basque Country. Founded in 1300 by Vizcayan noble Diego López de Haro, Bilbao became an industrial centre in the mid-19th century, largely because of the abundance of minerals in the surrounding hills. An affluent industrial class grew up here, as did the working class in suburbs that line the Margen Izquierda (Left Bank) of the Nervión estuary. Bilbao's new attractions get more press, but the city's old treasures still quietly line the banks of the rust-coloured Nervión River. The Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)—also known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets)—is a charming jumble of shops, bars, and restaurants on the river's Right Bank, near the Puente del Arenal bridge. This elegant proto-Bilbao nucleus was carefully restored after devastating floods in 1983. Throughout the Casco Viejo are ancient mansions emblazoned with family coats of arms, wooden doors, and fine ironwork balconies. The most interesting square is the 64-arch Plaza Nueva, where an outdoor market is pitched every Sunday morning. Walking the banks of the Nervión is a satisfying jaunt. After all, this was how—while out on a morning jog—Guggenheim director Thomas Krens first discovered the perfect spot for his project, nearly opposite the right bank's Deusto University. From the Palacio de Euskalduna upstream to the colossal Mercado de la Ribera, parks and green zones line the river. César Pelli's Abandoibarra project fills in the half mile between the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna bridge with a series of parks, the Deusto University library, the Meliá Bilbao Hotel, and a major shopping centre. On the left bank, the wide, late-19th-century boulevards of the Ensanche neighbourhood, such as Gran Vía (the main shopping artery) and Alameda de Mazarredo, present the city's more formal face. Bilbao's cultural institutions include, along with the Guggenheim, a major museum of fine arts (the Museo de Bellas Artes) and an opera society (Asociación Bilbaína de Amigos de la Ópera, or ABAO) with 7,000 members from Spain and southern France. In addition, epicureans have long ranked Bilbao's culinary offerings among the best in Spain. Don't miss a chance to ride the trolley line, the Euskotram, for a trip along the river from Atxuri Station to Basurto's San Mamés soccer stadium, reverently dubbed 'la Catedral del Fútbol' (the Cathedral of Football).

Day 2 - Gijón

Gijón, Spain: The Campo Valdés baths, dating back to the 1st century AD, and other reminders of Gijón's time as an ancient Roman port remain visible downtown. Gijón was almost destroyed in a 14th-century struggle over the Castilian throne, but by the 19th century, it was a thriving port and industrial city. The modern-day city is part fishing port, part summer resort, and part university town, packed with cafés, restaurants, and sidrerías.

Day 3 - La Coruña

La Coruña, Spain: La Coruña, the largest city in Spain's Galicia region, is among the country's busiest ports. The remote Galicia area is tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surprising visitors with its green and misty countryside that is so much unlike other parts of Spain. The name "Galicia" is Celtic in origin, for it was the Celts who occupied the region around the 6th century BC and erected fortifications. La Coruña was already considered an important port under the Romans. They were followed by an invasion of Suevians, Visigoths and, much later in 730, the Moors. It was after Galicia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Asturias that the epic saga of the Pilgrimage to Santiago (St. James) began. From the 15th century, overseas trade developed rapidly; in 1720, La Coruña was granted the privilege of trading with America—a right previously only held by Cádiz and Seville. This was the great era when adventurous men voyaged to the colonies and returned with vast riches. Today, the city's significant expansion is evident in three distinct quarters: the town centre located along the isthmus; the business and commercial centre with wide avenues and shopping streets; and the "Ensanche" to the south, occupied by warehouses and factories. Many of the buildings in the old section feature the characteristic glazed façades that have earned La Coruña the name "City of Crystal." Plaza Maria Pita, the beautiful main square, is named after the local heroine who saved the town in 1589 when she seized the English standard from the beacon and gave the alarm, warning her fellow townsmen of the English attack.

Day 4 - Leixões

Leixões, Portugal: Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using it as a trading post, Oporto has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the city benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of the fortified, sweet 'port' wine. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city was also awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2001. A large sandbar prevents ships from sailing into Oporto itself, so for over a century they have used nearby Leixões instead, a man-made seaport constructed nine miles from the city. Leixões is one of Portugal's major sea ports and is also home to one of the country's oldest football clubs, winners of the Taça de Portugal cup in 1961.

Day 5 - Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal: Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides.

Day 6 - Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal: The allure of Lisbon lies in its combination of tradition and modernity. As you continue exploring this vibrant city, you may choose to delve deeper into its historic sites or venture into its bustling markets and enjoy some delightful local cuisine. The picturesque streets of the Alfama or a tram ride through the hills offer unexpected moments of charm and discovery.

Day 7 - Cádiz

Cádiz, Spain: Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz boasts a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around, be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de España, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which offer fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and there is also a lovely park, Parque Genovés, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. The neo-Classical cathedral, capped with a golden dome, is also noteworthy.

Day 8 - Marbella

Marbella, Spain: Marbella is a renowned destination on the Costa del Sol, celebrated for its luxurious hotels, beaches, and golf courses. The city's historic centre, known as the Casco Antiguo, retains a distinctly Andalusian charm, with narrow streets, quaint squares, and delightful flower-laden balconies. Visitors can explore the numerous boutique shops and excellent dining options that highlight Mediterranean cuisine, all while enjoying Marbella's vibrant atmosphere.

Day 9 - At Sea

At Sea: A day at sea is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the amenities available on board. Whether you choose to pamper yourself with spa treatments, indulge in fine dining, or participate in enriching activities, the day can be as leisurely or active as you desire.

Day 10 - Ibiza

Ibiza, Spain: Hedonistic and historic, Eivissa (Ibiza, in Castilian) is a city jam-packed with cafés, nightspots, and trendy shops; looming over it are the massive stone walls of Dalt Vila—the medieval city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999—and its Gothic cathedral. Squeezed between the north walls of the old city and the harbour is Sa Penya, a long labyrinth of stone-paved streets offering some of the city's best offbeat shopping, snacking, and exploring. The tourist information office on Vara de Rey provides a useful map of walks through the old city.

Day 11 - Ibiza

Ibiza, Spain: Continuing your exploration of this vibrant island, soak in its unique blend of culture, history, and relaxation. Whether you opt for a day of sunbathing on beautiful beaches, sipping on a coffee at a local café, or immersing yourself in Ibiza's lively arts and music scene, the island promises a memorable experience for every traveller.

Day 12 - Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain: The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Família and his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.