Spain & Portugal Cruise 8 Nights • Southampton, England • Freedom of the Seas

A cruise out of Southampton unlocks all kinds of incredible destinations, from French and Spanish wine country to Norway’s majestic fjords. But this charming port is also a great destination in and of itself. Spend some time getting to know it before your vacation — you won’t be disappointed. If you have a soft spot for medieval history, you’ll find plenty of interesting sites here. Like Bargate, a gatehouse that dates back over a thousand years to Norman times. Or visit St. Michael's church on Castle Way — built in the 11th century, it’s home to ancient Norman artifacts and relics. Then, fast forward a few centuries at the Tudor house in St. Michael’s Square, which served as the home of a wealthy merchant family in the 15th century. Today it’s a museum that showcases exhibits featuring nearly a thousand years of local history.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your holiday early.

Vigo, Spain- El Sireno, a gilded sculpture depicting a figure that is half man, half sea creature, towers over the city's lovely gardens and well-preserved historical buildings. The legendary black salts offshore on the Islas Cies are said to bring good health. Catholic pilgrims flock to the nearby sacred cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built over the burial spot of St. James.

As one of Europe’s largest fishing ports and maritime centers, this coastal town located in northern Spain is famous for its amazingly fresh seafood. Dine like a local on your Vigo cruise, sampling tapas, the finest oysters, and Galician wines for a hearty lunch at a tapas bar or pescadería. Then stroll through the narrow winding streets of Casco Vello, the historic district, to Rua do Príncipe where you’ll find an assortment of boutiques for keepsakes and souvenirs. For a great view of the Galician coast, there are several beaches worth visiting such as Playa de Samîl with its 1,800 meters of sandy, white coastline.

Lisbon, Portugal- See why this city stands out above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or be lured away and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril.

This storied capital with a history that extends back before the Roman Empire is only 1 of 2 cities in Portugal designated as a global city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group. Once one of the world’s great naval and shipping powers, modern day Lisbon is an important hub of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism.

Take a wonderful tour through Lisbon and you’ll discover Graca, the beautifully restored old area of the city, filled with old tiled buildings and mansions and Chiado, Lisbon’s arts district, for a different air of sophistication with its many boutiques, galleries and theaters. And, of course, a cruise to Lisbon is not complete without sampling a nice bottle of Port wine; the fortified red wine that can be found throughout the country.

If there ever was a seafaring city, La Coruña is it. It's been a port and gateway to world travelers for over 2000 years. And from almost any spot on your La Coruna cruise, you can witness spectacular panoramic views of the ocean. La Coruña is the capital of Spain’s Galicia region and boasts some 2000 years of history. Much of it can be discovered along the streets of its “Ciudad Vieja” or Old Town. Here, cobbled lanes roll up and down hills, winding past gothic churches, stately plazas, imposing fortifications and all manner of medieval relics. At the blustery tip of the city looms the Tower of Hercules, a still working Roman lighthouse, built in the 1st century AD, when its beacon marked the very limits of the civilized world. Beyond the shadows of history, you might find yourself bathed in sun-drenched bliss on a spectacular beach, or trying on the latest fashions found along the shopping streets of this commercial and cultural hotspot.

Bilbao, located in Spain's Basque region, is the ideal gateway to Vitoria and the famous Rioja wine region. Today, the city is famed for the Museo Guggenheim, which opened in 1997, firmly placing Bilbao on the art and tourism map which, subsequently, led to a major urban regeneration. Since then, more museums and galleries have opened, and has in turn prompted a parallel resurgence of fabulous restaurants, cafes and bars. There are so many amazing sights to explore on your Bilbao cruise. Not sure where to begin? You can start with a bus tour of the city for an overview. Or, simply take a stroll through the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) to find yourself immersed in 14th century architecture, a whirlwind of boisterous bars, eclectic shops, gothic cathedrals, historic plazas and lively street performers. In addition to the architecture, this Basque gem is not short on places to eat and drink. Gastronomy joins the other arts flourishing in Bilbao. From traditional Spanish favorites to avant-garde culinary adventures, you’ll find them all in this city. Dine like a local and head out for “pintxos”, an assortment of appetizers to share and savor.

Your adventure doesn't have to end once you've gotten back to Southampton. Before you go, spend a few days exploring the quaint English towns of the Hampshire region like Winchester, the ancient capital, or the pretty market town of Romsey. This village is also home to the Romsey Abbey, one of the most magnificent churches in Southern England thanks to its round Norman arches and lofty nave.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.