Seabourn Sojourn - May 17, 2025

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

Spain's third-largest city, and capital of the province of Valencia, comes as a pleasant surprise to many. Home to paella and the Holy Grail, it is also blessed with great weather and the spring festival of Las Fallas, one of the wildest parties in the country.

A major seaport and naval base, it has a fine natural harbor, protected by forts. It was founded in 225 B.C. and soon became a flourishing port: the chief Carthaginian base in Spain. The medieval Castillo de la Concepcion, whose ruins are surrounded by fine gardens, commands a splendid view of the city and harbor. No traces of the ancient city remain.

Lisbon is many cities, from the cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. View it all from the heights of St. George's Castle. Belem's Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past, while nearby Sintra's storybook palaces, and the seaside resort of Caiscais, have different tales to tell.

For a scenic view of Oporto, proceed to the 12th-century Cathedral where a long stone balcony overlooks the river and city below. Take a wine-tasting tour in this city renowned for its port wine and sample the region's local specialties. The city of Oporto makes a wonderful backdrop for savoring a glass of its fine liquor.

Now one of the principal Spanish naval stations, El Ferrol's natural harbour, protected from the sea by rocky hills, is the third largest in Spain. After 1939 the city's name became El Ferrol del Caudillo because it was the birthplace of General Francisco Franco, who had become caudillo (leader) of Spain; in the 1980s, however, the longer name was abolished.

World renowned for its liquid namesake, Bordeaux's vineyards begin at the town's doorstep. Drive through the countryside to admire the richness of this region laden with grapevines and dotted with picturesque chateaux. Head north up to Pauillac along the Haute-Medoc wine road where some of the finest clarets are cultivated.

World renowned for its liquid namesake, Bordeaux's vineyards begin at the town's doorstep. Drive through the countryside to admire the richness of this region laden with grapevines and dotted with picturesque chateaux. Head north up to Pauillac along the Haute-Medoc wine road where some of the finest clarets are cultivated.

La Rochelle became one of the great maritime cities of France in the fourteenth and fifteenth century. La Rochelle is a most interesting place, well worthy of a visit. The Quay of the little port, guarded at the entrance by two noble towers, the Tour Saint Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaine. The grey and yellow walls of these ancient fortresses, the bright green of the water, the old arcaded houses surrounding it, make a most picturesque scene.

Entrenched in history and yet very much part of the 21st century, Portsmouth features the best that England has to offer. Take in the sky-blue seas and refreshing breezes of Pompey. Snap a photo of the majestic fountain by Alders. Dance your cares away at the glitzy Underground nightclub. Shop for hours amid the unique and colorful stores of the Commercial Road precinct.

Dover is the port city for London, England. Its famous white cliffs have inspired songs and have been a welcome-home sight for returning Brits. Your trip to London takes you through the gorgeous countryside of Kent, where many of England's well-to-do keep fabulous country estates. In London, you'll know you're in one of the great capitals of the world.