Port & Destinations Issue 7

20 CRUISE REVIEW
CRUISE REVIEW
21
Previous page: Clockwise from top - The
pilgim city of Santiiago de Compostela in
Spain; Portugal's famed pasteis de nata;
dining on chicken satay in Fred Olsen's
Colours & Tastes Restaurant.
iberia
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Keith Ellis picks some of the highlights of cruising around Spain
and Portugal with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.
Hands up all who know where Getxo is. If
you said northern Spain, go to the top of the
class, then give yourself an extra pat on the
back if you also know Getxo is the jumping-off
point for an excursion to the world-famous
Guggenheim art museum in Bilbao.
The port is one of the most popular on
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ no-fly voyages
around the Iberian peninsula, and not just for
the Guggenheim, although that is popular.
Passengers can also take their pick from easywalking
tours of Bilbao with a city architect to
a wine-tasting trip to the La Rioja Vineyards.
If they fancy staying in Getxo, they won’t be
disappointed. It’s a lovely relaxed town – think
Spain without the tourists or gift shops.
Cruises around the Iberian Peninsular also
visit Lisbon, a beautiful city where highlights
include São Jorge Castle, where the modern
state of Portugal was founded in 1147, and
the district of Alfama, where tiny houses are
jammed together in a maze of small streets
and alleys. It’s easy to get lost, but that is all
part of the fun.
Fred Olsen has six excursions here, offering
everything from maritime history to visits to
basilicas and churches. There are tours that take
in the Belem Tower and Monument of the
Discoveries and food-themed outings, with a
hands-on lesson to bake your own pasteis de
nata, Portugal’s famous custard-filled tart.
The Monument of the
Discoveries in Belem is one
of the must-see sights in
Lisbon. Below: The cathedral
in Seville is said to be
the final resting place of
Christopher Columbus.
Picture: Nuno Correia
Cadiz has a magnificent cathedral,
narrow shopping streets to explore and
a busy fruit and veg market. Tour options
include a chance to try your hand – or
should that be feet? - at flamenco or a
coach ride to surrounding Andalusian
villages.
There are also tours to Seville, a beautiful
town about 75 miles north of Cadiz, to enjoy
its magnificent plazas and huge cathedral,
the third largest in the world, which is said
to be the final resting place of Christopher
Columbus.
The town of El Ferrol is probably not
on any bucket lists, but it should be as
it’s the jumping off spot for excursions
to the pilgrimage town of Santiago de
Compostela. The Romanesque cathedral
here, said to be the burial place of the
relics of St James the Apostle, is the last
stop on the 490-mile Camino de Santiago
pilgrimage route and truly spectacular.
MAY 2023 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
PORTS & DESTINATIONS