Spain Luxury Cruises

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a masterpiece that embellishes the Spanish canvas. The fact that Barcelona’s iconic cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, is still under construction over 135 years after construction commenced pays testament to the city’s artistic perfectionism, which pervades all aspects of life. Apparent in the city’s architecture, layout, and cultural practices, aestheticism retains its value here. Antoni Gaudi, whose iconic style of modernist architecture is among Barcelona’s leading attractions, could perhaps be credited with designing the face of this magnificent city. Enjoy getting to know the vivacious personality behind Barcelona’s beauty.

With the Atlantic Ocean on three sides, Cádiz is a bustling town that's been shaped by a variety of cultures, and has the varied architecture to prove it. Founded as Gadir by Phoenician traders in 1100 BC, Cádiz claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western world. Hannibal lived in Cádiz for a time, Julius Caesar first held public office here, and Columbus set out from here on his second voyage, after which the city became the home base of the Spanish fleet.

Many tourists ignore the capital of the Costa del Sol entirely, heading straight for the beaches west of the city instead, although there is plenty to bring visitors to the city. A history dating back over 3,000 years makes this one of Spain’s oldest settlements. But even if you are not a history buff, don’t give up: in its centre and eastern suburbs, this city of about 550,000 people is a pleasant port, with ancient streets and lovely villas amid exotic foliage. With a lifestyle to match.

La Coruña, the largest city in Spain's Galicia region, is often overlooked in a country of sexy cities. 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 is the perfect hideaway in northern Spain to find good food, fabulous beaches and a dash of culture.

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 commercial complex next to the Guggenheim, 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.