Arrive in Lisbon and embark National Geographic Orion. After lunch, relax on the ship or spend the afternoon exploring on shore. This evening, enjoy the Tagus River at sunset, drink in hand, as you begin your journey.

Arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Oporto in the late morning. The birthplace of port wine, Oporto straddles a gorge on the Douro River, linked by numerous bridges and filled with medieval architecture. See the famous azulejo tiles of the region and take in the views from the iron masterpiece Ponte Dom Luis. Later, learn the secrets of port-making during a tasting at a riverside port house. Explore with a range of transport modes: vintage tram or auto, tuk-tuk, or on foot.

Anchor in Villagarcía de Arousa and drive to Santiago de Compostela. Visit the cathedral that has welcomed millions of pilgrims over the centuries, and enjoy a tapas lunch and vibrant musical performance at the adjacent Hostal de los Reyes Católicos.  Alternatively, you may visit a historic mansion with impressive gardens followed by a wine tasting. Immerse yourself in the culture. Choose to join fishermen along an estuary as they collect mussels, which the Orion chef seasons and prepares. Or, walk in the steps of the pilgrims’ path to the magnificent cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. 

Cruise into A Coruña, passing the impressive Tower of Hercules in the morning light. Pay a visit to the tower, the only working Roman lighthouse in the world, visit the local market, and learn about the architectural phenomenon that earned the town the nickname “The Glass City.” Take a late morning stroll or a bicycle ride around the area’s picturesque coastal villages before sailing east. 

Arrive in Bilbao after lunch. Explore the titanium curves of the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, learn how it has transformed the city, and have a guided tour of the interior in small groups. Afterwards, wander through Bilbao’s old quarter, or attend a pintxos cooking lesson in a local cottage. 

Explore both the French and Spanish Basque cultures today. In the village of Saint Jean-de-Luz, get an introduction to French Basque culture and cuisine, followed by a journey to the French Basque countryside for a wine and tapas tasting. The second half of the day is dedicated to exploring Spain’s Basque capital of San Sebastian, where you discover the connection to the Celts.

Cider houses rule in Basque Spain, and a special Basque dinner and cultural event is planned in San Sebastian. Grab a glass and do as the locals do - sit at the long farm tables and sidle up to the barrel tap for a cider refill. The expedition's musicologist has arranged for a private performance by famous Basque musician Kepa Junkera.

Take a walk through the picturesque old port town of Bayonne and learn about the rich chocolate industry for which this area is so well known. Or, on an excursion to the former imperial retreat of Biarritz, stroll along the coast to the Rock of the Virgin, once used by Napoleon III as an anchoring point. You also won’t want to miss a stop in to Biarritz’s central food market. Chocolate lovers may attend a demonstration at a small, private French chocolate house.

After breakfast, disembark in Bordeaux and transfer to the airport for flights home.