Holland America Line: 13 nights from Amsterdam with Nieuw Statendam (7 Sep 2025)

Portland (GB)

Bilbao

Bilbao, located on the Northern coast of Iberian Peninsula, is the ideal starting point to visit this area of Spain. Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, discover its culture and absorb its mild climate. With one of Europe's largest ports, the vibrant city has been able to invest in a redevelopment plan, trasforming its brownfield sites into cutting-edge cultural and architectural venues.

But it is its historic center, which continues to fascinate with its stores, alleys and monuments. The city was officially founded in the 1300s, consolidating its economic position. Thanks to the exploitation of mining and steel industry areas, port and ship activity and its financial center, the city became one of the most important cities during the Industrial Revolution. 

A modern and transportation network connects Bilbao to other cities in Spain. Thanks to its beautiful beaches, the city is the ideal destination for beach lovers. Beaches are not the only attractions in Bilbao, there are very fascinating places besides the beautiful beaches: the Cathedral of Santiago, located in the heart of the Old Town (Casco Viejo) is dedicated to the apostle Santiago, the official patron saint of the city of Bilbao since 1643.

Built at the end of the 14th century in the Gothic style, the neo-Gothic tower and façade were made by Severino Achúcarro in late 1887. The Old Bridge of San Antonio is located next to the church of the same name. Pablo de Alzola and Ernesto Hoffmeyer built a second bridge in 1877 but it was destroyed during the Civil War in 1937. San Antonio Bridge dates from the early 20th century, also known as the Atxuri Bridge, connecting the old neighborhood to the rest of the city. For nature lovers, the city is surrounded by a fertile landscape of forests, mountains, beaches, and cliffs that make Bilbao a tourist destination. A holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

La Coruna

Oporto

Lisbon

Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the pleasures one would expect from Portugal's main attraction. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) has experienced a great development in recent years, with a thriving contemporary culture. Perched on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare European cities that faces the ocean and uses water as a defining element of the city. Lisbon enchants travellers with its white limestone buildings, intimate alleys and an old-world charm that makes it a popular year-round destination.

Malaga

Alicante

Alicante, located along the Mediterranean coast, is a beautiful city renowned worldwide for its very long fine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Sun, beaches and sand are the main reason why a large number of people visit Alicante. An holiday in Alicante offers the opportunity to visit beautiful beaches and a large number of sites related to the history and culture of Spain. Different civilazations have passed through these lands, leaving their marks that can be seen in all the corners of this emblematic city. 

Not only does this beautiful city offer access to beautiful beaches, but it also offers a wide range of cultural activities, with its museums, festivals, and natural areas, especially the island of Tabarca, a Mediterranean Marine Reserve for the excellent quality of marine flora and fauna. Even though tourism is the most developed economic sector, the city has also developed a special interest in industry and commerce. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Valencia

Welcome to Valencia, it’s the Mediterranean gem where history, culture and nature merge into stunning beauty and harmony. This magnificent city is located on Spain’s eastern coast, captivating with its vibrant streets, amazing festivals and rich historical heritage, making you want to buy a vacation house.

Valencia is renowned for its magnificent architectural landmarks, with the iconic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit standing out as a symbol of the city. One of Valencia's most famous symbols is "La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias" (The City of Arts and Sciences) - a modern complex of architectural masterpieces designed by the great architect Santiago Calatrava. This complex includes museums, an aquarium, cinemas, an opera house and much more.

Valencia is a true paradise for food lovers. As the birthplace of paella, here you can savor the best examples of Spanish cuisine, fresh seafood and flavorful tapas. You should also try horchata, a traditional drink made from almonds, sugar and water.

Additionally, the city is famous for its celebrations and festivals, such as the renowned Las Fallas Festival. During this event, enormous cardboard and wooden figures are erected throughout the city and then burned in a festive bonfire. This festival attracts thousands of tourists from around the world.

Valencia is also a perfect starting point for Mediterranean cruises. Aboard a cruise liner, you can enjoy luxurious amenities and entertainment while traveling to the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean.

 

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.