Lisbon - Bilbao Atlantic islands and the aura of Spain

A unique blend of magnificent palaces, historic monasteries and picturesque narrow streets greets visitors to the Portuguese capital. Lisbon has a magical charm of times gone by and surprises in store at every corner. The medieval Castelo de Sao Jorge stands guard over the city, while the Alfama district with its narrow winding streets and staircases offers an authentic insight into the old Lisbon. Don’t miss a trip on the famous Tram 28, which winds its way up and down the hills. Cafes, shops and street sellers make the city centre a lively place to be. With its many lifts and trams, the city’s steep hills are easy to explore and its many sights can be reached on foot.

The white buildings of Cadiz appear on the horizon, while the golden domes of the cathedral reflect the bright blue sky. The screeches of seagulls and the sound of the waves are carried on the wind. Cadiz, with its history dating back over 3,000 years, was once a lively trading centre. Today, the city retains its pride in its majestic palaces, the Miradores, which offer a breathtaking view over the endless sea. And as you approach the long sandy beach, you almost expect Halle Berry to emerge from the waves – as she did in the famous James Bond scene filmed here.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is located on the slopes of a mountain range up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) high and, like the island on the whole, is known for its magnificent variety of flowers. Blessed with mild temperatures all year round, Madeira offers steep coastlines, green valleys and imposing peaks – a paradise for nature lovers. In the 16th century, Funchal was an important port for ships sailing to Africa and South America. Today, the focus is on the cultivation and trade of the famous Madeira wine. The seafront promenade Avenida do Mar extends from the old town to the fishing harbour and offers romantic views of the sea and the city lights, especially in the evening hours. Funchal combines natural beauty with cultural heritage and invites you to enjoy the island to the full.

Sao Miguel, the largest of the Azores, is a true paradise for nature lovers. Fragrant hydrangeas and laurel forests, volcanic lakes sparkling in the prettiest shades of blue and green and thermal pools fed by hot springs invite you to spend plenty of time outdoors. With its charming mix of historic buildings and a modern gastronomic scene, the capital city of Ponta Delgada invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll. The Portas da Cidade city gate tells of an exciting past, as do the bustling harbour and the magnificent mansions of former merchant dynasties. The stunning sea view is almost omnipresent and can be enjoyed to the full from the terraces of numerous restaurants.

On the east coast of the Azores island of Terceira, the small harbour town of Praia da Vitoria welcomes you with a wide range of options for an eventful day of leisure. Climbing up to the Miradouro do Facho viewpoint gives you an initial overview of the city and its surroundings. A stroll through the old town of Praia da Vitoria can be perfectly combined with a culinary discovery tour: treat yourself to traditional Azorean dishes such as Alcatra beef stew in one of the cosy restaurants and enjoy the delicious sweetness of Queijadas pastries for dessert.

Welcome to Leixoes, your starting point for exploring Porto, and experience the hustle and bustle of one of Portugal’s most important maritime trading centres and the pretty beach promenade of the Foz do Douro district. There, you can stroll down the narrow streets of Ribiera’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or admire the colourful houses nestled in the hills of the Douro riverbanks. Other highlights, such as the Torre dos Clerigos bell tower and the cathedral adorned with gleaming azulejos tiles, can be easily explored on foot. The beauty of Portugal’s secret capital is impressive – even from the water: on board one of the traditional rabelo boats, magnificent views open up.

Admire the rugged beauty of Galicia in La Coruna. The coastal city in the north-west of Spain boasts a cultural and culinary diversity that is typical of this autonomous community. The Tower of Hercules, the oldest operating lighthouse in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, watches over the coast and is the striking landmark of La Coruna. In the old town, narrow lanes lead to picturesque squares such as the Plaza de Maria Pita, while the kilometre-long promenade along the extensive beaches invites you to take relaxing walks.

Gijon is an ideal starting point for exploring the beautiful coastline of Asturias with its picturesque beaches and charming fishing villages or the impressive mountain landscapes of the Picos de Europa National Park. The historic coastal town itself also has a wealth of discoveries in store for you: follow the winding streets of the old town to magnificent historic buildings such as the Church of San Lorenzo and the baroque Palace of Revillagigedo. A visit to a traditional cider house promises regional culinary delights, where Asturian specialities are served together with aromatic cider.