Barcelona to Bordeaux
Cruise 590
Spain, Portugal, France, England
20 May-3 Jun 2024
15 days
Fares from �2765
| Fares for Cruise 590 | ||
| Cabin Grade: | Price per adult (�): | |
 |
Owners Suite | 5530 |
 |
Suite | 5270 |
 |
Deluxe | 4495 |
 |
Superior | 3945 |
| Standard two
bed: twin occupancy | ||
 |
A Deck outside | 3685 |
 |
A Deck outside aft | 3425 |
 |
B Deck outside | 3355 |
 |
B Deck outside aft | 3130 |
 |
A Deck inside | 2835 |
 |
B Deck inside | 2765 |
| Standard two
bed: single occupancy | ||
|
A Deck outside | 5159 |
|
A Deck outside aft | 4795 |
|
B Deck outside | 4679 |
|
B Deck outside aft | 4382 |
|
A Deck inside | 3686 |
|
B Deck inside | 3595 |
| Minerva deck plans for location of cabins | ||
WINE
With Master of Wine David Bird taste the wines of Iberia and France - a rich cornucopia - from Cava in Catalonia, to sherry in Jerez, port in Oporto, Rioja near Bilbao and red wines in Bordeaux and Cognac.
David Bird
A Master of Wine, author and lecturer. He will uncover the many connections the region has for wine lovers.
Margaret Campbell
Lecturer who has taught Design History at the Edinburgh College of Art. Her talks will give special emphasis to the art and architecture of the medieval and early modern periods seen throughout the area, as well as 20th century architecture and design.
The Venerable Arthur Hawes
Currently Archdeacon of Lincoln and has been Canon of Lincoln Cathedral since 1995. Medieval sculpture associated with the abbeys and cathedrals seen throughout the area, the Romanesque architectural heritage and Monasticism are all topics that he will cover during our cruise.
Professor Maurice Larkin
Emeritus Professor of Modern European History at the University of Edinburgh and the author of various books on Western Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. He will talk about the regional identities and turbulent recent history of the areas we visit.
| Sun 20 May London - Barcelona |
| Fly from London to join Minerva at her berth in Barcelona. This evening why not take a stroll along "Las Ramblas" and enjoy a drink at one of the many lively cafes? |
| Mon 21 May Barcelona |
| A full day to explore this fascinating Catalan capital. As well as a city tour, viewing the Gothic Quarter and cathedral, there will be the chance to take in some of Gaudi's masterpieces or to sample a glass or two of Cava in one of the nearby cellars. There will also be a supplementary full-day excursion to the beautiful Romanesque town of Girona. |
| Tue 22 May At Sea |
| A chance to settle in on board and explore the ship, relax on deck with a good book or attend the first of our Guest Speakers' talks. |
| Wed 23 May Malaga |
| We drive across the Sierra Nevada for a full-day excursion to Granada, where we see some of the most inspiring buildings in Europe including the Alhambra, acknowledged as the supreme example of Islamic architecture. Alternatively, take the day to explore historic Ronda, an attractive Andalusian town with its unique setting astride a narrow ravine. |
| Thu 24 May Cadiz (for Jerez de la Frontera) |
| Cadiz is the oldest city in Andalusia and has experienced a colourful history with periods of expansion and decline. Our morning walking tour will explore the historical areas, wandering through "plazas" to admire the surrounding baroque and neoclassical architecture. After lunch take our excursion to the nearby town of Jerez de la Frontera, the home of sherry, where we visit some local bodegas for a tasting. Also on offer is a supplementary full-day excursion to Seville, home of the magnificent Moorish Alcazar. |
| Fri 25 May-Sat 26 May Lisbon |
| Minerva cruises up the River Tagus and arrives in Lisbon at Friday lunchtime for an overnight stay. Acquaint yourself with the Portuguese capital during our city sightseeing tour. We also visit the Church and Cloisters of St Jeronymos with its richly sculptured stonework, and the celebrated Maritime Museum. A supplementary excursion to the lovely town of Sintra, set on the wooded slopes of the Serre da Sintra, will also be offered. Take the opportunity to dine ashore on Friday evening in the Barrio Alto or Baixa. We sail at lunchtime Saturday. |
| Sun 27 May Oporto |
| We have a full day in Oporto, on the banks of the Duoro River, to visit this charming city and its attractive surrounds. In the morning take in the highlights including the ancient Stock Exchange with its glittering Arabian Hall, and the cathedral, a former episcopal palace in the 18th century. Alternatively take a tour to a local port house to enjoy the city's famed speciality. This afternoon enjoy some time at leisure in Portugal's second city. |
| Mon 28 May At Sea |
| Time to write a few postcards, chat to new friends, or stroll on deck, as Minerva cruises towards Bilbao. |
| Tue 29 May Bilbao |
| We arrive early this morning to explore the capital of the Basque region. As well as viewing the Old Town we visit the city's highlight, the Guggenheim Museum, its exterior and design are as impressive as the collection it houses. For those who wish to indulge in the region's wines, there will also be an excursion to the Rioja area. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon's cruising. |
| Wed 30 May Bordeaux |
| Relax on deck as we transit the Gironde River before our afternoon visit to Bordeaux. Sample the full-bodied red wines of St Emilion or discover the elegant neo-classical architecture, attractive squares, excellent museums and well-tended parks and gardens of the city. |
| Thu 31 May La Pallice (for La Rochelle) |
| Tour delightful La Rochelle this morning, with its medieval walls and quaint Old Town. There will be a further opportunity to visit the town independently in the afternoon, or you might wish to take a supplementary full-day excursion to Cognac where visits will be made to some of the famous cognac houses. |
| Fri 1 Jun Brest |
| After a morning at sea we arrive at lunchtime in Brest. The historic Parish Closes of Brittany reflect the history of the local economy and the artistic richness of Breton culture. Our excursion will include the 16th century closes of Lampal Guimiliau and St Thegonnec. |
| Sat 2 Jun At Sea |
| Enjoy a stroll around the Promenade Deck or a gentle workout in the gymnasium as Minerva crosses the Channel heading homeward. |
| Sun 3 Jun London |
| Minerva transits the River Thames this morning to her berth by Tower Bridge. |
