Adventure Canada and Cruise Traveller are offering early bird discounts of up to US$3300 per couple and no single supplements* on a new expedition cruise of Spain and France’s Basque Country, a region famed for its fine food, impressive architecture, dramatic coastline, historic towns and picturesque vineyards.
Departing June 2, 2021, the new cruise-stay package includes a free night’s accommodation in Bilbao, Spain, followed by the nine-night expedition cruise onboard the Ocean Endeavour – a 198-passenger ship equipped with 20 zodiacs, multiple lounges and a top-deck observation room. Bookings made before June 1, 2020, will include a 15 per cent discount- a saving of up to US$3300 per couple. In addition, single travellers will pay no single supplement (*in categories 3-7), subject to availability.
After departing Bilbao – famous for its Old Quarter dating back to the 700s – the ship will pass through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, home to more than 245 bird species, for birdwatching and sightseeing, before journeying on to the old fishing and whaling village of Getaria. There, guests will visit archaeological sites as well as the vineyards overlooking the village for a demonstration and tasting of local wines. The following day, a memorable visit will be made to San Sebastian – a city with more Michelin starred restaurants per person than any other in the world. Guests will tour the town’s historic centre, sample local delicacies and visit the replica of the San Juan, a 16th-century Basque whaling ship.
As the Ocean Endeavour sails north, excursions will be made to Astigarraga’s cider-making brewery, Bordeaux – the famed wine capital of the world, and the prehistoric caves of Navarre, where witches’ sabbaths are said to have taken place. A visit will also be made to Belle-Île, the largest island in Brittany, France, which is known for its plant life, secluded beaches and natural rock pyramids which featured in Monet’s paintings.
Passengers will then disembark at the French port of Brest, an important naval port with a maritime museum located in an 11th-century medieval castle.
Including the free nights’ accommodation and breakfast in Bilbao, the nine-night expedition cruise, all shipboard meals and all sightseeing visits, the cruise-stay package is available from US$5775 per person, twin-share, in an inside cabin, including a saving of US$1020. A window ocean-view cabin is available from US$9431 per person, twin-share, including a saving of US$1664 per person. Single travellers can combine the offer with no single supplement (cat 3-7), subject to availability.
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