With so much to see and do on-board and such a short distance from the UK, it's not difficult to see the appeal of an Iberian cruise holiday. Cruising this part of Europe in the summer provides a fantastic mix of fascinating destinations and beautiful weather.

Taking an Iberian cruise holiday will allow you to see so much of a part of the world that is often overlooked in favour of a Mediterranean holiday and you'll find that there is no better way to explore this part of the world than by cruise.

It's home to some of the most beautiful ports of the world such as Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Bilbao and Lisbon as well as some you may never have thought of visiting such as La Coruna or Leixoes.

There are excursions to suit all tastes ranging from wine tasting in Bordeaux, to the Guggenheim in Bilbao to shopping in Lisbon. Furthermore they'll be enough summer sunshine to keep the whole family happy as well.

A Whole Host of Charming Ports

What better way is there to explore three of Europe's finest and most popular holiday destinations than by booking an Iberian cruise holiday? In all of the cities that you visit there are ample opportunities to visit art galleries and museums as well as restaurants and street cafes whether you're sailing through France, Spain or Portugal.

In France you'll enjoy the French Rivera's fashionable hotspot of La Rochelle; it's noted as being one of the best preserved ports in France with some glorious 18th century architecture and fantastic shops.

Elsewhere in France you can visit Bordeaux, home to some of the finest wines in the world as well as a whole host of charming ports such as Le Havre, Cherbourg and Lorient.

Spain is naturally an ideal spot for soaking up some well deserved sunshine however you'll also be able to visit some of the most fascinating destinations that the country has to offer. Bilbao is an must visit for anyone who is looking for a little cultural enrichment from their cruise, it's home to the fantastic Guggenheim museum as well as some stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Similarly, La Coruna offers no lack of fascinating things to see as well as a chance to delve into the religious roots and cultural heritage of northern Spain.

Circumnavigating the coast of Portugal you'll call in at some truly wonderful ports such as Praia Da Rocha, Leixoes and arguably the highlight of the trip, Portugal's capital Lisbon. This breath-taking city is famously built upon seven hills and contains stylish boulevards and a maze of narrow streets.

It truly is an extremely charismatic city that offers something for everyone from plenty of museums to fantastic shopping options in abundance and no shortage of great places to kick back and enjoy the sunshine.

Entertaining Activities and Fascinating Excursions

When you're not too busy soaking up some of the glorious Iberian sunshine either on one of the regions fantastic beaches or on-board your cruise ship, you'll find a whole host of entertaining activities and fascinating excursions across France, Spain and Portugal.

Lisbon is a city full of activity and excitement, so much so that there is something to suit everyone here. This charming city is simply jam-packed full of renovated palaces and old churches as well as an impressive castle.

There are also a selection of ancient and modern art museums in Lisbon such as the Calouste Gulbenkian, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art, ideal for art-lovers and amateurs alike.

Lisbon also excels even if you're not in the mood for sightseeing as there are so many stunning beaches, laid-back cafes and fantastic shopping options to choose from. If you're idea of cruise heaven is indulging in a little retail therapy then you'll be presented with no shortage of opportunities to do so. Elsewhere from the exclusive boutiques of Lisbon there are plenty of other trendy shops to visit, nowhere more so than whilst visiting the fashionable hotspots of St Malo and La Rochelle.

Perhaps you're in the mood for taking in some of the local culture; well an Iberian cruise offers a captivating insight into the culture and heritage of the region. The Old Quarter of Bilbao is a great place to explore Basque legacy, with some impressive architectural marvels from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Once you've seen this you simply must head to the Guggenheim Museum, home to some of the world's most remarkable modern art and undoubtedly the highlight of the city.

Similarly the often overlooked port of La Coruna is a great place to visit and here you can see the ancient lighthouse that dates back to the 2nd Century or delve into the rich religious history of the region and visit the burial place of the apostle St James.

Culture

Iberian Cruises are rich in culture and history with delicious food and drink, a deep religious heritage and some flamboyant ancient and modern art all waiting to be explored. You'll be provided with more than enough time to enjoy numerous art galleries and museums that all offer a fascinating insight into the regions artistic and cultural history.

Even if this seems like too much, then why not simply hang out at one of the cool cafes or restaurants and treat yourself to local food and drink from the wines of Bordeaux to the sensational seafood of northern Spain.

Weather

Being so close to the UK, an Iberian cruise is definitely an ideal option for a summer cruise and with the weather being predominantly hot they'll be plenty of time to enjoy the sun either aboard your ship or on some pleasant beaches in the ports of St Malo, La Rochelle or even Lisbon.

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