PART II: BILBAO TO HONFLEUR

Thursday, May 15
NEW YORK / BILBAO, SPAIN
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Bilbao.

Friday, May 16
BILBAO / SEA CLOUD II
Upon arrival in Bilbao, an orientation tour introduces the modern architecture that has transformed this city into a vibrant cultural center. Lunch at the Sheraton Hotel is followed by a visit to Frank Gehry’s landmark Guggenheim Bilbao (left). This afternoon embark Sea Cloud II.

Saturday, May 17
AT SEA
Cruise along the great Bay of Biscay to France and join a morning discussion or perhaps relax with a good book. As we approach the Aquitaine Coast, an afternoon lecture will prepare us for tomorrow’s visit to Bordeaux. The captain hosts a festive welcome dinner this evening.

Sunday, May 18
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Early this morning Sea Cloud II enters the Gironde Estuary. From the port of Pauillac we will drive through the verdant countryside to the grand city of Bordeaux, historic center of the region’s wine trade. See the St. André Cathedral with its fine 14th-century chancel and visit the nearby Musée des Beaux Arts, with Corot’s Bath of Diana, Redon’s Chariot of Apollo and sculpture by Rodin. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure in this charming city. Enjoy a tasting of local wines before we set sail in the early evening.

Monday, May 19
LA ROCHELLE, FRANCE
Spend the morning in the fashionable yachting center of La Rochelle (right), once a Huguenot stronghold. Stroll in the city’s covered markets and arcaded streets, and visit the Musée du Nouveau Monde which explores the relationship between La Rochelle and the New World.
Alternatively, join Patrick Bowe for an excursion to the Château de la Roche Courbon to view the classic French-style gardens. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon lecture.

Tuesday, May 20
AT SEA
During a leisurely day at sea, attend lectures and enjoy the amenities of our ship. Late tonight Sea Cloud II rounds the western shore of Brittany. Sailing under a full moon, pass tiny Ile d’Oussant, where the lighthouse Phare de Créac’h announces our approach to the English Channel.

Wednesday, May 21
ST. MALO, FRANCE
Arrive mid-morning in the picturesque walled city of St. Malo and explore its history, monuments and galleries during a walking tour. Following lunch on board, drive to the small granite island where Mont St. Michel (left) rises magically from the sea. Trace the footsteps of countless pilgrims as we enter the winding lane leading up to the massive abbey. The adjoining cloisters are renowned for their lightness of scale, delicate columns and fine ornamentation. Alternatively, visit the nearby gardens of Le Montmarin, with greetings by the owner. In the late afternoon attend an onboard concert featuring a St. Malo ensemble. Sail late this evening.

Thursday, May 22
AT SEA
Relax during a day at sea as the captain sets a course for Normandy under billowing sails.

Friday, May 23
HONFLEUR / PARIS, FRANCE
Disembark in Honfleur, a charming city on the Seine whose picturesque wooden houses have long inspired artists. A walking tour includes visits to the Eugene Boudin Museum and St. Catherine’s Church, built in the Gothic flamboyant style. Following lunch at leisure,
continue to Le Desert de Retz, an 18th-century French folly garden that has been recently restored. Arrive at the Hôtel Westin in Paris for a two-night stay. Dinner is at leisure.

Saturday, May 24
PARIS
This morning visit the recently reopened Musée de l’Orangerie (right), housing Claude Monet’s famed Nymphéas, as well as works from the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection. Continue to the new Musée du Quai Branly, designed by architect Jean Nouvel. View collections from Africa,
Meso-America and Oceania. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure. You may wish to join Olivier Bernier on an architectural walking tour from
St. Germain des Prés to Luxembourg Palace, or Patrick Bowe in the Bagatelle Gardens to see the roses in bloom. Gather this evening for our farewell dinner.

Sunday, May 25
PARIS / NEW YORK
Transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for the return flight to New York.

Optional Prelude
MARQUES DE RISCAL

Tuesday, May 13
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Bilbao.

Wednesday, May 14
Upon arrival in Bilbao, join Olivier Bernier for a tour of architectural landmarks, including projects by Sir Norman Foster, Robert Stern and Santiago Calatrava. Following lunch continue to Elciego, known as the "City of Wine," where we will stay for two nights at the new Hotel Marqués de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry. Comprised of layered ribbons of colored titanium, the hotel is set on a hilltop in the Basque country's oldest vineyard. In the evening gather for dinner at the hotel.

Thursday, May 15
This morning we tour the medieval city of Logroño, a stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. See the lovely Old Quarter near the cathedral. Then discover the fortified hilltop town of Laguardia and the ultramodern Bodega Ysios winery, designed by Calatrava. After lunch, continue to the town of San Millán de la Cogol to visit the 10th-century Monastery of Suso, where Spanish was first written. In the late afternoon enjoy a special wine tasting with tapas at the hotel. Dinner and the evening are at leisure.

Friday, May 16
Enjoy the amenities of our fine hotel this morning. Continue to Bilbao to join the main program.