10 Night Mediterranean Cruise
Itinerary

Bilbao
Spain
Day 1Time in Bilbao (Bilbo, in Euskera) may be recorded as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim or After Guggenheim). Never has a single monument of art and architecture so radically changed a city. Frank Gehry's stunning museum, Norman Foster's sleek subway system, the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge and airport, the leafy César Pelli Abandoibarra park and commercial complex next to the Guggenheim, and the Philippe Starck AlhóndigaBilbao cultural center have contributed to an unprecedented cultural revolution in what was once the industry capital of the Basque Country.Greater Bilbao contains almost 1 million inhabitants, nearly half the total population of the Basque Country. Founded in 1300 by Vizcayan noble Diego López de Haro, Bilbao became an industrial center in the mid-19th century, largely because of the abundance of minerals in the surrounding hills. An affluent industrial class grew up here, as did the working class in suburbs that line the Margen Izquierda (Left Bank) of the Nervión estuary.Bilbao's new attractions get more press, but the city's old treasures still quietly line the banks of the rust-color Nervión River. The Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)—also known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets)—is a charming jumble of shops, bars, and restaurants on the river's Right Bank, near the Puente del Arenal bridge. This elegant proto-Bilbao nucleus was carefully restored after devastating floods in 1983. Throughout the Casco Viejo are ancient mansions emblazoned with family coats of arms, wooden doors, and fine ironwork balconies. The most interesting square is the 64-arch Plaza Nueva, where an outdoor market is pitched every Sunday morning.Walking the banks of the Nervión is a satisfying jaunt. After all, this was how—while out on a morning jog—Guggenheim director Thomas Krens first discovered the perfect spot for his project, nearly opposite the right bank's Deusto University. From the Palacio de Euskalduna upstream to the colossal Mercado de la Ribera, parks and green zones line the river. César Pelli's Abandoibarra project fills in the half mile between the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna bridge with a series of parks, the Deusto University library, the Meliá Bilbao Hotel, and a major shopping center.On the left bank, the wide, late-19th-century boulevards of the Ensanche neighborhood, such as Gran Vía (the main shopping artery) and Alameda de Mazarredo, are the city's more formal face. Bilbao's cultural institutions include, along with the Guggenheim, a major museum of fine arts (the Museo de Bellas Artes) and an opera society (Asociación Bilbaína de Amigos de la Ópera, or ABAO) with 7,000 members from Spain and southern France. In addition, epicureans have long ranked Bilbao's culinary offerings among the best in Spain. Don't miss a chance to ride the trolley line, the Euskotram, for a trip along the river from Atxuri Station to Basurto's San Mamés soccer stadium, reverently dubbed "la Catedral del Fútbol" (the Cathedral of Football).
About this cruise
Your World From A New Perspective.
Step aboard Oceania Vista and you’ll discover a dramatic new way of seeing the world. Vista invites you to savour the journey on a ship whose captivating beauty and stylish design evoke the wonders you’ll discover ashore. Stunning interiors and harmonious spaces reflect a fresh, new perspective through organic elements inspired by the land and sea. Sail to fascinating destinations in faraway lands while enjoying The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and personalised service that distinguish every ship in our fleet along with several unique firsts in the realms of dining, accommodations and guest experience.
Available dates
Stateroom Options
- insideNOT
AVAILABLE - oceanviewNOT
AVAILABLE - balconyNOT
AVAILABLE - SuiteFROM£9,459 pp
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dining
The Grand Dining Room
The Grand Dining Room is the luxurious grand dame of Oceania Cruises’ culinary world. Here, guests will savor a leisurely dining experience in a truly magnificent and inspired room whose ambiance soars to equally lofty heights as the cuisine. This signature dining experience has always offered a bevy of delicious Continental dishes, and now a fresh and new array of options brings even more exciting possibilities. Every day presents a realm of choices, from signature Jacques Pépin classics to an incredible spectrum of global flavors and an all-new Executive Chef’s Tasting Menu. Menus change daily with an expansive choice of at least 10 appetizers, soups and salads and 10 dinner entrées, along with healthy options such as Aquamar Vitality Cuisine.
- Breakfast | 8:00 am – 9:30 am
- Lunch | 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- Dinner | 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
No reservations required.
Vista
Oceania Cruises
FROM
£9,459 pp
- What's included?
- The below amenities and services are included in your selected cruise fare. By choosing a promotion during the booking process you may be entitled to additional amenities or services, depending on the particular offer.
Included
OLife Choice includes: Internet. Plus, select one of three amenities: Up to 8 Free Shore Excursions, Free House Beverage Package, Up to $800 Free Shipboard Credit
- OLife Choice Plus includes: Reduced fares, FREE Gratuities, plus Free Internet. Select one of three amenities: Up to 8 Free Shore excursions, Free House Beverage Package, Up to $800 Free Shipboard Credit