Hafen
Gijon

Revel in the contrasts so prevalent in Aviles, including the futuristic and historical architecture, and local specialties ranging in taste from sweet to salty. Follow a westerly route to Aviles, an industrial city in the midst of a cultural transformation. The ultimate symbol of Aviles’ futuristic conversion is the Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Center, a gleaming white jewel that Brazilian architect Niemeyer designed to accommodate the arts. Rising above the estuary, “El Niemeyer” as it’s known locally, has become a beloved city icon well worth a photo stop.

Despite Aviles’ passion for the future, the past hasn’t been forgotten, as you’ll see on a walking tour through Old Town. The architecture here tends to be exceptionally colorful with pale sandstone buildings standing next to more fanciful buildings painted in hues of pink, lemon and blue. Landmarks include the 13th-century Church of Sabugo, the pedestrian streets of Galiana and Rivero, Santo Tomas de Canterbury, and gems such as the Municipal Palace on España Square, where many of the older avenues originate.

Then for a literal taste of Aviles, you’ll stop in a bakery known for sweets such as almond-filled puff pastries. The Asturias region is also known for outstanding apple cider, and you’ll have the chance to sample a local variety at a traditional “llagar” where it is produced. The fermented cider, known as “sidra,” is typically poured from a bottle held high overhead so it aerates on its way to the glass, which enhances the flavor and aroma.

Enjoy a walking tour through picturesque Oviedo, a fascinating city revered for its gorgeous churches, serene plazas and superb landmarks. In the medieval Old Quarter, you’ll appreciate how many of the streets are pedestrian only, enhancing your stroll among the centuries-old buildings. Begin at the soaring Cathedral of San Salvador, the tallest building in Oviedo. You’ll learn that construction began in the 13th century and continued for nearly 300 years, which is evident in its marvelous synthesis of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Romanesque elements. Tucked away within the cathedral, you’ll view a UNESCO World Heritage site, the glorious Camara Santa, King Alfonso II’s 9th-century court chapel. Browse several priceless religious artifacts and jewels in this small, yet exquisite, alcove. Continue your exploration of the Old Quarter at Constitution Square, where you’ll find the 1681 Church of San Isidoro El Real, a church with an austere exterior, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. At your leisure and time permitting, continue your exploration of Oviedo’s enchanting Old Quarter.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Delve into Oviedo’s medieval Old Quarter on a walking tour of its largely car-free streets.
• Admire the beautifully blended architectural styles of the 13th-century Cathedral of San Salvador.
• Delight in the cathedral’s intimate Camara Santa, a 9th-century royal chapel that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• See from the outside the 1681 Church of San Isidoro El Real dedicated to the city patron saint

HELPFUL HINTS
• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Enjoy the historical and picturesque old quarter of Oviedo at your own pace after an approximately 30 minute escorted transfer.

Oviedo is a fascinating city revered for its gorgeous churches, serene plazas and important landmarks, and you’ll enjoy approximately 3 hours of free time to explore the city on your own. Your tour escort will instruct you on the meeting point and time for the drive back to pier; please be at the meeting time at least five minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Enjoy an introduction to Gijon’s historical landmarks and stop for photos at its most scenic lookout and extraordinary university complex. Arrive at Mirador de la Providencia, a hilltop lookout that juts towards the sea. From here, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Gijon and the Cantabrian coastline. This elevated perspective provides an excellent introduction to the landmarks that lie ahead.

Once an ancient Roman port, Gijon still boasts several reminders of the past. The neighborhood of Cimadevilla is of historical importance as it is in the oldest part of the city, on a peninsula that protrudes into the bay. Its cobblestone streets are narrow and labyrinthine, the houses tall and colorful, and many residents still earn their living by fishing. Several downtown churches also offer a glimpse into Gijon’s past, including the 18th-century Collegiate Church. Its neoclassical architecture is not only visually beautiful, but also lends wonderful acoustics to some of the spaces inside, which are used for concerts. Standing next to the bay and beach, it offers a perfect photo opportunity.

Just outside of town is the sprawling Universidad Laboral, where you’ll pause for photos in the main square. Originally designed as an orphanage for miners’ children, the complex of buildings later became a technical school and then expanded to include a theater, music conservatory and church.

Discover two of the most intriguing inland cities in the Asturias region: Aviles, which is undergoing a renaissance, and historic Oviedo. Head to Aviles, an industrial city in the midst of a cultural transformation where you’ll stop for photos at the Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Center, a gleaming modernistic jewel that has become Aviles’ symbol of the future.

Still, the past hasn’t been forgotten, as you’ll see during a walking tour through colorful Old Town. See the 13th-century Church of Sabugo and other historical landmarks such as the Municipal Palace on España Square, where many older avenues originate.

Enjoy the flavors of Asturias during lunch at a traditional “llagar”, where Asturias’ signature fermented cider is produced.

Drive south to the picturesque Old Quarter of Oviedo, the region’s capital, founded in the 8th century. In the colorful old quarter you’ll find many historic buildings, an open air market and small traditional shops. Many of the streets are pedestrian only and lined with beautifully preserved buildings, so the quarter feels immensely historical.

Stop at Plaza de la Escandalera and follow your guide to the Cathedral of San Salvador; it’s the tallest, most recognized building in Oviedo. Although construction began in the 13th century, it wasn’t completed for nearly 300 years, so the church is mostly Gothic with a blend of Baroque, Renaissance and Romanesque elements. Exploration of the Old Quarter reveals popular plazas such as Constitution Square and its main landmark, the church of San Isodoro. Constructed in 1681, the church is rather austere on the outside in contrast to its luxuriously decorated interior.

Drive only short 30-minutes away from the Austurias coastline of Gijon to one of the most important old towns in the region, Aviles. This principality possesses the most appealing architectural wealth of monuments and building treasures. Return to Gijon and discover the history of this city as well before your day is complete.

Depart the pier on your motor coach and make the short drive to Aviles.

Aviles

Due to its beautiful and extensive old district, Aviles is actually set in the smallest of the Asturian principalities. This architecturally rich hamlet probably possesses the most appealing of all of Asturias' old towns and has a wealth of monuments and building treasures, many dating back centuries. Within the historic quarter of Aviles there are a number of streets that are of particular tourist interest and many interconnect through courtyards and plazas as well as the town's central park. A great city to explore, not just because of its heritage but because of the close proximity of its interesting and attention worthy buildings. Nearly all of these occupy a compact area that sees pedestrianized paths and side streets run off a couple of squares, the plaza de Espana and the plaza de Mercado, or the parks of Ferrera and Muelle. Once in this part of the historic district it is almost impossible to miss out on any of the city's main sightseeing attractions.

Gijon

Re-board your coach and drive the short distance back to Gijon stopping first at the Labour University, similar to El Escorial in Madrid, but with double the surface area. Take the panoramic drive along the seafront back to downtown after your guide gives brief explanation of the area and then enjoy free time to explore.

Cimadevilla

The historic quarter of Gijón is formed by the hill of Santa Catalina and the fishing neighbourhood of Cimadevilla. The streets between the beach of San Lorenzo and the marina gather together Roman remains, large mansions and the old houses of fishermen. In Plaza Mayor see the City Hall building (19th century), while in Jovellanos square you will find the Museum of Gijón and the birthplace of Jovellanos, an enlightened politician and writer who was born in this city. In the area known as Campo Valdés are the Valdés palace, a 16th-century building which was once the Tobacco Factory, the church of San Pedro and the Roman baths. The presence of Rome's IV Legion Macedonica in the city can be clearly seen in this hippocaust, rooms where hot air was produced for the baths, which date from the earliest centuries of our era, and in the remains found of the old walls. A hike up the hill to The Cerro de Santa Catalina will provide you with exceptional views of the outstretched coastline. The park also contains an abstract sculpture named the Elogio del Horizonte, Praise of the Horizon - the symbol of the city.

Return to the pier via your motor coach.

Explore the Old World beauty, landmarks and history of Gijon during this half-day sightseeing excursion and cider tasting. The impetuous Bay of Biscay (or Cantabrian Sea as it is known locally), which embraces the city of Gijón, has marked its history for over 5,000 years.

Gijon Sightseeing

Depart the pier for a panoramic sightseeing drive through Gijon, the oldest, most modern and populated city in Asturias. Along the way, a photo stop is made at Mirador de la Providencia before continuing through the district of Deva. Your first stop is at Labour University, or Universidad Laboral, which is similar to El Escorial in Madrid but twice as large.

Cider Tasting

Next, re-board your coach and proceed for a cider-making demonstration. Learn how cider, a typical Asturian drink, is made in a 'Llagar', then sample the finished product accompanied by an assortment of local cheeses. Afterward, take a panoramic drive along the seafront and through the downtown area to Cimadevilla.

Cimadevilla

Following a short briefing about Cimadevilla and its history, some free time is made available for independent exploration. You may opt to stroll up the mount to view the impressive sculpture from Chillida entitled 'Praise to the Horizon', the symbol of the city, or view the Roman baths.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximate 40-minute drive back to the pier.

The monks who founded the city of Oviedo in the year 761, most likely did not suspect that choosing a hill in the heart of Asturias, where they built a church dedicated to San Vicente, would surpass one thousand two hundred years. Take a panoramic drive through the city and then stop for a guided walking tour as you traverse through its history. Return to Gijon to learn the art of local Austurian cider making with a tasting on then enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

Board your motor coach and drive to Oviedo, approximately 30-minutes away.

Oviedo

Most, but not all, of Oviedo's treasures can be found within what were once the walls of the city's medieval town. The street and plaza layout of this district has remained unaltered throughout the centuries and it therefore offers a look back in time. A guided walking tour will take you past the San Salvador Gothic Cathedral; continue on to the carefully restored Old Town area, decorated with beautiful sculptures. Enjoy some free time to discover more on your own.

Gijon

Re-board your coach and make the return trip to Gijon first stopping at a local cider cellar to learn the process of cider making and enjoy a tasting. Make your way next to a local and authentic Austurian restaurant and taste the flavours of this region of Spain with varied dishes.

Return to your ship and the pier area when finished back aboard your motor coach.

Discover the historic sights and picturesque beauty of Oviedo during this delightful, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Oviedo, the modern capital of the Asturias region, and most culturally significant and historically interesting city in the province.

Oviedo

Upon arrival, take a panoramic sightseeing drive through Oviedo, then proceed for a guided walking tour of the downtown area. Despite the initial misleading and somewhat industrial appearance of Oviedo, once in the heart of the town you discover a beautifully maintained old quarter with a wealth of history and architecture. The shining star is the Cathedral of Oviedo, which occupies a large square and is elegant and tall, but there are also many other interesting buildings. There is a bustling market, numerous cafes, spectacular churches, castles, palaces and museums.

Along the way, an exterior photo stop is made at the Gothic-styled San Salvador Cathedral. From here, continue through the carefully restored Old Town area which is decorated with beautiful sculptures and is one of the cleanest and friendliest cities in Europe.

Following your walking tour, some free time is made available to explore the Old Town at your leisure before commencing the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Gijon at your leisure during your Silver Shore Privato full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This Silver Shore Privato tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Tour Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Gijon at your leisure during your Silver Shore Privato half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This Silver Shore Privato tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Tour Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Gijon at your leisure during your Silver Shore Privato full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This Silver Shore Privato tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Gijon at your leisure during your Silver Shore Privato half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This Silver Shore Privato tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

In Gijón, you'll discover a hidden gem of Spanish history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. As one of Asturias's most significant coastal towns, with origins to the 5th century BC, here, amongst the green and lush landscape, uncover surprising energy and historical discoveries. First, set off from the pier by bus, navigating through the winding streets to arrive at the Universidad Laboral, initially built in the mid-20th century as an orphanage. A Luis Moya design, this awe-inducing landmark is considered Spain's largest stone building ever constructed. Through a broad, gated entrance, you'll meet a stunning courtyard and church that boasts one of the largest elliptical domes in the world and the tallest stone clock tower in Spain. A theater and cultural center with surrounding botanical gardens add to its magnificence.

After exploring here, next up is the medieval, cobblestone appeal of the Old Fisherman's Quarter of Cimadevilla, where you'll stroll the narrow alleyways to the coastal promenade for photo-taking of the enchanting sea views. Before returning to the pier, stop at the popular and unique Las Letronas (The big letters), and you'll see why it has become a symbol of pride and identity for the city. Designed by local artist David Oliva to provide an interactive and visually appealing draw for locals and visitors, each 3-meter-high letter spelling Gijón draws playful interest from all who visit.