Western Europe Cruise - from Bremerhaven - 111797

Bremerhaven, an administrative district in its own right in the federal state of Bremen, lies to the North of Bremen, on the lower Weser. Founded in 1827, the first regular connection between America and Europe set out from Bremerhaven in 1847. In 1938, Bremerhaven was amalgamated with the town of Wesermünde. In 1947, Wesermünde was re-named Bremerhaven, forming the federal state of Bremen. Sights include: the Atlanticum, the German Shipping Museum, the Historical Museum, the Kunsthalle Bremerhaven, the harbour museum, the museum ships the "Wal", the "Gera" and "Goliath", the fishing harbour, the "Wilhelm Bauer" submarine and the zoo.

Plymouth, one of the largest sea ports in Great Britain, is of special historical importance: it was here that the Spanish Armada was defeated and England began its rise to become a world power. Great names of English seafaring history are associated with Plymouth, including Sir Fracis Drake and the Mayflower. The picturesque harbour of Plymouth is not the only attraction in this town. 'The Hoe', a park with many monuments, provides an excellent view. At the southern tip of Hoe, the Plymouth Dome provides information about the town's past and present in the form of a multimedia presentation. The climb to Smeaton lighthouse is worth it for the wonderful view of the surrounding area. The Royal Citadel today houses the aquarium of the Marine Biology Association and it is well worth taking a walk from here to the old town of Plymouth. Sights include: artificial snow ski-centre; Tamar Valley Railway Line; Mount Edgcumbe Country Park; Dartington crystal glass factor; the historic part of the town with The Barbican with 16th century style Elizsabethan house and the City Museum.

Horta is the capital of the Portuguese Azores Island of Faial. The city's image is dominated by beautiful old colonial buildings. One of the unique features of this city with a population of 7,000 is its pavements, which are paved with images of typical island scenes, such as windmills, sailing ships or ferry boats. Sights include the "Museum da Horta", the church "Igreja de Sao Francisco" with a museum of church history, the yacht marina with a panorama view of the island of Pico and the volcano of the same name.

Horta is the capital of the Portuguese Azores Island of Faial. The city's image is dominated by beautiful old colonial buildings. One of the unique features of this city with a population of 7,000 is its pavements, which are paved with images of typical island scenes, such as windmills, sailing ships or ferry boats. Sights include the "Museum da Horta", the church "Igreja de Sao Francisco" with a museum of church history, the yacht marina with a panorama view of the island of Pico and the volcano of the same name.

Ponta Delgada is the port and the main city on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. The city, which has a population of around 30,000 is colourful and lively. The relatively small town with the historic centre is known for its pretty parks and small streets and squares. A stroll along the long waterside promenade or around the yacht marina is particularly enjoyable. Sights include: the parish church, the market, the regional museum with an exhibition on local culture, city gates dating from the 18th century.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and lies at the South coast of the island. The port stretches from a relatively flat area of the coast to high up in the adjacent mountain chain. Funchal is perfect not only for relaxing in one of the floating cafés by the harbour, but also for shopping for delicacies in the market hall, which has a huge assortment of fish, flowers and vegetables. The city centre is also worth seeing: in the old town area is the famous fort. The upper town is dominated by the "Castelo de São de Pico", also known as "Pico Fort". At the foot of the fort lies the English cemetery. Further attractions: the cathedral, the old customs house, the fort "São Tiago", the city park, "Quinta das Cruzes" gardens with an archaeological park.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and lies at the South coast of the island. The port stretches from a relatively flat area of the coast to high up in the adjacent mountain chain. Funchal is perfect not only for relaxing in one of the floating cafés by the harbour, but also for shopping for delicacies in the market hall, which has a huge assortment of fish, flowers and vegetables. The city centre is also worth seeing: in the old town area is the famous fort. The upper town is dominated by the "Castelo de São de Pico", also known as "Pico Fort". At the foot of the fort lies the English cemetery. Further attractions: the cathedral, the old customs house, the fort "São Tiago", the city park, "Quinta das Cruzes" gardens with an archaeological park.

The white city by the sea, built on seven hills and framed by the natural harbour of "Rio Tejo" was founded by the Phoenicians in around the 9th-7th century B.C.. Today it is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Lisbon is rich in architectural monuments. The Portuguese capital also has a varied and interesting cultural scene with theatre performances, concerts and exhibitions. "Bairro Alto" (the upper city) is well known for its nightlife. Sights include: Jerónimo's Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, Comércio Square, São Jorge castle, and "Baixa Pombalina".

Portugal's unofficial capital, Porto, is the name-giver for the entire country. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is known primarily for its famous port wine. Those who enjoy the city atmosphere will love Porto, the second-largest city in the country. The harbour is where the renowned Portuguese fleet was built. Now, there are lots of cafés and bistros here. The houses in the city are packed close together on the steep slopes, often close behind and beside one another, forming really lovely terraces. Sights incude: Praça da Liberdade, Câmara Municipal and the Soares dos Reis National Museum.

Vilagarcía in Galicia, Spain, is famous for its "Bateas" - the traditional platforms used to breed mussels.

'The capital of Guernsey brings the past to life. It is one of the 50 most historically important towns in Great Britain. Buildings of special importance include the church, the market building, the royal courthouse and Notre Dame du Rosaire church. Since you can shop duty-free on Guernsey, the small town has an astonishing array of exquisite boutiques. You can even acquire an antique or two at the Old Market and gourmets should be sure to try the fresh lobster. 'Sights include: Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery, Hauteville Haus, La Vallette.

The port lies to the South of the Seine in Normandy, France. Honfleur is famous for its shimmering light, which regularly brings many artists to the town. There is a house commemorating the musician Eric Satie, who was friends with many artists. One of the other main attractions is the Calvados distilleries.

Bremerhaven, an administrative district in its own right in the federal state of Bremen, lies to the North of Bremen, on the lower Weser. Founded in 1827, the first regular connection between America and Europe set out from Bremerhaven in 1847. In 1938, Bremerhaven was amalgamated with the town of Wesermünde. In 1947, Wesermünde was re-named Bremerhaven, forming the federal state of Bremen. Sights include: the Atlanticum, the German Shipping Museum, the Historical Museum, the Kunsthalle Bremerhaven, the harbour museum, the museum ships the "Wal", the "Gera" and "Goliath", the fishing harbour, the "Wilhelm Bauer" submarine and the zoo.