Western Europe Cruise - from Hamburg - 127879

The second-largest city in Germany (with a population of 1.8 million) lies at the Elbe and Alster rivers. Due to its location, Hamburg has a dense network of waterways and has more bridges than even Venice! The Hanseatic city is one of the most important economic centres in Germany on account of the overseas port and the media and cultural centre. This city of contrasts has a highly developed entertainment culture that visitors can experience first hand in the legendary 'St. Pauli' area and in Hamburg's many music halls and theatres. The 1,200-year-old city is loved by culture-vultures and scenesters alike, and buildings with ultra-modern shops and bars are sprouting up all over the city between the traditional office buildings. Other attractions include: the "Michel", the entire port development, the "Jungfernstieg", the "Reeperbahn', the TV tower, Hagenbeck Zoo, the warehouse area "Speicherstadt", Mönckebergstraße, St. Jacobi Church and the fish market.

This city with its 500,000 inhabitants is a real economic metropolis. It is home to the world centre of the diamond trade, the second largest port in Europe and various other industries and trade fairs. The second-largest city in Belgium boasts many attractions, such as the cathedral, which dates from the 14th -16th century, the market, the 16th century town hall and the fort of "Steen" dating from the 12th century. Other attractions include the "Royal Museum of Fine Arts", the Rubens house from the early 17th century and the international port.

Zeebrugge, the largest fishing port in Belgium, is linked to Bruges, of which it is a subdivision, by means of a twelve kilometre long canal. Bruges is well worth a look. Along the long beach promenade there are lots of cafés where you can sit and relax. The fish auction hall at the rear of the harbour is one of the largest and most modern in Europe and can be seen during a tour of the harbour. Zeebrugge also has a yacht marina, with space to accommodate around one hundred ships. Sights include: St. George's Memorial, Pierre Vandamme sea-lock, the diamond museum, the Memling Museum, the Church of Our Lady, the Oldtimer and Motorbike Museum, Minne Water Park, and the home brewery 'De Halve Maan'.

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.

Due to its location on the coast, its high city walls and uniform cityscape, the old town of Saint Malo is one of the most important sights in Brittany. Fort la Latte, rising majestically from the blue sea and the medieval town of Dinan, 75m above the Rance tributary with its pretty half-timbered houses and a fortress are close by Saint Malo, as is Cap Fréhel, with its breathtaking views. The most important attraction is, however, Mont Saint Michel, the huge abbey which appears to rise up out of the ocean.

St. Helier is the capital and the largest town on the island of Jersey. Proud Elizabeth Castle is built on an island in the bay and can only be reached at low tide. Fort Regent is built on a rockface overlooking the town and has been converted into a recreation centre with sports and conference facilities, an aquarium, postal museum, fair, swimming pool and a series of sports halls. The Jersey Museum in Pier Street is also worth a visit. The best shopping district in the city is the area around King Street and Queen Street. Most luxury goods are less expensive here than on the UK mainland, but they are not duty free.

The port of Dover is just 28 km from France. 14 million passengers pass through here on the journey between the British Isles and the French mainland. But what Dover is most famous for is its beautiful white cliffs, upon which, hardly visible, stands the largest fort in England. Other sights include: Dover Castle and the lighthouse.