Baltic Sea Cruise - from Lisbon - 131069

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".

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".

In the West of Spain, ca. 30 km North of the border with Portugal on the South shore of an estuary lies the most lively and modern city in Galicia. Vigo has a population of around 300,000 and is one of the largest fishing ports in Spain. The city also has a varied night life with many bars, cafés and discos. Before the town lie the Cies Islands, which were designated a National Park and bird sanctuary in 1980. Sights include: El Castro, La Madroa, La Guia and the old town.

La Coruña, the port and capital city of Galicia, is located on the Atlantic, in the most north-westerly part of the country. This was the backdrop for the battle carried by King Felipe the Eleventh against the English in 1588. The city has been shaped by the atmosphere and the smell of the Atlantic and is characterised by its glazed balconies and rain-washed stones. The harbour at La Coruña determines the locals' lives, and they are vivacious and very hospitable. Sights include: the fishing district "Pescaderia" with traditional bars and restaurants, the medieval old town with numerous churches and grand manors dating from the 18th century.

Gijón, with a population of 259,000 spans two expansive bays. Its sublime 4 km long beach "Playa de San Lorenzo" is one of the most beautiful on the north coast of Spain. Those who prefer small, secluded beaches can visit one of the many picturesque bays in the nearby area. The liveliest part of Gijón is the "Cimadevilla" quarter (Spanish meaning "Summit of the City"), the old town. With its winding streets, many bars, "Sidrerías", pubs and restaurants, it is a popular meeting place. The town's academic highpoint is the Technical University, established in 1955.

700-year-old "Villa de Bilbao" is a testament both to the past and the present. This city with a population of 300,000, has various quarters, such as the old town with the beautiful pedestrian area and the elegant Ensanche quarter. The excellent cuisine of the city, a huge range of shops and the traditional taverns, the "Txikiteos", are other attractions of the Basque capital.

La Rochelle lies on the Atlantic coast and has a fort dating from the Middle Ages. The harbour facilities were built in the 14th/15th century and defended from the two towers Tour St. Nicolas and Tour de Chaicircne. The chain between the towers prevented entry to the harbour at night, which even today accounts for much of the town's beauty. Sights include: the Porte de la Grosse-Horloge, the Tour de la Lanterne, the town hall, the St. Louis Cathedral, St. Sauveur church.

The port of "Le Havre de Grace" was founded in 1517 by François I on the right bank of the Seine estuary. The seafront, the beach and the harbour basin reach right into the heart of the town. The town's image is shaped by the Seine estuary and the port. Le Havre is not only an important trading port, but also has a yacht marina and a beach. The alabaster coast with its tall chalk cliffs stretches north from Le Havre to the Somme estuary. Always connected with the sea, today Le Havre is the fifth-largest European port. Sights include: the port, the town hall, Villa Maritime, the swimming dock, St. Josef's Church, the garden at St. Roch, Malraux museum, and Notre Dame cathedral.

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 Venice of the North! Along the canals and waterways and in the winding streets between the stepped gable houses, Amsterdam has a cosy but cosmopolitan flair. Idyllic pavement cafés, lively flea markets, the Anne Frank House, the Rijks- or Van-Gogh-Museum and many, many galleries and shops selling products designed and made by young designers and artists.

The 'secret capital' of England is the ultimate shopping metropolis. Once the cradle of the industrial revolution, this is where trends are set nowadays. Take a stroll through the Metro Centre, one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. There are lots of shops and little boutiques on Northumberland Street and you can find designer fashion in Grainger Town District. Afterwards, you can relax at one of the many pubs by the River Tyne. Our insider tip: take a break by the Tyne and try the local Newcastle Ale or enjoy English afternoon tea in the home town of "Earl Grey".

Aberdeen is a town built almost entirely from granite - even the roads. This Scottish town is one of the most important ports for the oil industry of the North Sea and has the largest off-shore oilfields in the world. Aberdeen's busy harbour also has a picturesque fish market. Close by the main street, Union Street, you will find the "Castlegate", the late medieval Provost Skene's House and the Aberdeen Art Gallery, which has an important collection of pre-Raphaelite and modern Art. Other attractions inlude the City Chambers, Marischal College, St. Machar Cathedral, Seaton Park and the Brig o'Balgownie.

Kirkwall is the capital of the northern Scottish island council area of Orkney, where visitors can expect to find a landscape made up mainly of craggy cliffs and strange sandstone formations. The pretty capital and business centre is famous primarily for its whisky distilleries and St. Magnus Cathedral. The cathedral dates from the 12th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Norman architecture in the British Isles. Other sights include: Tankerness House, a 16th century town house that houses the local history museum of the Orkney Islands, and the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, which is more than 5,000 years old.

Lerwick is the main port of the Shetland Islands and a cornerstone in the economy and infrastructure of the region. With its ideal location, it is a popular destination for cruise ships en route between Iceland, the Faroe Isles, Norway and Scotland. With the many small islands - home to the Shetland ponies, the Shetland Islands are also a popular destination for day-trippers from Aberdeen and Orkney.

Bergen is one of the most charming cities in Norway, not least due to its unique setting between seven hills. With a population of 218,000 it is the second-largest city in the country and the capital of "Fylke Hordaland". The town of Bergen was granted the city charter in 1070 by Bishop Olav Kyrre. Not that long after, in 1217, King Hakon IV. declared the town to the Norwegian seat of government. Today, the oldest and most famous wooden houses of the city are at the "Bryggen", the former dock of the Hanseatic League. These unique buildings were among four properties in Norway to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Sights include: the Hanseatic museum, the Bryggen Museum, Bergenshus fort, St. Mary's Church and the Leprosy Museum, and the aquarium.

Oslo, located at the end of the Oslofjord, is the capital city of Norway. Over the past few years Oslo has developed into a modern capital, encompassing more and more neighbouring towns into its urban area. There are a good 50 museums for tourists to visit; some of the most interesting of these are to be found on the 'museum island' of Bygdoy. A stroll through Vigeland Park with its obeslisks and monumental stone figures is also well worth it, as is a vist to the Holmenkollen ski-jump with a stunning view of the city and the Oslofjord. Other attractions worth a visit are the town hall, which appears a litte clumsy from the outside but boasts huge interior frescoes, the fort at Akershus at the eastern side of the port and the cathedral. Oslo has a population of 486,311. The famous Hollmenkollen ski-jump provides a fantastic view of the enchanting capital of Norway. A visit to the historic area of Oslo close to the fort of Akershus is also very enjoyable. Karl Johans Gate between the castle and the parliament with its numerous shops and cafés is the perfect place to take a lazy stroll. Sights include: the Norwegian outdoor museum with its wooden "Stavkirke" on Bygdoy; the Viking Ship Museum with the Oseberg ship; Fram museum with the Polar ship 'Fram' on Bygdoy; Thor Heyerdal Museum with Kon Tiki on Bygdoy; the Munch Museum; the National Gallery; the Arts and Crafts Museum; the Historical Museum; the Resistance Museum; the Gallery of Modern Art; the Maritime Museum; the Zoological Museum; the town hall (Oslo's landmark); the castle; Storting (Houses of Parliament); Vigeland sculpture park in Frogner Park; Akershuscastle, which is medieval in parts; the view from Holmenkollen - the ski-jump and museum; the cathedral (1697); the Defense Museum.

Copenhagen is not only the capital of Denmark, but also the most multifaceted city in Scandinavia. A quarter of all Danes live in and around Copenhagen and yet the city remains, essentially, clearly laid out and easy to navigate. The massive bridge over the Bresund connecting Denmark with Sweden means Copenhagen has become an even more important hub in Scandinavia in the new millenium. Visitors from all over the world come to Copenhagen to have fun at Tivoli, to see the mermaid, the changing of the guard at the Queen's castle and much much more besides. Sights include: Vor Frelser Kirke (Our Saviour's Church), the round tower, the town hall, the little mermaid, Tivoli, the commodity exchange, Denmark's Royal Library, Thorvaldsen Museum, Amalienborg castle, and Tycho Brahes Planetarium.

Copenhagen is not only the capital of Denmark, but also the most multifaceted city in Scandinavia. A quarter of all Danes live in and around Copenhagen and yet the city remains, essentially, clearly laid out and easy to navigate. The massive bridge over the Bresund connecting Denmark with Sweden means Copenhagen has become an even more important hub in Scandinavia in the new millenium. Visitors from all over the world come to Copenhagen to have fun at Tivoli, to see the mermaid, the changing of the guard at the Queen's castle and much much more besides. Sights include: Vor Frelser Kirke (Our Saviour's Church), the round tower, the town hall, the little mermaid, Tivoli, the commodity exchange, Denmark's Royal Library, Thorvaldsen Museum, Amalienborg castle, and Tycho Brahes Planetarium.

The medieval capital of the island of Bornholm is steeped in history. Even today, there are many relics that remind us of the age of the Vikings. Pearly beaches in the South and the craggy coastline of the North, made entirely of granite, shape the Danish island in the Baltic sea. Bornholm's landmark are the four round fortified church towers dating from the 12th century. The cityscape of Rönnes is characterised by the large number of well-preserved half-timbered houses, which are a must-see. Shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants can be found all around the busy squares of Lille Torv and Store Torv. At the Bornholm Museum, visitors can discover the history of the farmers, sailors and fishermen and gain an insight into their many longstanding traditions.

The port of Gdynia is famous for its large wharfs and the vibrant streets lined with many designer boutiques, bars and cafés. The town is built atop seven hills and is bordered by the long North Sea beach and the forests of Poland. The cultural capital of Poland hosts the international jazz festival "Gdynia Summer Jazz Days" in June and the Polish Film Festival at the end of September. It also holds frequent sailing regattas during the summer months. Sights include: the pier at "Skwer Kosciuszki", the war ship "Blyskawica" (which has been converted into a museum), the frigate "Dar Pomorze" and the Oceanographic Museum.

The Latvian capital of Riga has been restored to its former glory. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old merchants' houses, the National Opera and splendid Art Nouveau buildings have been renovated and restored and now adorn the broad avenues and boulevards. The symbol of Latvian freedom and the town's landmark is the statue "Milda", which sits enthroned on a magnificent obelisk. Latvian specialities are on offer in the five lively market halls. At night, the old town, which is a car-free zone, reverberates with life. Wide white beaches are also a part of Riga's city area. Sights include: the old town, St. Peter's church, "Blackheads' house", the new guild hall, the town hall and the cathedral.'

Visby's picturesque half-timbered houses nestle enclosed by the 3.6 km long medieval city wall - the only one in Scandinavia The imposing warehouses dating from the Hanseatic area, ruins covered in ivy and the high towers of St. Mary's church all stand taller than the city wall. Visby does not simply dwell on its historic past; it is a very vibrant town with many festivals, a busy yacht and ferry port and a sandy beach directly by the gates of the defensive wall. The sights are close to one another and the best way to explore this old Hanseatic city is on foot. The wide range of cultural activities, festivals and other events, ranging from traditional folk dancing to rock concerts, from mystery plays to avantgarde music, from antiques markets to art exhibitions, mean there is something to suit every taste. Sights include: the city wall, Fornsal museum, St. Mary's church, church ruins.

Stockholm with its fantastic location at the mouth of the Mälaren at the Baltic Sea is a mixture of illustrious beauty and regal splendour, a vibrant modern city with a historical charm. Built over 14 islands, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. Opulent buildings, park areas, an inner city with countless old alleyways and historic sites and a rich cultural heritage are what make Stockholm so special. In addition, the water in Stockholm is so clean that you can even go swimming and fishing in the middle of the city! The old town is surrounded by beautiful old houses and the royal palace, which has been the home of the Swedish kings and queens since the 12th century. Sights include: Stor Church and Riddarholm Church, the old town, the castle, the parliament building, the town hall, Drottningholm castle, the Wasa Museum with the wreck of the "Wasa" ship and the outdoor museum at Skansen.

Stockholm with its fantastic location at the mouth of the Mälaren at the Baltic Sea is a mixture of illustrious beauty and regal splendour, a vibrant modern city with a historical charm. Built over 14 islands, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. Opulent buildings, park areas, an inner city with countless old alleyways and historic sites and a rich cultural heritage are what make Stockholm so special. In addition, the water in Stockholm is so clean that you can even go swimming and fishing in the middle of the city! The old town is surrounded by beautiful old houses and the royal palace, which has been the home of the Swedish kings and queens since the 12th century. Sights include: Stor Church and Riddarholm Church, the old town, the castle, the parliament building, the town hall, Drottningholm castle, the Wasa Museum with the wreck of the "Wasa" ship and the outdoor museum at Skansen.