Western Europe Cruise - from Leixões / Porto - 102096

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.

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.

Brest, with a population of 200,000 has the largest naval port in France next to Toulon. From "Cours Dajot", the promenade build over the trading port in 1769, you can enjoy an excellent view of the harbour bay "Rade de Brest". The Sealife Centre "Océanopolis" in the yacht marina of Moulin Blanc is a must-see. The building fittingly resembles a crab.

With a circumference of 40 km and a population of around 60,000, Guernsey is the second-largest of the British Channel Isles. Despite its small size, it has a varied landscape and vegetation influenced by the Mediterranean climate. It has long, flat sandy beaches at the West and North coast and steep cliffs to the South. The island capital of St. Peter Port lies at the East coast and combines Mediterranean flair with the charm of a traditional fishing village. The hilly island is perfect for bike rides and hikes, since there is very little traffic. But fans of traditional sights will not be disappointed either; in addition to prehistoric tombs and blocks of stone towering high into the sky (known as "menhirs") the island also boasts medieval churches and fortresses. The remains of Hitler's Atlantic Wall, meanwhile, bear witness to Guernsey's more recent history.

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.