Western Europe Cruise - from Ponta Delgada - 114828

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.