Western Europe Cruise - from Hamburg - 115278

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.