Western Europe Cruise - from Hamburg - 115734

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.

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.

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.

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 small, modern town of Portimao on the Algarve has lots to offer visitors that like to go out: Praia da Rocha, the "cliff beach", and the disco 'Katedral'. Recreational activities, sunshine, shopping and sardines are what make Portimao special. One of the best shopping streets is the 'Rua do Comércio', the "street of trade", a pedestrian area that begins at the old market square close by the local church in the highest area of the town.

The British city of Gibraltar lies to the south of the coast of Spain. Its 27,300 inhabitants are protected by a heavily fortified naval and trading port. The reasons for this are to be found in the unique location of the island of the same name, whose waterway, "the strait of Gibraltar" (60 km long and 14 km wide at its narrowest point) connects the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Gibraltar was the subject of many battles in early history: conquered by the Spanish in 1462, they were forced to surrender the island to the British in 1704 and Gibraltar was made a Crown Colony in 1830. Nevertheless, Spain still lays claim to the city and its bay. Sights include: the Catholic cathedral "St. Mary the Crowned", the Anglican "Holy Trinity" cathedral, the Gibraltar Museum and the Governor's palace "The Convent", where you can watch the changing of the guard several times a day, all of which are on Main Street. The most well-known inhabitants of the famous Rock of Gibraltar are the Barbary Macaques, imported by the British from North Africa in the 18th century.

Almería, the city facing the Mediterranean, is modern and vibrant. It is one of the Andalucian cities that has best preserved its Moorish legacy. The first things to admire here are the traditional buildings and harbours. The most important sights include the cathedral, the Moorish fortress of "Alcazaba" and the covered market.

The affluent city at the Spanish Mediterranean has both interesting buildings and monuments and beautiful beaches. Sights include: the baroque town hall, the huge Santa Barbara Castle, San Fernando Castle, which dates from the 19th century, and the ruins at "Tossal de Manises", which bear evidence to the origins of Alicante. The Spanish port has many opulent town houses, countless churches and two palaces - Gravina Palace and the palace that houses the regional government.

Ibiza is the most westerly of the Spanish Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean. Together with Formentera to the South and the smaller islands in the vicinity it forms part of the Pityuses Group. Ibiza itself has a great deal to offer: sunshine, sea, beautiful sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery and the vibrant centre, Ibiza Town with its picturesque old town. Extensive parts of the island have kept their natural landscape, cultural monuments and their rural charm. The island is also an eldorado for clubbers and a mecca for fans of watersports.