Western Europe Cruise - from Southampton - 119013

Southampton is the largest port in Great Britain. It is from here that the Mayflower set sail for the New World, as commemorated by the Mayflower Memorial. The town's landmark is the 'Bargate', a city gate built by the Normans. Southampton is also known as the entertainment capital on the South coast. Cinemas, theatres, museums, bars and pubs, art galleries and all kinds of watersports attract thousands of visitors.

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.

'The capital of Guernsey brings the past to life. It is one of the 50 most historically important towns in Great Britain. Buildings of special importance include the church, the market building, the royal courthouse and Notre Dame du Rosaire church. Since you can shop duty-free on Guernsey, the small town has an astonishing array of exquisite boutiques. You can even acquire an antique or two at the Old Market and gourmets should be sure to try the fresh lobster. 'Sights include: Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery, Hauteville Haus, La Vallette.

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.

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.

'"The world capital of wine" - no one would dispute that Bordeaux is worthy of this title. In addition, this town on the Atlantic coast has a unique architecture dating back to the 18th Century. Bordeaux has ten municipal museums that store the town's cultural heritage, such as the "Musée d'Aquitaine" (French for "Museum of Regional History") and the "Musée des Beaux Arts", a portrait gallery. The most important sights in this city of culture include the "Palais de la Bourse", the old town gate "Porte Cailhau", the "Pont de Pierre" with its 17 arches, the Cathedrale St. André, the Church of St. Michel and the Girondist monument at the "Place des Quinconces", one of the largest town squares in Europe.

'"The world capital of wine" - no one would dispute that Bordeaux is worthy of this title. In addition, this town on the Atlantic coast has a unique architecture dating back to the 18th Century. Bordeaux has ten municipal museums that store the town's cultural heritage, such as the "Musée d'Aquitaine" (French for "Museum of Regional History") and the "Musée des Beaux Arts", a portrait gallery. The most important sights in this city of culture include the "Palais de la Bourse", the old town gate "Porte Cailhau", the "Pont de Pierre" with its 17 arches, the Cathedrale St. André, the Church of St. Michel and the Girondist monument at the "Place des Quinconces", one of the largest town squares in Europe.

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 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.

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".