Western Europe Cruise - from Seville - 120147

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.

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.

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.

The French port of Cherbourg is known on the one hand as a naval base, and on the other as a centre of the fishing industry. Cherbourg is thought to have been built on the site of the Roman camp of Coriallum. The town was badly damaged during the Allied invasion of 1944. Cherbourg was the Allies' first supply port on the continent.

Rouen has the fourth-largest seaport in France and lies between Paris and Le Havre. The old trading town is on the outer edge of an imposing bend in the Seine surrounded by steep slopes. It was in Rouen that Joan of Ark was burnt at the stake. Impressive restored half-timbered Norman buildings dominate the image of the city. There are lots of old castles and chateaus in the surrounding area that bring France's history back to life. Sights include: the old market, Jeanne d'Arc church, the impressive clock tower, the Gothic cathedral and the town hall.

The Venice of the North! Along the canals and waterways and in the winding streets between the stepped gable houses, Amsterdam has a cosy but cosmopolitan flair. Idyllic pavement cafés, lively flea markets, the Anne Frank House, the Rijks- or Van-Gogh-Museum and many, many galleries and shops selling products designed and made by young designers and artists.