|
1.
|
Le Havre (France)
|
|
19:00
|
|
|
The port of "Le Havre de Grace" was founded in 1517 by François I on the right bank of the Seine estuary. The seafront, the beach and the harbour basin reach right into the heart of the town. The town's image is shaped by the Seine estuary and the port. Le Havre is not only an important trading port, but also has a yacht marina and a beach. The alabaster coast with its tall chalk cliffs stretches north from Le Havre to the Somme estuary. Always connected with the sea, today Le Havre is the fifth-largest European port.
Sights include: the port, the town hall, Villa Maritime, the swimming dock, St. Josef's Church, the garden at St. Roch, Malraux museum, and Notre Dame cathedral.
|
|
|
2.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.
|
La Rochelle (France)
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 15:00
|
07:00
|
15:00
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
4.
|
Pauillac (France)
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 19:00
|
07:00
|
19:00
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.
|
Saint-Jean-de-Luz (France)
Arrival: 09:00
Departure: 18:00
|
09:00
|
18:00
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.
|
Bilbao (Basque Region, Spain)
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 19:00
|
07:00
|
19:00
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
7.
|
Gijón (Spain)
Arrival: 08:00
Departure: 18:00
|
08:00
|
18:00
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
8.
|
La Coruña (Spain)
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 17:00
|
07:00
|
17:00
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
9.
|
Porto (Portugal)
Arrival: 08:00
Departure: 18:00
|
08:00
|
18:00
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
10.
|
Lisbon (Portugal)
Arrival: 08:00
Departure: 20:00
|
08:00
|
20:00
|
|
|
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".
|
|
|
11.
|
At Sea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.
|
Motril (Spain)
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 19:00
|
07:00
|
19:00
|
|
|
The small town of Motril has had a small sugar-cane industry since the 18th century, which is why it has also been called 'little Cuba'. It is one of the oldest settlements in Spain and was founded by the Phoenicians, then ruled for many centuries by the Arabs. The port is the most important in the province of Granada.
Sights include: "Parque de los Pueblos de America", the "Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Cabeza", the Baroque town hall, and the 16th century church "Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnacion".
|
|
|
13.
|
Alicante (Spain)
Arrival: 10:00
Departure: 18:00
|
10:00
|
18:00
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
14.
|
Mahón (Menorca, Balearic Islands)
Arrival: 11:00
Departure: 19:00
|
11:00
|
19:00
|
|
|
The picturesque natural harbour of Mahón lies in the Mediterranean and was made island capital during the British occupation in 1722. From the main square "Placa de Esplanada" through the pedestrian zone you will reach the fish and vegetable market beneath the old cloisters of a former monastery. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the port of Mahón, English in style but with a Mediterranean feel.
Sights include: the city gates "Pont de Sant Roc", built in around 1500 and which was seen as the city wall during the Middle Ages.
|
|
|
15.
|
Barcelona (Spain)
|
07:00
|
|
|
|
The town is a harmonious mixture of the traditional and the modern and you will find both historic buildings dating from medieval times and ultra-modern architecture. Barcelona is the most important economic centre in Catalonia. This Mediterranean metropolis also has lots to offer in cultural terms, including, among other things, the Picasso Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Catalonia.
The cathedreal "La Seu", which dates from the 13th century, is situated in the gothic old town "Barri Gotic". But Barcelona's landmark is the "Sagrada Familia", the church designed by Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona is busy by day and lively by night. One of the other main attractions is "Las Ramblas", the splendid promenade in the city centre with countless pavement cafes, shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Other must-sees include "El Puerto", the harbour with a wonderful view of Barcelona, and the nearby boulevard "Paseo de Colón".
|
|
