Western Europe Cruise - from Lisbon - 122612

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".

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.

The northern Spanish port of Santander in the Bay of Biscay lies in a sheltered cove. The economically active town has an important port and a marine biology station. It is a popular seaside resort for the Spanish and foreigners alike. Just a few kilometres from Santander are the fascinating caves of Altamira with their prehistoric cave paintings. The nature reserve in the uplands of the Cantabria region is home to bears, wolves and eagles. Sights include: the romanesque/gothic cathedral, Palacio de la Magdalena, Jardines de Piquío and the Promenade Paseo de Pereda.

'"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.

'"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.

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 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.

Zeebrugge, the largest fishing port in Belgium, is linked to Bruges, of which it is a subdivision, by means of a twelve kilometre long canal. Bruges is well worth a look. Along the long beach promenade there are lots of cafés where you can sit and relax. The fish auction hall at the rear of the harbour is one of the largest and most modern in Europe and can be seen during a tour of the harbour. Zeebrugge also has a yacht marina, with space to accommodate around one hundred ships. Sights include: St. George's Memorial, Pierre Vandamme sea-lock, the diamond museum, the Memling Museum, the Church of Our Lady, the Oldtimer and Motorbike Museum, Minne Water Park, and the home brewery 'De Halve Maan'.

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.

Copenhagen is not only the capital of Denmark, but also the most multifaceted city in Scandinavia. A quarter of all Danes live in and around Copenhagen and yet the city remains, essentially, clearly laid out and easy to navigate. The massive bridge over the Bresund connecting Denmark with Sweden means Copenhagen has become an even more important hub in Scandinavia in the new millenium. Visitors from all over the world come to Copenhagen to have fun at Tivoli, to see the mermaid, the changing of the guard at the Queen's castle and much much more besides. Sights include: Vor Frelser Kirke (Our Saviour's Church), the round tower, the town hall, the little mermaid, Tivoli, the commodity exchange, Denmark's Royal Library, Thorvaldsen Museum, Amalienborg castle, and Tycho Brahes Planetarium.