Western Europe Cruise - from Palma - 123667

The capital of the Balearic Islands is the economic and cultural centre of Majorca. During the 13th and 14th century the town developed into one of the most important centres of trade in the Western Mediterranean. Trade brought the town much wealth and prestige. The majority of the historic buildings of Majorca also date from this period. In Palma both the shady splendid street of Passeig des Born and the small streets of the old town reverberate with life. For a modern city, Palma has managed to retain a particularly attractive city centre. Sights worth seeing include: the cathedral la Seu (with Gothic towers, measuring 120m long and 40m high, and fascinating rose windows – measuring 12.5m across and covering a total area of more than 100 square metres); the Palace Almudaina (former residence of the Majorcan royal family, with a beautiful garden); the stock exchange La Llotja (founded in the Middle Ages, often confused with a church due to the adornment of the building. Nowadays it is often used for exhibitions); the market hall Mercat Olivar; the monestary church of Sant Francesc (a Gothic church dating back to 1232 with impressive late Gothic cloisters).

Malaga was founded in around 8 B.C. by the seafaring Phoenicians. Today, Malaga is a modern city with an important trading port, an airport and a university. It also has an excellent climate all year round, making it one of the most important holiday destinations on the Iberian peninsula. Sights include: The King's Palace, "Alcazaba", built in the 11th century and featuring an archaeological museum; the city cathedral, built around 1528 with the pretty chapels "Capilla Mayor" and "Capilla del Sagrado Corazón"; various churches; the house in which Pablo Picasso was born; buildings dating from the 18th century - "Casa del Cosulado", "Palacio de la Aduana", "Casa Palacio del Marques de Valdeflores"; the parks "Puerta Oscura", "de Ricasso", "de Pedro Luis Alonso".

The Moroccan port and provincial capital of Tangiers at the western opening of the strait of Gibraltar is the gateway to Africa. The most famous attractions are to be found near the Kasbah in the middle of the bustling old town. Steep streets and alleyways wind around the white walls of the houses, and a labyrinth of large and small shops selling everything you could think of awaits visitors. The Great Socco (Great Souk) is a typical Moroccan square with lots and lots of tea houses and the most important market place at the outskirts of the Medina. To the North-West of the Grand Socco is the huge main gate of the city wall, Bab Fahs. Nearby, are the gardens of the old residence of Mendoubia, once the seat of the Sultan of the international commission, today the seat of the magistrates. The gardens have 800-year-old dragon tree plants as well as 40 old international canons.

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.

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 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.

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 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.