Western Europe Cruise - from Santa Cruz de Tenerife - 124897

'The island capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a lively, friendly city with picturesque streets, parks and squares as well as a world-renowned botanic garden. The centre of Santa Cruz is a mixture of old areas and modern architecture. The famous beaches of Las Gaviotas and Las Teresitas are very close nearby the city. Monte de la Esperanza, which towers over the city is also worth a visit, since the view from the summit is truly breathtaking. 'Sights include: the Plaza de Espana with its war memorial, the Museums of Archaeology and Anthropology, Carta Palace, the baroque church of Iglesia de la Concepción, the Museum of painting and sculpture, Castillo de Paso Alto.

Puerto del Rosario is the main town on Fuerteventura in the Canary Isles. A stroll along the Avenida de los Reyes de España, the main seaside promenade, is particularly worthwhile. Lots of restored white houses mark the end of the promenade and look somewhat like a white city wall. The central meeting places are the church square and the cafeteria Tinguaro nearby the tiny covered market. The best way to spend 'siesta' time is to enjoy a long lunch in one of the many small restaurants. Sehenswürdigkeiten: the parish church Nuestra Señora del Rosario with its stained glass windows, Casa Museo Unamuno, the colonial style town hall and Playa Blanca.

Arrecife is the capital city of Lanzarote and has a population of around 40,000. As recently as two hundred years ago, there was only a small harbour here which belonged to the former capital, Teguise. Only during the last century did the town slowly begin to develop. Arrecife is made almost entirely of narrow, winding streets. Sights include: the "Castillo de San Gabriel" with an archaeological museum and the "Castillo de San José". The main business streets, "Calle Real" and "León y Castillo" are packed with shops and entertainment venues.

The Moroccan town of Agadir lies in a broad bay with a wide sandy beach against the backdrop of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, with the fertile Sous plain in the hinterland. Sights include: the bird park with exotic birds, the ruins of the Kasbah at 236m above sea level, the nature reserve "Souss-Massa", the outdoor museum "Medina Polizzi", the museums "Bert Flint" and "Municipal" and the Museum of Berber Art. Like every oriental city, Agadir is famous for its market "Souk El Had".

Casablanca is a modern city with a few old buildings and some elements of Moroccan culture. It was greatly influenced by French colonialism. The cityscape, consisting initially mainly of wide boulevards and French-inspired townhouses dating from the 30s and 40s, has been supplemented with new high-rise buildings and Neo-Oriental style architecture. Casablanca's attractions include the Hassan II Mosque , the arts and crafts market, "Youtiya" in the new Medina, and the Habbous district. The most important buildings in the Medina are the Jamaa el Kebir and Jamaa ech Chleuh mosques and the Sidi el Kairouani Koubba, the city's first saint.

The southern Spanish coastal town in Andalucia has a trading port and a naval port. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land measuring 9km in length and by a bridge. It has a population of 154,000. Sights in this city founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 B.C. include the medical faculty at the University of Seville, the old cathedral (13th and 16th century) and the new cathedral, built in the 18th/19th century. In historical terms, Cádiz gained huge importance as the starting point for the Spanish expeditions to the West Indies.

The small, modern town of Portimao on the Algarve has lots to offer visitors that like to go out: Praia da Rocha, the "cliff beach", and the disco 'Katedral'. Recreational activities, sunshine, shopping and sardines are what make Portimao special. One of the best shopping streets is the 'Rua do Comércio', the "street of trade", a pedestrian area that begins at the old market square close by the local church in the highest area of the town.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.