Western Europe Cruise - from Lisbon - 125095

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.

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.

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 port of Dover is just 28 km from France. 14 million passengers pass through here on the journey between the British Isles and the French mainland. But what Dover is most famous for is its beautiful white cliffs, upon which, hardly visible, stands the largest fort in England. Other sights include: Dover Castle and the lighthouse.