Western Europe Cruise - from Ijmuiden - Amsterdam - 131074

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.

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 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.

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.

'"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.

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.

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.

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.

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".