Marina - June 13, 2024

Lisbon is many cities, from the cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. View it all from the heights of St. George's Castle. Belem's Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past, while nearby Sintra's storybook palaces, and the seaside resort of Caiscais, have different tales to tell.

The Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse, shone over the sea and city of La Coruna for the first time over 2,000 years ago. Since then, it has guided thousands of vessels to the safety of the port - a rich melting pot of culture and that of the many visitors. Today, the city of La Coruna is one of Europe's main ports. By sea, road or air, the city welcomes you with its classic friendliness like it welcomes thousands of people who, every year come to visit the city and contemplate the oldest lighthouse of the world which is still working.

The city of Bilbao, hemmed in by massive green hills on three sides and a river valley to the north, sprawls itself out across the remaining open spaces in an ungainly and awkward mess. Its 14th-century historic district and more modern commercial centre hug the banks of the Nervion River, while its working class suburbs, the rusting shipbuilding and steel factories, the fish canning plants and assorted relics of its more lucrative industrial past stretch out along the widening river and up into the rugged hills.

World renowned for its liquid namesake, Bordeaux's vineyards begin at the town's doorstep. Drive through the countryside to admire the richness of this region laden with grapevines and dotted with picturesque chateaux. Head north up to Pauillac along the Haute-Medoc wine road where some of the finest clarets are cultivated.

World renowned for its liquid namesake, Bordeaux's vineyards begin at the town's doorstep. Drive through the countryside to admire the richness of this region laden with grapevines and dotted with picturesque chateaux. Head north up to Pauillac along the Haute-Medoc wine road where some of the finest clarets are cultivated.

Lorient is a town in the Bretagne region of western France. The town was almost entirely rebuilt after suffering heavy damage in World War II. One of Lorient's modern claims to fame is its famous inter-Celtic festival. The Bretagne region, though chilly, is very beautiful. Also known as Brittany, it was once the longtime focus of struggles between England and France.

The walled inner town of St. Malo dominates the view as you sail into the harbour of this historic city, making this ancient naval port one of France's top tourist attractions. It is possible to walk the perimeter of the inner town on the ramparts on top of the walls. The walk not only gives fine views of St. Malo itself but also up the valley of the Rance towards Dinard and out over the numerous off shore islets.

Le Havre is the gateway for optional tours to Paris, the "City of Light." See the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champs Elysees. In Le Havre itself, cruise visitors can explore at leisure and learn something of the French "art de vivre." Visit fish and vegetable markets, public parks, modern architecture, a long seaside promenade and a vast beach.

Located along the North Sea, Zeebrugge is located ten miles north of Brugge (Bruges) and serves as its port. The Brugge-Zeebrugge Canal connects the seaside resort with the cultural mecca that is its sister city. Visitors to Brugge will see stunning representations of gothic and roman architecture and collections of Dutch and Belgian art.

One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Antwerp's wealth came about as a result of its prominence as a trading port in the 15th and 16th centuries. That wealth is reflected in the ornate baroque architecture and art found throughout the city. A visit to the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady and the open-air Museum of Modern Sculpture will find works by Peter Paul Rubens and Rodin respectively.

Antwerp's wealth came about as a result of its prominence as a trading port in the 15th and 16th centuries. That wealth is reflected in the ornate baroque architecture and art found throughout the city. A visit to the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady and the open-air Museum of Modern Sculpture will find works by Peter Paul Rubens and Rodin respectively.

Le Havre is the gateway for optional tours to Paris, the "City of Light." See the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champs Elysees. In Le Havre itself, cruise visitors can explore at leisure and learn something of the French "art de vivre." Visit fish and vegetable markets, public parks, modern architecture, a long seaside promenade and a vast beach.

Entrenched in history and yet very much part of the 21st century, Portsmouth features the best that England has to offer. Take in the sky-blue seas and refreshing breezes of Pompey. Snap a photo of the majestic fountain by Alders. Dance your cares away at the glitzy Underground nightclub. Shop for hours amid the unique and colorful stores of the Commercial Road precinct.

Picturesque fishing harbors, white sandy beaches, lovely homes, and buckets of sunshine combine to make St. Peter Port a pleasant stopover. See the 11th century parish church of St. Peter, from which the city derives its name. Walk the cliffs that border the island and see the coastline of France, 8 miles away--the area from which Guernsey's early inhabitants migrated.

A town of churches, bridges and pubs, Cork is best known for Blarney Castle where you are invited to kiss the famed stone to acquire the "gift of gab." St. Patrick Street, the town's main thoroughfare, is good for shopping and people watching. See the Shandon bells in St. Anne's church. Those who are willing to climb the 134 winding steps to the top of the steeple will be rewarded with a wondrous view of the city, harbor and hills.

Stavanger, the southern gateway to the Fjordlands, is also the home port of much of the fleet that serves the North Sea oil fields. Visit for historical investigation or to soak up the majesty of the natural terrain. View its medieval Cathedral and other highlights of the town or travel out to Pulpit Rock, a breathtaking vista high above the fjords.

Norway's political and cultural capital, Oslo was recently selected as the city with the highest quality of life in Europe. It's not surprising, considering the city's treasures: beautiful Frogner Park filled with modern sculpture, the emotional power of the Munch Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, forested mountains and secluded coves, all within the city limits.