Europe: France, Spain & England

Protected from the frequent storms of the English Channel by the Isle of Wight, Southampton has survived a turbulent history to serve as a principal port of the United Kingdom today. Pay homage to one of the most famous ships to sail these shores at the Mayflower Memorial. Visit the stoic walls of Bargate and the Tudor House Museum.

The ultimate European city, Brussels has tons of museums, fountains, gardens and great shopping. Stroll the Old Town area to see St. Hubert Arcades and its shops, as well as Butchers’ Street with its plethora of restaurants and cafes and the Grand Place with its Baroque guild houses.

Hop on a tour bus to the City of Light to experience the magic of Paris. Stroll down the Champs-Elysées as you nibble on a croissant. Take photos of beautiful Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Montmartre and all the other iconic places of Paris lie 120 miles up the Seine from the port of Le Havre. Or explore the charms of Le Havre, spend the day at Monet’s Giverny or explore Rouen’s Old Market Place, where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431.

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Located on the Gironde River, Le Verdon is the gateway to Bordeaux, only 2 hours away. Savour the city’s visual feast of classic French ornate buildings, broad avenues, picturesque squares and the Cathedral of St. André with stunning stained glass windows. Stroll through old Bordeaux, or head out of the city to one of the area’s famous vineyards. The gourmet in you will delight in the foie gras, truffles, chocolate and superb wines. Vive la France!

The largest city of the Basque Country, Bilbao is magnificent mix of historic and spectacular modern architecture. Head to Casco Viejo to meander medieval streets and sample some of the best pinxtos (tapas) around. And don’t miss the massive, ultramodern Guggenheim Museum Bilbao across the river, featuring the works of leading artists of the 20th century. Clad in glimmering titanium, this enormous structure is a work of art itself.

The Tower of Hercules, a 2,000-year-old, functioning Roman lighthouse will be the first to welcome you to this friendly port city. Spain’s second largest seaport has one of the longest promenades in Europe. Visit the ornate Maria Pita Square and join in the fun at the lively taverns in the Old Town area.

The urban area of Vigo is built over an ancient Roman settlement, on the slopes of a hill crowned by two old forts, the Castillo de San Sebastian and the Castillo del Castro. Nearby is the must see Holy City of Santiago de Compostela and its magnificent cathedral displaying exquisite architecture in Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles.

An unforgettable stop on any European cruise, with its Gothic cathedrals, medieval castle, and quaint village neighbourhoods, Lisbon is Portugal’s feature attraction and has been the country’s capital since 1147. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this city at your own leisurely pace, stopping along the way at a remarkable museum or 1930’s era patio caf. Explore more of Lisbon on a European cruise!

Indulge in the culture of Andalusia’s capital of Seville and visit its stunning Cathedral, one of the largest in the world. Stop and taste the tapas and smell the orange blossoms during a stroll down the winding Medieval lanes. But be sure you leave time to visit the breathtaking Plaza de Espana.

Motril is a magnificent Spanish gem on the Mediterranean coast. The relaxing sands of Playa de Torrenueva are a great place to spend a sunny day. For some inland exploring, head to the Cueva Del Capitan for a fantastic nature hike. There’s also plenty of history waiting to be experienced in the city. Stop by the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza to see a 17th-century church surrounded by incredible panoramic views. Then head to the Pre-industrial Sugar Cane Museum to learn all about the region’s staple crop.

With its youthful spirit and natural beauty, the Balearic island of Ibiza (or “Eivissa,” as it’s known locally) is perfect for those who love the outdoors. The beach coastline is majestically rugged, and the hills are covered with olive and fig trees. Two of the most popular beaches are Talamanca and Ses Figueretes. The capital of Ciudad de Ibiza offers a variety of experiences to discover, especially in the historic Dalt Vila district. From the 16th century Castle of Ibiza to the Museum of Contemporary Art and scenic strolls along beautiful cobblestone streets, there’s something for everyone.

On the one hand, this city, founded by the Romans some 2,100 years ago, is replete with (literally) wall-to-wall history and architectural splendor. You can journey back in time and wander the mazes of alleyways and cobblestone paths that surround the Gothic cathedral. On the other hand, Palma is bustling with life, showcasing the island’s best restaurants, shops, nightlife and a vibrant art scene. Explore more of Palma on a European cruise!

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