Atlantic Coast Adventure

You cruise right into the heart of historic Cadiz as immediately across the busy Avenida del Puerto from the Spanish port is the main square and shopping area. Cadiz dates back to the 12th century BC so is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western world but sultry Seville has long since outgrown its neighbour. La Giralda (the bell-tower next to its Gothic cathedral), is in Seville's historic Jewish quarter which also has the whitewashed houses and exquisitely coloured bougainvillea that everyone associates with this lovely city. With a low-key, laid-back vibe, it’s famed for its seafood, sand and sunlight. Cadiz is a pleasure to explore on foot with winding alleyways, vast plazas and stunning architecture.

An ancient city with a name to match - it was founded more than 2 200 years ago by a Carthaginian leader Hasdrubal - Cartagena is now one of Spain's busiest commercial centres.

An ancient city, Valencia is an exhilarating mix of history, art and intellectual activity. Brave the 200 steps to the summit of the amphitheatre and you'll be rewarded with a scene of orange rooftops and blue-domed churches. Valencia's rich Hispanic culture is visible everywhere in art and architecture reflecting Roman, Visigoth, Moorish, and Aragonese traditions.

The birthplace of Picasso and known as Málaga the Beautiful, Másaga's privileged location has attracted travellers, merchants, artists and explorers for centuries who have left their mark on this cosmopolitan city. It is the gateway to the beaches of Torremolinos, the exclusive clubs and marina of Marbella and Puerto Banus and its striking old quarter by the cathedral offers a relaxed atmosphere with spectacular views.

Grab a cable car to carry you up the ancient Pillar of Hercules for views that will leave you breathless. For the wildlife enthusiast in you there's a stop to appreciate the diverse birdlife and to meet those famous Barbary Apes, of course! Beneath Gibraltar's white cliffs grow a profusion of palm, pine, and cypress. No fewer than 600 varieties of flowers grow here, some found nowhere else on Earth.

Portugal's capital spreads its ancient sites on seven steep hillsides that overlook the Tagus River. Feast your eyes on St. George's Castle which overlooks the city atop the highest hill, or the countless balconies ablaze with geraniums and wrought iron lamps that light up the medieval Alfama quarter. Wonder up to the Bairro Alto where you may hear the sorrowful fado singers ring out from cafés.

The UK's premier passenger ship port, located in the picturesque English county of Hampshire, Southampton is a vibrant waterfront city, serviced by direct trains to London, an airport, and an international cruise terminal. Explore the city’s maritime heritage and links to RMS Titanic in the Sea City Museum, see contemporary British art in the Cultural Quarter, or walk the medieval walls in the Old Town. Further afield you’ll find The New Forest National Park, Winchester Cathedral, Stonehenge, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Isle of Wight, while the city’s thriving craft beer and culinary scene will leave you spoilt for choice.