Europe: France, Spain, Portugal & Belgium

Let your inner-photographer loose in Oporto, a city full of character, notably its exquisite blue and white tiles especially those that so beautifully grace the exteriors of the Carmo and Capela das Almas churches. Leave an afternoon to explore the medieval Ribiera district, snap cask-laden wooden boats and the iron Dom Luis Bridge that spans the River Douro.

Christened the Crystal City and home to the shrine of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela, La Coruna is a gem on Spain's north western coast. Tantalise your taste buds as you sample Galicia's mouth-watering seafood with octopus, oysters and scallops on the menu. If your taste is for history, feast on the vista from the world's only working Roman lighthouse.

The Basque city and cruise port of Bilbao in northern Spain has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe following the opening of the imaginatively-designed Guggenheim modern art gallery, which is an architectural work of avant-garde art in its own right. Until then, Bilbao was very much a working city but it has always boasted a lively old town dating from the 14th century. Through the winding alleyways of the Casco Viejo you can stop to sample tapas at the many exceptional local bars and restaurants.

Bordeaux is the starting point for many exciting excursions into the surrounding wine country. The patricians of Bordeaux have always been merchants and shipbuilders. Under the Romans the city had a flourishing trade with Spain and Britain. In 1154, as a part of the dowry of Eleanor of Aquitaine, it became English and remained so until 1453.

The 14th century twin towers of St Nicolas Fort and the Tour de la Chaine (named after the chain once drawn across the harbour to keep out night intruders) ensure a dramatic entrance when you cruise between them into the French Atlantic cruise port La Rochelle-Pallice. The medieval city of La Rochelle is just 10 minutes away and offers an intriguing mix of well preserved and restored historic buildings and marketplaces within a lively modern city full of bars and restaurants and with an excellent aquarium. Tickle your taste buds with a visit to the small town of Cognac and its famous Courvoisier, Hennessy and Martell cellars. Along the way, you will pass through ancient towns like Saintes with Romanesque churches, arches and arenas.

Strikingly beautiful, this city is famed for its concentric canals crossed by humpbacked bridges, and cyclist-friendly avenues of tall trees and gabled houses. Savour the charming sites of this beautiful city on foot, a canal boat tour or get a bike for the most authentic experience. Known as The Venice of the North', Amsterdam's bustling canals, world-famous museums and historical sights are a must-see.

Understand that Zeebrugge literally means Bruges-on-Sea and you immediately appreciate why this ferry port is also Belgium's major cruise port. A medieval jewel on the North Sea, the charming city of Bruges is just 10 miles away.

Founded in 1517 to serve the French capital, Le Havre marks your opportunity to explore the innumerable sights and experiences of Paris. Often called the City of Light, you will be spoilt for choice. Sense the gothic splendour and folklore of Notre Dame Cathedral, weave among the priceless artworks in the Louvre, amble the Champs Élysées to Arc de Triomphe, and experience the magical Eiffel Tower.