Lisbon, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Cherbourg, Bruges (Brussels - Zeebrugge), Rotterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo, Falmouth, San Juan, Fort Lauderdale

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, on the southwest of the country, has been the main gateway for the rest of the planet for more than 19 centuries. Ships captained by Portuguese explorers like Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, skittered across the globe, hauling treasure home and making Lisbon a global capital. Draped across seven hills, Lisbon was once the center of a vast maritime empire that stretched from the west coast of Africa to the Spice Islands of the East Indies, until 1755, when a violent earthquake destroyed two-thirds of the city, leaving intact only the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter. Today, Lisbon is a stately city of Neoclassical buildings and wide plazas. Eternally linked to the sea, Lisbon's magnificent harbor is spanned by the longest suspension bridge in Europe. Among the city's landmarks are the iconic Castelo de São Jorge, the World Heritage Sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both built in Lisbon's native Manueline architectural style.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, on the southwest of the country, has been the main gateway for the rest of the planet for more than 19 centuries. Ships captained by Portuguese explorers like Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, skittered across the globe, hauling treasure home and making Lisbon a global capital. Draped across seven hills, Lisbon was once the center of a vast maritime empire that stretched from the west coast of Africa to the Spice Islands of the East Indies, until 1755, when a violent earthquake destroyed two-thirds of the city, leaving intact only the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter. Today, Lisbon is a stately city of Neoclassical buildings and wide plazas. Eternally linked to the sea, Lisbon's magnificent harbor is spanned by the longest suspension bridge in Europe. Among the city's landmarks are the iconic Castelo de São Jorge, the World Heritage Sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both built in Lisbon's native Manueline architectural style.

Spain’s tenth largest city, is a magnificent “cocktail” of architecture, tradition, sea and mountain, character and history. Most known for the Guggenheim Museum, a true landmark both for Bilbao and for this part of Spain, it has also a multitude of highlights: start from Getxo, the town, part of greater Bilbao, which features mansions and magnificent houses built in different European styles in the period between the late 19th and early 20th century. At the end of the promenade along the sea you will find Algorta, an old fishing port with restaurants and taverns. Close to Getxo’s port areaYou will find the Viscaya Bridge, the world’s oldest transporter bridge. Continue to  the historic center of the city either as the “casco,” meaning “the old quarter,” a pedestrian-friendly area featuring a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, visit La Ribera, one of Europe’s largest indoor markets, enter Santiago Cathedral and check out the Zubizuro Bridge, also known as the Campo Volantin Bridge, which connects the two banks of the Nervion River close to the city center. If you have time, visit the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao with works by artists such as El Greco, Goya, Gauguin, Velazquez and Picasso and take the funicular from Plaza Funicular to the gardens of Artxandra, from where you will have a splendid panoramic view.

Bordeaux is the legendary land of wine and monumental architecture. The breathtaking capital of the wine world is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, with over 360 historic monuments within its borders, it is also classified as a “City of Art and History.” See the elegant port city of Bordeaux on foot and experience the rich culture and architecture of the city as well as a tasting at the wine museum

Cherbourg-Octeville is a city and former commune situated at the northern end of the Cotentin peninsula in the northwestern French department of Manche. It is the most populated city in its department with 37,121 inhabitants.

Cherbourg-en-Cotentin is protected by Cherbourg Harbour, between La Hague and Val de Saire, and the city has been a strategic position over the centuries, disputed between the English and French. Cited as one of the "keys to the kingdom" by Vauban, it became, by colossal maritime development work, a first-rate military port under the leadership of Louis XVI and Napoleon, and holds an arsenal of the French Navy. A stopping point for prestigious transatlantic liners in the first half of the 20th century, Cherbourg was the primary goal of US troops during the invasion of Normandy in 1944.

Along with its use as a military, fishing and yachting port, it is also a cross-Channel ferry port, with routes to the English ports of Poole and Portsmouth, the Irish port of Rosslare Harbour and St Helier on Jersey. Limited by its geographical isolation from being a great commercial port, it is nonetheless an important shipbuilding centre, and a working-class city with a rural hinterland. On Wednesday, 10 April 1912 the RMS Titanic crossed the English Channel and docked here at 7:00pm local time before raising anchor at 9:10pm local time and sailing to her final stop Queenstown, Ireland.

Zeebrugge is Belgium's main gateway to Europe on the coast of the North Sea- 10 miles north of Brugge and 60 miles from Brussels- and has evolved into one of the fastest growing ports in the range of ports between Le Havre and Hamburg, which together handle more than a billion tonnes of cargo a year. From here, you can visit Bruges, the idyllic Unesco World Heritage city, founded in the 9th century by the Vikings. It has been beautifully preserved and charms its visitors by its medieval character.

The sky is dominated by the tower of Our Lady's Church (O.L.V-Kerk) that hosts the famous Madonna by Michelangelo. During your visit at the charming town, don't miss St. Salvator's Cathedral, with the eye-catching wall tapestries which were woven in the Brussels weaving manufactory Van der Borcht in 1730, the market place (Grote Markt) with the the Belfort or belfry tower - Visitors can climb the 350 steps to the top for a beautiful panoramic view of the city- the Cloth Hall - where the Flemish cloth which was manufactured in different other cities was sold to the rest of the world - and the neo-gothic style Provincial court. In the center of the Market stands the statueof Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck and several medieval-looking houses. The second largest square is the Burg Square with the gothic Town Hall (1376) and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. Chocolate lovers should visit the Chocolate Museum and Diamond Lovers, the Diamond Museum. 

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm, offering amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. The Nazi bombardment of 1940 gutted most of the old city, so, you will notice that Rotterdam's architecture is an intriguing mix of old and new: modern glass skyscrapers often stand adjacent to 19th- and 18th-century buildings. During your walk, you will see three pre World War II buildings in the city center, the city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde, home to ethnological exhibits, the Delfshaven quarter with the 18th century houses and the futuristic Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down housing complex.

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, was founded in the 12th century and owes much of its charm to the buildings erected by Denmark's monarchs, boasting a treasure trove of late-Renaissance and Rococo architecture. Built on a series of islands and islets, it is laced with graceful canals and boasts some of the most delightful architecture in Northern Europe. During your visit, you will see the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a symbol of the city that keeps a thoughtful watch on the harbor, stroll along the old harbor of Nyhavn, lined with cafés, restaurants and 500-year-old gabled houses, browse the superb shops on the world-famous Stroget or view the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square. Best of all, savor the taste of local delicacies while wandering the paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated pleasure gardens.

Norway 's capital lies at the head of the Oslofjord, surrounded by green – two-thirds of the city is protected forest. It is the biggest city and capital since 1814, hosting the seat of the Government (Stortinget) and the Royal Palace (Slottet). Take a walk through the central city and visit the newly opened Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and in the other direction the award-winning Oslo Opera House. Among its highlights, is the Akershus Castle, constructed in 1290 during the reign of King Haakon V (1299–1319), the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki, the Fram Ship-Museum and the most impressive Vigeland park, the largest open - air museum by a single artist, 3 kms west from the centre. Walk along the bustling Aker Brygge and enjoy lunch, dinner or a drink, in the many cafe bars and restaurants there. From the port you can see the City Hall and the Nobel Peace Center.

Fort Lauderdale, 40 kms north of Miami, is America's Spring Break capital and a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. It bears the nickname "Venice of America", with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Visit the newly redesigned Fort Lauderdale Beach- famed as the "Yachting Capital of the World," with more than 40,000 registered crafts - and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las 
Olas Boulevard, visit world-class theaters, museums or venture to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.