As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centers in Europe, Amsterdam is considered a fascinating world city, and also the cultural capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam's main attractions include its historic and picturesque canals, and many famous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. Its provocative red-light district and its many cannabis coffe shops help create a unique city that draws more than 5 million international visitors annually.

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Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region. It is a casual based city and is sometimes referred to as The Venice of the North. Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Many of its medieval buildings are notable, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire reaches 400 ft., making it one of the world's highest brick towers. The sculpture Madonna and Child, which can be seen in the transept of the church, is believed to be Michelangelo's only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime. Bruges' most famous landmark is its 13th-century belfry, housing a municipal carillon comprising 48 bells.

Lisbon is blessed with natural beauty, steeped in fascinating history and is the only European capital with Atlantic beaches. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a magical city that has been able to preserve all the charm of its old city and the traditions and history that go along with it. There is so much to discover in Lisbon! Wooden trams clank up outrageous gradients, past mosaic pavements, Art Nouveau cafés and the medieval quarter of Alfama, which hangs below the city's São Jorge Castle.  With blue skies all year round, this city offers opportunities for fabulous shopping, exciting views of the city and the river in a picturesque setting.

Cádiz is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain and has a wealth of attractive vistas and well-preserved historical landmarks. The older part of the city is commonly referred to as the Old Town and is characterized by the antiquity of its various quarters.  Seville is an hour away and is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir. Its Old Town, the third largest in Europe with an area of 2 square miles contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. The Seville harbor, located about 50 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, is the only river port in Spain. Seville was founded by the Romans and later conquered by the Muslims in 712, hence the strong Moorish influence.  After the discovery of the Americas, Seville became one of the economic centers of the Spanish Empire as its port monopolized the trans-oceanic trade, opening up a Golden Age of arts and literature. In 1519, Magellan departed from Seville for the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Coinciding with the Baroque period of European history, the 17th century in Seville represented the most brilliant flowering of the city's culture.

There is really nowhere quite like Gibraltar: a little piece of England looking out from Spain to the coast of Africa with a rock fabled in ancient mythology and the only wild monkey population in Europe. This famous rock is an incredible chunk of limestone towering over the city. The ancients thought it to be one of the Pillars of Hercules, with the other standing across the sea in Morocco.  Enjoy a cable car that will take you 1,400 feet to the top, where you can take in the views of the Spanish and Moroccan coastlines.   Dating back to the 11th century, the Moorish Castle Complex is made up of various buildings, gates, fortified walls and its most dominant features, the Tower of Homage and the Gate House. The Tower of Homage is an impressive sight, clearly visible to all visitors, not only because of its striking construction but also because of its dominant and strategic position.  Also of note is St. Michael's Cave - a dramatic natural grotto.   Gibraltar was handed over to the British by Spain in the 18th century, and British it has remained ever since.   Visitors can see British policemen, spend British money and enjoy the duty-free shopping.

Thanks to its strategic position on the Mediterranean, Cartagena has been inhabited by many different cultures which have left their mark on its rich cultural heritage during a glorious history.  Some of the most famous ruins from the Roman Empire were built in 227 BC with the foundation of the city. Among its numerous Roman remains stands out the recently restored Roman Theatre, which is one of the landmarks of the city.  Cartagena is home to numerous Art Nouveau buildings from early 20th century, when the Bourgeoisie settled there, which include the City Hall, the Grand Hotel, and the Casino. The Railway Station has some outstanding iron doors and columns on the façade and inside you can still see the original ticket office, doorframe, ceiling and lamps. This city gives visitors a lot of choices in things to enjoy, including the distinction of being the Spanish city with the most beaches.

Palma de Mallorca is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. This city comes as a surprise to many people - its multicultural history is reflected in the wonderful variety of architecture visible throughout the city. Its masterpiece is its Gothic cathedral built on the site of a mosque which in turn was once a Roman temple. Don’t miss the famous Castle de Bellver which was constructed in 1300.  In the heart of the city there is the old Arab quarter, with its maze of narrow streets hiding museums, palaces and exquisite courtyards.   The city is stylish, sophisticated, intimate, yet bursting with life. If it’s arts and culture that you're interested in, then Palma will not disappoint. The excellent Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in the old fortress and is well worth a visit.   The island also boasts of many beautiful beaches to play or just relax.

Florence is famous for its history. It was a center of medieval European trade and finance and is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance.  Timeless treasures are around every corner, an hour's drive from Livorno.  Sights include the Duomo that represents Brunelleschi's pinnacle of achievement, Giotto's bell tower, Michelangelo's David, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Florence is believed to have the greatest concentration of art (in proportion to its size) in the world.  Closer yet, in Pisa see the Tower, leaning but still standing, after 650 years.

As Rome’s seaport, Civitavecchia is the gateway for excursions to the “Eternal City”.  Here the ancient capital of the western world and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years spreads out before you in all its glory. You can spend extra time after the cruise and visit the Coliseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, or the fashionable boutiques around the Spanish Steps.  The entire city is a living museum and you will discover some of the most famous churches, monuments and fountains in the entire world.