Horta/Azores, Portugal
Horta enjoys an almost eternal spring, thanks to the Gulf Stream. The docks are filled with pictures, names and insignias painted by the sailors who pass by. Whole hedges of hydrangeas give the place a nickname: Blue Isle. Go up to Cabeca Gordo, the volcanic crater lake, or enjoy the view of Pico's Peak across the channel.

Ponta Delgada/Azores, Portugal
A hidden treasure, the remote Azores islands lie 900 miles west of Portugal and 2,110 miles east of New York. Ponta Delgada's stunning Portuguese architecture and luxuriant, flower-filled parks make walking through this city a joy. Venture out of the city and prepare yourself for some of the most beautiful scenery you have ever witnessed. Dramatic rocky cliffs descend to pristine bays, where you may find a virtually deserted stretch of gorgeous beach. Extinct craters are filled with turquoise waters, and surrounded by gardens of hydrangeas and greenery that thrive in the rich volcanic soil.

Antwerp, Belgium
The chief city of Belgium's Flemish region, Antwerp was renowned for centuries as a center of the diamond trade, and recently designated a "Cultural Capital of Europe." Its Royal Museum contains magnificent works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and other old masters.

Zeebrugge, Belgium
A crossroad in the English Channel for centuries, Zeebrugge is the entry to Flanders, whose golden age heritage resides in three historic cities: Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges—a jewel of a town beribboned with picturesque canals and a truly charming medieval beauty. In this region, museums proudly display the glories of the old Flemish masters, from Van Dyck to Rubens, and summertime is delightful when window boxes boast colorful flowers and the graceful arcs of windmills can be seen.

Bordeaux, France
World renowned for its liquid namesake, Bordeaux's vineyards begin at the town's doorstep. Drive through the countryside to admire the richness of this region laden with grapevines and dotted with picturesque chateaux. Head north up to Pauillac along the Haute-Medoc wine road where some of the finest clarets are cultivated.

Le Havre, France
Le Havre is the gateway for optional tours to Paris, the "City of Light." See the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champs Elysees. In Le Havre itself, cruise visitors can explore at leisure and learn something of the French "art de vivre." Visit fish and vegetable markets, public parks, modern architecture, a long seaside promenade and a vast beach.

Rouen, France
Cruise along the Seine through the pastures and apple orchards of Normandy en route to medieval Rouen. See the gothic cathedral spire and rose windows, a favorite subject of Monet. Stand in the cobbled square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Or venture out to Giverny to see Monet's home, lily-pond and gardens.

Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg's port on the river Elbe has been busy since medieval times, when it was a cornerstone of the Hanseatic League. It is a graceful city of parks and lakes, and grand old buildings like the Rathaus (City Hall). Brahms and Mendelssohn were born here, and Hans Leip, who wrote Lili Marlene.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands
One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is many cities, from the cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. View it all from the heights of St. George's Castle. Belem's Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past, while nearby Sintra's storybook palaces, and the seaside resort of Caiscais, have different tales to tell.

Oporto, Portugal
For a scenic view of Oporto, proceed to the 12th-century Cathedral where a long stone balcony overlooks the river and city below. Take a wine-tasting tour in this city renowned for its port wine and sample the region's local specialties. The city of Oporto makes a wonderful backdrop for savoring a glass of its fine liquor.

Cadiz, Spain
Founded by Phoenicians in 1100 B.C., Cádiz may be the oldest continuously occupied city in the West. The Cathedral's gold dome dates from 1722, when New World treasures flowed here. But is also the gateway to the Moorish marvels of Seville: the Alcazar and Giralda Tower, the fountains and palaces of Maria Luisa Park, and the great Cathedral, whose altar is decorated with 4,000 pounds of gold from the Americas!