9 Nights Europe

Travelers generally come to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim?some for the art inside, but many for the amazing building itself. The Fine Arts Museum and the Basque Museum may not have been designed by Frank Gehry, but are worth a visit, and you can catch international opera stars at the Palacio Euskalduna.

Perched on a rocky peninsula in Spains northwest, La Coruna is brimming with ancient Roman heritage and maritime history. Head to the Crystal City, located right near the harbor, and check out the galerias

The Port of Leixoes is one of Portugal's major seaports, located 4 km north of the mouth of the Douro River, in Matosinhos municipality, near the city of Porto

The small capital of Portugal is older than Rome - older, in fact, than any other western European capital. Pastel-colour houses line tiny, stepped alleys in old parts of town, while wide boulevards and mosaic cobblestone sidewalks highlight its grand 18th-century centre. The Alfama, an old Moorish quarter, retains its intricate, Arab-influenced layout.

Portimao is a sailor's delight, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful conditions. Plenty of elite international competitions happen here, but you don't have to be a professional to set sail. Cruising the coast on the double-masted Santa Bernarda pirate ship is a family favorite. On dry land, you can wander the lovely Alvor boardwalk, enjoy a succulent seafood meal or zip around the go-kart track at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.

The Rock of Gibraltar towers above the surrounding countryside on a narrow peninsula linked to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a narrow sandy isthmus. Gibraltar offers a wide array of native plant life as well as dolphins in the Bay of Gibraltar and other marine mammals which include the Pilot Whales of the Strait, Killer Whales and even larger species such as Sperm Whales. Gibraltar also has its own unique bird: the Barbary Partridge. Not to be missed is the spectacular migration of several thousand birds in a single day (15 different species), including birds of prey, storks, vultures, songbirds and seabirds. Take the "Official Rock Tour" to enjoy the rich natural history. Other attractions are the Stakis Casino, the landmark sites along the city gates and Walls of Gibraltar built by the Moors, and the village of Catalan Bay.

Almost entirely surrounded by water, this ancient Roman port has a history marked by conquest and destruction. Some of the city's 18th century walls still stand, and its medieval, if not dilapidated charm is evident in its crumbling Moorish structures.

This Spanish coastal town is an important Mediterranean port and capital of the Costa del Sol region. Its Moorish past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress that dates back to 1065. The monumental plaza includes the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, which has been converted into a small museum.

Alicante's exceptional location between the mountains and the sea provides the city with a special kind of enrapturing beauty. Located in Spain's Valencia region, it is a lively town guarded by a 16th century fortress.

Tarragona is a port city in northeastern Spain's Catalonia region. Many ancient ruins remain from its time as the Roman colony of Tarraco. The Amfiteatre Romà is a 2nd-century arena facing the Mediterranean, the Necropolis contains Roman tombs, and traces of the Forum stand among the alleys of the walled, medieval old Town. A walkway along the ramparts, the Passeig Arqueològic, has sweeping views of the city.