13 Nights Europe

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.

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

Ferrol, is a city in the Province of A Coruña in Galicia, on the Atlantic coast in north-western Spain.

Saint-Malo, originally built as a walled citadel guarding the mouth of the Rance river, was for centuries home to feared pirates. They've all gone to Davy Jones' Locker, though, and now it's Brittany's most-visited city. Walk the bustling streets of the reconstructed old city and the vast beaches, making sure to stop at the Grande Porte, Porte St-Vincent, the town's castle with its Musée de la Ville and the Grand Aquarium

Honfleur, a harbor in Normandy, was popular with Impressionist painters like Monet and Boudin. They found its changing light and picturesque quays inspiring?and even today, if you return to the same spot every day to take a photo, you'll find no two are the same. On Saturday, visit the town's lively market and stock up on local cheese.

Bruges offers the best of both worlds: a European cultural hub and, not far beyond, a seafront paradise. Often called the Venice of the North, the capital of Belgiums West Flanders province is lined with canals, bridges and historic buildings. One of Europes best-preserved medieval towns, Bruges historic town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belgium cruises give you access to the lively market square and see the Belfry of Bruges, a popular piece of Middle Ages architecture. Encounter the citys other personality in Zeebrugge ? or "Bruges on sea." This international port and seafront resort is home to cafes, a beach and a marina.

IJmuiden is a port city in the Dutch province of North Holland and is the main town in the municipality of Velsen

Known in German as Tor zur Welt ? the Gateway to the World ? Hamburg is Germanys most cosmopolitan metropolis. Come here to stand before architectural landmarks, like the towering neo-renaissance Hamburg Rathaus and the baroque Church of St. Michael. Cruise to Germany to experience the lively restaurant and bar scene along the River Elbe, and take in the maritime scenery of Hamburg Harbor, Europes third-busiest port. Steep yourself in international influence in the Sankt Pauli district, which has a Chinatown that dates back to the 1890s. Or delight in the distinctly German character of Moenckebergstrasse, with its classic churches and old-school European vibe.

Known in German as Tor zur Welt ? the Gateway to the World ? Hamburg is Germanys most cosmopolitan metropolis. Come here to stand before architectural landmarks, like the towering neo-renaissance Hamburg Rathaus and the baroque Church of St. Michael. Cruise to Germany to experience the lively restaurant and bar scene along the River Elbe, and take in the maritime scenery of Hamburg Harbor, Europes third-busiest port. Steep yourself in international influence in the Sankt Pauli district, which has a Chinatown that dates back to the 1890s. Or delight in the distinctly German character of Moenckebergstrasse, with its classic churches and old-school European vibe.

The Kiel Canal is a 95-kilometre long freshwater canal in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. The canal was finished in 1895, but later widened, and links the North Sea at Brunsbüttel to the Baltic Sea at Kiel-Holtenau

Step into the heart of Denmarks Jutland peninsula. Founded as a fortress town in 1650 by Frederick III, Fredericia is home to one of Europes largest best-preserved ramparts, complete with bastions, moats and cannons. Head to the historic town center to find cozy shops, restaurants and a traditional market. Denmark cruises give you the opportunity to learn more about Danish history at Egeskov Castle and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Later, walk the Lillebaelt ("Little Belt") bridge for 360-degree views of the bay. Up for a maritime adventure? Suit up for some stand-up paddleboarding, or go whale-watching to catch a glimpse of the creatures that call these northern waters home.

The largest city in Scandinavia, built on two islands, is a cozy metropolis that is often referred to as the "Paris of the North." Its winding streets, timbered houses and 12th-century castles evoke Copenhagen's past. Copenhagen is especially known for cafe culture and thrilling nightlife.