12 Nights Europe

This English borough, located on an inlet of the English Channel, is the country's busiest deep-water port. Southampton is a vibrant city known for its rich maritime history and its meandering Old Town walls. The city's Westgate is where the Pilgrims set sail for America aboard the Mayflower.

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 Gateway to Morocco overlooks the Straits of Gibraltar and provides a magnificent view of Spain's southern coast. The Grand Socco is known for its makeshift shops, snake charmers, musicians and storytellers, while the Kasbah features a Moroccan fountain, fragrant herbs and shrubs, and orange and lemon trees.

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.

This ancient Spanish port is a peaceful, strikingly lovely city off-the-beaten-track. Fortified walls built during the reign of Philip II surround the old quarter of the city, and sheltered cliffs overlook the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.

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.

One of Spain's liveliest cities is known for its oranges, paella (a rice dish with chicken or seafood), and the fallas festival in March. More than just sun and sea, it features great museums and remains of Phoenicians, Greeks, Iberians and Romans.

The capital of Catalonia boasts the bustle of the world's busiest seaport, the medieval romance of its Gothic Quarter, and a feast of Catalan Art Nouveau buildings - including the great creations of Antonio Gaudí. The "Great Enchantress" remains one of the most exhilarating cities in Europe, decorated with the grandeur of Picasso, Miró and Dalí.