7 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

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.

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

Once an ancient Roman port, Gijon is now a spirited seaside metropolis filled with cider houses, beachside walkways and museums that preserve its distinct history. As the largest and busiest city in Asturias, Gijon went through years of rebuilding to better showcase what many already loved: the porticoed buildings, the cobblestone streets and the ancient palaces. Cruise to Gijon, Spain and see all of these as you walk the edge of the water and up Gijons lovely hills. Then, stroll among yews and banana trees at the Jardin Botanico Atlantico, and get a clear view of the windswept sea from Mirador Parque de la Providencia.

In Santander, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Playa de la Magdalena and El Sardinero, a historic city center, and an epic planetarium, all while breathing in glorious coastal air. Of course, there are plenty of gorgeous Gothic cathedrals that will impress and inspire.

Between Biarritz and the Spanish border, the Atlantic fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz combines Basque charm with pleasant, family-friendly beaches on the bay. July and August are the high season here, so if you'd rather avoid the tourist crunch, either book outside of those months or plan to arrive at the beach first thing in the morning

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.