Lisbon, said to have been founded by Ulysses as Olisipo, is one of Europe's most fascinating cities. A devastating 1755 earthquake destroyed much of it, and the Baixa was rebuilt in neo-classical style, now the city's heart. Overlooking the Tagus, the "City of Explorers" offers districts like Alfama, with Moorish lanes, and Bairro Alto, where you can hear Fado. Nearby are the palaces of Queluz and Sintra.

Explore historic Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the port wine industry, or the scenic countryside with Guimaraes' medieval castle and Braga's Bom Jesus shrine and cathedral. Shop for filigree jewelry, azulejos, porcelain, leather goods, needlepoint carpets, and Madeiran lace. Try caldo verde, sheep's cheese, olives, smoked ham, fish, pork, and port wine.

This charming Spanish town is the gateway to the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela. There, you can visit the famous cathedral, home to the relics of Saint James. The cathedral took more than 150 years to build and was finally completed in 1211. Four magnificent squares surround the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and are graced by fountains, framed by historic buildings and dotted with shops and boutiques. The entire Old Town of Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Coruna is a busy port on the Atlantic Ocean that provides a distribution point for agricultural goods from the region. It was the arrival of democracy in Spain after the death of Francisco Franco that caused a major growth in the city. The city is the site of the Roman Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse that has been in continuous operation for nearly 2,000 years. The city is also well-known for its characteristic glazed window balconies, called galerías.

Bilbao straddles the Bilbao or Nervión River some 15 miles from the Cantabrian Seacoast. An industrial city, the metropolitan area ranks among Spain's most important commercial and financial centers. Proximity to the sea and early discovery of vast mineral deposits led to the development of the port. The modern city center is El Ensanche (literally "the expansion"). Possibly the newest source of great local pride is the remarkable Guggenheim Museum-Bilbao.

Bordeaux is located near the European Atlantic coast, in the north of the Aquitaine region in France. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne, with the city literally divided into two parts. The world's wine capital, Bordeaux has about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 grape growers. With an annual production of over 700 million bottles, Bordeaux produces large quantities of everyday wine as well as the most expensive ones.

Bordeaux is located near the European Atlantic coast, in the north of the Aquitaine region in France. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne, with the city literally divided into two parts. The world's wine capital, Bordeaux has about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 grape growers. With an annual production of over 700 million bottles, Bordeaux produces large quantities of everyday wine as well as the most expensive ones.

La Rochelle is known for its white limestone cliffs and lively harbor, Quai Duperré, with views of the Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne, painted by artists like Corot, Signac, and Vernet. Enjoy seafood at waterfront restaurants while watching sailboats, and see the medieval towers that once protected the port. The Four Sergeants Tower was a former prison with corsair graffiti. Don't miss the aquarium and the pedestrian-friendly old center, lined with 17th- and 18th-century buildings.

Fowey (pronounced Foy) in Cornwall has a rich seafaring history dating to the 14th century and remains one of England's busiest ports. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it and the surrounding countryside are easy to walk. Popular Hall Walk circles the estuary. In town, stroll the Esplanade, visit St. Fimbarrus Church, and see St. Catherine's Castle, built under Henry VIII to defend the harbor. Late-1300s blockhouses stand by the harbor, where a chain once blocked unwanted ships.

Explore this fascinating fortified town or discover the lovely medieval town of Dinan and its impressive clock tower and picturesque half-timbered houses. Drive along the rugged Brittany coast and savor the stunning view of mystical Mont St. Michel before wandering through its steep winding streets and the mazelike abbey passages.

Unspoiled and pristine St. Helier, is located 14 miles from the coast of France, yet its soul is undoubtedly British. St. Helier is just minutes away from the golden sands of St. Brelade's bay, to the massive rocks near the Corbiere lighthouse, it's a beachcomber paradise. On an adjacent island is Elizabeth Castle, built in the late 16th century. And near the castle are the ruins of a 12th century chapel.

Enjoy the scenic trip through the rolling French countryside to Paris and spend the day savoring it's gardens, museums and historic sites. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Take a boat ride along the Seine and a stroll along the Champs Elysee. Or visit historic Rouen or the battlefields of Normandy.

Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.