Barcelona, Spain -

Barcelona is a one of the world's great cities. Stroll down her tree-lined boulevards, the magnificent Passeig de Gràcia or the more touristed Las Ramblas. On the Passeig, shop a serious fashion district while marveling at examples of Mordenisme architecture, seemingly sculpted from the stuff of dreams (Gaudi's masterpiece of a family home, Casa Batlló is well worth a visit). If a trip on the Passeig hasn't convinced you of Gaudi's genius, a visit to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral will do the trick; this fantastic, soaring marvel will live on in your memory long after you've returned.

Not far from the Passeig and just north of Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter (the Barri Gotic) provides an abundance of shopping opportunities for all tastes, and a bit of European history to boot - check out the tranquil Cathedral of Barcelona. To see a bit of local life a visit to a food market is a quick, fun detour: try Santa Caterina near the Cathedral or Mercado de La Boqueria, right off of Las Ramblas.

Barcelona's food is also a highlight: stop into a tapas bar and try a variety of delicacies. "Standard" restaurants of every style are available, too. And, there's music, too! Visit an underground jazz club or the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana; or stop by the Palau Dalmases for a stunning, flamenco performance (it's near the Picasso museum). Did we mention art? One of the largest collections of Picasso's art is found at the Museau Picasso, and a great collection of contemporary, figurative (i.e not abstract) painting and sculpture is housed at the European Museum of Modern Art just around the corner.

It's probably clear by now that you really can't get it all done in a day (even if all means "just the must-sees"). So, stay for a day or three in the Gothic Quarter or near Plaça de Catalunya and really get a feel for what makes Barcelona such a wonderful place. Partly it's the result of the "accidents" of its history and present: as the regional capital of Spain's prosperous Catalunya region, Barcelona has a "flavor" that is a bit of a mix between Spanish and French (it's located quite close to the French border). Yes, you can practice your Spanish here - it attracts Spaniards from throughout the country - but you'll also see and hear Catalan with it's own charm. You won't regret your time here.

Alicante, Spain - This bright city on the Costa del Sol was founded by the ancient Greeks in 325 B.C, who called it Akra Leuka ("White Summer") for its impressive headlands. The Moors ruled here for over five centuries, and reminders of their passing can be dicovered in the winding alleyways of the Old Quarter. The views from the 1,000 foot Balcon del Mediterraneo are superb.

Málaga, Spain - Málaga is the gateway to the Andalusian countryside and the Costa del Sol, where you can dig your toes in to the sand of some of the most impressive beaches. But this bustling town has more to offer than surf and sun. Málaga also boasts a number of impressive palaces, including the Moorish Alcabaza and Gibralfaro, as well as the majestic Alhambra Palace.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Lisbon, Portugal - Make your own discoveries in the city that launched the Age of Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge. Wander the maze of streets in the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, dominated by the medieval Castle of St. George where peacocks strut and shriek. Stroll the Baixa, shop for elegant shoes.

Bilbao, Spain - Bilbao, Spain's sixth-largest city, is being revitalized with the help of astounding strides in art and architecture. New life arrived in this commercial/industrial hub via the astonishing Bilbao Guggenheim Museum; the new, sleek glass and steel tube metro system; and the stunning glass-decked parabolic arch footbridge above the Nervion River. Bilbao also provides an excellent home base from which to explore the diverse Basque country, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pyrenees.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Amsterdam is a great city to discover the charms of northern Europe. The graceful canals of its central district are lined with beautiful gabled houses. It's many, grand art museums display masterpieces of Rembrandt and Vermeer and the largest collection of Van Gogh's work is found here. Fine food is also easy to find along with ample opportunities for shopping (including excellent vintage finds). This great city is well worth a day or two's stay after your cruise.