Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale

Find your way in the city that launched the Age of Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge, watched over by a colossal statue of Christ. 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 and refuse to leave without a pair of elegant shoes.

Find your way in the city that launched the Age of Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge, watched over by a colossal statue of Christ. 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 and refuse to leave without a pair of elegant shoes.

This Basque city combines a heady mix of ancient roots and ultramodern sensibilities. If you like modern design, Bilbao’s got striking architecture—like Frank Gehry’s shiplike Guggenheim Museum, the soaring Isozaki towers and Calatrava’s glass-bottomed Zubizuri Bridge. If you seek older cultural highlights, there are historic buildings, traditional Basque cuisine and inviting cobblestone streets to explore. Outside Bilbao’s bustling center, there’s lots to discover. Find sweeping views and surprising meals—both traditional and avant-garde—waiting to be savored in hilltop communities. Learn about the Basques’ tragic history and promising future in Guernica, the city bombed by Fascist forces and immortalized by Picasso. Or spend a day in San Sebastián, exploring the historic center, the boardwalk and the curving bay, setting some time aside to sample the city’s famous Michelin-star worthy cuisine.

Situated on the Garonne River in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is above all famous for one thing: wine. Its full-bodied reds (and to a lesser degree its whites, rosés and sparkling wines) have made this a flourishing port since ancient times when it was the capital of the Roman province of Aquitania.

But there’s much more to see than wine cellars and vineyards. Explore the quays of the Port de la Lune and the crescent-shaped area along the Garonne’s Rive Gauche, resplendent with neoclassical buildings, elegant fountains and grand squares. As you wander the streets here, step into the landscaped green spaces or fine art institutions that give Paris a run for its money. The restaurants here are among the country’s best (naturally, to pair with the region’s wines, from the three-euro refreshers to the premier grand crus), and include old-school brasseries and sleek on-the-cutting-edge newcomers.

Outside the city of Bordeaux, there are plenty of easy day trips: Medieval villages, prehistoric caves and sprawling vineyards, whose restaurants and alfresco tasting rooms are top destinations for culture seekers and wine lovers alike.

In the 20th century, Cherbourg’s biggest claim to fame was perhaps that it had been a vital port during the Allied forces’ D-Day invasion, which landed to the southeast and traveled overland to capture the well-defended city from the Germans. However, in recent years, Cherbourg has undergone a revitalization that makes it a great place to sample local delicacies in the Place de Gaulle Market and calvados (apple brandy) from nearby orchards, plus visit the historic sites in and near town. Can’t-miss attractions include the wonderful Cité de la Mer maritime museum, as well as the Roule Fort where the Americans ousted the Germans, now home to the Museum of the Liberation.

Cherbourg is also a perfect jumping off point for exploring the sights of Normandy, like the D-Day landing locations on Utah and Omaha Beaches, the historic town of Bayeux—the base of William the Conqueror before he invaded England—and the stunning scenery and sea cliffs of the Cape of La Hague.

From this busy port city tour to canal-laced Brugge; Brussels, home of the European Union; and Ghent, mecca for chocolate lovers. Sample shore excursion: Antwerp, City of Diamonds.

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way.
Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look – city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde – home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city – where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.

Copenhagen is one of the easiest European capitals to fall in love with. The sights of old buildings, cobbled streets and the tower- and turret-dotted skyline lend fairy-tale charm—this was, after all, the home of author Hans Christian Andersen. But make no mistake: This is a thoroughly modern city with international clout.

Restaurants around the world draw inspiration from the New Nordic cuisine pioneered by Noma and other Copenhagen restaurants, while Danish design from this century and the last is universally admired and coveted. Urban planners flock here to try to work out just how the city remains so livable and yet so functional, and despite its wealth of old buildings, Copenhagen’s not locked in the past; there are also thrilling examples of modern architecture.

Copenhagen is a city that’s easy to find things to do and explore on foot or by excellent public transport, where everyone speaks perfect English, the food is fresh and innovative, and there’s plenty of locally brewed beer—which, of course, is best enjoyed sitting by the water on a sunny day.

At the head of Oslofjord, Norway’s handsome capital is the logical first stop in Scandinavia. Thor Heyerdahl’s raft, Kon Tiki, recalls a voyage between Easter Island and Tahiti to prove a theory about the earliest colonization of Oceania. Watch the changing of the palace guard; ferry to the open-air Folke Museum with its 12th-century stave church

Lying on the southern coast of Cornwall, Falmouth is a seaside gem. Explore Pendennis and St. Mawes Castles, built in the 16th century by Henry VIII. Stop by the National Maritime Museum or visit the cathedral in nearby Truro. Wander the quaint streets to discover local eateries and shops, and walk along the area’s fine beaches. Sample shore excursions: Tremendous Trebah & Stunning St. Ives; Spectacular Fowey; Classic Old England.

Massive El Morro Fortress guards Old San Juan, while the benevolent Indian spirit Yuquiyu keeps watch over the entire island from the highest peak in the rain forest. By night there are roulette wheels to spin and fiery flamenco shows to catch. Sample shore excursions: Old San Juan Historic Walking Tour; El Yunque Rain Forest Drive; World Heritage Fortress & Art Museum.

There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.