PORTS OF CALL - Europe
One of the best things about Europe is that there are seemingly endless ports of call. From Naples, Italy to Bergen, Norway, Royal Caribbean International®; makes it easy for you to explore more historic European cities and countries in one fantastic vacation. The hardest part is choosing where to start.
Ajaccio, Corsica
Renowned as Napoleon's birthplace, Ajaccio's many squares and plazas pay homage to the conqueror who never returned home. Located along Corsica's west coast, Ajaccio is a short drive away from hospitable beaches, soaring mountains and unforgettable gorges.
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Alesund, Norway
Alesund is a small fishing center in the middle of Norway's popular tourist region between Bergen and Trondheim. Although its history dates back to the Viking period, you'll notice that the architecture throughout the city has an interesting art nouveau style. This is because after a massive fire in 1904, the entire city was rebuilt.
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Alexandria, Egypt
Founded by its namesake, Alexander the Great in 332 B.C., Alexandria has been home to many historical figures, including Cleopatra, Mark Antony, Julius Caesar and Euclid. Today the city has a distinctly Mediterranean feel, perhaps a remainder of its ancient Roman connection.
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Amsterdam, Holland
Amsterdam, the beautiful capital of the Netherlands, has the wonderful atmosphere of a 17th-century city combined with the contemporary character of a modern metropolis. It is a treasure chest of superb architecture and is famous for its canals and extraordinary museums.
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Ashdod, Israel
Ashdod, located in the South District of Israel on the Mediterranean Sea coast, is Israel's largest port. Ashdod was first settled during the Canaanite era in the 17th century BC, making the city one of the most ancient in the world -- Ashdod is mentioned thirteen times in the Bible.
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Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the country, 90 miles south of the French border. People from all around the world enjoy visiting this city for its individuality, cultural interest and physical beauty. When Hans Christian Andersen visited in 1862, he remarked that Barcelona was the "Paris of Spain".
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Bergen, Norway
Bergen offers visitors a cornucopia of delights, from the sheer splendor of its rugged glacial scenery to an ancient stone church containing the finest example of Baroque art in Norway. All of it, no doubt, inspired the great composer Edvard Grieg, whose home and gardens are open to visitors.
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Cadiz, Spain
Cádiz may, in fact, be the oldest inhabited city in the western world, with more than 3,000 years of history. Located on the southern coast of Spain, it borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
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Cagliari (Sardinia), Italy
One word: beaches. As the second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is surrounded by gorgeous blue waters and sandy-white beaches. And since Sardinian towns are often farther inland, many beaches have been left unspoiled and perfect for catching rays or scuba diving in amazing underwater caves.
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Cannes (Monte Carlo), France
Welcome to the French Riviera. Once a small fishing town owned by monks, Cannes is now home to all the glamour of the International Film Festival and hosts a multitude of major festivals and conferences each year. Up the coast is Nice, the capital of the Riviera that lies along the brilliant Bay of Angels.
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Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is a cosmopolitan city wrapped in Moroccan mystique. Its whitewashed buildings against the beautiful blue Atlantic make for a striking scene. The center of the city is quite modern, with a lot of energy and busy boulevards.
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Cherbourg, France
Cherbourg offers everything you could want from a seaside town in France - beautiful gardens, cute little shops, appetizing restaurants. As a port, however, Cherbourg is a maritime institution, playing major roles in early transatlantic travel, submarine building and nautical pastimes.
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Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Civitavecchia is the gateway to all the magnificence of the ancient city of Rome. Whether it's the Forum, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon or St. Peter's Basilica that sparks your interest and intellect, Rome is home to a lifetime's worth of historical, architectural and spiritual sites.
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is an elegant city, rich in history and tradition. Castles and crown jewels, galleries and museums, cathedrals and canals - sightseeing in this city is fascinating. One of the city's most celebrated sights is Tivoli, a unique combination of picture-perfect gardens, lakes and more than 100,000 colored lights.
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Corfu, Greece
Known as the "Emerald Island" because of its lush greenery and breathtaking beauty, Corfu is one of the hidden treasures of the Mediterranean. The second largest of the seven Ionian Islands, Corfu is just 593 square kilometers (368.253 square miles).
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Cork, Ireland
The magnificent Cobh Harbor is just a short drive from Cork. An enchanting place, the main district of Cork sits on an island formed by the diverging channels of the River Lee. The city itself is filled with a multitude of picturesque quays and bridges.
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Believe everything you've heard about Dubai - it truly is that incredible. Honestly, where else on earth can you ski both in a shopping mall and out in the desert? As one of the world's fastest growing cities, Dubai has emerged as a premier luxury travel destination, drawing visitors from all over the globe.
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Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland's capital, is a thriving modern city. Yet it is also remarkably elegant. This is due in part to the restoration of its magnificent public buildings and distinctive Georgian squares to reveal the elegance of the 18th century to today's visitors. Dublin's people are renowned for being warm, friendly and eager to help visitors enjoy their home city.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Situated at the edge of the Adriatic Sea in the very south of Croatia, Dubrovnik is rich in history and natural beauty. With bays, beaches, steep cliffs and dense woodland areas, Dubrovnik's landscape is unexpected.
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Flam, Norway
A Scandinavian village straight out of your childhood dreams, Flåm is best known for its picture-perfect postcard scenery and the astonishing railroad journey that can show it all to you. High waterfalls, majestic mountains, narrow green valleys, deep clear lakes, calm fjords, rocky plateaus, and forests all join together to form a delightful landscape.
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Funchal (Madeira), Portugal
The island of Madeira is located in the Atlantic Ocean about 370 miles off the coast of Morocco. For over 100 years tourists have enjoyed its rugged volcanic peaks, beautiful tropical coastline and a climate that's never too hot or cold. Madeira lace and Madeira wine are both still produced here in the Old World tradition.
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Geiranger, Norway
Be sure to bring along plenty of extra film, because you'll want to capture the natural beauty of Geiranger's magnificent fjord country. Thundering waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, crystalline glaciers, and still blue lakes make this a truly unforgettable area.
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Genoa, Italy
For centuries, Genoa has been a major commercial seaport. Today, it is one of Italy's largest cities. Genoa is located in northwestern Italy, in the inner harbor of the Gulf of Genoa. This city was once home to Christopher Columbus and world-renowned violinist Niccolò Paganini.
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Gibraltar, United Kingdom
Located at the southernmost tip of Europe, the Rock of Gibraltar is literally between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its unique location has played a pivotal role in history, as countries fought for control over this busy seaport.
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Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland
Greenock is on the southern shore of the Firth of Clyde - slightly west of Glasgow. The town has a four-mile waterfront surrounded by hills and is composed of both a bustling industrial area on the lower water side and a residential area with a 19th-century flavor on the higher land.
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Haifa, Israel
Located on the historic slopes of Mount Carmel, overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean, Haifa's terraced landscape features panoramic views of the sparkling bay and medieval fortress city of Acre. To the east lies the snow-capped peak of Mount Hermon. An important industrial port, Haifa is Israel's northern capital and third largest city.
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Hamburg, Germany
The word "city" makes most people think of bustling streets, vibrant markets and endless entertainment. And as Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg features all these urban essentials.
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Harwich, England
An international port located on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell in northeast Essex, Harwich is one of England's busiest coastal towns. It's also just 69 miles from London. Throughout history, the town has been a crucial port, providing a sheltered anchorage for many ships.
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Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is the sparkling capital of Finland, an elegant city of spectacular architecture, beautiful gardens, and harborside parks. The Finns have long been admired for graceful design and imaginative architecture. Many styles from centuries past and present are represented here, from medieval to neoclassical.
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Ibiza, Spain
The culture and style of Ibiza is as varied as its pronunciation ("e-vee-tha" or "e-bee-tha" or "e-bee-zha," depending on where you're from). And you'd be hard-pressed to find such a cosmopolitan mix outside Paris or Manhattan. Ibiza attracts all sorts of people with its vibrant nightlife, gorgeous beaches and perfect Mediterranean climate.
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Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete
Iráklion, the capital city of Crete, rests on the side of a hill overlooking the Cretan Sea. The city is named after Hercules (Herakles, or in Modern Greek, Iraklís). Though a bustling metropolis, Iráklion is also the gateway to the nearby stunning ancient ruins of advanced civilizations.
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Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is not only where Europe meets Asia; it's where history, built upon empire after empire, meets modern-day commercialism. Explore Old Istanbul's mosques, hippodromes and opulent palaces. Discover remnants of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
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Katakolon, Greece
Whether you're into sports, history, art, or just lounging by the sea, the charming village of Katakolon, Greece, is a good place to start. From here it's just a quick trip to famed Olympia, birthplace of the modern Olympics and one-time home to a Wonder of the Ancient World.
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Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Kusadasi is your gateway to Ephesus, a city created by the Ionians in the 11th century B.C. and later expanded by the Romans. Now considered one of the grandest reconstructed sites in the ancient world, the region also hosted the likes of Cleopatra, Mark Antony, the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle.
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La Coruna, Spain
If there ever was a seafaring city, La Coruña is it. It's been a port and gateway to world travelers for over 2,000 years. And from almost any spot, you can witness spectacular panoramic views of the ocean.
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Lanzarote, Canary Islands
With its landscapes filled with beaches and more than 300 volcanoes, plus perfect weather all year round, you'll quickly see why Lanzarote is an award-winning tourist destination.
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Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of the seven Canary Islands, located off the northwest corner of Africa. As the most populated island of the archipelago, you'll find the local culture is a unique blend of Spanish, African, Latin American and Northern European communities. But the diversity doesn't end there.
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Le Havre (Paris), France
Paris, the capital city of France, is a beautiful, artistic city, situated in the north-central part of France. The city lies on both banks of the River Seine. The north bank was historically the area where Royalty and the wealthy merchant-class lived, and today it is the government and commercial district.
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Limassol, Cyprus
Limassol, on the south coast of Cyprus, is the island's largest resort. The city stretches along the coast, sheltered by the Troodos Mountains, whose foothills are home to the grape vines used to make the area's famous wines. These wines are the focus of one of Limassol's biggest festivals, the Cyprus Wine Festival.
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Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is for explorers. Its valiant seamen first charted the Azores, discovered Japan and unlocked the major sea routes the world over. As your ship sails into the harbor of Lisbon, share the anticipation these sailors experienced as they ventured into new and exciting lands for the first time.
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Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
Livorno, in the Tuscan region of Italy, is ideally located for exploring some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, including Florence and Pisa. Florence is most noted as the birthplace of the Renaissance.
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London, England
We offer two unique cruisetours to London. You can choose to experience history firsthand, by visiting the many cultural and historical highlights of London. This trip has its own own magic and provides an interesting look at one of the world's greatest cities.
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Madrid, Spain
Experience Madrid - Spain's version of "the city that never sleeps." Here in Spain's capital our cruisetour guests can experience fine restaurants, eateries, and bars for as long as you can stay awake.
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Malaga, Spain
A bustling coastal city and the capital of Costa del Sol, Málaga is the second largest port in Spain. One of the most interesting places to explore is the old historic quarter, which dates back nearly 800 years. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Málaga boasts miles of beautiful beaches, picturesque gardens and fantastic weather.
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Messina (Sicily), Italy
Just three miles off the coast of southern Italy's mainland is the port town of Messina on the island of Sicily. This bustling town has a complex history with roots in Greek mythology but, because of an earthquake in the early 1900s, it's a relatively young city architecturally.
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Muscat, Oman
As one of the Middle East's oldest cities - dating back to the 2nd century AD, it's hard to believe that Muscat has been open to tourists for only a few decades. But seeing is believing!
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Mykonos, Greece
In the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean lies one of the most inviting places in all of Greece - Mykonos. Its countless bays and beaches and its quaint cobblestone streets are bound to welcome any visitor.
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Naples, Italy
Naples is not only picturesque, it's also one of the world's greatest cultural centers, filled with extraordinary works of art and architecture in the classical Greek and Roman styles. Several interesting tours are available of the city itself and the fascinating places that lie just outside of Naples.
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Oslo, Norway
Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities with a varied collection of cultural attractions and natural wonders. Situated at the head of a 60-mile fjord on the southern coast, Oslo is beautifully framed by a vast expense of woods, moors and lakes. Today, Norway's capital is a blend of 19th and 20th-century architectural styles.
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Palermo (Sicily), Italy
Palermo's history is marked by the multitude of conquerors and subsequent cultures that settled there. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Romans, French Angevins, Spanish Aragonese, and even the Mafia are among those who have contributed to Palermo's collective cultural history.
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Palma De Mallorca, Spain
Palma de Mallorca is the largest of the Spanish Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and is located just off the east coast of Spain. The island's coastline is marked by a series of small caves and beautiful beaches. Palma de Mallorca is the capital city of the Balearic Islands and nearly two-thirds of the total population live in Palma.
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Paris, France
Paris, the capital city of France, is a beautiful, artistic city, situated in the north-central part of France. The city lies on both banks of the River Seine. The north bank was historically the area where Royalty and the wealthy merchant-class lived, and today it is the government and commercial district.
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Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest in Greece, and one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus is walking distance from Kastella, a hill strewn with beautiful houses that offers a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf.
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Port Said, Egypt
Port Said, founded by Said Pasha in 1859 as a camp for laborers, became an important docking yard after the Suez Canal was built. The city stands on the banks of the Lake Manzala, and is in many ways Egypt's most beautiful city.
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Portofino, Italy
Portofino is a living, breathing picture-postcard of the Italian coast. One of the most beautiful places on earth, it features colorful houses and shops along a picturesque waterfront, with lush green hills rising above. You can rub elbows with Europe's elite while strolling the streets, or sit beside them as you enjoy the priceless view and a glass of wine.
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Provence (Marseilles), France
Located on the southeastern coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is the oldest city in the country and second largest after Paris. Thanks to its long and unique past - Greek sailors originally settled the city back in 600 B.C. - this bustling port is filled with history and amazing architecture.
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Provence (Toulon), France
Ships, ships and more ships. Toulon is France's exciting naval epicenter. Bobbing sailboats dot its busy harbor. On land you'll find tons of maritime museums, ancient fortresses and a fair share of sailors. And in true French fashion you'll also find plenty of stylish spots for shopping and lunching.
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Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, is truly a vacation destination with something for everyone: sunshine, spectacular beaches on the Aegean Sea, a medieval walled city, an ancient acropolis, and much more. In ancient times, the people of Rhodes chose Helios, the Sun, as their divine patron.
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Safaga, Egypt
Once a tidy merchant port on the coast of the Red Sea, in recent years Safaga has developed into an attractive and popular resort town known for water sports, relaxation and rejuvenation. Sun lovers and sportsmen are attracted to its magnificent bay, islands and beautiful beaches.
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Santa Cruz, Canary Islands
Made up of volcanic rock and lush green vegetation, there's no wonder why the island of La Palma is also known as "The Pretty Isle." It's one of seven islands in the Canary Islands archipelago off the coast of Africa and is dominated by natural beauty, from bright blue skies to black-sand beaches.
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Santorini, Greece
Black-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and whitewashed villages that cling to volcanic cliffs make the island of Santorini a wonder to behold. Many visitors come to Santorini to uncover the mysteries of the lost kingdom of Atlantis, while others revel in its relaxed mountaintop atmosphere to enjoy the scenic waters of the Mediterranean.
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Southampton, England
One of the world's most famed ports, Southampton served as the launching point of the Mayflower and the Titanic. Today, it's one of the busiest passenger ports and home to a waterfront dotted with restaurants, shops and curios.
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Split, Croatia
Split is one of the Adriatic's most amazing seaports and Croatia's second-largest city. Not only does this 1700-year-old harbor have its share of historic monuments, museums and galleries but from here you can visit dreamy Adriatic islands, sporting some of the world's best beaches.
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St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg is rich in cultural heritage, and a masterpiece of architecture that embodies the soul of Imperial Russia. In 1703, Peter the Great built a fortress on the banks of the Neva River, and by 1712 a new city had emerged. Elegant façades, glorious cathedrals and grand residences were built along the city's canals.
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Stockholm, Sweden
Situated where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, Stockholm was founded as a fortress in the mid-13th century. The fortress grew into a town, spread to nearby islands, and the mainland eventually became the capital of Sweden. It is a city of remarkable beauty with its numerous parks, tree-lined squares and boulevards and pleasant water vistas.
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Stresa, Italy
The small town of Stresa, which dates back to 998, is set on the shores of the crystal-clear Lago Maggiore. Graced with grand hotels, villas, parks and gardens, from the promenade you can have a magnificent view of the three islands, and of the Alps far away.
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Suez Canal (Passage)
At it's opening in 1869, the Suez Canal was the first salt-water passage between the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Without it, a cargo ship sailing from Italy to Singapore would have to go around the southern tip of Africa, doubling the travel time and distance. The canal is 103 miles long and about 8% of the world's sea trade goes through it.
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Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of the oldest cities on the Baltic Sea, founded in 1154. Its Old Town has remained remarkably unchanged for the past 600 years, making it one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Today's Tallinn is also a thoroughly modern capital filled with parks, museums, sports centers, hotels and cafés.
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Tenerife, Canary Islands
The largest of the Canary Archipelago, the island of Tenerife consists of many different regions - each with its own characteristics. There are mountains, lush valleys, a gigantic crater (which is now a national park) and, of course, fabulous beaches. If the beautiful landscapes don't bring a smile to your face, the weather certainly will.
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Tunis, Tunisia
This storied capital city, punctuated by a walled medina of labyrinthine alleys, covered passages and several hundred palaces, mosques, mausoleums and fountains, will instantly capture your imagination.
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Valencia, Spain
Marvel at the collision of old-world charm and modern architectural genius in Valencia - Spain's gateway to the Mediterranean. Among the baroque cathedrals, bustling plazas and engineering masterpieces, you'll find friendly locals, inspired artists and a rich cultural heritage.
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Valletta, Malta
In 1530, Charles V of Spain granted the island of Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John. Many impressive 16th-century limestone buildings and fortifications from the Knights have endured, helping make the city of Valetta simply magnificent to experience today.
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Venice, Italy
Composed of 117 islands in the Venetian Lagoon and held together by a series of canals, Venice is like no other city in the world. Established more than 1,000 years ago by seafarers and Roman refugees, this magnificent city continues to be the heart of Italian culture as well as a mecca for hopeless romantics.
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Verona, Italy
Verona has all of the historic charm you'd expect from an ancient village in northern Italy, including the magnificent churches, primeval theaters, hidden cafes and extraordinary boutiques. What you may not expect, though, is just how quickly you'll be enchanted by this oft-overlooked treasure of a town.
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Vigo, Spain
A busy, mid-sized port on the Atlantic Coast, Vigo is located just north of Portugal and is Galacia's largest and most industrialized city, dating back to Roman times. If you're a beach-lover, then Vigo is for you. You can soak up the rays at one of several sparkling beaches, including Samil, Alcabre and Canido.
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Villefranche (Nice), France
Villefranche is your gateway to the one-of-a-kind French Riviera, home to Monte Carlo, Cannes and Nice. Shaded by jagged mountains touching deep blue shores, Villefranche offers sunny beaches, sophisticated resort cities, quaint red-roofed villages and spectacular views.
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Visby, Sweden
Visby, a storied seaport and your gateway to Gotland, is Sweden's most alluring island resort. A popular trading spot since the Viking Age, the island has soul and enough medieval architecture to take you back a few centuries. In fact, there are over 92 thirteenth - century churches still in use throughout the island.
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Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium
Zeebrugge is a port in northwestern Belgium, 10 miles north of Brugge and 60 miles from Brussels. Interestingly, it is actually an "artificial port," built because the existing marine channel to Brugge at the time had become clogged with silt.
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