Western Europe cruise from Ireland to Portugal

This capital and largest city of Ireland is situated on the mid-east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin has more green spaces per square kilometre than any other European capital city, with 97% of city residents living within 300 meters of a park area. But Dublin’s greatest draw remains Dubliners themselves, both native-born and blown in. Read more about Dublin, Ireland

Waterford City is the capital of the sunny SE of Ireland and Ireland's oldest city. Situated on the River Suir, it has a long maritime history, being one of Ireland's major ports for over a millennium. Today, the world over, the city is synonymous with Waterford Crystal, a legacy of its glass-making industry since 1783. Read more about Waterford, Ireland

Kinsale is a historic port and fishing town in County Cork, Ireland. It is a coastal recreational centre 26km south of Cork City, “the real capital” of Ireland. Kinsale lies near the mouth of the River Bandon, and the rocky promontory Old Head of Kinsale with its lighthouse and new golf links. Read more about Kinsale, Ireland

Belle Île is a truly beautiful French island off the coast of Brittany, and the largest of Brittany's islands. With its stunning cliffs, delightful seaside hamlets, pastel coloured homes, green countryside and amazing jagged rocky coastlines, it is not surprising that the island has been an inspiration to painters such as Monet, as well as to authors and sailors. Although extremely popular to tourists in summer, it is large enough for you to escape from the crowd and find a spot to relax and indulge in delicious fresh seafood, crêpes, cider and other delights from the regional cuisine of Brittany. Read more about Belle Île, France

The port city of Santander is the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria, situated on the north coast of Spain between Asturias and the Basque Country. Today Santander remains a popular tourist destination renowned for its mild climate hence the urban beaches - some of which are great for surfing - are a real draw card. Indeed one of the city’s main attractions is the famous El Sardinero beach with its delightful promenade. Read more about Santander, Spain

Situated on the Atlantic coast of Spain, Gijon began as a fishing village almost 3,000 years ago, and today is an important port that is an attractive combination of seafaring flavour, heritage buildings, and modern urban development. The city’s major tourist attraction is the historic fishing village of Cimadevilla, located on a peninsula that divides the port in half. Most of its streets are made of cobblestones and are barely two cars wide, reminding visitors of its historic past, as do many of the buildings that have withstood the forces of the Atlantic. Read more about Gijon, Spain

El Ferrol is a city and a naval station located on the Atlantic coast of NW Spain. Perhaps best known for its spectacular Easter week celebrations, with the town’s maritime and military tradition reflected in a procession through the streets, and with statues of the saints being carried to the rhythm of drums and musical bands. Those interested in archaeology will be fascinated by the nearby existence of prehistoric human settlements, an abundance of burial chambers, megalithic monuments, and Petroglyphs. Read more about El Ferrol, Spain

The main seaport serving Porto, located in northern Portugal. Known for its historic architecture, wine cellars, and vibrant cultural scene, Porto attracts visitors interested in Portuguese history and wine. Read more about Leixoes (Porto), Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal