is thronged with entertainers, stalls and bars and is most lively at night and weekends. Not to be missed is the La Boqueria food market with its extraordinary displays of fi sh, meat, fruit and vegetables.
BAY OF ISLANDS New Zealand The Bay of Islands region is New Zealand’s fi nest maritime park and comprises 144 islands and myriad bays and beaches around the coastline. The Bay, with its subtropical climate and pristine natural environment, has an abundance of marine life, including the big marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. The maritime and historic park is the original cradle of local European civilisation, but it also boasts fi ne examples of the fascinating Maori culture. The area has many features of European and Maori history, which provide a unique insight into colonial New Zealand.
Barcelona Cairo/Giza
BELFAST Northern Ireland Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, enjoys a wonderful setting of high hills, sea lough and river valley. Founded in the 17th century, the city prospered becoming one of the world’s leading industrial names, and was home to Harland and Wolff – the shipbuilders who built the ill-fated Titanic. Amidst its beautiful Victorian buildings you can shop in stylish boutiques, sip a Guinness in one of its charming old pubs or take a scenic stroll in Barnett Demesne park. The centrepiece is the City Hall, completed in 1906, with its domed roof and grand Italian marble staircase.
BAR HARBOR United States of America One of the most popular New England ports, Bar Harbor has something of the look of Old England about it with visions of Cornwall evoked by the rugged coastal walk below its craggy, granite cliffs. It’s also in the middle of the Acadia National Park – an intoxicating mix of lakes, forests and mountains. Look out for towering Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole where the ocean thunders against the cliffs.
BARBADOS Watching the Atlantic surf crash down on the rugged east coast of this richly diverse island and, for a moment, you may feel you could be on the Cornish coast. Over on the sheltered west coast, the glorious beaches are pure Caribbean. And there are more beaches and a lot more bars, cafés, restaurants and clubs creating a vibrant 24/7 lifestyle on the south coast, too. In the capital, Bridgetown, there are intriguing signs of its British colonial past while, across the island, you are really spoilt for choice. You can enjoy every watersport under the sun; stunning nature walks and bike rides.
BARCELONA Spain The Catalonian capital of Barcelona provides a vivid mix of ancient and modern, but is probably best known for the bizarre architecture of Antonio Gaudi, in particular the iconic Sagrada Familia, Europe’s most extraordinary – and still unfi nished – cathedral. Barcelona’s Old Port area is a thriving area of cafés and restaurants. From there, it is an easy stroll up the famous Las Ramblas to the Old Town. This street
BERGEN Norway A former European City of Culture, Bergen sits amongst the magnifi cent mountains strung along Norway’s western coastline and is a gateway to fjordland. This 13th century Hanseatic – and now World Heritage – city was built on an original Viking settlement and is full of historic sites, the best known of which is Bryggen – a collection of 11th century wooden buildings along the harbour front. To enjoy the best views of this picturesque city, take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen, which overlooks both Bergen and the surrounding region. Bergen is also the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg.
BILBAO Spain
The Basque city of Bilbao in northern Spain has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe following the opening of the imaginatively-designed Guggenheim modern art gallery. Until then, Bilbao was very much a working city, but it has always boasted a lively old town dating from the 14th century. Through the winding alleyways of the Casco Viejo you can stop to sample tapas at the many exceptional local bars and restaurants. Other notable sights include the arcaded Plaza Nueva and the gothic Cathedral de Santiago. One of Spain’s most important art collections is housed across the city at the Museo de Bellas Artes. This features works dating from the 12th century through to contemporary art by Cézanne, Gauguin and Francis Bacon.
BODO Norway This is an important Norwegian trading centre at the ‘top of the world’ en route to the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. In this part of the world, the vistas are more extensive, the scenery more splendid and the nights brighter than you would have ever thought possible.
BONAIRE Netherlands Antilles Bonaire has many good reasons to protect its extraordinary environment. Its Marine Park, which covers the coral reefs along the island’s west coast, has a vast number and variety of fi sh, and snorkelling and diving amongst these colourful residents is a sheer delight. A more conventional national park spreads across the whole northern part of the island. Originally plantations, this freshwater swampland is now home to pelican, parrots and geese.
BORA BORA Society Islands Bora Bora is a picture perfect South Pacifi c island. The colours are amazing with endless shades of blue and emerald green in the magical lagoon created by a circular barrier reef. Visibility is superb for swimmers, snorkellers and divers and schools of dolphins regularly pass the lagoon entrance channel. There are beach bars, shops and restaurants aplenty with Bloody Mary’s the most popular meeting point according to its ‘celebrity’ board – this lists all the famous people, including many Hollywood legends, who have cruised by.
BOSTON United States of America Historic Boston is a key port for ‘fall foliage’ trips around New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces, but anytime is a good time to enjoy this friendly, walkable city – dubbed ‘The Cradle of Liberty’ for its part in the American War of Independence. You can learn more about its fascinating history by following the Freedom Trail or visiting Cambridge, on the opposite side of the Charles River, home of the 400-year-old Harvard University.
BREST France Set in one of Europe’s fi nest natural harbours, France’s main naval port Brest is steeped in maritime history and is also a gateway into the ruggedly scenic and proudly Celtic province of Brittany. The maritime museum is inside the city’s Motte Tanguy Castle and Tower, which perches on a headland overlooking the beautiful harbour. In keeping with its nautical traditions, Brest is also home to Oceanopolis, a massive attraction dedicated to the sea and its many forms of marine life. In the city centre you’ll fi nd streets with evocative names like La Fayette and Bougainville and an array of shops, bars, restaurants, theatres and museums.
NEW FOR 2012 BRINDISI Italy Found on Salento peninsula at the heel of Italy, the natural harbour of Brindisi is an important gateway to the East. Ancient mariners used its two Roman columns – symbols of the city – as reference points into the port. Although one collapsed in the 16th century, the other is still visible. In the Piazza Duomo stands the cathedral with its mosaics and baroque bell tower; the 12th century remains of a once majestic church linked to the Knights Templar; and fascinating displays in the Museo Archeologico Provinciale Ribezzo. With its Byzantine frescoes, the early 14th century church of Santa Maria del Casale is also well worth a visit. The area is well-known for its wines and olive oils – a great excuse for sampling the local cuisine or a glass of Brindisi DOC!
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