BELFAST Northern Ireland Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, enjoys a wonderful setting of high hills, sea lough and river valley. Founded in the 11th 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.
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. Founded in 1070 – and now World Heritage – this 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 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.
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 Castle, 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!
Amsterdam
BRUGES (from Zeebrugge) Belgium A medieval jewel on the North Sea, the charming city of Bruges is just 10 miles away from Zeebrugge. Sometimes called the ‘Venice of the North’ because of the picturesque criss-crossing canals, it has all the facilities of a modern city, but these are all found behind the centuries-old facades and weathered gables of the historic buildings at the city’s heart. Bruges is rightly famous for its exquisite lacework, tasty chocolates and huge range of local beers. From Zeebrugge, you can also visit the historic city of Ghent, the capital Brussels, and historic battlefi eld sites such as Ypres.
CADIZ Spain You sail right into the heart of historic Cadiz. On leaving your ship you’ll fi nd the main square and shopping area immediately across the busy Avenida del Puerto. Behind is the 18th century cathedral (El Nueva) and the view from the top is worth the long walk up the winding corridor. The narrow streets of the old town below are lined by tall Moorish-style houses with fl ower-decked balconies mixed in amongst some small shops and tapas bars. Cadiz dates back to the 12th century BC so is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western world.
CAIRO/GIZA (from Port Said) Egypt Port Said, at the head of the Suez Canal, is the key gateway for Cairo. Egypt’s largest city is a maelstrom of traffi c, glorious mosques, palaces and bazaars, where shopping is excellent – as long as you perfect the art of haggling. Cairo also offers a fascinating selection of museums – the most famous being the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, which holds more than 100,000 relics and the Archaeological Museum, where you may be able to gaze upon the face of Tutankhamun, the boy king. Just outside the city is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world still remaining – the Pyramids at Giza. Their sheer size, scale and age will amaze you, as will the enigmatic glance of their nearby guardian – the 20 metre high Sphinx.
Ajaccio
Cairo/Giza
WWW.POCRUISES.CO.UK 127
PORT GAZETTEER
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196