FROM PALMA DE MALLORCA TO HAMBURG

Marbella on the Costa del Sol appeals to visitors thanks to its sophisticated charm and long history: originally founded by the Phoenicians, in the mid-1950s the city started to become a meeting point for the international jet set. Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe made the Marbella Club the place to be, and in the 1970s Arab aristocrats like the Saudi King and the Emirs of Abu Dhabi and Qatar arrived in town. Today, the newly renovated seafront promenade and the charming little streets around the Plaza de los Naranjos are a great place for a stroll. Numerous bars, restaurants and luxury boutiques add to the special atmosphere of Marbella – a city where tradition and modernity come together in harmony.

The copper-red cliffs along the Algarve coast, which rise almost vertically from the deep-blue sea, make Portimao a real highlight. The charming old town and the marina are perfect for relaxed walks, while the Praia da Rocha – an endless, golden shimmering beach – invites you to soak up the sun and enjoy. Numerous other bays, dune islands and crystal-clear water are perfect for beach days at your own leisure, which will quickly make you forget the everyday.

A unique blend of magnificent palaces, historic monasteries and picturesque narrow streets greets visitors to the Portuguese capital. Lisbon has a magical charm of times gone by and surprises in store at every corner. The medieval Castelo de Sao Jorge stands guard over the city, while the Alfama district with its narrow winding streets and staircases offers an authentic insight into the old Lisbon. Don’t miss a trip on the famous Tram 28, which winds its way up and down the hills. Cafes, shops and street sellers make the city centre a lively place to be. With its many lifts and trams, the city’s steep hills are easy to explore and its many sights can be reached on foot.

A real gem on the French coast of the Basque Country – Saint-Jean-de-Luz is an enchanting little place with its traditional fishing port and elegant beach front promenade. The restaurants and bars are inviting places to try the region’s famous specialities, including Gateau Basque and fresh seafood. The charming old part of town with its narrow cobbled streets and colourful timbered houses is steeped in history: the impressive Church of St. John the Baptist hosted the wedding of the Sun King Louis XIV and Maria Teresa of Spain in 1660. The nearby Grande Plage is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the sunshine – perfect for soaking up the charm of the Basque coast.

Located on the Medoc peninsula at the Gironde estuary, Le Verdon-sur-Mer is an idyllic coastal resort combining charm and natural beauty. Impressive views over the Atlantic and long sandy beaches like the Plage de la Chambrette make it easy to leave everyday life behind. Don’t miss visiting the busy port, where traders sell fresh seafood, as well as a walk past the pretty holiday houses and traditional fishermen’s huts. Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby Medoc Nature Park with its variety of hiking and cycle paths through the dunes and pine and oak forests – a place where you can really enjoy the beautiful natural scenery to the full.

Charming Honfleur in the Calvados department in the Lower Normandy region is a port with around 6,500 inhabitants on the Seine estuary. The picturesque little town is enchanting with its narrow streets, timbered houses and the church of Sainte Catherine, which is built entirely of wood. With records going back to the 11th, century, Honfleur was an important trading post and was once occupied by the Vikings. In the 19th century, the Impressionists discovered the town: famous painters like Monet, Courbet and Cezanne found inspiration in the picturesque port. Today, Honfleur and the Musee Eugene Boudin are a must for culture lovers and visitors who want to enjoy the town’s special charm.

On the banks of the River Schelde, Antwerp is one of Belgium’s liveliest port and cultural cities. Since the Middle Ages, Europe’s second largest port has brought prosperity to the city and connected it to the North Sea. Still today, the magnificent guild houses on the Grote Markt and the impressive railway station stand as testament to the riches of the past. In the 17th century, it was home to Peter Paul Rubens and you can admire his impressive works of art in his former residence and studio, as well as in the Gothic Church of Our Lady. The cathedral has the highest church tower in Flanders and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Superlatives are also to be found in the Diamond Quarter, famous for the Antwerp Cut.