Question: My family of four is embarking on a European cruise in August. Our trip starts in the United Kingdom. We're staying at the Best Western Master Robert Hotel, near Heathrow airport, for one night. I'm hoping you can offer up tips on things to do in that area. Then we're going to the Southampton cruise port--anything we should see on the way?
Our cruise is stopping in the following locations and I'm hoping you can offer up some advice on things to see in these locations: Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Cadiz, Spain; Gibratar, United Kingdom; Malaga, Spain; Callari, Sardina, Italy; Naples, Italy; Civitavecchia (Rome) Italy; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; and Villefranche (Nice) France. Finally, the cruise disembarks in Barcelona, where we're staying at the Best Western Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto--what should we see? —Ana Monteiro
Answer: Wow! This sounds like a great trip. You'll be hitting many destinations.
Let's start at the beginning: You have one night at the Best Western Master Robert Hotel, where close to many attractions from Kew Gardens to Legoland, but if you're going to visit only one place I would go to the Hampton Court Palace, a historic residence of kings and queens. My parents took me here when I was a child, and I'll never forget my dad chasing me through the giant hedge maze. During your short time in Southampton, you could drop in the Archeology Museum.
For your cruise, pick up a copy of Rick Steves' Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler. This book will ground you in art history and enrich your sightseeing experience. Throughout the book, you'll find handy lists of sights that allow you to use your newly acquired knowledge to plan your trip. You could also consider buying Rick Steves' Best of Europe, which offers tips on sightseeing in a few of the destinations you're visiting including Lisbon, Barcelona, Florence, and Nice.
Here's a quick rundown of attractions in each of your destinations:
Vigo, Spain: Outside of town, visit one of Europe’s most revered and historic pilgrimage sites, Santiago de Compostela.
Lisbon, Portugal: Stroll the Avenida da Liberdade. Here, you can walk along the city's most famous avenue, relax at an outdoor cafe, and spot some of the finest architecture around.
Cadiz, Spain: Walk through the charming old quarter with its narrow alleyways, delightful plazas, and flower-filled balconies. Be sure to stop in the Cadiz Cathedral.
Gibraltar, United Kingdom: Take the cable car from Main Street to the top of the Rock and see both Spain in Europe and Morocco in Africa. Also, consider going on a boat ride to visit the dolphins who live in Gibraltar Bay.
Malaga, Spain: Relax at Playa Huelin, a busy beach lined with cafes.
Callari, Sardina: Browse the Mercato di San Benedetto, a colorful fish market where locals shop.
Naples, Italy: Bite into a neapolitan pizza at Da Michele.
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: Don't miss the famed Colosseum.
Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy: Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, of course.
Villefranche (Nice), France: Go to the beach. Just a few minutes from Nice, Villefranche sur Mer is sandier, quieter and less jam-packed with tourists than other Nice beaches.
Barcelona, Spain: Tour Gaudi's architectural marvel, La Sagrada Familia, an unfinished yet astonishing church.
Bon Voyage!
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