16 Night Ultimate Spain, Morocco & France Cruise

Spain's third largest city, Valencia offers a little bit of everything, from historic sites and bustling city squares to placid beaches. Soak up the sun at Malvarrosa Beach along the urban seafront, or head to El Saler for a more remote beach experience surrounded by white-sand dunes and pine trees. Cruise to Valencia and get your culture fix at Gothic Valencia Cathedral, and see the 15th-century renaissance paintings housed in its interior. Head to Plaza de la Reina in the city's old town and do some people-watching over a fresh glass of horchata, a classic Valencia beverage made from almond milk with cinnamon and spices, or take a picnic lunch of fresh pears and local cheese to the quiet Turia Gardens.

Cartagena greets you with its ancient Mediterranean port on Spain's southeastern coast. Originally governed by the Carthaginians and subsequently by the Romans, Arabs and Castilians, this pedestrian-friendly city is a history buff's dream port. Visit the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre and the attached museum, where you'll find an ancient altar to Jupiter and a statue of Apollo. Then, check out the late 19th-century modernist architecture of Cartagena's historic center. Cruises to Cartagena, Spain allow you to stroll down blue-marble-tiled pedestrian-only Calle Mayor. Or take the 30-minute drive to the Batteria de Castillitos, a medieval-style fortress situated among the picturesque mountain landscape.

The hub of Spain's southern Costa del Sol, Málaga is the picture of paradise. Scale the hilltop to dramatic La Alcazaba, the sandy-colored Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century that overlooks this ancient seaside city. Sun yourself on the idyllic beaches of Caleta and Malagueta, taking in views of the mountains across the bay. See the eccentric works of modernist master Pablo Picasso, the city's most famous native son, at the Picasso Museum. Cruise to Málaga and immerse yourself in baroque and renaissance architecture at Málaga Cathedral, with its elaborate arches and stone reliefs depicting the saints, or turn the clock back to the first century A.D. at the ruins of the Roman Theatre.

Spark all your senses with cruises to Casablanca, Morocco. Allow the smells of spices and the sounds of the call to prayer draw you into this amazing city. Whether you stroll through the modern portion of the city pretending you're Humphrey Bogart or try haggling in the souk, there is so much to be done in this unique destination. Some of the best things to do in Casablanca, Morocco, are enjoying the delicious cuisine or admiring the Art Deco architecture sprinkled throughout the city. If that's not your thing, head to the port where you can see all of the action happening in one of the largest hubs of international trade. This city is not to be missed.

Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains along the Atlantic coast, Agadir is one of Morocco's most modern cities. The city was rebuilt after a major earthquake in the 1960s, but it still maintains a sense of its rich history. Agadir is also Morocco's premier destination for sun and sand — and with 300 sunny days a year, it only stands to reason. During your Morocco cruise, head to the popular beachfront promenade. When you've had enough of the sun, step into the colorful marketplace at Souk El Had, where Moroccan culture comes to life. Take in the scents of spices and fresh citrus, search for one-of-a-kind lamps and rugs, and walk the paths so many have before you.

Lisbon is a quintessential European city, full of natural beauty, historic architecture and culinary pleasures — not to mention one of the best climates anywhere on the planet. To get to know Portugal's capital, walk between the captivating miradouros — terrace viewpoints that are scattered on the hilltops, offering stunning vistas from the sea to the castles and beyond. Watch as the light peeks through the clouds and shines down on The City of Seven Hills during your cruise to Lisbon. If you're a history buff, head to Belem or nearby Sintra to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Jeronimos Monastery and Quinta da Regalaira.

Portugal's vibrant city of Porto is a melting pot of culture waiting to be explored. Venture into the many wine cellars that dot the city or take a walk across the Dom Louis Bridge and absorb the sweeping views of Porto around you. Spend hours wandering around the colorful streets lined with tiled houses and buildings. And if relaxing is more your speed, head to one of the restaurants on the Cais de Ribeira, like A Bolina, for some Portuguese tapas paired with a glass of vinho verde. Cruise to Porto to sit back and soak up the ambiance of the buzzing city.

The sun will shine upon you as you enter the harbor of Vigo, the largest city in Spain's autonomous Galicia region. Start your adventure by ascending the Castro Fortress — you can take in views of the city and the lushly forested mountains around it from these granite-walled 17th-century fortifications. Then, learn up about the region at one of Vigo's excellent museums: Museo do Mar Galicia features exhibits on the local oceanography and ecosystems, while the Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a changing lineup of participatory workshops and installations by innovative artists working today. Later, stretch your legs on the GR-53, a 25-mile path along the coastline and low mountain peaks around the city, or relax by the blue waters of Cies Beach.

The real capital of Ireland — that's what the locals call Cork, a university city in the country's southwest. In the city center, situated on an island in the River Lee, you'll find one of Ireland's best foodie scenes, with laneways and streets filled with local watering holes and high-end restaurants. Cruise to Ireland to check out the the prison-turned-museum Cork City Gaol, visit Blarney Castle and kiss its eponymous stone, and sample local culinary specialities in the English Market. Cork is just a 25-minute drive from Cobh, Ireland's only dedicated cruise terminal and the final port of call for the Titanic before it set sail for the United States.

Situated on a peninsula that juts into the English Channel, the French city of Cherbourg serves up bountiful ocean views and a deep history. Cherbourg-Normandy cruises give you access to the docks where the Titanic made one of its final stops before its fateful voyage. Ascend Roule Mountain, also called the Montee de Resistants — the summit offers a priceless panorama and a museum that pays homage to the liberation of the city and Europe during World War II. Later, walk to the waterfront for oysters or fresh-caught Demoiselles de Cherbourg, the local mini lobsters, and a glass of crisp white wine.

Paris is an iconic city — a melange of everything artistic and sublime, with a worldwide reputation for excellence in cuisine, fashion, architecture and the fine arts. After you take the drive in from the port (just over two hours), hit the streets to see the city's monumental landmarks: Pass through the Arc de Triomphe, and stand in the presence of the Eiffel Tower. The beauty here is only matched by the history and culture. Cruise to Paris to feel the cool morning air outside Gothic Notre Dame cathedral, and see works from prehistoric to postmodern at the Louvre. At evening, walk the lamplit avenues as restaurants' wooden tables and rattan chairs spill onto the sidewalks and terraces. Pull up a seat, order a glass of vin rougeand a plate of pate on toast, and dive in.