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Nowadays Rotterdam is a vital part of the economy of the Netherlands. The Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in the world with a total throughput of about 300 million metric tons a year provides a solid base for industry in and around the Rotterdam area. Its population is about 575000, which makes it one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, but the number of people that work in the Rotterdam area or are otherwise economically dependent of it exceeds that number by far. The density of population is among the highest in the Netherlands, exceeding 4000 per square kilometer. Shipping, storage and forwarding are of course among the most important activities in the region, but the port of Rotterdam has also created a large chemical industry, which is fully dependent upon the transport facilities for the inflow of crude oil and the shipping of the various refined end products. Large petrochemical plants have sprung up, especially on the south bank of the Maas. These plants are in operation 24 hours a day. The development of Europoort ('Euro gate') started in 1957. A large complex of ports and industrial areas was created between Rotterdam and the entry to the North Sea. When more space was needed, the Maasvlakte ('Maas Flats') was created. By means of dikes, dams and sand deposits the coast line was altered to include many square kilometers of newly created land, where the Petroleum Harbors, container terminals, ore terminals and the Maasvlakte power plant are located. An interesting feature is the 'disaster area', a training complex where fire brigades train to cope with large-scale industrial accidents. The complex includes a grounded tanker that is set on fire several times a day. The name Europoort suggests that Rotterdam wanted to become the gateway to Europe. By 1963 this suggestion had become outdated, because in that year Rotterdam could claim to be the largest port in the world, a record that it still holds. In fact, the Berge Stahl, a 365000 ton ore carrier, is fully dependent on the port of Rotterdam, since this is the only port on the European continent that this ship (with its 23m/75ft draught) can access. After the flood in 1953 a large project was initiated to prevent such floodings in the future. This project, the 'Delta plan', involved stronger and higher dikes and numerous flood barriers. The latest of those flood barriers to be completed was the storm surge barrier in the Nieuwe Waterweg near Hoek van Holland. Two enormous doors mounted on swing arms can be used to close off the Nieuwe Waterweg, should storm and high water require so in order to protect the country from flooding. Normally the doors are open, so as not to impede the flow of ships through the Nieuwe Waterweg. Building and development have become a way of life for Rotterdam. The city has continued to grow, and it shows no signs of slowing down. And although this constant increase of population, urbanization and development all breed their own problems, Rotterdam is ready for the next millennium. As the economic heart of the Netherlands, with a population heading towards 600000, it had better be ready.




Linked with Brugge, its historic metropolis, by a 7.5 mile canal, Zeebrugge is a seaside resort looking to the future. The international port, jutting far out into the sea, doesn't prevent holidaymakers from frolicking on the fine little sandy beach. On the sea front, hotels and cafés give tourists their warmest welcome. Being Belgium's leading fishing port, Zeebrugge has quite a lot of fishmongers' shops. Besides being a passenger port with regular ferry services between the United Kingdom and the continent, Zeebrugge also has an attractive marina which can accommodate some 100 vessels. Zeebrugge also enjoys a very convenient geographical location, just a few miles away from beautiful Brugge, the fashionable sea resort of Knokke, and the picturesque village of Lissewege. During the summer season the beach invites to (sun) bathing, playing and relaxing. Autumn and winter are the right seasons to take a firm walk along the seaside. On the western dam, a promenade reaches far out into the open sea. At the foot of the dam the "St. George Memorial" commemorates the Battle of Zeebrugge (23.4.1918) on which occasion the British Royal Navy finally put the German U-Boot base out of action. The City Community House on Marktplein is the seat of the city administration. The premises also have a socio-cultural function

Lying on the mouth of the Seine estuary, the great sea and naval port of Le Havre was created in 1517 by François I as a replacement for Harfleur, which had become silted up. From the time of the American War of Independence, when supplies were shipped from Le Havre to the 'rebel' forces, the port grew into a great transatlantic harbour. In the mid 19th-century, ships sailed regularly from here to New York, with crossings taking about two weeks! Later, faster speeds were achieved by liners like the Normandie, the Ile-de-France and the France, which all used Le Havre as their home base. During the Second World War Le Havre was a key strategic target of both Allies and Germans. It is recorded that the city received some 146 raids where more than 4000 people were killed, nearly 10,000 dwellings were destroyed, and a similar number partially destroyed. Following the city's liberation on 13th September 1944 it took two years to clear away the debris so that re-building could commence. The responsibility for the design of a fine new city was given to the Parisian architect Auguste Perret, a pioneer of the use of reinforced concrete to create elegant structures. The resultant plan retained the grid layout used by the Italian architect of the original Le Havre in the 16th-century, but this was adapted by Perret to create, through a harmonious balance of buildings, space and light, a place with wide boulevards and a new openess, quite unlike the claustrophobic town it replaced. A tour around this highly regarded city is both exciting and rewarding. The Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville is one of the largest town squares in Europe. It is set out with pools, fountains, lawns and flowerbeds which all serve to soften the severity of the buildings, and the town hall with its 236ft great concrete tower. Nearby are the Avenue Foch and the Rue de Paris, the former pointing towards the open sea, the latter leading to the ferry terminals. The Avenue Foch, with its trees and statues, offers pleasant browsing within its Paris quality (and pricey) shops. However, some visitors will prefer to join the 'locals' in the stores and small shops to be found in the smaller streets behind the town hall. Le Havre has several interesting museums, but the Musée des Beaux Arts is particularly notable. Of glass and metal construction, this modern building contains imaginative presentations of outstanding paintings by Dufy and Boudin.


Queenstown it was for some decades before reverting to its old Irish name in 1922 - the Cobh (cove) of Cork. Is there anywhere in Ireland more full of poignant memories than this embarkation point for America? From here hundreds of thousands of mostly hungry and penniless Irish men and women left to build a new life, especially in the Famine years of 1844-48. Many thrived and prospered, but many died on the journey in the terrible travelling conditions of the time. It is a pleasant town; its streets climb the steep slope of a hill, the top of which is crowned by the very fine St. Coleman's Cathedral which has a carillon of 47 bells. Cobh is situated on Great Island, one of the three large islands in Cork harbour which are all now joined by roads and bridges - Little Island and Fota are the others. The harbour is one of the largest and safest anywhere, being capable of taking the largest vessels afloat. The great Transatlantic liners used to come in up to the 1950s. On the quayside there is a memorial to the victims of the Lusitania, many of whom are buried in the old church cemetery. The ship was sunk off Kinsale in 1915 by a German submarine, an action which was responsible for bringing the United States of America into the Great War, the survivors were brought back here. Another unhappy association is with the Titanic, 'the safest liner in the world'. Queenstown was her last port of call on her fateful maiden voyage. The Queenstown Story is based in the disused portions of the railway station at Cobh. This highly imaginative visitor attraction tells the story of emigration from Cobh in the period of the famine in 1845 up to the era of the great Liners in the 1950s. The historical role which Cobh harbour has played as a port is also illustrated. At Cobh, one looks over Haulbowline and Spike Islands, formerly the base of the Irish Naval Service. To the east, Cork Harbour leads to East Ferry. Roches Point can be seen to the south. To the south west is the yachting centre of Crosshaven.


In the Galician province of Pontevedra, situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, lies the city that lends its name to the southernmost estuary of the Rías Baixas: Vigo. Its fishing origin has left an historic quarter with a strong maritime flavour, which contrasts with the modern facilities of its marinas. This city is an excellent base from which to visit the towns and villages along the Vigo estuary and the Cíes Isles that form part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands. The cuisine of the Galician coast, based on fish and seafood, is an added incentive for visiting this region. The port of Vigo, one of the finest natural ports in the world, was the origin of this city fringed by mountains. Its maritime qualities, already exploited in Roman times, have given rise to the present-day marinas and the transatlantic harbour, as well as to the fishing and canning industries. All of this has contributed to the urban development of Vigo, which includes the traditional port area and boasts major historic buildings and wide tree-lined avenues. The historic quarter, the so-called Cidade Vella, is articulated around the old maritime quarter of O Berbés, near the port. Situated in this quarter, which has Tourist-Historical Interest status, are the arcades around the Plaza de la Constitución, fishing streets and emblazoned houses. One of the main features of this network of tiny streets, in which most façades have glass-encased miradors, is the Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Procathedral of Vigo-Tui. Neoclassical in style, this edifice is constructed on the remains of a Gothic church burned down by the pirate Francis Drake. Also worthy of visit in this area is the do Pedra market, a fascinating place for buying and sampling Galician oysters. The newer part of Vigo occupies a triangle formed by the Puerta del Sol, Colón and Urzáiz. Lining the wide avenues are notable buildings, one such being the García Barbón Cultural Centre, designed by Antonio Palacios. The modern sector contains one of the best miradors over the Vigo estuary, the Monte do Castro mount. Located amidst the forests and leisure areas are the remains of the hill-forts that constituted the early settlement, as well as the ruins of the 10th-century O Penso Castle, the layout of which was used for the construction of the 17th-century Tower Castle still standing. The large Municipal Park of Castrelos is located on what once was the estate of the Quińones de León country house. Amidst Neoclassical gardens and ancient trees, the Municipal Park contains an interesting collection of Roman steles, furniture and statuary, and an art gallery exhibiting European works from the Baroque period as well modern works by Galician artists. The park also boasts an open-air auditorium where key music events are held. The mounts of A Madroa and A Guía that lay around the city of Vigo provide magnificent viewpoints from which to admire the surrounding landscape. Also worthy of a visit is the Zoo, situated on Mount A Madroa, whilst the Municipal Park also contains the hermitage of Nosa Seńora da Guía. The Galician Museum of the Sea, situated at the Punta do Muińo in the parish of Alcabre, comprises buildings, gardens, a square and a wharf. The work of Aldo Rossi and César Portella, this complex houses various items related to the sea. The city of Vigo is easily accessible thanks to the motorway and airport, and there are also excellent nautical facilities and a golf course in the vicinity. At its maritime station it is possible to purchase passages to the coastal towns of Cangas and Moańa on the other side of the estuary, and even to the Cíes Isles. Part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands, the sheer cliffs and dunes of these isles are the home of thousands of migratory birds. The route along the Vigo Estuary affords the contemplation of historic country houses such as Baiona. Its parador, an incomparable viewpoint over the Atlantic, combines elements of the past, such as the medieval fortress, with vestiges of Galician stately architecture. The restaurant serves both traditional and highly imaginative dishes made with products from the region, such as sea bass with razor-shells in turnip green sauce. The beaches of Nigrán, the oysters of Arcade and, further inland, the Mondariz Spa, are just some of the area's numerous attractions. Another attraction of the province of Pontevedra is its capital city, which is situated on the estuary of the same name. The network of streets and squares that make up its historic quarter contain major civic and religious buildings. The palace of the Counts of Maceda houses the city's parador, which provides privileged accommodation for over-night stays. Another of the major ports along the Pontevedra Estuary is Marín, famous for the Naval Military School. Other places of interest, and also boasting excellent beaches, are Combarro, Sanxenxo and Portonovo; so too, the Ons Isles, which close the estuary and form part of the Galician National Park. The Arousa Estuary leads to Villagarcía de Arousa, O Grove and the island of A Toxa, which boasts one of Galicia's most impressive spas. Visitors to Cambados can stay at its parador, housed in the former Pazo de Batán country house dating back to the 17th century. Towards the south of the province, almost on the Portuguese border, the itinerary continues with the Monte Aloia Nature Reserve, which contains highly interesting archaeological remains; the historic city of Tui, the point of entry into Spain for the Northern Road of the "ruta jacobea" pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, where the parador is situated amidst mountains and rivers; and A Guarda at the mouth of the river Mińo, where the hill-fort of the Monte Santa Tegra is a worthwhile visit. All of these places offer the opportunity to sample the delicious cuisine that Galician tradition has preserved and that is now exploited by the most innovative chefs. The Rías Baixas provide hake, turbot and sea bass, not to mention a whole range of shellfish including goose barnacles, oysters, clams, mussels and cockles. These raw materials are served in stews and pies, on their own or combined with other flavours and textures. Veal and Galician potatoes, known as "cachelos", both have Label Guarantee status and are used in the tastiest of dishes. Wines with the Rías Baixas Label Guarantee make an excellent accompaniment to any of these dishes. Local cuisine sampling can be rounded off by a slice of Santiago cake (an almond-based sponge) and a "queimada", a traditional beverage obtained by flaming the local eau-de-vie.

Lisbon is a lovely, very livable city. It is one town that has been able to preserve all the charm of its old city and the traditions and history that go along with it. It is also a modern city in terms of its infrastructure and public services.As far as history is concerned, 3000 years ago, the Phoenicians were attracted to the site for its exceptional strategic location.The city was then successively invaded by the Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, and the Moors, etcThere is so much to discover in Lisbon! The charm of its tramways, the magnificent praça do Comercio, formerly considered the entrance to the city, Sao Jorge Castle perched on a hill, in the Rossio district, one of the greener parts of town.Not far from there you can admire the Santa Justa Elevator, and once you're at the top, you'll get a great view of Lisbon. And then there's the Chiado Museum, the enchanting Botanical Garden, the praça do Restauradores, the site of the 1998 world's fair and its incredible Oceanarium, the biggest in Europe.. ... the mythic Tower of Belem, and last but not least, a visit to the Frigate Fernando II e Gloria, the last sail-powered ship in the Portuguese fleet to have traveled the route to India.


The Rock of Gibraltar is located at the entrance of the Mediterranean. Its strategic location and history have made it an international symbol of solidity and strength, and is frequently in the world press and media. Gibraltar is connected to the Spanish mainland by a sandy isthmus, and by ferry to Morocco. The subject of repeated conquest and sieges Gibraltar has been a British Territory since 1704. It was ceeded under the Treaty of Utrecht. Since 1973 it is part of the EU under the British accession. The locally elected Government of Gibraltar has created a solid economy, which in a modern Europe has its base in Offshore finance, shipping, tourism and the Internet rather than the military past. There is, however, much of that for the tourist to see, along with the famous apes.

Barcelona is a charming, cosmopolitan port on the shores of the Mediterranean sea. This prosperous and bilingual (Spanish and Catalan) metropolis measures up to a city such as Madrid: its museums, theaters, art galleries and nightlife area of an impressive high standard. Besides that, this art and design centre has a lot of interesting sights to offer to its visitors. The best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax, is 'Las Ramblas', a pedestrian street with dozens of outdoor cafes. Here, you’ll find flower-stands, book kiosks and small market stalls where they sell birds and small animals. You’ll also find an endlessly fascinating flowing receptacle of pageant-jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues and assorted oddballs on parade. Nearby is 'Plaça Real', with plenty of bars and restaurants, and 'Palau Guell', built by the Catalan architectural genius Antoni Gaudí in his undulating art-nouveau style. After having seen these sights, stroll the narrow winding streets of the 'Barri Gotic', the medieval Gothic quarter full of interesting tapas bars and cafes. Check out Picasso’s old hangout, 'Els Quatre Gats', which has been renovated without losing its bohemian charm. Or head for the old Barceloneta section on the waterfront. This working-class area, which was always slightly rundown and scruffy-looking, is now packed with paella restaurants. The new beach area, which runs from Barceloneta to the Olympic village, is much cleaner than the old beach area. Although some people believe that it has been cleaned up considerably, it might be a wise idea to stay out of the water. Fortunately, the beach itself is already a feast for the eyes (and ears), with its huge and roaring waves.


Star" of the Riviera is a magical city, a place of pleasures : sport, gastronomy, leisure, shows, discovery... Cannes gives to every instant of your days and nights the personal touch that transforms your life into a festival. Cannes is opening its doors to allow you to discover a unique and memorable city, renowed around the world. The Suquet, the Croisette, the Royal Residences, the Palais des Festivals... are offered to you, along with the charms of history and the reality of a city entering the 21st century.
Livorno was defined as an "ideal town" at the Renaissance time. Nowadays it reveals its history through its neighbourhoods, crossed by canals and surrounded by fortified town-walls, through the tangle of its streets, which embroider the town's Venice district, and through the Medici Port characteristically overlooked by towers and fortresses leading to the town centre. Designed by the architect Bernardo Buontalenti at the end of the 16th century, Livorno underwent a period of great town planning expansion at the end of the 17th century. Near the defensive pile of the Old Fortress, a new fortress, together with the town-walls and the system of navigable canals, was then built. Nowadays the Venice district preserves most of its original town planning and architectural features such as the bridges, the narrow lanes, the noblemen's houses and a dense network of canals which once linked the port to its storehouses. In the 18th and 19th centuries Livorno, by then grown up and open to the world, had a lively appearance marked by neo-classical buildings, town parks housing important museums and cultural institutions, Liberty villas with sea views, the market. The town has a cosmopolitan soul and a history of its own. Once it was a cross-roads for the world and home to foreign communities the past existence of which is still witnessed by churches, synagogues and gardens. Livorno is the birthplace of painters and composers: Amedeo Modigliani, Giovanni Fattori and the Macchiaioli school and Pietro Mascagni. They influenced the development of art all over the world. Important cultural institutions like the town museum Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori are the setting for permanent and temporary painting exhibitions on an international scale. The town museum Museo Mascagnano houses memorabilia, documents and operas by the great composer Pietro Mascagni. Every year some of his operas are traditionally played during the lyric music season, which is organised by the Traditional Theatre of Livorno. Up in the hills the Sanctuary of Montenero, which is dedicated to Our Lady of the Graces, the patron saint of Tuscany, is a fixed destination for pilgrims. It is famous for the adjacent gallery, decorated with ex-voti mainly connected to stories of miraculous sea rescue.



The port of Civitavecchia was founded in 108 AD by Emperor Trajan, on the site of earlier Etruscan settlements, to provide the Empire's capital with a safe sea haven. Since then, through the centuries of papal Rome up to the present day, it has continued to perform the function for which it was created - providing the safest door to the city of Rome. Civitavecchia is situated only a few kilometres by motorway from the Eternal City and its international airport at Fiumicino. Disembarking at Civitavecchia means entering the heart of the mysterious Etruscan civilisation with its fascinating and enchanting tourist venues. The dreamlike Tuscania, Tarquinia, Vulci, Viterbo, Cerveteri and many others await discovery. Well aware of the natural artistic and historical treasures to which Civitavecchia holds the key, the Port Authority has decided to invest a considerable sum in redesigning the port. On the brink of the third millenium, Holy Year takes on a historic meaning for the port of Civitavecchia - its strategic vicinity to Rome makes it one of the capital's natural points of access. Through its chairman Francesco Nerli and its secretary general Giovanni Moscherini, the Port Authority has drawn up a three year operations plan (already well underway) in order to achieve the objective it has set itself. In short, this is a marketing mix concentrating human resources, technology and investment. There will be the construction of a further 537 metres of cruise liner wharves and the lengthening of the harbour arm. On the threshold of the Jubilee, Civitavecchia has been earmarked as the third point of arrival, together with Termini station and Fiumicino airport, for the tourists and pilgrims that will be visiting the Holy City. Fully aware of the importance of this event, there are plans for the renovation of the ancient walls, the Vanvitelli fountain, the Roman dock and the Lazaretto. The ancient harbour will be the mooring for both cruise liners and the vessels serving the islands (Sicily and Sardinia). Furthermore, there will be a new 500,000 square metre trading wharf of which 25,000 square metres will be destined for new services and offices. The operations plan foresees the investment of over 500,000 million lire with 300,000 million earmarked for the construction and development of the commercial and tourist port, while the remaining 200,000 million will go toward the reconstruction of Darsena Petroli. At present, Civitavecchia is Italy's second busiest passenger port, boasting two million two hundred thousand passengers a year. It is also the largest port for national coastal trade. Its railway system includes the State Railway's ferries to nearby Sardinia. Civitavecchia is prepared for the challenge of the third millenium by not only becoming one of the Mediterranean's most important cruise ports, but also one of the best equipped commercial docks in Italy.