Dover, in the county of Kent in southeast England, has understandably been one of the most important ports of entry to the country for centuries, given its location on the English Channel across from France. The famous White Cliffs of Dover greet you as you arrive, and the city has a number of historic sights, including a medieval castle. For many travelers, however, it is primarily a gateway to London. Few places can compete with England’s capital for sheer energy, atmosphere and variety. London’s vibrancy—in art, in music, in architecture—is formidable. It’s a city with not only multiple attractions, grand structures and great cultural institutions (though there are plenty of those) but also scenic parks, walkable villages and striking modern additions.Culinary pioneers are reviving traditional techniques and introducing menus that are at the forefront of the world’s premier restaurant experiences. Leg-powered sightseeing (by bike or on foot) around London maximizes opportunities for stumbling across secret alleys, courtyards housing quirky art galleries and tiny old pubs serving fresh British ales. Shoppers will want to check out the items at some of the retail emporiums known the world over as well as diminutive boutiques stocking unique souvenirs.

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way.
Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look – city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde – home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city – where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.

Glide down a mountainside in a giant wicker sleigh; sip a glass of Madeira wine; browse the shops for lace and colorful flowers. Funchal is anything but ordinary.

A visit to the wild island of La Palma—the most northern and westerly of the Canary Islands—is about as close as it gets to visiting Jurassic Park. Prehistoric junglelike forests with wispy waterfalls and babbling streams blanket the north of the isle, while the south feels dry and scorched with simmering dormant volcanoes. The craggy coastline and black-sand beaches sit below the soaring ridgeline of the eight-kilometer-wide (five-mile-wide) Caldera de Taburiente. It’s no wonder the entire island was classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2002. Exploring nature should be priority number one when visiting La Palma, but it’s impossible to understand the island’s culture without a visit to Santa Cruz, La Palma’s second-largest city and its only port. Its claim to fame—other than being the birthplace of the world-famous shoe designer Manolo Blahnik—is its clutch of colorful colonial buildings with traditional Canarian wooden balconies. Wandering down Calle O’Daly (also called Calle Real) and watching the waves crash along Avenida Marítima will give you the most photo-worthy views of the city. Don’t let the ship sail before you’ve tasted the island’s volcanic wines in Fuencaliente, or sampled local cheese and mojo at the daily market in Los Llanos.

Though part of Spain, the Canary Islands sit in the open Atlantic Ocean, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Morocco. The mild climate mixed with a rich volcanic landscape and beautiful sandy beaches makes the main city of Santa Cruz, on the largest island of Tenerife, a welcome stop for many cruise voyages. The isolated island is dominated by the Teide volcano, the tallest mountain in Spain and site of one of the world’s most popular national parks. A cable car carries visitors to the top, offering unrivaled views of the island.

Travelers interested in learning about the history of the island, its unique wildlife and the population of indigenous people that lived here before the arrival of European settlers should visit the Museum of Nature and Man in Santa Cruz, while architecture buffs can stroll the streets of La Laguna to see colonial-era mansions. And travelers keen on food and wine should venture into the countryside to sample local dishes or make the drive to Casa del Vino, where they can learn about, and taste, local wines while shopping for a bottle or two to bring home.