On some voyages there are as many memorable moments from small things as large, and this is one of those. Take yellow tram #28 to Lisbon’s Alfama and Baixa past old tiled buildings and palatial houses. Discover Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) in Porto … and wish you hadn’t. Snack on cider and cheese in Gijon’s peaceful Jardines de Begona. Watch as Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim seems to move as it captures reflections of the river. Realize as you’re looking at the Book of Kells in Dublin’s Trinity College Library that Oscar Wilde and Samuel Becket may have stood right here. For every major attraction (and there are many), a dozen other intriguing stories beg to be heard.

Dublin is a city of delights and surprises. Stroll across the Ha’Penny Bridge to Trinity College for a glimpse of the Book of Kells. Step inside the 11th century Dublin Castle. Stop by the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery for a taste of Irish history. And embrace the beauty of Dublin Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Explore Ireland’s oldest city from the Viking Triangle, surrounded by 10th century fortifications, to the sparkling House of Waterford Crystal, home to the largest collection of the landmark cut crystal in the world. Take time to raise a glass at T&H Doolans’ Pub, where visitors have been heartily welcomed for more than 300 years.

This beautiful archipelago welcomes you to the best and most unspoiled beaches in Cornwall. Rare birds from around the globe are at home here, as are extraordinary gardens and the historic Cromwell Castle. As a special treat, choose an optional visit to the island of Tresco and its beautiful Abbey Gardens, designed by the renowned Augustus Smith on the site of the old Benedictine Abbey, now home to 20,000 exotic plants.

The industrial port of Bilbao is surrounded by lovely green mountains, fertile landscapes with lush forests, steep coasts and the Bay of Biscay. Famed for the curvy, titanium-covered Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, other sites of Bilbao include the Euskalduna Conference and Music Centre, Norman Foster’s Underground, towers designed by architects Arata Isozaki and Cesar Pelli, and an airport designed by Calatrava.

Gijon started out as a quiet fishing village some 3,000 years ago and there are many remnants of its passage through time. Explore the colorful houses and shops of Cimadevilla, the old quarter. There are ancient Roman baths at Termas Romanas. Rent a bike and ride the 13 miles of bike lanes past the many outstanding outdoor sculptures. Before you leave, try a glass of the local apple cider, or sidra.

After entering the estuary mouth, pass through a narrow canal where the twin castles of San Felipe and La Palma welcome you to what was the main base for the Spanish Navy in the 17th century. Spend a pleasant day rumbling around the old Magdalena neighborhood, or make your own pilgrimage to the nearby UNESCO site of Santiago de Compostela or head to Lugo to see the Roman Walls – another UNESCO site.

Built into the granite cliffs at the mouth of the Rio Douro, the hilly city of Porto presents a heady juxtaposition of eras and styles. Here, medieval alleyways, orderly neighborhood squares, and ornate Baroque churches readily intermingle. Porto’s historic heart is a UNESCO site of winding lanes, zigzagging staircases and tiled churches. The highlight, though, is a taste of port wine at its best – a happy accident dating from the 17th century when brandy was discovered to preserve wine for transit. After your choice of palate-pleasing shore excursions, return for an onboard fado folk music performance.

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.