PORTUGAL: Porto

Five striking bridges connect the River Douro or 'River of Gold' that twists through the city and a trip on one of the river cruises lets you take in the landscape and drift on to a patchwork of countryside as you float past the lush scenery. There are plenty of historic treasures to discover down bustling streets including the striking Se, the extravagant church of Sao Francisco and the Art Deco Fundacao de Serralves with its contemporary art. Savour the area's oak-aged port and try the tempting local specialities, such as pao-de-lo, a round sponge cake and francesinha, a towering meat and cheese sandwich drenched in spicy sauce.