Only smaller ships are allowed so near the floating city.

Port guide:Venice,Italy

This floating city is packed with churches,palaces and art. Although overcrowded and maddening,it’s impossible not to fall under Venice’s spell.

  • Brian Johnston
The historic Stone Bridge in Regenburg.

Port guide:Regensburg,Germany

Don’t miss one of Europe’s most attractive old towns,which has a lively,lived-in atmosphere thanks to its university and manufacturing credentials.

  • Brian Johnston
The Bay of Cadiz,a city of ancient riches.

Port Guide:Cadiz,Spain

The fortified,peninsular town of Cadiz,ancient but still energetic,is one of the highlights of Andalusia. Don’t miss this local,under-the-radar charmer.

  • Brian Johnston
Place la Bourse in Bordeaux.

Port guide:Bordeaux,France

Bordeaux is a lively,graceful city with more heritage-listed buildings than anywhere else in France except Paris – and famous vineyards nearby.

  • Brian Johnston
Cruising can offer the perfect solo holiday.

When it comes to cruising,there’s good news for solo travellers

Single,or partner not keen on a cruise? The good news is many lines are making it easier,cheaper and more appealing to sail alone.

  • Brian Johnston
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To be sure

How to avoid one of the biggest cruise ship rip-offs

Use these insider hacks so you don’t waste time and money on outings in port.

  • Kristie Kellahan
Kotor Old Town.

Port guide:Kotor,Montenegro

Montenegro’s most-visited port is an appealing,fortified,mini-Dubrovnik,but your biggest treat might be what you see before you get there.

  • Brian Johnston
Viking Mississippi on the Mississippi River between Louisiana and Mississippi.

Jazz and Creole food? This luxe river cruise is an immersive must-do

A voyage on Viking Mississippi is worthy of a place on avid cruisers’ must-do lists – this journey was an immersive deep-dive into small-town America.

  • Kristie Kellahan
The busy port city of Kobe.

Port guide:Kobe,Japan

This mid-sized port gets overlooked thanks to neighbours Kyoto,Nara and Osaka but is one of Japan’s most energetic and attractive urban destinations.

  • Brian Johnston
The mesmerising prettiness of the Rhine.

How rivers can take you to some of the greatest places on Earth

These historical trade arteries connect cities and castles,palaces and pagodas and they provide easy transport routes through gorges and across deserts.

  • Brian Johnston