Von der Elbe bis zum Big Apple

Portsmouth on the south coast of England in the county of Hampshire has a seafaring history stretching back over 800 years. The city has been an important marine base in England since the Middle Ages and today it is a symbol of maritime tradition – visitors to the Royal Marines Museum can learn some interesting facts about its eventful history. After the Second World War, many historic buildings, including both cathedrals, were lovingly restored. The Spinnaker Tower in the harbour dominates the city’s skyline: at 170 m (558 ft) tall, the tower offers amazing views over the bay and has been a proud landmark of the port city since it was opened in 2005.

Named after the River Fal, Falmouth was already an important port in the 17th century and is now a popular fishing and holiday destination. With Bronze Age stone circles, holy wells, romantic manor houses and quaint pubs, it offers a cinematic backdrop in the heart of the Cornish countryside. The Gulf Stream ensures the region has a mild, subtropical climate, which is reflected in the vegetation. Particularly appealing places to explore include Bodmin Moor, the surrounding beaches and picturesque bays and the Coastal Path – at 430 km (267 mi.) long, one of the most beautiful coastal paths in Europe.

The first thing many sailors see on their way to the United States is the light of a lighthouse in Maine. The US state impresses with a rugged coastline stretching around 5,500 km (3,417 mi.), picturesque beaches and a panorama of sea and mountains. Over 60 lighthouses line the coastline, some of them several centuries old. In the south-east lies Portland, Maine’s largest city. In its 400-year history, it has developed from a colonial port into a modern, lively metropolis – today it is considered one of the most exciting cities on America’s East Coast. Between historic warehouses, hip cafes and waterfronts, the former port city has blossomed into a real insider tip. Take your time to soak up the impressions – thanks to the long lay time.

Boston is one of the oldest, most elegant and culturally significant cities in the United States, and has played a formative role throughout its long history: On 16 Dec 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place here, a protest against British tax policy that sparked the American War of Independence. If you want to trace this period, follow the 4 km (2.5 mi.) Freedom Trail – the red line of paving stones begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the USA, and leads through the city to Charlestown. Along the way are 16 historic sites, including the Old State House, from whose balcony the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in 1776. Today, Boston is a vibrant metropolis with a striking skyline, where colonial heritage and the present day blend impressively. Neighbouring Cambridge boasts an unmistakable academic flair – two excellent educational institutions are located here: the world-famous Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Boston is also worth a visit after sunset, with numerous bars, music clubs, jazz bars and theatres promising a varied nightlife.

The Big Apple, on the East Coast of North America, is the most populous city in the United States, with over eight million inhabitants. World-famous landmarks and towering skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center characterise the Manhattan skyline, while Central Park offers a green oasis and plenty of space for recreation. The city that never sleeps also boasts a vibrant cultural scene: around 1,500 art galleries, approximately 100 museums, countless theatres and more than 23,000 restaurants make New York one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world.