Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.

Zeebrugge is the gateway to Bruges, capital of Belgium's West Flanders. Bruges was wealthy in medieval times through trade with Baltic ports. As the Zwin River, which linked Bruges to the North Sea, slowly narrowed, the city's great trade era ended. Today, visitors come for its charming, well-preserved medieval architecture along narrow streets and canals, and for some of Western Europe's finest artistic masterpieces.

Rotterdam is the Netherlands' second-most populous municipality, after Amsterdam. Its name comes from a dam in the Rotte river. The city has Europe's largest port; it was the world's busiest from 1962 to 2004, when Shanghai overtook it. Rotterdam is now experiencing a renaissance, with urban renewal, bold architecture, lively nightlife, and festivals celebrating its multicultural identity.

Discover cosmopolitan Kristiansund, set on a sparkling fjord, with a calm cultural vibe, a mix of old and modern architecture, and natural beauty throughout. Visit the old town, Posebyen, for its small white wooden houses. Walk the boardwalk to the town center and Fiskebrygga for maritime history and fresh seafood. See the Adger Nature Museum and Botanical Gardens, then shop Markens gate and Skippergada for boutiques, galleries, cafés, hand-knit sweaters, Norwegian glassware, and local crafts.

Oslo is Norway's capital and largest city. Located at the head of the Oslofjord, the city is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Norway is a maritime nation with Oslo being the chief port for sea services from the Continent and England. Throughout Oslo's 900-year history there have been many fires, and as a result it has a mixture of architectural styles. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo's attractions can be explored on foot.

The seaside town of Lysekil is filled with incredible sights. Among them is Lysekil Church, whose granite was carved by hand and winched into place. The tower alone is 206 feet high and the spire rises more than 300 feet above sea level. Embark on a seal safari and see the rare Bohuslän in its true habitat or visit the Havets Hus, a saltwater aquarium where you can see and get the chance to touch some of the around 100 different species that live in the Gullmar Fjord.

Denmark's second-largest city offers top cultural attractions, striking architecture, a lively food scene and a rising-city vibe. Visit ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, home to the country's largest art collection outside Copenhagen, and Den Gamle By, where relocated houses recreate 19th-century, 1920s and 1970s neighborhoods. See the waterfront Iceberg and Dokk1, and Musikhuset's glass facades. Try smørrebrød or New Nordic cuisine at Aarhus's cafes and restaurants.

Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany, sits on the 11-mile Kiel Fjord near Scandinavia and has a proud maritime history. It marks the eastern lock of the Kiel Canal, the world's busiest artificial waterway, and hosts Kiel Week, the world's largest sailing event. Stroll the Kiellinie waterfront, watch ships pass, try Rote Grütze, and visit the Schiffahrtsmuseum in a Gothic Revival fish auction house.

Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe's oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today's modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.