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.

Falmouth is a seaport on the River Fal. Falmouth is famous for its harbor. Together with Carrick Roads, it forms the third deepest natural harbor in the world, and the deepest in Western Europe. It is also famous for being the start or finish point of various round-the-world record-breaking voyages. Falmouth has proven a popular holiday destination and it is now primarily a tourist resort. It has long been a popular boating and water sports location.

Bordeaux is located near the European Atlantic coast, in the north of the Aquitaine region in France. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne, with the city literally divided into two parts. The world's wine capital, Bordeaux has about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 grape growers. With an annual production of over 700 million bottles, Bordeaux produces large quantities of everyday wine as well as the most expensive ones.

Bordeaux is located near the European Atlantic coast, in the north of the Aquitaine region in France. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne, with the city literally divided into two parts. The world's wine capital, Bordeaux has about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 grape growers. With an annual production of over 700 million bottles, Bordeaux produces large quantities of everyday wine as well as the most expensive ones.

On France's Côte Basque, Biarritz rose to fame in the mid-19th century when Napoleon III built a summer palace for Empress Eugénie; it's now the Hotel du Palais. France's surfing culture began here in the late 1950s, and surfers still ride the Bay of Biscay waves. The city also offers beaches, museums, the blue-domed Russian Orthodox Church, chic shops, and Basque-inspired cuisine like veal stew, cured ham, tapas, and foie gras.

Bilbao straddles the Bilbao or Nervión River some 15 miles from the Cantabrian Seacoast. An industrial city, the metropolitan area ranks among Spain's most important commercial and financial centers. Proximity to the sea and early discovery of vast mineral deposits led to the development of the port. The modern city center is El Ensanche (literally "the expansion"). Possibly the newest source of great local pride is the remarkable Guggenheim Museum-Bilbao.

Explore Lorient, a historic fishing port with colorful boats, container ships, and yachts. Visit the former submarine base, now a naval museum with an authentic French Navy submarine, and the Maison de l'Imprimeur, parts of which date to the 18th century. Shop on Rue du Port and Rue de Liege for lace, linens, Quimper pottery, and fleur de sel. Enjoy Breton seafood, cod, mussels, crepes, wine, and local cider.

Explore this fascinating fortified town or discover the lovely medieval town of Dinan and its impressive clock tower and picturesque half-timbered houses. Drive along the rugged Brittany coast and savor the stunning view of mystical Mont St. Michel before wandering through its steep winding streets and the mazelike abbey passages.

Tiny and historic, St Peter Port is Guernsey's capital and main port. Its steep cobbled streets, 800-year-old Castle Cornet, historic Town Church, and Candie Gardens overlooking the harbor make it feel like a slice of Europe. Hauteville House, Victor Hugo's home from 1856-70, is preserved as it was when he wrote Les Misérables. World-class dining and shopping round it out.

Enjoy the scenic trip through the rolling French countryside to Paris and spend the day savoring it's gardens, museums and historic sites. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Take a boat ride along the Seine and a stroll along the Champs Elysee. Or visit historic Rouen or the battlefields of Normandy.

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.