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.

Waterford, on the River Suir, is Ireland's oldest city, founded in Viking times. Its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and waterfront give it charm. Highlights include Reginald's Tower, Europe's oldest mortared stone tower and home to the Maritime and Civic Museum; the restored City Hall with the Municipal Art Collection; the Heritage Museum; and the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory, where master craftsmen shape crystal into elegant pieces.

Dublin, Ireland's capital and a UNESCO City of Literature founded in 1592, is the birthplace of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw. Lively, cosmopolitan and walkable, it blends medieval castles and cathedrals with elegant Georgian houses. Cruise the River Liffey for views of the Ha'penny Bridge and Customs House, then explore Trinity College, Temple Bar, St. Patrick's and Christ Church cathedrals, museums, and cozy pubs.

Holyhead stands on the far side of Anglesey, which is technically an island separated from Wales by the narrow Menai Straits. The distant mountains provide an ever-present backdrop, enticing the visitor to investigate their beauty. The rural charm of North Wales is juxtaposed with some unexpected features, for, perhaps to the casual visitor's surprise, this is an area that has participated in some of the great moments of our history.

Belfast lies snuggled into the rugged coast of Northern Ireland where the River Lagan flows to the sea. This Northern Ireland capital saw its earliest settlement in the early Middle Ages. At that time, a substantial stone fortress punctuated the horizon. Today, world travelers are eager to view her physical beauty and discover her renewed tranquility. Residents enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shop at trendy stores, and visit pubs lining The Golden Mile.

The local Irish residents lovingly refer to their city of Londonderry as "Derry." This city of more than 70,000 lies tucked into a protective harbor dug deep into the coast which crowns this massive island's great landmass. Cold waters wash into its Lough Foyle from the mighty Atlantic bringing with them many ships. Derry is a very important port city, and is Northern Ireland's second largest.

With a population of 1,500, Ullapool is a small port town, though large by Scottish Highlands standards. Set on Loch Broom and surrounded by mountains, its whitewashed, black-roofed façades invite a pleasant day of history, local shopping, and hand-dived scallops. From Ullapool, almost any direction leads into spectacular Highlands scenery: a river waterfall, or the coast for a day at the beach.

Surrounded to the north and southwest by towering mountains with dramatic landscapes, Tórshavn is a picturesque port steeped in Viking history. Main attractions include Tinganes, the oldest part of town, with small wooden houses covered in turf roofs. Explore Nordic House, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of modern Nordic architecture; and Listasavn Føroya art museum. To fully experience the Faroe Islands' ancient history, visit the ruins of Magnus Cathedral.

Cruising into Seydisfjordur, it's easy to see how this small Eastfjords town inspires such a vibrant arts scene. Surrounded by Mt. Bjólfur and Strandartindur and framed by waterfalls, it feels striking and transformative. Stroll past brightly painted wooden houses to the Bláa Kirkjan (Blue Church), the town's iconic photo spot, and watch for reindeer on the hills plus seals and porpoises in the cold waters.

Explore Akureyri, a charming town on one of the world's longest fjords, framed by snow-capped mountains. Visit HOF, the new "temple of culture," with a theater, music hall, restaurant, and Tourist Information Center. See Arctic plants in the Botanical Garden, wander Arts' Alley with its museums, galleries, and studios, and browse the tax-free town center for wool knitwear, ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry.

Discover Isafjordur's dazzling natural beauty: steep mountains rise on three sides around a stunning bay, making it one of Earth's most awe-inspiring places. Explore its history at the Maritime Museum in an 18th-century building. Enjoy a lively urban vibe with music schools, free concerts, and festivals. Shop for handmade woolens, nautical goods, and arts and crafts, then relax with fresh baked goods and coffee at the many cafés.

Grundarfjörður is a charming fishing town best known for its proximity to Iceland's most photographed mountain, Mt. Kirkjufell (Church Mountain). Shaped over millions of years by two glaciers, its steeple-like peak rises above the sea, often framed by the nearby three-pronged Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Visit the town's information center for exhibits on Snæfellsnes history and photographs by Bæring Cecilsson (1923-2002).

Iceland is unique-rugged, remote, modern, and affluent by Nordic standards. Its capital, Reykjavik, is a diverse city blending tradition with advanced technology, and its natural beauty is unforgettable. Visit Krýsuvík's remarkable solfatara fields: steaming volcanic vents and hot springs set amid dramatic, multicolored hills.