Southampton, home of Titanic's ill-fated departure, has a long maritime history: Henry V's Agincourt fleet sailed from here, as did the Mayflower, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary began their maiden voyages here. Today it's Northern Europe's cruise capital, with a charming old city, the Sea City Museum, green spaces, Tudor remains, and a walkable centre. Guildhall Square is the hub for culture, food and drink. Nearby: Stonehenge, Salisbury, and the peaceful New Forest.

Honfleur, in Normandy where the Seine meets the Channel, is one of France's most picturesque historic harbours. Its crammed timber-framed houses and Vieux Bassin have inspired Monet and Boudin, and it's also a port of great importance: Champlain's voyage that led to the founding of Quebec began here. Stroll cobbled streets, taste Calvados, visit the Boudin Museum and Église Ste-Catherine, France's largest wooden chapel. Nearby: the Pont de Normandie, D-Day beaches, and Bayeux.

Saint-Malo is a historic walled port on France's Brittany coast, set above golden sands and island fortresses. Once home to sailors, explorers, and pirates, it was the launch point for Jacques Cartier's voyage to New France and Quebec. Founded by a Welsh monk in the 6th century, its granite ramparts and rebuilt old town face the sea. Visit the cathedral, taste oysters, scallops, galettes, and cider, and explore Petit Bé, Grand Bé, Mont Saint-Michel, and Cap Fréhel.

Bordeaux is a prestigious French wine city known for full-bodied reds, scenic vineyards, and world-class cellars. Visit France's largest wine region, tour the Cité du Vin, and learn how its famous vintages are made. In the city, see the Water Mirror at Place de la Bourse, the Monument aux Girondins, and the lively Marche des Quais for fresh oysters and prawns.

Bordeaux is a prestigious French wine city known for full-bodied reds, scenic vineyards, and world-class cellars. Visit France's largest wine region, tour the Cité du Vin, and learn how its famous vintages are made. In the city, see the Water Mirror at Place de la Bourse, the Monument aux Girondins, and the lively Marche des Quais for fresh oysters and prawns.

Bordeaux is a prestigious French wine city known for full-bodied reds, scenic vineyards, and world-class cellars. Visit France's largest wine region, tour the Cité du Vin, and learn how its famous vintages are made. In the city, see the Water Mirror at Place de la Bourse, the Monument aux Girondins, and the lively Marche des Quais for fresh oysters and prawns.

Bilbao is a city devoted to beauty, from Frank Gehry's flowing Guggenheim Museum to its elegant historic center, Casco Viejo, with the original seven streets, cathedral, colorful facades, flower boxes, and balconies. Plaza Nueva hosts flea markets, Mercado de la Ribera serves Basque pintxos, and the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge still carries cars and passengers across the Nervión on a giant transporter.

Embark with Silversea Luxury Cruises and discover Santander in Spain. Experience a new take uncovering towns and traditions you may not have already discovered.

On Spain's north coast, Gijón blends surfing, cider, and a warm local charm. It lacks the big-name museums of Barcelona or Bilbao, but makes up for it with a strong cultural identity and miles of coastline. Part of "Green Spain," it's often rainy, so come prepared. The city dates to Roman times, with bath ruins and a reshaped old center after the Civil War. Gijón is the self-proclaimed capital of cider, served from a height in sidrerías, especially around Cimavilla overlooking the Atlantic.

Vigo, in Galicia on Spain's Portuguese border, is one of the country's most underrated destinations. Often seen as an industrial fishing port, it charms visitors with seafood, scenery, and warm welcomes. Founded in Roman times, it still has Romanesque churches and traces of its medieval past. The old town and fishermen's quarter are worth exploring, as are nearby Tui and the Velansa Fortress. Mount Castro offers superb views over Vigo and the bay.

Porto is a steep, atmospheric Portuguese city of cobbled streets, stacked buildings, azulejo tiles, and strong wine culture. Explore historic Ribeira on the Douro, wander alleys lined with cafes, try pastel de nata, cross the Ponte de Dom Luis I, and visit Porto Cathedral for views and cloisters. Eat Francesinha or bacalhau, then head to the Douro Valley for vineyards and local wines.

Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is a beautiful city of seven hills, fado, pastel houses and azulejo tiles. Wander Alfama's steep cobbled streets, visit the Azulejo Museum, then head to São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Graça for sweeping views over red rooftops, the Tagus and the suspension bridge. See Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and take a trip to nearby Sintra and Pena Palace. Finish with ginjinha and a pastel de nata.