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.

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.

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.

Portimão is a beachy paradise in Portugal's Algarve, with easy access to Praia da Rocha: a long, wide beach of soft golden sand, gentle waves, and dramatic rock formations. Stroll the boardwalk to nearby beaches, feast on sardines and local wine, and enjoy the sun-drenched coast, fishing villages, and tiled old towns. The Ribeirinha promenade leads to the beach, while Ponta da Piedade, Silves, and Lagos are all nearby.

Cádiz, Western Europe's oldest city, holds 3,000 years of history in cobbled streets and shaded plazas. Founded by Phoenicians c.1100 BC and later used by Columbus, it grew rich from New World trade. See the cathedral, with its twin towers, and Torre Tavira, the city's best watchtower. Relax on Playa Victoria, cross the modern Constitución de 1812 bridge, and sample tapas at the lively central market.

Malaga, on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol, blends beaches, history, and art. Visit La Malagueta beach, the old town, Moorish Alcazaba fortress, and the cathedral known as La Manquita. See the Picasso Museum and Pompidou Centre, plus street art in Soho. Nearby, explore Granada's Alhambra, Cordoba's La Mezquita, and Seville's cathedral for Andalucía's Moorish Golden Triangle.

Cartagena, in Murcia, is a historic port shaped by many cultures since its founding by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. Explore Calle Mayor's ruins and modernist architecture, then ride up to Castillo de la Concepción for views over the harbour. See the preserved Roman Theatre, wander the waterfront, enjoy tapas, and watch Semana Santa processions.

Experience a Silversea Luxury Cruise while discovering Spain! Explore the charming city of Valencia and let yourself be tranported by the folkloric atmosphere.

Built around a sheltered bay beneath Mount Faron, Toulon is a major naval port, industrial city, and base of the French navy's Mediterranean fleet. Napoleon first rose to fame here in the 1793 siege. In WWII, the French fleet was scuttled to avoid capture, and the city was liberated in 1944. Old Toulon's pedestrian streets, waterfront Avenue de la République, and Naval Museum are main sights, though many visitors use the city as a base for the Riviera and hinterland.

Livorno, a historic port and beachy gateway to Tuscany, offers sunset views from Terrazza Mascagni, canals in "Little Venice," markets, fortresses and waterfront charm. From there, explore Tuscany's vineyards and Bolgheri wineries, Prato's textile heritage, Pisa's tower, and Florence's art-filled wonders: Michelangelo's David, the Duomo, and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Rome is one of the world's most thrilling cities, with unmatched history around every corner. Its streets mix ancient ruins with lively cafés, piazzas, and restaurants serving pasta and pizza. Highlights include the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, and the Spanish Steps. Best explored on foot, gelato or espresso in hand, Rome offers a powerful blend of grandeur, beauty, and everyday life.