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.

Antwerp is known for Peter Paul Rubens's works, hand motifs on its flag and chocolates, and Brabo Fountain in Grote Market Square, which depicts the soldier who cut off a giant's hand after the giant extorted tolls. It also has preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture, including the Cathedral of Our Lady on Groenplaats.

Antwerp is known for Peter Paul Rubens's works, hand motifs on its flag and chocolates, and Brabo Fountain in Grote Market Square, which depicts the soldier who cut off a giant's hand after the giant extorted tolls. It also has preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture, including the Cathedral of Our Lady on Groenplaats.

Dunkirk, site of Operation Dynamo and the 1940 Allied evacuation, is rich in wartime history and Flemish-influenced cuisine. Visit the Mémorial du Souvenir in Bastion 32, the former Allied/French HQ. Climb UNESCO-listed Le Beffroi for its 50 bells and Channel views, see Église St-Éloi's stained glass and pipe organ, and relax on Malo-Les-Bains beach.

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.

Tiny and historic, St Peter Port is the capital and main port of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Its steep cobbled streets lead past Castle Cornet, 800 years old, the Town Church in an historic chapel, Candie Gardens with sweeping harbor views, and Hauteville House, Victor Hugo's home from 1856-70, preserved as when he wrote Les Misérables. World-class dining and shopping abound.

Ringaskiddy, once a quiet fishing village in County Cork, is now a busy cruise port for visits to Cobh, Cork, and Kinsale. In Cobh's Heritage Center, learn about Annie Moore, the first emigrant processed at Ellis Island in 1892. Explore walkable Cork: Parliament Bridge, Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, and the Cork Courthouse, then relax at a Castle Street café. In Kinsale, a former naval base, try Dublin Bay prawns, Galway Bay oysters, or Irish stew.

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.

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.