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.

Zeebrugge is the gateway to Bruges, the capital of the Belgian province of West Flanders. Bruges was a wealthy city during medieval times when trade with Baltic ports flourished. The Zwin River, connecting Bruges with the North Sea, slowly began to narrow, marking the end of the city‘s great trade period. Today, visitors flock to Bruges to enjoy the charming, well-preserved medieval architecture lining the old and narrow roads and canals and to see some of Western Europe‘s finest artistic masterpieces.

Rotterdam is a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. The Maritime Museum‘s vintage ships and exhibits trace the city‘s seafaring history. The 17th-century Delfshaven neighborhood is home to canalside shopping and Pilgrim Fathers Church, where pilgrims worshiped before sailing to America. After being almost completely reconstructed following WWII, the city is now known for bold, modern architecture.

Discover cosmopolitan Kristiansund with its cultural, tranquil atmosphere, blend of contemporary and traditional architecture, and natural beauty woven throughout and beyond the city set on the shores of a sparkling fjord. Visit the old town, Posebyn, and admire the small, white wooden houses that speak of a bygone era. Stroll along the boardwalk to the town center and Fiskebrygga (fish market), enjoying the maritime history and fresh local seafood. Visit the Adger Nature Museum and Botanical Gardens for an overview of Norway’s history dating back to the Ice Age. Then go to Markens gate to browse the shops, making a turn onto Skippergada for a selection of smaller boutiques, galleries and cafés. Look for hand-knit sweaters, fine Norwegian glassware and local crafts in this picture perfect setting.

Oslo is Norway‘s capital and largest city. Located at the head of the Oslofjord, the city is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Norway is a maritime nation with Oslo being the chief port for sea services from the Continent and England. Throughout Oslo’s 900-year history there have been many fires, and as a result it has a mixture of architectural styles. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo‘s attractions can be explored on foot.

The seaside town of Lysekil is filled with incredible sights. Among them is Lysekil Church, whose granite was carved by hand and winched into place. The tower alone is 206 feet high and the spire rises more than 300 feet above sea level. Embark on a seal safari and see the rare Bohuslän in its true habitat or visit the Havets Hus, a saltwater aquarium where you can see and get the chance to touch some of the around 100 different species that live in the Gullmar Fjord.

The Kiel Canal is a 98-kilometre-long freshwater canal in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. The canal was finished in 1895, but later widened, and links the North Sea at Brunsbüttel to the Baltic Sea at Kiel-Holtenau.

Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe‘s oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today‘s modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.