London (Southampton) -TO- Stockholm

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.

Cork’s history began in the 7th century with the founding of a monastery by St. Finbarr on a small alluvial island in the River Lee. The monastery and the settlement were later incorporated in the fortified base the Danes developed there. As a result of war and destruction throughout the following centuries, Cork has no medieval buildings left but boasts a few remains from the 18th century. The central area takes its architectural character from the early 19th century.

Nestled by the banks of the River Suir, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, dating back to Viking times. Its impressive medieval city walls, cobbled, winding streets and colorful waterfront lend the town a charming feel. Reginald’s Tower is Waterford’s best known landmark. The building has been described as the oldest tower of mortared stone in Europe and today houses the city’s Maritime and Civic Museum. Other attraction worth a visit are the City Hall, magnificently restored, and housing the Municipal Art Collection, and the Heritage Museum with its fine collection of Viking and Medieval artifacts. Of course no trip to Waterford would be complete without a visit to the world renowned Waterford Crystal factory. Each piece represents the culmination of light, heat and the skill of master craftsmen. The craftsmen transform glowing balls of crystal into elegant shapes using their artistic instinct, their breath and traditional tools. The perfect place to bring back a treasured memento of your cruise.

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.

Discover Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, with its horse drawn tram and Victorian Era hotels lining the promenade. Delve into its rich Celtic history and lore. Ride the horse drawn tram to the island’s highest summit where you can see six Kingdoms: Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Heaven. Explore the beautifully transformed Villa Marina complex, first opened in 1931. Enjoy high end shopping while looking for uniquely Manx souvenirs of beautiful tartans, scarves, smoked kippers and locally made cheeses. Enjoy fish and chips and a famous Manx beer along the waterfront in this land of a bygone era.

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, in North West England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians and nicknamed “Scousers,” in reference to the local meal known as ‘scouse’, a form of stew. In 2004, Liverpool’s waterfront was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the city’s importance in the development of the world’s trading system and dock technology.

Founded as a fishing village in the 1500s, this port city in western Scotland serves as an excellent jumping off point for day trips to some Scottish classics. From coach trips to the wilds of northwest Scotland and Loch Lomond to local ferry island hopping jaunts, playing through on one of four local golf courses to forays to one of the major shopping centers, Greenock offers something for everyone. Stroll around the city and take in the architectural delights of Charles Rennie Mackintos, then drop by a local eatery for a cup of cock-a-leekie soup, roast Aberdeen Angus beef and some Blaeberry pie.

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, off the coast of northern mainland Scotland. Kirkwall is one of the most attractive and well-preserved small towns in Scotland. Apart from the main historical buildings, there are many 17th-18th century houses and other structures in the local vernacular style. Kirkwall also has the most northerly of the English speaking world’s Carnegie libraries, which was visited and opened by Andrew Carnegie and his wife in the early years of the 20th century.

Leith is a buzzing port district, home to hip creatives and longtime locals. Waterfront seafood bistros and traditional pubs dot the Shore area. The Royal Yacht Britannia, a former ocean-going royal residence, showcases elaborate state apartments and an onboard Rolls-Royce. The riverside Water of Leith Walkway and Leith Walk, a busy street with food and thrift shops, link the area with the city centre.

Leith is a buzzing port district, home to hip creatives and longtime locals. Waterfront seafood bistros and traditional pubs dot the Shore area. The Royal Yacht Britannia, a former ocean-going royal residence, showcases elaborate state apartments and an onboard Rolls-Royce. The riverside Water of Leith Walkway and Leith Walk, a busy street with food and thrift shops, link the area with the city centre.

As capital cities go, Amsterdam is small in comparison. It has a reputation for free-spirited and very liberal lifestyles. Some might call it Europe’s most “radical” city, but one cannot deny the beauty of Amsterdam and its rich history. Amsterdam is a cultural center of Europe, as exemplified in its more than 140 art galleries and 40 museums. In addition, it is famous for its baroque architecture, canals, and cobblestone streets where the favored mode of transportation is the bicycle.

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.

Warnemünde is a sea resort and district of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, situated at the Baltic Sea in the Northeast of Germany at the estuary of the river Warnow. Being a center of maritime traffic, the district of Warnemünde comprises numerous navigational aids, the oldest of which is the lighthouse located near the beach promenade. The lighthouse, which is currently still in use, was built in 1897. Warnemunde is also our gateway to nearby Berlin.

When you dock in Rønne on Bornholm, you’ll be joining a long list of historic visitors. Only about 40,000 people live here, but the island’s location in the middle of the Baltic Sea has made it a stopping point for sailors since the 1100s. The only difference now is that it attracts more international tourists than Vikings. People come to savor the beautiful scenery that includes craggy cliffs and white sand beaches, all topped with a dollop of sunshine. Add in a side of quaint churches, artists’ workshops and fresh local foods, and you’ve got quite a treat. Stop at Bornholm’s friendly welcome center if you want recommendations from locals.

Step into colorful and masterfully restored Old Town Gdansk and experience the grandeur of this once powerful member of the Hanseatic League. Marvel at the exquisite architecture. Stroll the entire length of Ulica Diuga (Long St.) stopping to visit St. Mary’s Church, which took 150 years to build, and its Astronomical Clock, from1460. Browse through the museums, shops and galleries. Seek out quality amber, embroidered linens, modern silver jewelry, and fine woolen sweaters. Admire the grand houses , the Green and the Golden Gates on the Royal Road. Try a sip of vodka distilled and served with real flecks of gold.

Klaipeda, or Memel, in Lithuania is situated at the mouth of the Curonian Lagoon where it flows into the Baltic Sea. During World War II, the city was captured by the Soviet Red Army. Unlike the rest of East Prussia, the Memel Territory was not considered part of the Soviet occupation zone, and was incorporated into the Lithuanian SSR. The city began to develop cultural activities in the 1970s and 1980s, such as the introduction of the Sea Festival cultural tradition.

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is situated on the Baltic Sea coast on the mouth of the river Daugava. After more than 700 years of German, Swedish, Russian rule, Latvia, with Riga as its capital city, thus declared its independence on November 18, 1918. Soviet occupation and annexation occurred in 1940, but then Latvia declared its full de facto independence in 1991. The Historic Centre of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is particularly notable for its extensive Art Nouveau architecture.

On the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland lies Tallinn, the capital and main seaport of Estonia. Though the city has been bombed and pillaged many times throughout the ages, much of the town as it was in medieval times remains. Atmospheric streets serve as home to the palaces of Castle Hill. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn’s Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The “Venice of the North,” spanning 14 small islands at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and architecturally one of the finest in the world, with broad streets, waterside parks and many pedestrian walkways. For a taste of the city, take a walking tour of Old Town, and particularly the Royal Palace and beautiful Riddarholm Church; take in the views from the observation deck in the Town Hall; or visit one of the Skeppsholmen Museums, including Skeppsholm Church (1842), the Museum of Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the Modern Museum. A main attraction near the center of town is the Vasa Museum, on the island of Djurgården, displaying the almost fully intact 64-gun warship Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.