Southampton To monte carlo with Regent Seven Seas

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.

PRE CRUISE- 

5* The May Fair hotel, London 

Explore the heart of this naval port, nestled in one of France’s most beautiful natural harbors. Named after the Iroise Sea, you can’t help but stand in awe for the Pont de l’Iroise bridge, which crosses the River Elorn. For another awe-inspiring experience visit Océanopolis, the only ocean discovery centre of its kind in Europe, with its enormous aquariums and a seal clinic. Visitors are welcomed to interact with some of the marine animals.

Explore the historic, thriving fishing port of Lorient with colorful fishing boats, container ships and yachts coming and going. Visit the submarine base now home to a naval museum and authentic French Navy submarine. Then have a look at the Maison de l’Imprimeur, parts of which date back to the eighteenth century. Stroll over to Rue du Port and Rue de Liege for shopping. Look for handmade lace and linens, Quimpere pottery, and fleur de sel harvested nearby. Enjoy fresh Breton seafood, cod, mussels, and crepes. Stop for a glass of wine or the popular local cider as you drink in the history of Lorient’s dynamic surroundings.

At the mouth of the Gironde Estuary is the port of Le Verdon—the gateway to Bordeaux, one of the premier wine regions in France. Fertile vineyards and low rising hills produce just the right ingredients for delectable wine offerings. The area boasts some of the finest bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon and merlot in the world. And even beyond the wine, the area has impressive museums, architecture, beaches and nightlife.

Bilbao straddles the Bilbao or Nervión River some 15 miles from the Cantabrian Seacoast. An industrial city, the metropolitan area ranks among Spain’s most important commercial and financial centers. Proximity to the sea and early discovery of vast mineral deposits led to the development of the port. The modern city center is El Ensanche (literally “the expansion”). Possibly the newest source of great local pride is the remarkable Guggenheim Museum-Bilbao.

La Coruna is a busy port on the Atlantic Ocean that provides a distribution point for agricultural goods from the region. It was the arrival of democracy in Spain after the death of Francisco Franco that caused a major growth in the city. The city is the site of the Roman Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse that has been in continuous operation for nearly 2,000 years. The city is also well-known for its characteristic glazed window balconies, called galerías.

Explore picturesque, historic Oporto and the Vila Nova de Gaia quarter, home of its signature port wine industry. Or discover Portugal’s scenic countryside and visit Guimaraes with its impressive medieval castle and beautiful Braga with its Bom Jesus shrine and superb cathedral. Look for gold and silver filigree jewelry, lovely azulejos tiles, porcelain, leather goods, needlepoint carpets and Madeiran lace and embroidery. Try a northern specialty – caldo verde, a soup of potatoes, shredded cabbage and smoked sausage, or appetizers including sheep’s cheese, olives and smoked ham. Fish and pork top most menus, accompanied by port wine.

Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’ overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighbourhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.

Cádiz, Andalusia’s world-renowned capital, has undergone major restoration in recent years. Palm trees, gracious squares, flower-filled parks, ubiquitous red-tile roofed buildings, and bustling street markets make this a most delightful port. The old town, on the tip of the peninsula, is buzzing with beautiful, lively plazas. To get there, you pass through the new town, an elegant metropolis with excellent beaches. Cádiz is also a good starting point for a day trip to nearby Seville, where you can visit the Alcazar, a beautiful medieval Islamic palace showcasing a unique fusion of Christian and Moorish architecture surrounded by lovely gardens; majestic Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla); and Giralda Tower, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Situated on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Malaga is the region’s capital and a popular holiday destination. The city is also renowned as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, whose works can be seen in the fairly new Museo Picasso housed in the Palacio de Buenavista. And connoisseurs can imbibe in the sweet Malaga dessert wines that come from the hilly vineyards just outside of town. This is a pleasant town to explore and also serves as a popular starting point for excursions to splendid Granada and the famed Alhambra, located inland at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona’s passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.

Explore bustling Toulon, with its fleets of naval ships, yachts and colorful fishing boats. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Faron and enjoy the amazing birds eye view of Toulon and the turquoise harbor. Learn about the town’s maritime history at the Museé de la Marine and about the Allied landing in Toulon at the Museé Memorial du Debarquement. Discover the maze of open-air markets and fountains in Old Town with its ancient cathedral, fragrant scents of herbs and olive oil, its restaurants, cafés and intimate boutiques. Take home designer fashions, fine jewelry, French perfumes and other Provencal mementos. Herbs de Provence, lavender, fine olive oil, and ceramics are popular.

Tiny, but packed with fun, Monte Carlo offers a wonderful combination of history, beauty, entertainment and leisure. The wealthiest spot in Monaco, Monte Carlo is an enchanting place, known as the international capital of luxury and for its celebrity-sightings, casinos and nightlife. Yet the old world shines through in its art and architecture. Palaces, cathedrals and museums dot this small municipality in an old town full of rich history. Be sure to catch the once-daily changing of the guard, then tour the public areas at the Palais du Prince, home to the royal family, whose most famous resident was famous actress Grace Kelly