Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.

St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly), England

While you might think you’ve landed in the Caribbean, the gorgeous oasis of St. Mary’s is very much in England. The Isles of Scilly enjoy a climate that is among the mildest, warmest, and sunniest in the United Kingdom. And very few ships visit, making it an ideal remote getaway. Among the smattering of islands strung off the tip of Cornwall is the thoroughly enchanting St. Mary’s with a population of almost 1,800 and covering an area of about three-square miles, the largest island of the five and the gateway to the rest of the archipelago. While St. Mary’s is laid back, you’ll find you can still enjoy an active day, whether you rent a boat or go paddle boarding. Hugh Town, St. Mary’s central hub, holds plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries and cafés to spend a leisurely afternoon. Nearby lie three beaches – Porthmellon, Town Beach and Porthcressa – for a relaxing beach day.

Douarnenez,France

Within France’s famed Brittany region sits Douarnenez. Discover its maritime history at the Port-Musée right next to Port-Rhu, the village’s oldest harbor. Docked in the harbor find five old boats and ships — a British tug, a Norwegian coaster, a barge, a lobster boat and a flat-bottomed freighter — all open to the public. Across the way sits the Isle of Tristan, enchanting you with botanical gardens and stories of treasure supposedly still buried there. Saint-Jean Beach offers views of the wild coast while the Plage des Sables Blancs provides opportunities for windsurfing and sailing on dinghies and catamarans.

Le Palais, Belle Isle, France

About a 5.5-hour trip from Paris, Belle-Île has long been the secret summer getaway for Parisians and it’s easy to see why. Its jagged coastline rises out of the Bay of Biscay and has everything experienced travelers could want on an island, from beautiful beaches to a placid pastoral interior. The first landmark you may spot on your entrance to Le Palais, the capital of Belle-Île, is the imposing 17th-century Citadel Vauban. Sunworshippers and beachcombers can find a spot on the sand at Plage des Grands Sables, while surfers may prefer to catch waves at Plage du Donnant on the west side of the island.

Port Medoc (Bordeaux), France

Port Médoc is where red wine is king. Bordered to the east by the Gironde estuary and to the west by the vast pine forest that separates it from the Atlantic Ocean, the soil of Port Médoc is where France’s most coveted grapes are grown. As the gateway to the Bordeaux Wine Route, you can reach the town of Blanquefort to Saint-Vivien-de-Médoc, near the Pointe de Grave, and indulge in samplings of renowned wines along the way. There is also quite a bit of French history to be appreciated here as you witness three of the 12 Fortifications of Vauban.

San Sebastian, Spain

Sitting along the golden coasts of the Basque Country, San Sebastián offers a seaside allure that pairs beautifully with its culinary culture. Whether enjoying pintxo bar hopping for delicious tapas or savoring the flavors of oysters with txakoli, a lightly sparkling white wine, the local delicacies are sure to inspire and delight your palate. Explore Mercado de La Bretxa, where the vendors claim Spain’s top chefs source their ingredients. Head over to Playa de la Concha to watch the local surfers in the city’s favorite pastime. Ride the vintage funicular to the top of Mount Igueldo for breathtaking, panoramic views. Wander through the Old Town and Plaza de la Constitución to connect with the locals and San Sebastián’s rich history

At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

La Coruna, Spain

A province of Galicia, La Coruña (also known as A Coruña) holds a great deal of history that attracts the intellectual traveler. Home of the Spanish Armada and second-biggest port town in the country, it’s a city that invites explorer spirts to rediscover all its lost secrets and hidden gems.

About an hour away lies Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful cathedral to which many make a pilgrimage spanning 500 miles across the top of Spain. If you seek the beauty of nature within the splendor of historic architecture, La Coruña offers the Garden of San Carlos and the Gardens of Mendez Nuñez with verdant patches of bushes and palm trees sprinkled throughout paved paths amid cultural landmarks.

Leixoes (Porto), Portugal

Along the Douro River in the north of Portugal lies Porto, the country’s second-largest city. It may be renowned for its port wine – the Ferreira Caves being one such famed cellar and one of the oldest port wine cellars in Portugal – but the city contains so much more for the explorer spirit to discover. Starting in the port of Leixões, your journey takes you to the Dom Luis I bridge, a direct link to Ribeira, Porto’s oldest district. One of Porto’s most significant sites, the Livraria Lello, is filled with historical, architectural, and literary importance, containing a world of books that any bibliophile traveler will find exciting.

Cascais, Portugal

The town of Cascais gained a reputation as a seaside resort since the days of King Luis I of Portugal. Sample local delicacies like santiaguiños, small slipper lobsters found only in this region. Search for more food adventures in the Mercado da Vila Cascais FoodLab, where you can enjoy wine tastings along with Portuguese cheese, bread, honey and jams for the most mouthwatering charcuterie experience. Slow things down at Parque Marechal Carmona, a peaceful respite from the more-visited areas of Cascais. Find your way to Boca do Inferno (translating to Mouth of Hell). But don’t let the name scare you; it’s actually more like a slice of heaven..

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers.
While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers.
While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.