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 neighborhoods 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.

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.

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.

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.

Stop into our boutiques and browse a wide range of items – upscale handbags to exclusive fragrances to fine jewelry – in an intimate and unhurried setting. You’ll also find swim wear, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® logo wear and gift items to share with friends and family. Our boutiques are staffed by friendly salespeople. Opening hours vary and are printed in the Passages daily newsletter.

Bordeaux is located near the European Atlantic coast, in the north of the Aquitaine region in France. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne, with the city literally divided into two parts. The world’s wine capital, Bordeaux has about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 grape growers. With an annual production of over 700 million bottles, Bordeaux produces large quantities of everyday wine as well as the most expensive ones.

Bordeaux is located near the European Atlantic coast, in the north of the Aquitaine region in France. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne, with the city literally divided into two parts. The world’s wine capital, Bordeaux has about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 grape growers. With an annual production of over 700 million bottles, Bordeaux produces large quantities of everyday wine as well as the most expensive ones.

Tucked away in the Horizon Lounge, Chartreuse is a hidden gem featuring modern French fare with attentive servers and a maître d’ on hand to ensure your dining experience is flawless and accompanied by the finest French wines. Savor ‘new’ flavors to Chartreuse like frog legs in a garlic cream sauce with rutabaga or bite into the tender veal rack of loin with caramelized endive, grape chutney and the earthy tones of a walnut veal jus sauce.

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.

Unspoiled and pristine St. Helier, is located 14 miles from the coast of France, yet its soul is undoubtedly British. St. Helier is just minutes away from the golden sands of St. Brelade’s bay, to the massive rocks near the Corbiere lighthouse, it’s a beachcomber paradise. On an adjacent island is Elizabeth Castle, built in the late 16th century. And near the castle are the ruins of a 12th century chapel.

The peaceful setting of the picturesque port of Honfleur along the Seine attracted many artists and writers over the years, including English painter Bonington, French painter Boudin, French poet Charles Baudelaire and later the members of Impressionist Painters. Throughout its history, numerous maritime journeys were initiated from Honfleur. It is especially known for its old, beautiful picturesque port, characterized by its houses with slate-covered frontages.

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.