Spain & France Cruise 8 netter • Southampton, England • Liberty of the Seas

A cruise out of Southampton unlocks all kinds of incredible destinations, from French and Spanish wine country to Norway’s majestic fjords. But this charming port is also a great destination in and of itself. Spend some time getting to know it before your vacation — you won’t be disappointed. If you have a soft spot for medieval history, you’ll find plenty of interesting sites here. Like Bargate, a gatehouse that dates back over a thousand years to Norman times. Or visit St. Michael's church on Castle Way — built in the 11th century, it’s home to ancient Norman artifacts and relics. Then, fast forward a few centuries at the Tudor house in St. Michael’s Square, which served as the home of a wealthy merchant family in the 15th century. Today it’s a museum that showcases exhibits featuring nearly a thousand years of local history.

Just over a two-hour drive from the port, Paris is called the City of Light for a reason — old lamps adorn every avenue and boulevard, illuminating the city's most celebrated sites. Saunter the romantic streets — from almost every corner you can spot the Eiffel Tower. Discover famous avenues like fashionable Champ Elysees and secret lanes like the colorful Rue Cremieux. Walk up the steps to the Basilica de Sacre Coeur, the highest point in Paris, and get a panoramic view of the city from above.

Bilbao makes a great first impression. Once you arrive, you'll soon spot the futuristic building that's become the beating heart of the city: the Guggenheim Museum. Get swept up by Michelin-starred restaurants, enchanting tapas bars, sidrerias (cider houses) and a clever 100-year-old suspension bridge.

Get to know La Coruna by walking the Paseo Maritimo, an ocean-facing promenade that'll take you past some of the city's must-see sights. Pop into the Aquarium Finesterre and say hi to the energetic seals that sun themselves on the outdoor terrace. Climb the hill to the Tower of Hercules, a Roman-era lighthouse that's still in use today. See Celtic artifacts and 16th-century cannons at the fortress of Castillo de San Anton.

Get a taste of Spain's Galicia region in the bustling port city of Vigo. See the work of local artists at the Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art. Then, head to the Cies Islands for a dip in the clear blue waters surrounded by the region's forested mountains. Later, feast on huge grilled red prawns and meaty mussels with a glass of crisp Galician white wine.

Start your Cherbourg cruise stop by paying homage to the Titanic — the historic ship stopped here before heading across the Atlantic. Then, salute the memory of the heroes who liberated Europe during World War II at the Musee de la Liberation, at the top of the city's scenic Roule Mountain. While you're there at the summit, take in the panoramic view of the English Channel. Later, see the sea up-close-and-personal while you feast on oysters on the waterfront.

Your adventure doesn't have to end once you've gotten back to Southampton. Before you go, spend a few days exploring the quaint English towns of the Hampshire region like Winchester, the ancient capital, or the pretty market town of Romsey. This village is also home to the Romsey Abbey, one of the most magnificent churches in Southern England thanks to its round Norman arches and lofty nave.