Southampton (London), England - "Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Samuel Johnson's famous words are as true today as when he spoke them. A visitor to London could fill a month with fascinating people, art, music, late-night dancing, fabulous shopping, an endless array of pubs and first rate meals.

Tourists should take in Victoria Station, the beauty of Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and the pomp of Buckingham Palace. And then, there are the "Elgin Marbles" at the British Museum and the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Or visit Sherlock Holmes' HQ on Baker Street (you know the address). After all that, make what might be the most important stop of all: grab a pint at one of the many corner pubs that's been hosting revelers since before America was a nation.

St. Malo, France - The walled city of St. Malo is a quaint maze of fine old buildings, museums, and cafés serving Breton specialties of crepes and cider.

Stroll along the ramparts, walk the cobblestone streets, and hear tales of corsairs, privateers grown rich off captured ships and their booty, authorized by the government during wartime, in order to hinder the enemy.

Le Palais, Belle Island, France - As the largest of the Brittney Islands, Belle Ile is a French island divided into four communes, including the picturesque Le Palais. With a direct translation of “Beautiful Island,” Belle Ile lives up to its name with delightfully beautiful beaches, cliffs, grottos, and aquamarine seas. The towering cliffs and their sharp and dangerous edges align the island’s southwestern side while the northeastern side is brimming with serene, golden sand beaches, as well as harbors bustling with activity.

A ferry travels to and from the two major ports-Le Palais and Sauzon-to other hot spots and small islands in the area. In 1886, famous artist Claude Monet resided in the area for a few months and painted the charming ports. Beyond the ports, the once forested landscape is now endless plains and used primarily for agriculture and grazing. The region is also home to historic churches with impressive architecture and even better acoustics.

Bordeaux, France - Bordeaux's fortunes have long been tied to viticulture, beginning with an expansion of the wine trade with England in the 14th century. As a result it is a handsome and cohesive city of uniform classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and many fine mansions financed by the almighty grape.

Bilbao, Spain - Bilbao, Spain's sixth-largest city, is being revitalized with the help of astounding strides in art and architecture. New life arrived in this commercial/industrial hub via the astonishing Bilbao Guggenheim Museum; the new, sleek glass and steel tube metro system; and the stunning glass-decked parabolic arch footbridge above the Nervion River. Bilbao also provides an excellent home base from which to explore the diverse Basque country, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pyrenees.

Gijon, Spain - Beautiful green landscapes meet rural countrysides in Gijón, which started as a fishing village 3,000 years ago. Situated on the coast of Spain's famed Asturias region, this beautiful city offers an attractive combination of seafaring flavor, historic buildings and modern urban development. Most of the streets are cobblestone, barely two cars wide and pave the way to many renovated buildings that display the colorful life of the village. At the end of your day, visit a Sidrería (cider bar) and sample a bottle of the regional alcoholic specialty accompanied by a tapa or two - they say you haven't visited Asturias until you've tried cider.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Lisbon, Portugal - Make your own discoveries in the city that launched the Age of Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge. Wander the maze of streets in the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, dominated by the medieval Castle of St. George where peacocks strut and shriek. Stroll the Baixa, shop for elegant shoes.