Southampton to Lisbon

Day 1: Home of the ill-fated Titanic departure, Southampton has a long maritime history. Henry V's fleet bound for the battle of Agincourt left from here, as did the Mayflower (not from Plymouth as many believe) and the great British ocean liners, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mary both departed on their maiden voyages from the port. So suffice to say, that Southampton is a seafaring place. Today Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe, so expect a city that understands how to have fun. This comes in a variety of ways: a castellated old city that has lots of charm, some excellent museums (the most notable of which is the Sea City Museum), and extensive green spaces. Authentic Tudor remains provide a fascinating insight to 15th-century living while other landmarks date back even further. A stroll around the city is generous in its attractions, so there is no better way to see Southampton than on foot. Culture-wise, the city's bustling Guildhall Square is the center for art, education, and food and drink. Southampton's location on the south coast of England means just a short distance away lie some interesting spots. Pre-historic enigma Stonehenge is less than an hour away while the quintessentially English market town Salisbury is perfect for a bit of shopping. Both are well worth a visit. For those who prefer their entertainment crafted by Mother Nature, a short ride to the New Forest will give you peace; think idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland and clifftop walks.

Day 2: Ship sails flutter in the breeze, at the natural port of Saint-Malo - a historic and resilient walled city, which watches out over golden sands and island fortresses. Strung tenuously to the mainland, Saint-Malo was the historic home of a rowdy mix of skilled sailors and new world explorers - as well as the plunderers who earned the place its 'Pirate City' title. Some of history's great voyages have launched from here - including Jacques Cartier's, which led to the settlement of New France and modern-day Quebec. Founded by a Welsh monk, who made his way here in the 6th century, Saint-Malo's castle is forged from sheer granite, and its steep defensive ramparts arise defiantly. The atmospheric walled town turns its back to the mainland and gazes out longingly into the sea. Explore streets that breathe with maritime tales and medieval charm - restored from the intense damage sustained during the Second World War. Cathédrale de Saint-Malo rises above the tight paths, offering views of the peppered islands and fortifications. Boatloads of fresh oysters and scallops are heaved ashore - savor them or grab savory crepes galettes, stuffed with cheese and ham. Wash Saint Malo's foods down with a Brittany cider, which challenges wine as the indulgence of choice in these parts. A highly tidal region, the pocket-sized islands of Petit Bé and Grand Bé join the mainland, and you can explore at leisure as the tide recedes. The incredible island of Mont Saint Michel also looms in the estuary of the Couesnon River nearby, hovering like a cinematic mirage above high tide's waters. Elsewhere, Cap Fréhel's lush green peninsula juts out from the emerald coast towards Jersey, tempting with rich coastal hiking trails.

Day 3: Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Day 4: The name alone conjures images of sun-ripened grapes, splashes of refined flavor, and the joy of clinking glasses. Bordeaux is synonymous with quality and prestige, and the promise of endless opportunities to sample the city's famous, full-bodied red wines makes a visit to this elegant French port city one to truly savor. Sprinkled with scenic, turret-adorned mansion castles, which stand above soil softened by the Atlantic and the winding flow of the Garonne River, the vineyards of Bordeaux consistently produce revered wines, enjoyed right across the globe. Explore France's largest wine region, walking through vineyards where dusty clumps of grapes hang, before descending into cellars to see the painstaking processes that make this region a global wine center. The acclaimed, sensory experience of Cité du Vin wine museum lets you put your own nose to the test, learning more about the craft involved in producing world-class vintages. Bordeaux itself is an intoxicating blend of old and new - a fact perfectly illustrated by the Water Mirror. This living art installation has reinvigorated one of the city's most important historical sites, and it feels as though you're walking on water, as you step through the cooling mist of Place De La Bourse. The moisture generates a glorious, mirrored composition of the 300-year-old elegant palatial architecture in front of you. Water also flows freely from the magnificent Monument aux Girondins statue, where horses rear up to extol the values of the Girondin revolutionaries. Marche des Quais - the city's lively fish market - is the spot to try this wine capital's freshest lemon-drizzled oysters and juicy prawns.

Day 5: The name alone conjures images of sun-ripened grapes, splashes of refined flavor, and the joy of clinking glasses. Bordeaux is synonymous with quality and prestige, and the promise of endless opportunities to sample the city's famous, full-bodied red wines makes a visit to this elegant French port city one to truly savor. Sprinkled with scenic, turret-adorned mansion castles, which stand above soil softened by the Atlantic and the winding flow of the Garonne River, the vineyards of Bordeaux consistently produce revered wines, enjoyed right across the globe. Explore France's largest wine region, walking through vineyards where dusty clumps of grapes hang, before descending into cellars to see the painstaking processes that make this region a global wine center. The acclaimed, sensory experience of Cité du Vin wine museum lets you put your own nose to the test, learning more about the craft involved in producing world-class vintages. Bordeaux itself is an intoxicating blend of old and new - a fact perfectly illustrated by the Water Mirror. This living art installation has reinvigorated one of the city's most important historical sites, and it feels as though you're walking on water, as you step through the cooling mist of Place De La Bourse. The moisture generates a glorious, mirrored composition of the 300-year-old elegant palatial architecture in front of you. Water also flows freely from the magnificent Monument aux Girondins statue, where horses rear up to extol the values of the Girondin revolutionaries. Marche des Quais - the city's lively fish market - is the spot to try this wine capital's freshest lemon-drizzled oysters and juicy prawns.

Day 6: The name alone conjures images of sun-ripened grapes, splashes of refined flavor, and the joy of clinking glasses. Bordeaux is synonymous with quality and prestige, and the promise of endless opportunities to sample the city's famous, full-bodied red wines makes a visit to this elegant French port city one to truly savor. Sprinkled with scenic, turret-adorned mansion castles, which stand above soil softened by the Atlantic and the winding flow of the Garonne River, the vineyards of Bordeaux consistently produce revered wines, enjoyed right across the globe. Explore France's largest wine region, walking through vineyards where dusty clumps of grapes hang, before descending into cellars to see the painstaking processes that make this region a global wine center. The acclaimed, sensory experience of Cité du Vin wine museum lets you put your own nose to the test, learning more about the craft involved in producing world-class vintages. Bordeaux itself is an intoxicating blend of old and new - a fact perfectly illustrated by the Water Mirror. This living art installation has reinvigorated one of the city's most important historical sites, and it feels as though you're walking on water, as you step through the cooling mist of Place De La Bourse. The moisture generates a glorious, mirrored composition of the 300-year-old elegant palatial architecture in front of you. Water also flows freely from the magnificent Monument aux Girondins statue, where horses rear up to extol the values of the Girondin revolutionaries. Marche des Quais - the city's lively fish market - is the spot to try this wine capital's freshest lemon-drizzled oysters and juicy prawns.