Compare London (Southampton) to Dublin by Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Day 1:London (Southampton), England

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. 

Day 2: Saint-Malo, France Anchor Port   

Explore this fascinating fortified town or discover the lovely medieval town of Dinan and its impressive clock tower and picturesque half-timbered houses. Drive along the rugged Brittany coast and savor the stunning view of mystical Mont St. Michel before wandering through its steep winding streets and the mazelike abbey passages.

Day 3: Pont Aven, France Anchor Port    

The picturesque landscape of Pont-Aven inspired post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin to paint some of his most famed canvases. This attractive little village also has some lovely riverside walks, a mouth-watering food specialty and a colorful summer festival. No visit to Pont-Aven would be complete without buying some galettes from Biscuiterie Traou Mad, where these butter biscuits were invented. Be sure to stroll down the Promenade Xavier Grall, named after a famous writer who lived in the village, which runs alongside the river and is lined with beautiful plants and shrubs throughout the year.

Day 4: Le Verdon

At the mouth of the Gironde Estuary is the port of Le Verdon—the gateway to Bordeaux, one of the premier wine regions in France. Fertile vineyards and low rising hills produce just the right ingredients for delectable wine offerings. The area boasts some of the finest bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon and merlot in the world. And even beyond the wine, the area has quite impressive museums, architecture, beaches and nightlife.

Bordeaux, France

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.

Day 5: Bordeaux, France                              

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.

Day 6: Bilbao, Spain       

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.

Day 7: Gijon, Spain         

The beautiful beaches of Gijon are singular in their own right. Yet, for art lovers and historians, there is plenty to do in and around the city as well. Namely, there are several uniquely themed museums, including the Campo Valdés Roman Baths, considered one of the most important Roman remains in northern Spain. Visit the aquarium, the botanical gardens or simply stroll through the streets of Cimavilla, the oldest part of Gijon. Gijon offers several shopping districts with ample opportunities to experience the culture of the city as you explore the shops, including the local Ecological and Crafts Market with environmentally friendly products.               

Day 8: Cruise the Atlantic Ocean

Day 9: Cork (Cobh), Ireland        

Cork's history began in the 7th century with the founding of a monastery by St. Finbarr on a small alluvial island in the River Lee. The monastery and the settlement were later incorporated in the fortified base the Danes developed there. As a result of war and destruction throughout the following centuries, Cork has no medieval buildings left but boasts a few remains from the 18th century. The central area takes its architectural character from the early 19th century.

Day 10: Holyhead, Wales            

Holyhead stands on the far side of Anglesey, which is technically an island separated from Wales by the narrow Menai Straits. The distant mountains provide an ever-present backdrop, enticing the visitor to investigate their beauty. The rural charm of North Wales is juxtaposed with some unexpected features, for, perhaps to the casual visitor's surprise, this is an area that has participated in some of the great moments of our history.

Day 11: Dublin, Ireland

Founded as a Viking settlement, Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland. The city is located at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the center of the Dublin Region. The city has a population of a million people which is about a third of the total population of the country. It is a major European cultural centre and was the birthplace of many prominent literary figures, including James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, and William Butler Yeats, to name a few.