The city of Amsterdam, which is situated along the banks of the Amstel River, is the capital of the Netherlands. It is considered one of the best-planned cities in northern Europe and has played a crucial role in the country's development. It was once the center of the world economy and is now known for its open-minded values. Amsterdam has been influenced by Jewish culture and religion since the 17th century, and you can see their history all around the city. Although Amsterdam is not known for its beaches, the town of Zandvoort aan Zee used to be a fishing port dating back to 1100 and has now become a popular seaside resort.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans once you get to shore.
 

Located along the southern bank of the Seine River, the charming port city of Honfleur is characterized by its picturesque houses with slate-covered facades. This captivating aesthetic has been the subject and inspiration for painters throughout history. While France is world-renowned for its cuisine, Normandy stands out as a foodie destination. Local Camembert, Livarot, and Neufchatel cheeses are delicious enough to entice travelers to stay. Still, a trip to Normandy is incomplete without sampling the tripes à la mode de Caen, a French stew combining tripe with ox feet, vegetables, herbs and spices, cider, and apple brandy. From Honfleur, you could trek to the City of Lights, Paris, the world's fashion capital. Iconic tourist attractions like the Louvre, Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower make it easy to see how the city has enjoyed such lasting power in the minds of wanderers and locals alike. Still, its smaller neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais are where everyday life truly shines.

Legend has it that fairies once upon a time invaded the enchanted land of St. Peter Port. For proof, head west to the island's edge to find a mysterious Fairy Ring known as Pleinmont, walk around it three times, and make a wish. Aside from local lore, Guernsey is charmed as the second largest of the Channel Islands ideally situated in the bay of St. Malo, a mere 30 miles from the coast of France and 80 miles from the coast of England. Speaking of England, while Guernsey is considered part of the British Isles, it is not a part of the United Kingdom, as it constitutionally owes allegiance to the English Crown, but has its separate legislature.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans once you get to shore.

Spend the night onboard before departing the next day from Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southwest of France famous for its vineyards. With 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 grape growers, it offers an amazing overview of Bordeaux wine. The Castles Route, which runs along the length of the Medoc peninsula and takes you past eight renowned châteaux, including Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Julien, is a great way to experience it. You can also glimpse the famous Cordouan Lighthouse of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the oldest working lighthouse in France, at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, off the coast of Royan and the Grave headland.

From the antiquated architecture at Plaza Mayor to the ruins of Roman baths at Campo Valdés in Cimavilla, there are many pieces of the past to uncover as you discover Gijon. Located within the Asturias, the heart of Spain’s cider production and culture, you can sample the locally crafted beverage here. Along with cider, try the cuisine, which is abundant in seafood. The Atlantic Botanical Garden has six main collections dedicated to showcasing plant life and the nature of the Atlantic, educating visitors on the importance of conservation. Walk to the Catalina headland to see the intriguing monument, Elogio del Horizonte.
 

A province of Galicia, La Coruña (also known as A Coruña) holds a great deal of history that attracts the intellectual traveler. Home to the Spanish Armada and the second-biggest port town in the country, it’s a city that invites explorers to rediscover all its lost secrets and hidden gems.

About an hour away lies Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful cathedral to which many pilgrimages 500 miles across the top of Spain. Suppose you seek the beauty of nature within the splendor of historic architecture. In that case, La Coruña offers the Garden of San Carlos and the Gardens of Mendez Nuñez with verdant patches of bushes and palm trees sprinkled throughout paved paths amid cultural landmarks.
 

Along the Douro River in the north of Portugal lies Porto, the country’s second-largest city. It may be renowned for its port wine - the Ferreira Caves being a famed cellar and one of Portugal's oldest port wine cellars - but the city contains so much more for the explorer spirit to discover. Starting in the port of Leixões, your journey takes you to the Dom Luis I bridge, a direct link to Ribeira, Porto’s oldest district. One of Porto’s most significant sites, the Livraria Lello, is filled with historical, architectural, and literary importance, containing a world of books that any bibliophile traveler will find exciting.
 

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating back to the second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers. While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk-tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon like the locals.