You don’t have to travel far to take in the sights and sounds of some of the world’s most culture-rich and diverse locations with European wonders right on the doorstep. And what better way to experience them all than by cruise?
It’s easy to combine multiple awe-inspiring destinations when you book a cruise from Southampton. There are lots of options to choose from, but we’ve listed our top five cruise destinations below to give you some inspiration:
Barcelona
Discover the best of both worlds with a visit to Spain’s most vibrant city. Soak up the rays on the sandy beaches or explore the location’s many sights including La Sagrada Familia, Case Vicens Gaudi and Guell Palace, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Barcelona is an architecture lover’s paradise with stunning buildings across the city. There’s plenty of history to discover and, if the heat becomes too much, you can always check out the location’s vast choice of street food and fine wines.
Monte Carlo
A playground for the rich and famous and a renowned location for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monaco is home to pristine buildings, casinos, luxury boutiques and beautiful views.
As well as watching the world go by and taking in the stylish yachts at the harbour, there’s also some exceptional food and cocktails to be discovered at the many bars and restaurants.
Dubrovnik
This Croatian medieval city boasts historical buildings and city walls. Discover the narrow streets of the old town with its array of independent shops and eateries and enjoy the breathtaking views on a cable car ride.
You can also enjoy spotting the famous filming locations used in ‘A Game of Thrones’.
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital is a diverse mix of traditional culture, artistic beauty and contemporary style. A trip to this destination will suit all types of travellers across different ages. There are activities aplenty, must-see tourist attractions including the Oceanarium and endless opportunities to soak up the friendly atmosphere.
The hilly terrain provides the perfect opportunity for stunning photographs, encompassing the city’s colourful buildings and houses as well as the stunning Atlantic views.
Santorini
Experience the natural beauty of Santorini on a cruise with its unique volcanic landscape and bright white architecture. This traditional Greek island boasts an idyllic backdrop of the Aegean Sea. The capital, Thira, features a cosmopolitan vibe with numerous bars and restaurants, but there are also plenty of smaller towns on the island that really offer the chance to soak up the relaxing atmosphere.
For incredible sunsets, head to Oia, where tourists often gather on an evening to witness the unrivalled views of the summer sun going down.
Whichever destinations you choose to include on your European cruise, you won’t be disappointed by the diverse landscapes, traditional cuisine and variety of activities and experiences.
