Northern Europe - Portsmouth to Hamburg

This coastal strip in southern Hampshire, blessed by the Gulf Stream, has always been an easily defensible natural harbor. Indeed Henry VII made it his Royal Dockyard at the end of the 15th century. Still an important Royal Navy base, the vast port of Portsmouth is situated on the peaceful west coast of Portsea Island, a spit of land that stretches far out to sea. In the old harbor, historic ships with grandiose names proclaim the city's glorious past and several museums are devoted to the navy and seafaring. Where once adventurers and admirals set sail to re-write the English history books, countless yachts now rock gently in numerous marinas. The lavishly renovated quayside with its looming, futuristic Spinnaker Tower and the long seafront at South sea are now the beating heart of modern life in the city.

Antwerp in Belgium is the third largest port in Europe, traditionally a center for the diamond trade, a romantic Renaissance city, and a stronghold of young designers and couturiers. For centuries the town, whose most famous citizen was renowned Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, has been a place where an elegant lifestyle, appreciation of art and cultural history are right at home. Continuing on from its rich past, in the last few years Antwerp has developed into a modern, vibrant city and been given a strong impetus towards the future.

Amsterdam is small and homely, cosmopolitan and avant-garde, an international metropolis and a royal capital. Depending on your approach, this city will show you each of its many faces in a constantly changing light. Discover the charm of its canals, be inspired by its internationally renowned designs and feel the excitement as night falls.

Hamburg has seen many ships in its time. Richly laden Hanseatic cogs, famous 19th century windjammers and giant vessels have dropped anchor in its port. The beautiful banks of the Elbe form prominent cordons for ships sailing in or out of the port of Hamburg. Moving towards the mouth of the Elbe, they glide by the patrician villas on the Elbchaussee, the Treppenviertel in Blankenese, the Airbus site and the picturesque banks of the Elbe with their green dykes and white beaches. You can catch charming harbor views of the little villages all along the banks of the Elbe.