Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Extraordinary architecture, millennia of turbulent history, magnificent basilicas concealing unimaginable riches, and ornate fountains splashing at the heart of sun-drenched piazzas are just some of the many reasons to visit Rome. Art greets you on every corner, from elaborate statues to delicate frescoes. Stroll the ancient center and history comes to life as you explore the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Enjoy Italian café culture in Trastevere, where you can wander the narrow streets and soak up a sense of la dolce vita, or throw a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to this vibrant, intoxicating city.

Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy - One of Italy's oldest port cities, Livorno is a small but historically rich city. Check out the red-hued Fortezza Nuova, a 16th-century fortress, and the surrounding area known as Nuova Venezia ("New Venice"), and take a mini-sailboat ride through its charming canals. Cruise to Livorno and use the city as your jumping-off point to the beauty of Tuscany: Take the 30-minute drive to Pisa and snap a quintessential picture with the city's famous leaning tower. Or head to Florence — about an hour from Livorno by car or train — where you can see the unmistakable Duomo ("dome") and the Byzantine-style frescoes of Saint John's Baptistery.

Porto Venere, Italy - Breathtakingly beautiful Porto Venere, Italy, has all the essentials of an idyllic medieval town, with two ancient churches, a 16th-century fortified castle, and a bell tower built on the ruins of a Roman temple. The southernmost town on the walking trails connecting the five villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre, the town has sweeping views, brightly-colored houses, terraced gardens and three small islands -- Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto -- sitting prettily just off its rocky promontory.

Cannes, France - When Lord Brougham, Chancellor of Britain was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Cannes on his journey to Italy, he was captivated by the natural setting of the village. Each winter he returned to Cannes which began a tourism industry as England's wealthy flocked to spend their holidays here. Today the rich and famous come from all over the world to participate in the elite Cannes Festival, which honors filmmakers from the world over.

Ajaccio, Corsica, France - Ajaccio, Corsica is a gorgeous mix where French and Italian mix harmoniously in Corsican culture. Set between sandy beaches and a backdrop of rugged mountains, it is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and monuments and squares here celebrate his triumphs. Walk the trails through the fields, Bike to the beach or into the foothills, visit the market and sample their fresh mediterranean offerings or visit the mountains and delight in the scent of sun-warmed thyme. In short, soak up the experience of mediterranean island life.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain - Floating gemlike off Spain's Mediterranean Riviera, Palma offers pearls, pottery and perfectly sublime sandy beaches. The historic district of the city is a great stop for an inexpensive good meal, a visit to a wonderous cathedral (for those seeking peace, consider visiting the quiet of the Saint Francis cathedral rather than its more touristed big brother. Shopping abounds in this european vacation spot as well as a very beautiful, small modern art museum with free entrance.

Or take a day excursion to visit charming and quiet Valldemosa, where George Sand and Frederic Chopin spent a romantic winter in 1838.

Valencia, Spain - Incredibly, Valencia is a hidden gem of a big city in Spain. Although, it doesn't get the same attention that Barcelona and Madrid get, it competes quite well with those two well known destinations. Food, Shopping, Art and Architecture can be found in abundance; take some time and wander through the winding maze of medieval streets and stubble on your newest favorite shop/bar/restaurant. Too bad cruises don't depart from here; you could certainly spend a few days visiting Valencia's must-sees. One highlight is the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. This beautiful complex consists of a cinema, garden, theater, planetarium, science museum and more!

Barcelona, Spain -

Barcelona is a one of the world's great cities. Stroll down her tree-lined boulevards, the magnificent Passeig de Gràcia or the more touristed Las Ramblas. On the Passeig, shop a serious fashion district while marveling at examples of Mordenisme architecture, seemingly sculpted from the stuff of dreams (Gaudi's masterpiece of a family home, Casa Batlló is well worth a visit). If a trip on the Passeig hasn't convinced you of Gaudi's genius, a visit to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral will do the trick; this fantastic, soaring marvel will live on in your memory long after you've returned.

Not far from the Passeig and just north of Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter (the Barri Gotic) provides an abundance of shopping opportunities for all tastes, and a bit of European history to boot - check out the tranquil Cathedral of Barcelona. To see a bit of local life a visit to a food market is a quick, fun detour: try Santa Caterina near the Cathedral or Mercado de La Boqueria, right off of Las Ramblas.

Barcelona's food is also a highlight: stop into a tapas bar and try a variety of delicacies. "Standard" restaurants of every style are available, too. And, there's music, too! Visit an underground jazz club or the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana; or stop by the Palau Dalmases for a stunning, flamenco performance (it's near the Picasso museum). Did we mention art? One of the largest collections of Picasso's art is found at the Museau Picasso, and a great collection of contemporary, figurative (i.e not abstract) painting and sculpture is housed at the European Museum of Modern Art just around the corner.

It's probably clear by now that you really can't get it all done in a day (even if all means "just the must-sees"). So, stay for a day or three in the Gothic Quarter or near Plaça de Catalunya and really get a feel for what makes Barcelona such a wonderful place. Partly it's the result of the "accidents" of its history and present: as the regional capital of Spain's prosperous Catalunya region, Barcelona has a "flavor" that is a bit of a mix between Spanish and French (it's located quite close to the French border). Yes, you can practice your Spanish here - it attracts Spaniards from throughout the country - but you'll also see and hear Catalan with it's own charm. You won't regret your time here.

Toulon, France - One of the Mediterranean's best ports and largest harbors welcomes you to the home of the French Mediterranean Fleet. Located in the Var prefecture of the Provence, Toulon has a long history that is revealed in various districts of the city. The Old Town is along the harbor, with narrow streets and small squares, most boasting a nicely decorated fountain. The Upper Town is mostly 19th century grandeur. You can take a cable car to Mont Faron, bypassing the road that is a notorious stretch for bicycle racers. The waterfront neighborhood of Le Mourillon is a family-friendly beach area for Toulonais. There are wonderful museums of history, art from various periods and naval history to explore as well.

Monte Carlo, Monaco - The Casino, of course--if only to venture into the enchanting Salon Rose, with its nymphs on the ceiling. A drive along the scenic Corniche which takes you to Nice, undisputed capital of the Riviera.