 Ajaccio, France (Corsica)
Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica and is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the notorious French general and emperor. The citadel, cathedral, and Napoleon's childhood home, which now serves as a museum, are among the city's chief sites of interest. Be sure to bring a camera, as the vista overlooking Ajaccio Gulf is particularly remarkable. |
 Alexandria, Egypt
Egypt's largest seaport and the second largest city in the country, Alexandria is also a splendid Mediterranean resort. Famous in ancient times as the home of the world's largest library and a lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, traces of the city's impressive heritage can still be seen at the Roman Amphitheater, Pompey's Pillar, and the Citadel of Qaitibay. For a change of pace, visit the lovely, oasis-like gardens of Montaza or stroll Maamoura Beach with its gorgeous stretches of sand and azure waters. |
 Ancona, Italy
Situated in the Marche region of central Italy on the Adriatic Sea, Ancona was originally founded from Syracuse as a Greek colony. The city's chief attractions include the grand marble Arch of Trajan, St. Ciriaco Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, and the Lazzeretto, a massive pentagonal military structure that now serves as showcase for cultural exhibits. |
 Bari, Italy
The second largest city in southern Italy, this port has played a key role in commerce dating back to the Middle Ages. Many of the city's most important buildings, including Saint Nicholas Church, the Cathedral and the huge Norman-Suevian castle were constructed during the Byzantine period. While visiting Bari, enjoy the rich fish specialties such as dentex with olives or anchovies and octopus, long time local favorites. |
 Barcelona, Spain
History, culture, cuisine, and modernism all come together in Barcelona. Few destinations in Europe compare to the dynamism of this city, from its bustling port area to its elaborate architecture, narrow stone streets, and fairytale parks. See Gaudi's masterpiece, the unparalleled Sagrada Familia Church or visit the Picasso Museum, housing one of the world's most extensive collections of the artist's work. |
 Casablanca, Morocco
The heart of modern Morocco, Casablanca is the commercial capital of the country. The city also boasts the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world. With a 689 foot tall minaret and an massive interior glass floor that allows worshipers to offer praise atop the Atlantic, the mosque is truly a marvel of religious architecture. To experience the best of Casablanca, be sure to visit the Corniche Seaside, Mohamed V Square, the Habous Quarter and Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral. |
 Catania, Italy
Full of beautiful squares, cobbled streets, museums, palaces, and convents, Dubrovnik's "Old City" is one of the most picturesque in Europe. Walking tours of the area provide a chance to see the impressive facades of Rector's Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, and Sponza Castle. The Franciscan Monastery is among Dubrovnik's most popular sights and is home to the world's oldest pharmacy. |
 Civitavecchia/Rome, Italy
The heart of Western civilization, Rome, the Eternal City, provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover some of the most significant historical and cultural sites in the world. From the Roman Forum where the likes of Julius Caesar and Seneca once spoke to the Coliseum, the Pantheon, and Vatican City, thousands of years of history exist side by side with chic, contemporary culture. |
 Funchal, Portugal (Madeira Islands)
As you approach Istanbul from the sea, the graceful minarets of countless mosques appear on the horizon and the Islamic call to prayer carries over the water. Istanbul’s blend of East and West has resulted in some of the most magnificent architecture in the world, including Agia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. At the Topkapi Museum, formerly Sultan’s Palace, the treasures of the Ottoman empire are on display. Bargain for your own treasures in the Grand Bazaar. |
 Genoa, Italy
From the ancient port, which ushered in the Genoa's first golden age, to the signature Medieval Gates, to the Christopher Columbus monument, Genoa is a rich in interesting sights. See La Lanterna, the oldest working lighthouse in the world or visit the Aquarium of Genoa, one of Europe's largest. For those interested in an excursion, nearby Portofino has some of the most attractive resorts on the Ligurian Coast. |
 Gibraltar
A protectorate of the United Kingdom, Gibraltar has a legend that so long as the Barbary Apes remain, the British will rule Gibraltar, a tradition that has held for 350 years. Ride to the top of the Rock for great views over the Strait of Gibraltar and on a clear day you can even see Africa. |
 Ibiza, Spain
Known internationally for its vibrant nightlife, the island of Ibiza also offers gorgeous beaches, secluded bays, and a sun-drenched landscape dotted with fig and olive trees. Third largest of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza draws many artists and photographers who come for the stunning scenery, while numerous clubs and restaurants bring in a multitude of European tourists, especially Britons. |
 Livorno, Italy
Travelers come to Kos to stroll the perfect beaches and to enjoy some of the fresh, authentic Greek cuisine made from the island's bountiful agricultural products. Discover the exciting nightlife on Kos or just relax and appreciate the harbor lights, illuminating the port area in a magnificent display of human endeavor augmenting the beauty of nature. |
 Malaga, Spain
The city of Malaga is a thriving agricultural market for the fruit and wine industries with a history dating back to the Phoenicians, Arabs, Carthagenians and Visigoths. It is the main access point to Granada as well as the magnificent Alhambra Palace, the fortified medieval royal complex that is a masterpiece of Moorish Art. |
 Marseille, France
With a history dating back more than 2,600 years, Marseille has grown enormously from its humble trading roots. Since becoming the first Greek port in Western Europe (circa 600 B.C.), with a population of 1000, Marseille has become France's second-largest city and the leading commercial port on the Mediterranean. Overflowing with beautiful architecture, opulent theaters, fine restaurants and an active nightlife, Marseille is among the most chic hotspots on France's southern coast. |
 Monte Carlo, Monaco
A tiny Principality, Monaco receives much more of the international limelight than might be expected. The main draw is the Grand Casino, where you can peer into the enchanting Salon Rose to see its nymph-adorned ceiling. Also not to be missed are the Palace, Cathedral, Rock of Monaco and the harbor, where the yachts of many of the world's elite are moored. |
 Naples, Italy
Capital of Italy's Campania region, Naples' history stretches back to the 7th century B.C., when it was founded as a Greek colony. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and among the most prominent landmarks are the majestic Castel dell'Ovo and the Castel Nouvo. Naples also boasts an incredible 448 historical churches. Below the city, a vast network of subterranean reservoirs that were hewed from the soft tufo stone in ancient Roman times is accessible from the Via dei Tribunali in the center of the city. |
 Olbia, Italy (Sardinia)
Serving as the main connection between Sardinia and mainland Italy, Olbia has a long history of transportation. Ruins from Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman settlement are found here, and according to tradition, the city was originally founded by Greeks. Today, the former cathedral of San Simplicio, a grand Romanesque structure, is among the city's most prominent landmarks. |
 Palermo, Italy (Sicily)
Capital of the autonomous region of Sicily, Palermo is famed for its colorful history. A running joke among historians is that it is the “most conquered” city in the world, a distinction that has left Palermo with wide array of interesting influences. From architecture to cuisine, the city represents the fascinating culmination of its complex past. |
 Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Balearic Islands)
The capital of Spain's Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca is the vacation destination of Spanish royalty. Visit the Castell de Bellver, housing an archaeological and classical sculpture museum, or stroll through the historic center of the city. See La Seu, the city's cathedral, with a vaulted nave only slightly lower than St. Peter's Basilica, or visit the Arab Bath, the only remaining building in Palma that dates to the era of Arab settlement. For art lovers, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-see, displaying the works Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali. |
 Salerno, Italy
This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island’s highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury. |
 Tangier, Morocco
This ancient Phoenician town, later colonized by the Carthaginians in the early 5th century B.C., is today one of Morocco's most popular coastal retreats. Located at the western entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar on the North African coast, Tangier opens the door onto Morocco. It was the "real model" for the famous Humphrey Bogart film Casablanca, and highly popular among Beat Generation writers such as Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs and Tennessee Williams, who frequented the city. |
 Taormina, Italy
Situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, the hillside town of Taormina is one of the island's main resort areas. The well preserved Teatro Greco, or Greek Theater, is one of the town's principal attractions, offering stunning views of the coast as well as Mount Etna. Taormina is also renowned for its restaurants, swordfish being one of the local specialties. |
 Tenerife, Spain (Canary Islands)
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a major vacation hotspot, especially for British travelers. While undeniably cosmopolitan, the island is remarkable for maintaining a close-knit, cozy atmosphere, despite its enormous popularity. Tenerife's principal landmark is the astounding El Teide, a massive, snow-capped volcanic mountain that dominates the island. Visit the exquisite Centro de Las Orquídeas, or Orchid Center, and El Loro Park, featuring the largest collection of parrots in the world. Also not to be missed are the intriguing Güímar Pyramids. |
 Tunis, Tunisia
From the port of La Goulette, set off and explore Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. For a sensory experience unlike any other, navigate the city's medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where close-packed souks offer silver, perfumes, spices, and carpets amid a clamorous, vibrant atmosphere. At the edge of the Sahara, explore the ruins of Phoenician Carthage, the once mighty rival of the Roman Republic. |
 Valencia, Spain
Known as the "Garden City," Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain. Its City Gates, City Hall, and Cathedral are all impressive architectural feats, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is equally compelling. |
 Valletta, Malta
Thick sandstone walls fortify Valletta, defending the old stone streets and glorious architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Grandmaster's Palace, St. John's Cathedral, and Manoel Theater are among the city's most prominent landmarks. On the far side of the island, see Medina, the Silent City, where no cars are permitted, preserving a serene atmosphere. |
 Venice, Italy
Built upon 122 small islands in the Adriatic, just off the eastern Italian coast, the city of Venice features canals rather than roads, creating Europe's largest car-free zone. One of the world's major destinations for tourists, the city draws travelers to such notable sites as the Bridge of Sighs and Saint Mark's Square. But the city offers more than just places to see – it invites participation in events such as the spectacular Carnival of Venice. |
