Lisbon, said to have been founded by Ulysses as Olisipo, is one of Europe's most fascinating cities. A devastating 1755 earthquake destroyed much of it, and the Baixa was rebuilt in neo-classical style, now the city's heart. Overlooking the Tagus, the "City of Explorers" offers districts like Alfama, with Moorish lanes, and Bairro Alto, where you can hear Fado. Nearby are the palaces of Queluz and Sintra.

Portimão offers a relaxing beach getaway framed by golden sands and impressive cliffs. History and architecture lovers can visit the medieval Castle of Alvor and the 14th-century Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição, restored after a devastating earthquake with a walnut-wood altar and azulejo religious scenes. Nature brings cultivated fields, pine-covered slopes, and wildflowers. Take home traditional lace, ceramics, leather goods, and baskets.

Cádiz, Andalusia's famed capital, has been beautifully restored. Palm trees, elegant squares, flower-filled parks, red-tile rooftops, and lively markets give the port a charming feel. Its old town sits on the peninsula tip, full of lively plazas, while the new town is an elegant modern city with excellent beaches. Cádiz is also a good base for a day trip to Seville, home to the Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda Tower.

Explore the Mendoubia Gardens which contain a fascinating banyan tree that is more than 800 years old. The Caves of Hercules are 9 miles west of Tangier in the Cap Spartel area; it is a place of great beauty and archeological significance.

Málaga, on Spain's Costa del Sol, is the region's capital and a popular holiday base. It is Picasso's birthplace, and his works are displayed in the Museo Picasso in the Palacio de Buenavista. Visitors can also sample sweet Málaga dessert wines from nearby hillside vineyards. The city is a pleasant place to explore and a common starting point for trips to Granada and the Alhambra in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is a wind-swept island with steep jagged cliffs and olive groves more than a thousand years old. Mallorca is an island of contrasts. To the south is a busy tourist area with hotels, bars, restaurants, shopping and dazzling night life. To the north are rocky valleys, sleepy villages shrouded in bougainvillea, and breathtaking views. Palma is dominated by the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, located high above the waterfront on the site of a former mosque.

One of Europe's most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona's passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.

Experience Costa Brava and understand why Salvador Dalí and others have long been inspired by its beaches and coves. Spend a day in the warm sand of La Fosca or learning about the history of this fishing village in Museu de la Pesca or simply taking in the Mediterranean air while walking down the promenade. Just an hour north of the city, you can visit the extraordinary Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. The museum holds works done from his adolescence to the last years of his life.

Enjoy the exquisite Provençal countryside beyond the resort, with charming villages, narrow stepped streets, lovely churches, and stunning views. Visit a local winery or drive along the rugged coast for landscapes, beaches, islands, and the Massif des Maures. Browse elegant boutiques for French perfume, fine jewelry, fashion, and leather goods. Try local lobster with chilled white wine or lavender ice cream.

Tiny but packed with fun, Monte Carlo blends history, beauty, entertainment, and leisure. Monaco's wealthiest district, it's known as the international capital of luxury, with celebrity sightings, casinos, and nightlife. Yet its old-world charm remains in art and architecture: palaces, cathedrals, and museums in a historic old town. Don't miss the daily changing of the guard and the public areas of the Palais du Prince, home to the royal family and once to Grace Kelly.

Leave town to discover five stunning, colorful cliffside towns on the coast. Hike the trail linking them or take a boat tour to see them from the water. Go ashore to explore a picturesque town and its castle, or visit Porto Venere, a colorful harbor town with breathtaking views and the Church of San Pietro. Once a playground and inspiration for poets from Dante to Byron and Shelley.

With archaeological sites like Selinunte and Segesta; the mountaintop medieval town of Erice, overlooking the Egadi archipelago; and nearby Marsala, with its House of Mosaics and renowned wine, Trapani lets visitors experience Sicily with all their senses. Don't miss a day trip through the scenic countryside to local olive farms, where cooking demonstrations become delicious repasts and lasting gastronomic memories.

Discover Reggio Calabria, where the Ionian Sea meets the Aspromonte. Explore hillside villages, sunlit vineyards, and authentic Calabrian cuisine rooted in tradition. Walk the elegant Lungomare Falcomatà and visit the Museo Nazionale to see the Bronzi di Riace, famed ancient Greek sculptures. Tour the Aragonese Castle and uncover the city's deeper history, from Norman roots to even older origins.

Visit this lovely town's 11th-century cathedral with Roman artifacts and Punic burials, then drive the Costa Smeralda for cliffs, grottoes, beaches and emerald waters. Explore Nuraghic ruins, shop for handwoven rugs, baskets, chests, silk shawls and filigree jewelry, and try mussels, lobster in wine, and seadas with honey.

Sorrento is one of the world's most beautiful towns, with breathtaking coastal views and rich history dating back to the 11th century BC. Overlooking the Bay of Naples, it is a key point on the Sorrentine Peninsula and a top destination in Campania. Also plan a day trip to Capri, one of Italy's most celebrated islands, known for its natural beauty.

Rome offers endless choices: enjoy street performers at the Spanish Steps, wine and people-watching in colorful Trastevere, or the city's rich history and architecture. St. Peter's Basilica is a full-day visit, with the Sistine Chapel and panoramic views from the dome. Don't miss the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and Aventine Hill, which overlooks the Imperial Palaces ruins and the Circus Maximus.