Piraeus is the gateway to Athens, the "Cradle of Western Civilization," famed for its lasting cultural and political influence. Driven by tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites. Athens remains a historian's delight, with the Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka's winding streets, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum's renowned ancient artifacts.

Mykonos, steeped in Greek myth, was named after Apollo's grandson, Mykons, and linked to the battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today it's one of Greece's most beloved destinations, known for its postcard scenery and lively nightlife. It showcases classic Cycladic architecture, with even new buildings required by law to match the whitewashed, cube-like style. Visit Little Venice, Paraportiani Church, and the Delos archaeological site.

Europe's classical metropolis, Ephesus, was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Explore the ruins of its massive Theater, the Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library.

Santorini's dramatic views-whitewashed houses clinging to the caldera, plus white, red, and black-sand beaches-make it one of the world's most photographed places. Visit Ancient Akrotiri, a town preserved by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago, and take a day trip to Palea (Old) Kameni and Nea (New) Kameni, two black-lava islands in the center of the Santorini basin.

Messina, Sicily's third-largest city, was a key medieval port for knights heading to the Crusades. Though extensively rebuilt, it still has major landmarks, especially the cathedral with its unusual astronomical clock, the 12th-century Catania Church, and the ornate Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. It's also a starting point for day trips to Mt. Etna's Crateri Silvestri.

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.

Livorno in Tuscany is a gateway to Florence and Pisa. From the 13th to 16th centuries, Renaissance freedom inspired Dante, Donatello, Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, da Vinci, and Machiavelli. In Florence, see the Galleria dell'Accademia and Michelangelo's David, plus the Uffizi, Italy's famed art gallery. Visit Pisa's Campo dei Miracoli, Siena's medieval charm, and Lucca, where you can bike through the Tuscan countryside.

Between Nice and Monaco, this low-key Côte d'Azur gem is one of France's most picturesque medieval villages. Its Old Town spills from green hills to a deep-blue harbor, with cobbled lanes, film-set houses, and flowers at every turn. See Jean Cocteau's murals in the 14th-century Chapelle St. Pierre, then the galleries and museums of the 16th-century Citadelle St. Elme, with works by Picasso, Miró, Hartung, and more. Or simply dine by the harbor and enjoy the view.

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.

Explore glamorous Cannes: majestic hotels, millionaires, movie stars, mega-yachts, and a sparkling Mediterranean setting. Stroll the palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, browse haute couture and antiques, enjoy cocktails or lunch at grand hotels and cafés, visit gardens and parks, then hike to Le Suquet for coffee and sweeping harbor views.

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.