Rome is one of the world's most thrilling cities, with unmatched history around every corner. Its streets mix ancient ruins with lively cafés, piazzas, and restaurants serving pasta and pizza. Highlights include the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, and the Spanish Steps. Best explored on foot, gelato or espresso in hand, Rome offers a powerful blend of grandeur, beauty, and everyday life.

Livorno, a historic port and beachy gateway to Tuscany, offers sunset views from Terrazza Mascagni, canals in "Little Venice," markets, fortresses and waterfront charm. From there, explore Tuscany's vineyards and Bolgheri wineries, Prato's textile heritage, Pisa's tower, and Florence's art-filled wonders: Michelangelo's David, the Duomo, and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Built around a sheltered bay beneath Mount Faron, Toulon is a major naval port, industrial city, and base of the French navy's Mediterranean fleet. Napoleon first rose to fame here in the 1793 siege. In WWII, the French fleet was scuttled to avoid capture, and the city was liberated in 1944. Old Toulon's pedestrian streets, waterfront Avenue de la République, and Naval Museum are main sights, though many visitors use the city as a base for the Riviera and hinterland.

Mallorca is a rugged Spanish Mediterranean island known for cuisine, culture, and sunlit beaches. Palma de Mallorca, its capital, blends living history, bustling markets, cafes, promenades, and intense flavors. Its old town is cobbled and lively, with the great cathedral, Le Seu, and nearby La Almudaina fortress reflecting Moorish and royal history.

Experience a Silversea Luxury Cruise while discovering Spain! Explore the charming city of Valencia and let yourself be tranported by the folkloric atmosphere.

Cartagena, in Murcia, is a historic port shaped by many cultures since its founding by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. Explore Calle Mayor's ruins and modernist architecture, then ride up to Castillo de la Concepción for views over the harbour. See the preserved Roman Theatre, wander the waterfront, enjoy tapas, and watch Semana Santa processions.

Malaga, on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol, blends beaches, history, and art. Visit La Malagueta beach, the old town, Moorish Alcazaba fortress, and the cathedral known as La Manquita. See the Picasso Museum and Pompidou Centre, plus street art in Soho. Nearby, explore Granada's Alhambra, Cordoba's La Mezquita, and Seville's cathedral for Andalucía's Moorish Golden Triangle.

Cádiz, Western Europe's oldest city, holds 3,000 years of history in cobbled streets and shaded plazas. Founded by Phoenicians c.1100 BC and later used by Columbus, it grew rich from New World trade. See the cathedral, with its twin towers, and Torre Tavira, the city's best watchtower. Relax on Playa Victoria, cross the modern Constitución de 1812 bridge, and sample tapas at the lively central market.

Cádiz, Western Europe's oldest city, holds 3,000 years of history in cobbled streets and shaded plazas. Founded by Phoenicians c.1100 BC and later used by Columbus, it grew rich from New World trade. See the cathedral, with its twin towers, and Torre Tavira, the city's best watchtower. Relax on Playa Victoria, cross the modern Constitución de 1812 bridge, and sample tapas at the lively central market.

Tangier, on Morocco's north coast by the Strait of Gibraltar, is a lively blend of cultures and a historic Phoenician trading town. Explore the bustling Medina, where hawkers, spices, dried fruit, and fabrics fill the narrow alleys; try fresh orange juice or mint tea. Nearby are the Caves of Hercules, and inland the Rif Mountains lead to blue-washed Chefchaouen, a stunning hillside town.

Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is a beautiful city of seven hills, fado, pastel houses and azulejo tiles. Wander Alfama's steep cobbled streets, visit the Azulejo Museum, then head to São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Graça for sweeping views over red rooftops, the Tagus and the suspension bridge. See Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and take a trip to nearby Sintra and Pena Palace. Finish with ginjinha and a pastel de nata.