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.

Located in southeastern France, today's Marseille is a far cry from the sleepy villages it once inspired in Cézanne's paintings. With more than a million people, the city remains the cosmopolitan and exuberant capital of southern Europe, with its picturesque Old Quarter, lively sidewalk cafes and shops, and Romanesque-Byzantine Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, overlooking the steep cliffs and offering a bird's eye view of the city's colorful "quartiers" stretching down toward the sea.

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.

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.

Picturesquely set in a narrow cove, this tiny port is famed for its beautiful setting, mild climate, and lush vegetation. Crowded around a small harbor, it is among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports and a longtime haunt of the wealthy, artists, and actors. Don't miss Chiesa di San Giorgio and Castello Brown with its garden and harbor views.

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.

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.