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.

Spend a glorious day in the Provençal countryside; see magnificent Carcassonne with its towers, turrets, half-timbered houses and superb nave of the 11th century Basilica de Saint-Nazaire, beautiful hilltop Les Baux or Arles, where Van Gogh found so much inspiration. Or explore fortified Aigues Mortes in the heart of the Petite Camargue surrounded by ponds, marshes and saltpans.

Explore bustling Toulon with naval ships, yachts, and colorful fishing boats. Ride the cable car to Mount Faron for sweeping views of Toulon and its turquoise harbor. Learn its maritime history at the Musée de la Marine and the Allied landing at the Musée Mémorial du Débarquement. Wander Old Town's markets, fountains, cathedral, cafés, and boutiques. Shop for designer fashions, jewelry, perfumes, and Provençal gifts like herbs de Provence, lavender, olive oil, and ceramics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spend a day exploring the fabulous ruins of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum with their stunning temples, frescoes and mosaics. Explore fascinating Naples and its famed museums, visit charming Sorrento or take a boat trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri.

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.

Malta's capital and major port, Valletta was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Highlights include the 19th-century Mosta Dome, San Anton Palace Gardens in Attard, Lija and Balzan, and the sea views from Dingli Cliffs. Valletta also makes a good base for day trips to Mdina, with St. John's Baroque Cathedral, and Rabat, once part of Roman Melita, with its archaeological sites.

Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. It is famous for Diocletian's Palace, built as the Roman emperor's retirement home; its stone structure, grounds, and cellars are a major highlight. Other sights include the Cathedral of St. Duje, on the remains of an ancient shrine said to be the world's oldest, and the Mestrovic Gallery, featuring works by Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic in his former home and atelier.

Koper charms with its marina, red-tiled roofs, seaside cafes, and old Venetian mansions from its days as a jewel of Venice's overseas empire. Around Titov Square, see the Praetorian Palace in Venetian Gothic style. Nearby excursions include the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves or a trip through the Slovenian countryside to Ljubljana, ending with a river cruise past picturesque historic buildings.

From Fusina, journey to Venice, where you'll witness the Grand Canal, lined with enchanting Renaissance architecture. Art lovers can visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Doge's Palace, a Gothic masterpiece. Savor Venetian cuisine at a traditional trattoria, sampling fresh local dishes. History enthusiasts can also peruse St Mark's Basilica, a marvelous 18th-century cathedral adorned with sculptures, mosaics and bas-reliefs representing Italian sophistication.