Located in northeastern Italy, Trieste's geography and storied past helped make it one of the country's richest regions. A shopper's paradise, it has designer boutiques for men and women, plus outdoor markets selling everything from fruit to antiques. Enjoy pasta in an old-style osteria, a cozy little place with a handful of tables and cheerful locals.

Discover charming Argostoli, rising from a turquoise bay beside white limestone hills, with colorful fishing boats, a lively open-air market, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visit the archaeological museum for Mycenaean artifacts, see the Venetian St. George's Castle (16th century) in nearby Kastro, and stroll Vallianos Square for local gifts like thyme honey, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, and Robola Taoussi white wine.

Step back in time at Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games - now deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relive the roaring cheers of the spectators as the athletes took their marks on the marble starting blocks, and picture the temples, the treasuries, the porticoes and statues as they were.

Once the seaport of Sparta, Gythion welcomes visitors with a beautiful coastline and white sand beaches. Near the entrance of the city is the Theatre, which still houses the ruins of the Temple of Athena and the Gates of Castorides. The Archaeological Museum of Gythion has a vast collection that includes finds from excavations of the many ancient sites throughout the city. Be sure to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch al fresco in a traditional ouzerie.

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.

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.