Barcelona is a walkable global city known for breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, bustling markets, parks, and fashion. Start at Montjuïc Castle for city views, then visit the Joan Miró and National Art Museum. Spend a day in the Gothic Quarter and Museu Picasso. The city is especially famous for Antoni Gaudí's work, from La Sagrada Família to Park Güell. Along La Rambla, you'll find more architecture, designer shopping, and great tapas.

Palma, capital of the Balearic Islands, is known for La Seu, the Cathedral of Santa Maria over the bay, the nearby Almudaina Palace, and Bellver Castle, which houses the city museum. The Juan March Foundation Museum has 70 works by major 20th-century Spanish avant-garde artists. Mallorca also offers beaches, shopping on Jaime III and Passeig del Born, and sights like the monastery where George Sand and Chopin stayed and Cuevas del Drach.

Menorca rises above one of the world's largest natural harbors, used as a port since the 3rd century BC. Nearby King Island holds ruins of a 6th-century basilica. In town, ancient sights like the medieval San Roque Arch and the Museu de Menorca sit beside Georgian houses from the British era. Its cuisine includes Menorcan cheese, and the island claims to be the birthplace of mayonnaise. Hiking or biking the Cami de Cavalls reveals the scenery, and megalithic monuments invite exploration.

Saint-Tropez is famed for designer shopping, all-night nightlife, and luxe beach clubs like Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot, who still lives here, it also has a quieter side in the hills: narrow cobblestone streets and a 17th-century citadel with stunning port views.

Monte Carlo is a glamorous port built for luxury yachts, with some of the world's finest vessels in its harbor. Luxury cars line the winding streets during the Grand Prix, while steep green mountains rise behind the bay. On the cliff stands the Prince's Palace, where the Changing of the Guard draws crowds at 11:55 a.m. Nearby are Monaco Cathedral, with Princess Grace's tomb, the oceanographic museum founded by Prince Albert I, and the Monte Carlo Casino, created by Prince Charles III.

Portofino, with pastel houses around its harbor, is one of Italy's most photographed spots. Highlights include the 12th-century Church of St. George and medieval Castello Brown, both with harbor views. A scenic hike or boat ride leads to the restored 11th-century abbey at San Fruttuoso. Nearby are Genoa, with museums, palaces, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Cinque Terre, the UNESCO-listed cliffside villages, about an hour away.

Rome is a vivid blend of sound, movement, history, and art. Church bells and traffic echo off ancient stone as workers, tourists, and café crowds move through the city. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, Rome's monuments are world-famous. Its sculptures, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, and Bernini's fountains make its art and architecture unsurpassed. Rome belongs not only to Italy, but to the world.