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.

Only small ships and yachts can enter Sète's harbor, helping preserve the charm of this French port. Birthplace of Paul Valéry and Georges Brassens, it has a rich artistic heritage, reflected in its museums. Its colorful canals include the northeastern entrance to the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO site linking the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Nearby UNESCO highlights include Arles, inspired Van Gogh, Carcassonne, and Montpellier, known for its historic center and Antigone district by Ricardo Bofill.

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.

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.

Tuscany's countryside is dotted with medieval hill towns, cypress-lined roads, and rolling vineyards. Though Chianti, Brunello, and Vino Nobile are famous worldwide, the region's real draw is its art and architecture. Near Livorno, Florence-the cradle of the Renaissance-offers masterpieces by Dante, Galileo, da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, and Donatello. Other beautiful towns include Pisa, Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano.

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.