Discover Ravenna's brilliantly preserved Byzantine basilicas, baptisteries, mausoleums, and mosaic-filled museums, plus nearby beaches. Visit San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Museo Arcivescovile's 6th-century ivory throne of Archbishop Maximian, the Neonian and Arian baptisteries with mosaic domes, and Dante's tomb with its small garden. Enjoy local piadina stuffed with cheese, ham, and radicchio.

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.

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.

Santorini's dramatic views-whitewashed houses clinging to the caldera, plus white, red, and black-sand beaches-make it one of the world's most photographed places. Visit Ancient Akrotiri, a town preserved by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago, and take a day trip to Palea (Old) Kameni and Nea (New) Kameni, two black-lava islands in the center of the Santorini basin.

Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, was founded by the Phoenicians in the eighth century BC. Palermo remained a Phoenician city until the First Punic War, when Sicily fell under Roman rule. Palermo remains a jewel of the Mediterranean, and is Sicily's largest and most cosmopolitan city. No visit to Sicily is ever complete without a visit to Palermo, a city that permits one not just to know this island but to begin to understand it.

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.