Monaco, "The Rock," is a tiny sovereign city-state on cliffs above the Mediterranean. Famous for Prince Rainier's marriage to Grace Kelly, it draws the elite to events like the Monaco Yacht Show, the Rose Ball, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Its history lives in the 1646 Chapel of Mercy, the Cathedral, the Belle Époque Casino by Charles Garnier, and the 16th-century Major Ramp. Modern towers and Renzo Piano's sea-built Mareterra district point to the future. Time seems to stand still here.

A fairytale rise: a small fishing village became the world's cinema capital, thanks to a festival now second only to the Olympics in publicity. For ten days, red carpets and flashing cameras welcome the world's biggest stars. For over 75 years, Cannes has discovered talent, made legends, and immortalized those who walk its famed Croisette. With beaches, luxury hotels, designer boutiques, the Lérins Islands, and Le Suquet nearby, Cannes stays in the spotlight long after the festival ends.

Portofino, a jewel on Italy's Ligurian coast, is a picturesque harbor village known for its colorful facades and serene beauty. In the 1950s and '60s, it became a hideaway for Hollywood icons and European aristocracy, including the Windsors, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, and Clark Gable. Highlights include Castello Brown, San Giorgio Church, and the relaxed Piazzetta, where glamour meets tranquility.

Docking in Civitavecchia puts you just 90 minutes from Rome, a city of legends where history and myth meet. From the Colosseum and Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese, every corner tells a story. From St. Peter's Basilica to the Sistine Chapel, Rome's monuments reflect emperors, philosophers, and artists. A city of cinema and la dolce vita, Rome is an experience. Extend it with a stay at Orient Express La Minerva, an elegant retreat in a historic palace.