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.

Ajaccio, on Corsica's west coast, is the island's largest town and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its Napoleonic legacy is visible in statues and street names. Set among green mountains with palm-lined squares and a bay of pleasure boats, it offers sights like the Musée Fesch, with its fine Renaissance paintings, and Casa Bonaparte, Napoleon's birthplace museum. Enjoy local cafés, wines, artisan cheeses, and Azimuno, a fish soup.

Explore glamorous Cannes: majestic hotels, millionaires, movie stars, mega-yachts, and a sparkling Mediterranean setting. Stroll the palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, browse haute couture and antiques, enjoy cocktails or lunch at grand hotels and cafés, visit gardens and parks, then hike to Le Suquet for coffee and sweeping harbor views.

Between Nice and Monaco, this low-key Côte d'Azur gem is one of France's most picturesque medieval villages. Its Old Town spills from green hills to a deep-blue harbor, with cobbled lanes, film-set houses, and flowers at every turn. See Jean Cocteau's murals in the 14th-century Chapelle St. Pierre, then the galleries and museums of the 16th-century Citadelle St. Elme, with works by Picasso, Miró, Hartung, and more. Or simply dine by the harbor and enjoy the view.

Livorno in Tuscany is a gateway to Florence and Pisa. From the 13th to 16th centuries, Renaissance freedom inspired Dante, Donatello, Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, da Vinci, and Machiavelli. In Florence, see the Galleria dell'Accademia and Michelangelo's David, plus the Uffizi, Italy's famed art gallery. Visit Pisa's Campo dei Miracoli, Siena's medieval charm, and Lucca, where you can bike through the Tuscan countryside.

Along Costa Smeralda, this once-modest fishing village is now known for modern shops, seafood restaurants, and ancient Nuragic relics. Stroll the scenic harbor promenade to see the Siren's Song, a bronze sculpture that rises from the sea twice daily with music. Explore the ruins of Pozzo Sacro di Milis, or relax on pristine white-sand beaches with shallow turquoise waters.

Rome offers endless choices: enjoy street performers at the Spanish Steps, wine and people-watching in colorful Trastevere, or the city's rich history and architecture. St. Peter's Basilica is a full-day visit, with the Sistine Chapel and panoramic views from the dome. Don't miss the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and Aventine Hill, which overlooks the Imperial Palaces ruins and the Circus Maximus.

As is true of the rest of the Amalfi Coast, this city boasts beautiful vistas, charming open-air cafés and captivating landmarks with historic roots. One example is Duomo di Salerno, an absolute must see for lovers of art, history and architecture. This Italian cathedral showcases an impressive design, powerful frescoes and melodious mosaics spanning the centuries as far back as the 11th century, when it was built by the Normans.

Messina, Sicily's third-largest city, was a key medieval port for knights heading to the Crusades. Though extensively rebuilt, it still has major landmarks, especially the cathedral with its unusual astronomical clock, the 12th-century Catania Church, and the ornate Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. It's also a starting point for day trips to Mt. Etna's Crateri Silvestri.

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro, located in a most secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The old port, surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the House of Nemanjicc, is very well preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous other attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), and ancient walls which stretch directly above the city. Nightlife also attracts tourists to Kotor with pubs, taverns, cafes, and nightclubs.

Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today's Cavtat). It is known worldwide for its unique marble-paved squares, tall houses, steep-cobbled streets and fountains. The city walls, once used to as protection against its enemies, now keep motorists at bay in this picturesque town. UNESCO named the Old City a World Heritage Site, and Dubrovnik's beautiful historic sites have been restored to their former glory.

The rich history and vibrant culture of Rijeka left its mark in countless sites. Beginning with Trsat Castle and its magnificent views of Rijeka's Old City to the bustling Korzo pedestrian promenade with its numerous cafés and bars, this is one of Europe's hidden treasures. Learn about the city's long relationship with the sea at the Maritime and History Museum, which is housed in the former palace of the Austro-Hungarian governor, replete with grand staircases and glittering chandeliers.

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.