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Barcelona, Spain -

Barcelona is a one of the world's great cities. Stroll down her tree-lined boulevards, the magnificent Passeig de Gràcia or the more touristed Las Ramblas. On the Passeig, shop a serious fashion district while marveling at examples of Mordenisme architecture, seemingly sculpted from the stuff of dreams (Gaudi's masterpiece of a family home, Casa Batlló is well worth a visit). If a trip on the Passeig hasn't convinced you of Gaudi's genius, a visit to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral will do the trick; this fantastic, soaring marvel will live on in your memory long after you've returned.

Not far from the Passeig and just north of Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter (the Barri Gotic) provides an abundance of shopping opportunities for all tastes, and a bit of European history to boot - check out the tranquil Cathedral of Barcelona. To see a bit of local life a visit to a food market is a quick, fun detour: try Santa Caterina near the Cathedral or Mercado de La Boqueria, right off of Las Ramblas.

Barcelona's food is also a highlight: stop into a tapas bar and try a variety of delicacies. "Standard" restaurants of every style are available, too. And, there's music, too! Visit an underground jazz club or the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana; or stop by the Palau Dalmases for a stunning, flamenco performance (it's near the Picasso museum). Did we mention art? One of the largest collections of Picasso's art is found at the Museau Picasso, and a great collection of contemporary, figurative (i.e not abstract) painting and sculpture is housed at the European Museum of Modern Art just around the corner.

It's probably clear by now that you really can't get it all done in a day (even if all means "just the must-sees"). So, stay for a day or three in the Gothic Quarter or near Plaça de Catalunya and really get a feel for what makes Barcelona such a wonderful place. Partly it's the result of the "accidents" of its history and present: as the regional capital of Spain's prosperous Catalunya region, Barcelona has a "flavor" that is a bit of a mix between Spanish and French (it's located quite close to the French border). Yes, you can practice your Spanish here - it attracts Spaniards from throughout the country - but you'll also see and hear Catalan with it's own charm. You won't regret your time here.

Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain - Floating gemlike off Spain's Mediterranean Riviera, Palma offers pearls, pottery and perfectly sublime sandy beaches. The historic district of the city is a great stop for an inexpensive good meal, a visit to a wonderous cathedral (for those seeking peace, consider visiting the quiet of the Saint Francis cathedral rather than its more touristed big brother. Shopping abounds in this european vacation spot as well as a very beautiful, small modern art museum with free entrance.

Or take a day excursion to visit charming and quiet Valldemosa, where George Sand and Frederic Chopin spent a romantic winter in 1838.

Marseille, France - Marseille offers an unexpected view of a mosaic of buildings and National Heritage Sites from the terraces of Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica that towers above and watches over the city.

Alongside the port the towers of Saint Victor Abbey house crypts that already existed when Christianity was introduced into Provence. The columns of the Palais de la Bourse, the noble facades of the Prefecture and the fountains of the Palais Longchamp are part of the triumphant architecture from the 19th Century that is scattered throughout the city and that gave Marseille renewed splendour.

In the old quarter the houses are built on the sunny slopes ; the clock in the Accoules Bell tower, which was the old Sauveterre tower, still marks the hours of life around the Town Hall, while beyond the dome of the Vieille Charite hospice, Pierre Puget's masterpiece, stands out against the sky. The small streets of the Panier quarter lie a little further on.

La Spezia, Italy - La Spezia is a gateway to some of Italy's greatest treasures.Unforgettable experiences of the Ligurian Riviera are wonderfully within reach, promising a truly captivating glimpse into this celebrated region. Foremost among your options, the world-renowned Cinque Terre stands as the premier, highly recommended excursion from La Spezia. Getting there is easy with frequent trains from La Spezia Centrale for a quick trip or ferry service from La Spezia's Molo Italia allowing you to experience the Cinque Terre coast by boat and take in gorgeous views". The charm of Vernazza or the iconic vistas from Manarola are sights that will etch themselves into your memory.

A little further afield but well within striking distance is Pisa, whose ships dominated Renaissance trade for decades providing the funds to build the architectural wonders to be seen there. It is best known, of course for it's famous "leaning Tower," from the top of which Galileo Galilei demonstrated that gravity's strength was independant of the weight of a falling object. It stands there still, if somewhat crookedly, after 650 years. It is, however, just one element of the Piazza dei Miracoli – the "Square of Miracles" – where the the magnificent Duomo and Baptistery stand alongside the tower.

Sill further but worth the effort, is Florence where you can view the timeless treasures from the very height of renaissance achievements: the lofty Duomo, Giotto's gorgeous bell tower, Michelangelo's original David, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio over the Arno.

Should you prefer to explore locally or if you’ve perhaps visited the Cinque Terre, Pisa and Florence on a previous occasion, La Spezia itself offers a delightful and authentic Italian experience. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the city's picturesque, palm-lined harbor promenade (Lungomare). Wander through the historic old town, browsing the shops along Via del Prione and Corso Cavour, or soak in the local atmosphere at the vibrant daily market in Piazza Cavour – an excellent spot for an authentic slice of Italian life. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in local Ligurian specialties: savor a piece of warm, fragrant focaccia, sample the freshest seafood, or treat yourself to the region's world-famous pesto.

Whether you choose the breathtaking drama of the Cinque Terre, Pisa or the authentic, welcoming heart of La Spezia, your visit is sure to leave you with a taste of true Riviera magic. Even a brief encounter with this stunning corner of Italy can create lasting impressions of beauty, charm, and the sweet life – la dolce vita.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.

Naples, Italy - Capital of Southern Italy and the largest city in Campania, Naples is the third most populated city in Italy (after Rome and Milan) with over a million inhabitants. It's the most important industrial center and trading port for the South. Naples itself can provide a day's fun and entertainment, if its somewhat rundown appearance doesn't dissuade you. Or, join a tour of incredible Pompeii, frozen in time since A.D. 79 when Mt. Vesuvius brought an end to that then-thriving city. Or, take a quick ferry across the bay to the flowery Isle of Capri. Or, (yes, there's more) visit fabulous Sorrento, vacation spot for the well to do.

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