With broad boulevards, big skies and intriguing architecture competing for your eye, Barcelona is a city unlike any other. The streets beg to be walked, as you can amble through the centuries with a stroll from the narrow medieval alleyways of the Gothic Quarter to the modern heart of La Rambla. Along this wide, tree-lined promenade, experience the full gamut of Catalonian culture, from whimsical Gaudí homes to tapas bars to bustling La Boqueria market. Climb the hill to Park Güell to see more of Gaudí’s unmistakable imprint. Or stay closer to the port and walk amidst the extensive Roman ruins of Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located on the eastern shores of Spain’s Costa Brava, Palamos is a small and walkable city with beautiful beaches and a lovely promenade lined with restaurants and cafés. Learn about the history and the art of fishing at the popular Fishing Museum. Travel outside the city to visit the renowned Dali Museum, where the museum itself is as much of an attraction as the works of Salvador Dali that adorn its walls.

Spend a glorious day in the French countryside seeing beautiful hilltop Les Baux; or Arles, where Van Gogh found so much inspiration; or magnificent Carcassonne with its towers, turrets, half-timbered houses and superb nave of the 11th century Basilica de Saint-Nazaire. Or explore fortified Aigues Mortes in the heart of the Petite Camargue, surrounded by ponds, marshes and saltpans.

See the sights and enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Or venture into the celebrated Provençal countryside with its fields of lavender and sunflowers. Explore lovely Aix or stroll through Avignon and its Papal Palace and the hilltop village of Les Baux.

Head out of town and discover the five stunning, colorful towns clinging to the cliffs along the coast. Hike along the trail connecting them or take a boat tour and see them from the water as ancient seafarers did. Go ashore and explore a picturesque town and its castle. Or visit intriguing Portovenere, another colorful town rising above one end of La Spezia's harbor with breathtaking views and the lovely Church of San Pietro.

Stroll through historic Portoferraio and see its massive fortresses. Admire the views and then head to Napoleon's residence at Villa dei Mulini. Along the way visit the Museum of Misericordia and enjoy the town's ambiance as you pass through the city gates and head for the waterfront. Venture into the rugged countryside and enjoy the scenery, monuments to Napoleon and quaint mountain villages.

Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum to the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's Pietà and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.