Lisbon -TO- Rome

Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.

Cádiz, Andalusia’s world-renowned capital, has undergone major restoration in recent years. Palm trees, gracious squares, flower-filled parks, ubiquitous red-tile roofed buildings, and bustling street markets make this a most delightful port. The old town, on the tip of the peninsula, is buzzing with beautiful, lively plazas. To get there, you pass through the new town, an elegant metropolis with excellent beaches. Cádiz is also a good starting point for a day trip to nearby Seville, where you can visit the Alcazar, a beautiful medieval Islamic palace showcasing a unique fusion of Christian and Moorish architecture surrounded by lovely gardens; majestic Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla); and Giralda Tower, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Cádiz, Andalusia’s world-renowned capital, has undergone major restoration in recent years. Palm trees, gracious squares, flower-filled parks, ubiquitous red-tile roofed buildings, and bustling street markets make this a most delightful port. The old town, on the tip of the peninsula, is buzzing with beautiful, lively plazas. To get there, you pass through the new town, an elegant metropolis with excellent beaches. Cádiz is also a good starting point for a day trip to nearby Seville, where you can visit the Alcazar, a beautiful medieval Islamic palace showcasing a unique fusion of Christian and Moorish architecture surrounded by lovely gardens; majestic Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla); and Giralda Tower, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Explore the Mendoubia Gardens which contain a fascinating banyan tree that is more than 800 years old. The Caves of Hercules are 9 miles west of Tangier in the Cap Spartel area; it is a place of great beauty and archeological significance.

It is thought that John Lennon penned the lyrics of “Strawberry Fields Forever” while in Almería. The southeastern Spanish city is also the location where the award-winning, “Lawrence of Arabia,” was filmed. However, the city’s greatest claim to fame is The Alcazaba, a massive fort that dominates the landscape and offers amazing views. The cathedral and the Almeria Museum also compete for your attention. Whether you travel east to the quiet Cabo de Gata-Nijar coast or to the west toward the Roquetas de Mar, Almeria delivers an unforgettable experience.

Savor this delightful old city spread over seven hills and its many attractions reflecting the influence of its numerous rulers. Climb to the citadel; visit the fabulous Archaeological Museum, Roman ruins and Pisan towers, early Byzantine churches, the Cathedral or the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the nearby beach or discover the remains of Sardinia’s ancient, enigmatic Nuraghe culture, their villages and huge burial caves.

Ajaccio is located on the west coast of Corsica, and is the island’s largest town. Ajaccio is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Napoleonic legacy dominates the city in its statues and street names. Surrounded by green-hued mountains, with shady palm fringed squares and pleasure boats bobbing in the bay, Ajaccio offers guests a pleasing number of sites to explore. View the Musee Fesch, with its fine collection of Renaissance paintings, and Napoleon’s birthplace, the Casa Bonaparte, now a museum. Relax at a local café, sip the local wines, taste the artisan cheeses and enjoy a bowl of Azimuno, a tasty fish soup.

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.

Experience Costa Brava and understand why Salvador Dalí and others have long been inspired by its beaches and coves. Spend a day in the warm sand of La Fosca or learning about the history of this fishing village in Museu de la Pesca or simply taking in the Mediterranean air while walking down the promenade. Just an hour north of the city, you can visit the extraordinary Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. The museum holds works done from his adolescence to the last years of his life.

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

Nice, capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Founded by the Greeks and later a retreat for 19th-century European elite, the city has also long attracted artists. Former resident Henri Matisse is honored with a career-spanning collection of paintings at Musée Matisse. Musée Marc Chagall features some of its namesake’s major religious works.

Tiny, but packed with fun, Monte Carlo offers a wonderful combination of history, beauty, entertainment and leisure. The wealthiest spot in Monaco, Monte Carlo is an enchanting place, known as the international capital of luxury and for its celebrity-sightings, casinos and nightlife. Yet the old world shines through in its art and architecture. Palaces, cathedrals and museums dot this small municipality in an old town full of rich history. Be sure to catch the once-daily changing of the guard, then tour the public areas at the Palais du Prince, home to the royal family, whose most famous resident was famous actress Grace Kelly.

Picturesquely situated in a narrow cove, this tiny port owes its popularity to its beautiful setting, agreeable climate and lush and luxuriant vegetation. The town crowded around its small harbor is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. It has long been known as an exclusive gathering place for the wealthy, artists and actors with an ever-growing number of waterfront restaurants, cafes, and tourist hot-spots. Historic sites not to miss include to the Chiesa di San Giorgio, built on the site of a sanctuary Roman soldiers dedicated to the Persian god Mithra; and Castello Brown, with its lush garden and panoramic views of the town and harbor below.

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 Porto Venere, another colorful town rising above one end of La Spezia’s harbor with breathtaking views and the lovely Church of San Pietro. It was once a playground and inspiration for poets from Dante to Byron and Shelly.

Livorno is an Italian port city on the west coast of Tuscany. It’s known for its seafood, Renaissance-era fortifications and modern harbor with a cruise ship port. Its central Terrazza Mascagni, a waterside promenade with checkerboard paving, is the city’s main gathering place. The bastions of the 16th-century Fortezza Vecchia face the harbor and open onto Livorno’s canal-laced Venezia Nuova quarter.

Whether enjoying the street performers at the Spanish Steps and people-watching over a fine glass of wine in colorful Trastevere, or taking in the historical and architectural glory that is Rome, visitors are spoiled for choice in this truly Eternal City. St. Peter’s Basilica is a full-day outing, featuring the Sistine Chapel and panoramic city vistas for those willing to climb to the top of the dome. Other landmarks not to miss include the renowned Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, and Aventine Hill, which provides you with a grand view of the imposing remains of the Imperial Palaces and the Circus Maximus, of Ben Hur fame.