8 Nights Europe, Mediterranean

The capital of the Côte d'Azur, and France's fifth largest city is well known for its Mediterranean beaches, casinos, and upper-class resort facilities along the famous Promenade des Anglais -a long boulevard along the famous Nice beaches. The old city Vieux Nice is richly blessed with fine art museums, including world-class collections of Matisse and Chagall.

Set on the Gulf of Tigullio between Rapallo and Portofino, the resort/fishing town of Santa Margherita Ligure really couldn't be in a better neighborhood. Fashionable but much quieter than Portofino, life in Santa Margherita Ligure centers around the lovely palm-laden harbor, where boating and simple sunning are the orders of the day. The town has some good shopping options, lovely cafes and interesting sights like its 16th-century castle and the 17th-century Basilica di Santa Margherita.

Tuscany's second largest city has the aura of an authentic Mediterranean port and revels in its ancient maritime tradition. The Old Fortress, a grandiose five-sided complex built to protect the port, is one of the most important monuments dating back to the Medici dynasty.

Tuscany's second largest city has the aura of an authentic Mediterranean port and revels in its ancient maritime tradition. The Old Fortress, a grandiose five-sided complex built to protect the port, is one of the most important monuments dating back to the Medici dynasty.

This delightful fishing village port is a gateway to Nice, Cannes, the Grand Corniche, Èze and Monte Carlo, Monaco?the best of the wealthy playground known as the French Riviera. It is set like a jewel amidst the sheltering promontory of Cap Ferrat.

The city of Palma is located on the southern side of Mallorca, the largest the Spanish Balearic islands. Though it has its fair share of cultural attractions, Mallorca's predominant crowd-pullers are the Serra de Tramuntana mountains range and the sun-splashed beaches.

The capital of Catalonia boasts the bustle of the world's busiest seaport, the medieval romance of its Gothic Quarter, and a feast of Catalan Art Nouveau buildings - including the great creations of Antonio Gaudí. The "Great Enchantress" remains one of the most exhilarating cities in Europe, decorated with the grandeur of Picasso, Miró and Dalí.