7 Nights Europe, Mediterranean

The capital of Apulia (the heel of Italy's boot) prospered under the Greeks and served as an important Roman Municipium. Lying halfway along the Adriatic coast on the fringes of the fertile Terra di Bari, it consists of two distinct parts, the old city, a maze of twisting lanes, and the modern town.

Greece's capital and its largest city was born atop the Acropolis, where ancient warrior-kings once dwelled. These ruins are a testament to the golden age of Greece, and the Parthenon is considered the most architecturally sophisticated temples of its time. Ancient Agora, a sprawling array of stones, slabs and foundations, was once the focal point of ancient Greek life.

Katakolon is a charming fishing village on the Ionian Coast that is the gateway to Olympia, the site of the first Olympic games in 776 B.C. Prominent ruins of the Sanctuary include the athletic quadrangles and the Temple of Zeus. The Archaeological Museum contains Archaic, Classical and Roman sculptures, including the famous Niki "Winged Victory."

The "Eternal City", with its 2,700 years of ancient history, is simply incomparable. Its formidable legacy is rooted in a plethora of masterpieces, including The Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, The Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza Novana.

One of Spain's liveliest cities is known for its oranges, paella (a rice dish with chicken or seafood), and the fallas festival in March. More than just sun and sea, it features great museums and remains of Phoenicians, Greeks, Iberians and Romans.