Marseille is Frances oldest city and one of the Mediterraneans premier ports. Amid the big-city bustle, the old port is a quaint landscape of historic charm: colorful fishing boats sail past the imposing Fort Saint-Jean, narrow streets wander among ancient churches and cobbled squares, while the venerable Basilica overlooks the scene from the hilltop above.

Barcelona’s seaside beauty, sprawling beaches, eclectic architecture, world-class tapas and Tempranillo are all reasons to fall in love with the city of Gaudí. Indeed, the treasures here are many and diverse, captivating travelers and experts alike. In fact, nine important sites in the city, seven designed by the famed architect himself, have earned the acclaim of UNESCO.

Monaco is an ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history. Its proud monarchy is presided over by Prince Albert, who assumed the throne after his famed father Prince Rainier died in 2005. Today when gazing on its modern skyline, it is hard to imagine that Monaco endured a turbulent past. Once a Greek settlement conquered by the Romans, it was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the worlds oldest monarchy. Monaco covers less than one square mile and is known primarily for its Grand Casino.

The Cote d’Azur has been blessed with superb natural beauty as it lies sandwiched between the coastal mountains and the sea. The Maritime Alps tumble down to the ocean, preventing cold northern winds from reaching the sun-drenched slope that stretches some 60 miles westward from the border with fairy-tale Monaco. Majestic cities like Nice, Monte Carlo and St-Tropez host pleasure boats, yachts and all the other trappings of glamorous lifestyles.

Breathtakingly beautiful Porto Venere, Italy, has all the essentials of an idyllic medieval town, with two ancient churches, a 16th-century fortified castle, and a bell tower built on the ruins of a Roman temple. The southernmost town on the walking trails connecting the five villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre, the town has sweeping views, brightly-colored houses, terraced gardens and three small islands — Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto — sitting prettily just off its rocky promontory.

Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to the Eternal City of Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.