The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention.

Surrounded by water, Sete is a Mediterranean fishing capital and a port with maritime heritage flowing through its salty veins. Set on a lagoon beside the Mediterranean's waves, Sete's streets are interspersed with canals, and the historic Canal du Midi terminates here. Sit down to sample the incredible sea life at fine restaurants, which plate up mounds of juicy oysters and shellfish, hauled ashore from the waters.

France’s sunniest and oldest city may not have the glamour of some of its Cote D’Azur neighbors, but what it lacks in glitz, it certainly makes up for in authenticity and cultural depth. France's second-biggest city, Marseille served as European Capital of Culture in 2013 and is a fantastic hub of museums, creativity and color.

A glitzy, glamorous coastal resort that needs no introduction, Saint Tropez is the French Riviera hotspot of choice for A-listers and flotillas of gleaming yachts. The sparkle of its beaches, and clarity of its light, continues to attract artists - but it was the famous presence of Brigitte Bardot that leant Saint Tropez its enduring glamour and steamy appeal. Nowadays, speedboats skim offshore, while fine vintages from the vineyards nearby are uncorked in top-notch restaurants, in this well-heeled highlight of the Cote d'Azur.

Scattered along the dramatic emerald Ligurian coastline, the five towns of the Cinque Terre sprawl down cliffs, and splash bursts of color into mountains that drop off abruptly to gently bobbing waves below. Set above the rich blue water, this precious gathering of fishing villages is a wonder of the Italian coastline. Portovenere - itself a gorgeous, colorful fishing village - is the gateway to the five towns, which cling to the cliffs of this terraced landscape.

There are few more elegant places to salute the sunset than Terrazza Mascagni, Livorno’s refined chessboard piazza. A historic port, and a beach gateway to Tuscany, Livorno welcomes you ashore to explore this enchanted Italian region's sun-soaked beauty, rich flavors and world-renowned fine art. With its bustling market, fortresses and iconic waterfront, there’s plenty to keep you busy here, but most will be tempted to venture inland to explore more of Tuscany’s many charms and artistic wonders.

All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivaled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas.