Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Civitavecchia acts as the main terminal for all cruises heading into Rome. From there a shuttle bus takes travelers to the Service Center of Largo della Pace where they can embark on their adventures through the Eternal City.

Rome lies at the heart of the Italian peninsula along the Tiber River, just 15 miles inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea. It maintains its position in the world as a powerful influence in religion, politics, and art, as it is well known as the site for intellectual and artistic achievements past.

From the iconic Roman Coliseum aboveground to the mysterious catacombs of the Capuchin Crypt below ground, the capital of Italy beckons the adventurous to discover its many secrets and stories. The ancient structures’ architecture alone is enough to captivate even the most veteran traveler.

With so many ruins and historic sites to marvel at, it’s easy to get lost in the country’s past and wonder at how it connects to the present and future. But the city holds a certain cosmopolitan feel as well. Countless rooftop bars make Rome a prime location for an evening sunset with new friends as you raise a glass of wine to adventure.

Make a stop at the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin and make a wish. Do as the Romans do. Whether you make your way through back alleys in search of the quintessential gelato shop or get lost in the Ostiense neighborhood for a look at colorful street art, a day spent in Rome is a treasure hunt.ly

Florence, Pisa, Lucca (Livorno), Italy

From the grandeur of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the charming canals of La Venezia Nuova (New Venice), which date back to the Medici era, the Italian city of Florence contains much to explore. The port city of Livorno lies along the Ligurian Sea on Tuscany’s western coast. The colorful facades of the buildings rising above the canal waters is a sight to behold.

There is no better way to immerse yourself in the local life than at Mercato Centrale, an enormous market packed with the tempting aromas of Italian delicacies. With over 200 stalls selling locally sourced meats, poultry, eggs, cheese, wine, and bread, you have the chance to sample the finest fare Italy has to offer. Taking your taste buds on an adventure has never been easier.

The finest example of Baroque architecture in Livorno resides in the unassuming Chiesa di San Ferdinando. Filled with ornate statues and intricate designs, it will surely hold your attention and admiration for a time. Monuments around the city’s piazzas tell the story of Italy’s history and how the city came to exist.

Cathedrals, art, culture, food. Florence has it all. But you can also find gems in the streets and alleyways between the majestic cathedrals and museums. A hop and a skip away lies Pisa, most renowned for its architecture. A walk along the River Arno offers a spectacular view of the city’s old buildings, church spires, and a breathtaking mountain range on the horizon.

Marseilles, France

Along the Mediterranean coast near the mouth of the Rhone lies the lively port city of Marseilles in southern France. Its crowning jewel, Notre-Dame de la Gard Basilica, reaches high into the sky alerting visitors they have arrived. Once considered a dangerous and less savory city, Marseilles has grown into a cultural haven that combines the gritty with the grand.

Marseilles invites you to grab your sunglasses and a bicycle and seek local color in the streets. Pedal to Vieux Port, the city’s natural harbor, and take in the arts scene, shops, and a traditional Marseillaise lunch. You cannot pass up on the city’s classic bouillabaisse, a local favorite soup made with five different kinds of fish.

The vibrant Marche de la Joliette offers an abundance of authentic local wares and produce to give you the full French experience. Flowers and decorative plants grown locally add a delightful touch to the marketplace. From fresh fish to eggplants to clothing and accessories, the market surrounds you with the scents, sounds, and sights that make up life along the southern coast of France.

Le Panier neighborhood, the oldest district in Marseilles, offers the perfect way to get lost in the genuine culture of the city. Old alleys with stone stairs lead the way to colorful urban art along the building walls. Known as the arts’ district, Le Panier gives a grittier view of Marseilles that the truly adventurous will appreciate.

Barcelona, Spain

The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. The majestic spires of structures like La Sagrada Familia and the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus line the horizon with a reverent aura that will surely make you pause and admire them before entering to explore and discover their religious history.

Barcelona lies along the Mediterranean Sea between the rivers Llobregat and Besos, surrounded by the Serra de Collserola mountain range. The city creates a vibrant energy that combines the best of the past and present with historic sites and metropolitan constructs. Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona.

Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana you will find the Gothic Quarter, the city’s historic center. Its intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants makes it the perfect example of Spain bringing together its past and present. As you traverse the old stone paths between walls of textured brick you feel as though you have stepped through time.

The lively bustle of locals and visitors alike along the boardwalk of Barceloneta Beach invites you to join the party. Blue skies, sandy white shores, and lush palm trees make the perfect backdrop for a little sun and relaxation when you are ready to take it easy on your expedition.

Valencia, Spain

An exploration of Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia, will leave you in wide-eyed wonder. Its architecture, culture, and flavors amid sun and blue skies brings you pure energy and anticipation. This port city along the country’s southeastern coast lies along the point where the Mediterranean Sea and Turia River meet, making for a pleasant climate all year round.

Valencia holds the same charms of historical structures as more frequently visited cities in Spain, but with less crowds. A climb to the top of the 207-step bell tower of the 13th century Valencia Cathedral rewards you with a breathtaking view of the city that extends all the way to the countryside and the sparkling sea. Intricate carvings in neoclassical style adorn the path along the way.

Over in the City of Arts and Sciences, an expanse of 350,000 square meters of the old Turia riverbed, the many institutions invite you to come and play. The contemporary opera house shines with translucent mosaic tiles that combine past and present sensibilities to create a structure that feels more like it belongs in the future.

You will not want to miss out on Malvarrosa Beach, where fine golden sand against a backdrop of palm trees along the Paseo Maritimo promenade awaits you. Here, you can find a local restaurant serving up a traditional Valencia-style paella, a dish that entices the taste buds with its rich and savory flavors. Or just stroll along the path and feel the seaside breeze blow through your hair.

Malaga, Spain

This Spanish city of Malaga along the Mediterranean’s Costa del Sol combines the luxe cosmopolitan feel with the quiet sleepiness of local fishing villages. The birthplace of Picasso offers everything you want to see in arts, culture, and history. From castles and cathedrals to local wine and relaxing waterfronts, Malaga holds something for every traveler to discover and explore.

A dive into the past starts with the ruins of the Roman amphitheater. Its ancient stones create the path that leads to Alcazaba Castle, a Moorish fortress built in the 11th century. The walk from the theater to the castle provides a lush scenery of green palms, fragrant jasmine bushes, and verdant orange trees for a peaceful stroll that will make you forget time exists.

Plaza de la Merced provides the perfect backdrop to a lazy afternoon spent with a cup of coffee, taking in the sunshine. The vibrant purple hues of jacaranda trees that line the plaza make it feel like an eternal Spring you will never want to leave. Walk among the 19th century shops and restaurants to find the harmonious balance between past and present as you explore the famed artist Picasso’s neighborhood.

When the sun goes down, the party starts at Plaza de la Constitucion. Energy thrums through the city streets as the residents come out for a night of dancing, eating, or simply enjoying a quiet evening with a glass of wine. To delve into the mind of an artist, visit Picasso’s favorite bar Antigua Casa Guardia. Perhaps you too will find your muse.

Gibraltar, UK

Perched on the tip of the Iberian Peninsula between Europe and Africa lies the famous Rock of Gibraltar. A climb to the top of its height promises astonishing vistas of the cerulean Mediterranean Sea. Atop the promontory the 300 Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild-monkey population, greet you and await their feeding.

The Mediterranean Steps offer another option for a brisk, uphill hike with unparalleled views. Once a military path, the Steps now act as a pedestrian walkway for visitors that seek a challenging adventure that leads to rewarding panoramas.

Down in the Neolithic limestone caves of Gibraltar, where Europe’s Neanderthal ancestors once lived, stalactites and stalagmites tell the story of thousands of years of history. Among this system lies St. Michael’s Cave, where the residents of Gibraltar turned the natural formations into an event auditorium. The staging’s lights cast an ethereal glow against the rocks for a truly magnificent show.

Walking among the people of Gibraltar, you will find a cultural mix of Jewish, Moroccan, Maltese, Indian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Genoese. These multicultural influences can be found throughout the city in its monuments, art, architecture, and food.

Irish Town, formerly called Calle de Santa Anna when under Spanish rule, is one of the best commercial centers to get a taste of Gibraltar’s evolutions through history. Among the brick paved pedestrian streets, shops, and restaurants of modern day lie historic treasures like the Victorian police station.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers.

While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard to reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.

Atop of Lisbon’s seven hills you get an incomparable bird’s eye view. The sprawl of historical and modern complexes expands all the way to the waterfronts of where the Atlantic Ocean and River Tagus meet. The mountains lie so far in the distance it gives the impression that this city has no end.

Whether you dig into the local Portuguese favorite dish, bacalhau, or snack on a pastéis de Nata, an egg custard pastry that has been enjoyed for centuries, Lisbon delivers flavors that will send your palette to a whole new world. If you stop off in the streets of Bairro Alto, you can pop into a café for pastries, coffee, and good conversation with the locals.