Western Medley: Andalusia, Côte d’Azur & Malta

On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architecture—Gaudí and Picasso both called it home—and lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital's tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shops—some of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona's attractions: There's Gaudí's mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d'Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await.

Málaga, a sun-drenched jewel on Spain's Costa del Sol, beckons with a vibrant blend of history, culture and coastal allure.

Located on the River Clyde, Greenock is on the steep west coast of Scotland, offering spectacular views to the mountains beyond. From the looming Victorian tower in Cathcart Square to the McLean Museum and Art Gallery on Union Street, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Head to Craig's Top for magnificent views from the summit of Lyle Hill, or head to nearby Glasgow to view its fine cathedral and art galleries. Sample Shore excursions: Panoramic Scottish Lochs; Stirling Castle.

Tangier is Africa's whitewashed gateway to Europe and the Mediterranean. Wide palm-lined boulevards and humming souks are Tangier's distinctively Moroccan features, but Spanish, French and Berber characteristics are found everywhere: arched wooden doors, hefty silver ornamentations, tightly-woven carpets that tell tribal legends.

Nestled along the sun-drenched coast of Andalusia in southern Spain, Almería beckons with its unique blend of natural beauty, history and Mediterranean charm.

Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, Italy, is a captivating fusion of history, Mediterranean splendour and vibrant urban life.

Rome, the Eternal City, stands as an unparalleled testament to millennia of history, culture and influence.

Livorno, Italy's vibrant coastal city, welcomes travellers with its eclectic blend of history, culture and maritime charm.

Enjoy the scenic beauty and laid-back culture of the Cote d'Azur in idyllic Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Sète, often hailed as the Venice of Languedoc, is a charming port town in southern France, crisscrossed by a network of canals and bridges.

On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architecture—Gaudí and Picasso both called it home—and lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital's tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shops—some of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona's attractions: There's Gaudí's mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d'Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await.

Stroll Tunis' spirited medina where close-packed souks offer silver, perfumes, spices, carpets and other treasures at fire sale prices. Sharpen your haggling skills here—it's anticipated! At the edge of the Sahara, the Phoenician city at Carthage now lies in windswept ruins, but once was the glorious rival of Rome.

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a stunning jewel of the Mediterranean, renowned for its rich history, architectural elegance and vibrant culture.

Perched high on the cliffs of eastern Sicily, Taormina is a captivating gem that blends natural beauty with rich history and a touch of glamour.

Naples, a vibrant city in southern Italy, is a captivating blend of history, culture and Mediterranean charm.

Livorno, Italy's vibrant coastal city, welcomes travellers with its eclectic blend of history, culture and maritime charm.

Most famous as the birthplace of a diminutive, strong-willed local who went on to become known simply as Napoleon, the port of Ajaccio is Corsica’s small, walkable capital. The roots of this city on the island’s western coast are said to go back to another strong man, the Greek hero Ajax. Only 200 miles from its parent France, you might as well be in another country on Corsica, where everything from the food to the language is unique. Anchored by a magnificent citadel and a fine Baroque cathedral, Ajaccio is filled with pastel buildings whose wooden shutters keep out the Mediterranean sun, while its streets, plazas and statues are all marked by Napoleon’s aura. Dining and shopping along the palm tree–studded waterfront have been popular since the days of English travelers in the 19th century—activities that have once again marked daily life in the port since De Gaulle liberated the town and island in World War II. Ringed by craggy natural formations both on land and sea, as well as stunning sandy beaches, Ajaccio’s surroundings are easily explored on a drive along the windy Corniche or by heading inland to explore the rugged villages of the interior.

On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architecture—Gaudí and Picasso both called it home—and lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital's tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shops—some of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona's attractions: There's Gaudí's mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d'Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await.