Mediterranean Coastal Journey

Barcelona is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene. Barcelona's architectural treasures span 2,000-plus years. Towering temple columns, ancient city walls and subterranean stone corridors provide a window into Roman-era Barcino. Fast forward a thousand years to the Middle Ages by taking a stroll through the shadowy lanes of the Gothic quarter, past tranquil plazas and soaring 14th-century cathedrals. In other parts of town bloom the sculptural masterpieces of Modernisme, a mix of ingenious and whimsical creations by Gaudí and his Catalan architectural contemporaries for which this city is so well known. Barcelona has also long-inspired artists, including the likes of Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, whose works are in bold display in the city's myriad museums.

Parc Guell is a park located on Carmel Hill in Barcelona, Spain. It is comprised of gardens and other architectural elements. The park was designed between 1900 and 1914, and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. Designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí, Parc Guell is famous for its intricate stone structures, fascinating buildings and stunning tiling. The focal point of the park in the main terrace, which overlooks the city. This terrace features a long bench in the form of a sea serpent, and the wall of the back of the bench is made up of intricate tile work.

The abundant springs that supply the "City of a Thousand Fountains" have given this unofficial capital of the Provence its name. Aix-en-Provence is excellently located between the Mediterranean, the French Riviera, and the Languedoc-Rousillon region. It has been the seat of a University for 600 years and continues to be a center of learning for the study of Law. The city retains a certain distinction due to its cultural life and its handsome 12th and 18th century mansions as well as Roman ruins and its medieval cathedral. Thermal baths, a picturesque fresh produce market and the lively artisanal craft and wares market highlight the city's many attractions.

The "Côte d'Azur" is that portion of the Mediterranean coast in southeastern France that extends from Menton in the north to Hyères in the south. The region is dotted with both large cosmopolitan centers like Nice, Antibes, and Cannes and smaller towns and villages lining the coast as well as straddling on precarious peaks and hilltops. The region is renowned for its glitzy towns and beaches where the rich and famous both play and hideout. The Alpilles shield the region from inclement weather giving the area mild temperatures year-round.

At 370 acres, or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second- smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairytale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace, as well as the cathedral, the final resting place of the principality's monarchs.

Located in the center of the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a small fishing village turned playground for the rich and famous. The village is situated facing the sea and its small protected harbor. The village’s many colorful buildings boast many small cafes and designer boutiques.

Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).

San Gimignano is a picturesque hill town in the central part of Tuscany. The town developed great wealth in the middle ages and was home to 70 plus medieval towers. Today, only a handful of the towers are still intact, but at least one is open to the public. The hilltop location allows for beautiful panoramic views over the Tuscan Countryside. The town is also home to shops that sell a variety of Tuscan goods from pottery to wine, cheese and wild boar salami.