Enjoy Italy, southern France, and Spain at an unhurried pace in exclusive off-season coastal haunts of reclusive celebrities, savvy travelers, and approachable locals. Stretch your overnight port stay at Livorno into an indulgent exploration of uncrowded iconic landmarks, intimate cafes, and inviting artisan shops in Florence, Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy quiet moments with unobstructed views of artistic works by Renaissance masters. Discover Genoa’s rich maritime heritage, stunning architecture, and convenient location to Milan.   Wander baroque architectural edifices in Marseille prior to a wine and cheese pairing in an ancient cellar.  Take in the expansive city views from Barcelona's iconic Montjuic Hill and stroll the imposing Gothic Quarter with its cavernous cathedral and Sant Maria del Mar Basilica. Take advantage of a two-day port stay in the Catalonian capital to browse shops on La Ramblas, ponder the vibrant local art scene, and graze the ample culinary opportunities for tasty tapas, seafood paella, decadent sangrias, and savory jamon hams.

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

France’s oldest city was named the 2013 European Capital of Culture by the European Union. Head in to the old heart of the city for a bowl of the city’s signature bouillabaisse, or drive into the Provençal countryside for a look at the timeless landscapes that inspired Cézanne and other greats.

With its flower-lined streets, flourishing markets, and interesting museums (the Musée Chagall and Musée Matisse are highlights), Nice is a charming introduction to the spirit of the Riviera. Pull up a chaise bleu on the wide sunny Promenade des Anglais and watch the world sail by. Or stop for bouillabaisse, a specialty of the area, in a local restaurant. 

Nestled along Italy’s northwest coast, Genoa is brimming with rich maritime history, vibrant culture, and architectural elegance. It is famous for its many examples of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture as well as its multiple luxurious palaces.  From its stunning medieval old town to its vibrant contemporary art scene, Genoa offers a captivating blend of the past and the present, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its enchanting atmosphere and explore its diverse cultural offerings. As the birthplace of pesto, Genoa has an active food scene and is home to many food markets worth exploring.

Known for its amazing seafood, modern harbor, Renaissance-era architecture and lovely Tuscany countryside, Livorno is the gateway to both Florence and Pisa, not to mention the numerous wineries full of delicious wines to tempt your palate. Stroll the waterside promenade or take a canal ride in the Venezia Nuova quarter.

Known for its amazing seafood, modern harbor, Renaissance-era architecture and lovely Tuscany countryside, Livorno is the gateway to both Florence and Pisa, not to mention the numerous wineries full of delicious wines to tempt your palate. Stroll the waterside promenade or take a canal ride in the Venezia Nuova quarter.

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history.  A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.