Barcelona, Spain
There's nothing quite like Barcelona. Especially if you consider the architecture. The city lays claim to its very own form of Art Nouveau, known as Modernisme. The Sagrada Familia Basilica is perhaps the best example of this beautiful and interesting brand of architecture, with its bold color and beautiful tile-work. At the same time, many find the work at the Picasso Museum and the cathedrals of the Gothic Quarter equally inspiring.
Brussels, Belgium
Bordering the delta of the Scheldt, and the Maas and Rhine rivers, Zeebrugge could be one of the most unique seaports you visit in this lifetime. Zeebrugge is blessed with a picturesque network of canals and fields peppered with graceful windmills. Zeebrugge serves as a gateway port to the historic city of Brussels.
Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany
Located at the mouth of the Warnow River, Warnemünde is a charming old fishing town where they say your chances of catching a fish are just as good as your chances of catching a ride to historic Berlin.
Cork, Ireland
Strolling through the hilly streets of Cork, you'll find you can't escape the constant hum of music. It's actually the citizens of Cork. Widely regarded as the most talkative of all the Irish, Corkonians have a characteristic sing-songy cadence you'll find intoxicating as you cross over the many graceful bridges to arrive at the Butter Exchange of 1770.
Copenhagen, Denmark
When surrounded by a sea of blooming flowers in Tivoli Gardens or while admiring Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid statue, it's virtually impossible to find yourself in the capital of Denmark without a smile on your face.
Split, Croatia
Lined with palm trees, this Adriatic seaside town is also a cultural mecca. Within the walls of the Diocletian Palace, you’ll discover historical buildings, numerous museums, the National Theatre and a collection of old churches. Culture, beauty, natural wonder – Split has it all.
Gibraltar, United Kingdom
The great Rock of Gibraltar is a sight to behold, towering 1,400 feet above the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Home to the semi-wild and curiously tailless Barbary Apes, and St. Michael's cave - long believed to be bottomless - Gibraltar is the only link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
The extreme and varied micro-climates and vegetation are what have earned this lovely island, "The Small Continent." Here you will find mountains, desert land and tropical forests in amazingly close proximity; it's not at all rare to see mountain peaks of snow as you're basking in the sun on a beautiful beach.
Helsinki, Finland
Occupying a peninsula and several islands, Helsinki's unique location may be overshadowed by the capital city's stunning meld of old and new structures and some of the most spectacular bays you could hope to find. Strolling down broad, tree-lined streets, don't forget to take notice of the stunning neoclassically designed architecture in Senate Square.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote lies in the Atlantic only 60 miles from the coast of Africa. Experience this living museum of unique volcanic geological formations, connecting caves, underground grottoes, and the rare species found in them. Plus, the works and influence of César Manrique gives the island a unique artistic flavor.
Lisbon, Portugal
Also known as Lisboa to the native Portuguese, Lisbon has earned its title as capital of Portugal. See why this city reigns above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or if you choose, be lured off and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril. Madeira (funchal), Portugal.
Malaga, Spain
Málaga is the gateway to the Andalusian countryside and the Costa del Sol, where you can dig your toes in to the sand of some of the most impressive beaches. But this bustling town has more to offer than surf and sun. Málaga also boasts a number of impressive palaces, including the Moorish Alcabaza and Gibralfaro, as well as the majestic Alhambra Palace.
Palma De Mallorca, Spain
As you sail into port on this Balearic Island, bask the amazing view of the dramatic Gothic cathedral, La Seu, which took about 500 years to build. Here history and modernity melt together wrapped in the deep blue of the Mediterranean and its famous white-sand beaches.
Provence (Toulon), France
Just off the coastlines of the French Riviera, visitors can discover a bustling seaport in the city of Toulon. With sailboats filling nearby waters as they pass in and out of local docks, the city is home to a bevy of museums, historic sectors and nautical neighborhoods. It's a wonderful blend of energetic people and relaxing places for those who like to explore.
Seville (Cadiz), Spain
The charming old quarter in Cadiz makes it easy to see why the small town is frequented by Spaniards on holiday. Its intriguing ancient streets, delightful plazas and flower-filled balconies make exploring a must. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country's finest seafood and typical Andalucian cuisine.
Sicily (Messina), Italy
Located in northeastern Sicily, on the slopes of the Peloritani Mountains, Messina is an ancient place with a fascinating history. Walk by the ruins of the Santa Maria Alemanna church, built in 1220 by the Teutonic Knights. You'll also want to see the Duomo, a Romanesque and Norman cathedral that includes a display of artifacts in its treasury.
Southampton, England
Rich in maritime history, Southampton doesn't have to work hard to entertain you. Its attractions span the gamut of good restaurants and pubs to Conservation walks in the lush, open Common, taking in art that dates back six centuries and musical or theatrical performances.
St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg was reportedly built to resemble such western cities as London, Paris and Vienna. Although, once you see its regal palaces and many vast public squares, you'll agree there's nothing quite like this lovely city.
Stockholm, Sweden
No fewer than fifty bridges connect this Swedish capital's fourteen islands to its mainland. Undoubtedly, this was to ensure that the Swedes could enjoy every single inch of this magnificent city steeped in parks, museums, and palaces - the most famous being the 600-room Royal Palace.
Tallinn, Estonia
The Estonians may well have coined the phrase "If it isn't broken, don't fix it," as such is the case with the northern coastal town of Tallinn. It has remained remarkably unchanged since its founding in 1154, enabling visitors to enjoy architectural marvels of year past, like the soaring towers of Toompea Castle and the exquisite Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Lush forests, spectacular beaches, deserts, mountains - Tenerife's options will leave you in a quandary for how to spend your precious day. Take a cable car to the top of Mount Teide, a volcano which also happens to be the highest point in Spain and casts the largest shadow in the world.
Venice, Italy
One of the world's most beautiful cities also happens to be one of its most unusual. Venice is actually made up of over 120 islands in the Adriatic Sea. Because the city is connected by canals instead of streets, a good way to see Venice is on a romantic gondola ride. The epicenter of the city is St. Mark's Square, where you'll find the 900-year-old Basilica of St. Mark.