Founded by Carthaginians circa 220 BC, Cartagena has one of the world's oldest naval bases and a wealth of Roman archaeology. The 1st-century Roman theater was only unearthed a few decades ago, and discoveries are ongoing, including an entire town block dating to Roman times called the Barrio del Foro Romano. Likewise of interest are the Casa de la Fortuna – a house with Roman murals, mosaics and excavated objects – and the Punic Wall Interpretation Center displaying remains of a 3rd century defensive wall.

A narrow inlet lined with towering limestone cliffs, the approach to Bonifacio on the French island of Corsica is breathtaking. Napoleon Bonaparte was born here a year after the island transferred to the French from the Genoese, who established the town in the 12th century. Italian influence remains strong to this day. Connected by a staircase built into the cliffs in the 15th century, the town consists of the Lower Town near the port and the Upper Town, where the 9th-century citadel dominates.

Barcelona is a true global city of breathtaking architecture, countless world-class museums, bustling markets, colorful parks and high-end fashion. This town is big but perfectly discoverable on foot. Imposing Montjuïc Castle is a good starting point for a stunning panorama of the city, and the renowned Joan Miró museum and Catalonian national art museum are also in the area. One might fill an entire day strolling amidst the 12th- and 13th-century architecture of the Gothic Quarter and then checking out the extensive collection of the Museu Picasso.

It’s not surprising that Graham Greene, Max Ernst and Pablo Picasso loved Antibes. What better place for creative inspiration than this spectacular setting on the Côte d’Azur? Half of the world’s biggest yachts anchor for at least part of the year at “Billionaires’ Quay,” where the sound of summer is the clink of champagne flutes. But celebrity sighting isn't the only draw. The Grimaldi Castle is the home of the famous Picasso Museum, which includes many works donated by the artist himself, including his famous La Joie de Vivre.

Located east of Marseille on the southern coast of France, Cassis is a quaint Mediterranean fishing village that has become a popular destination thanks to its lovely beaches and the nearby Calanques, narrow coastal inlets framed by scenic limestone cliffs. Hikers can take the well-marked trails to Cap Canaille, a rocky headland with panoramic sea views. In town visitors will find narrow streets bordered by the colorful homes of local fishermen. Numerous restaurants and sidewalk cafés offer the wonderfully fresh catch of the day.

Tall hotels rise up from the golden beaches in Málaga, the historic enclave on the Costa del Sol. While the Mediterranean bathes its coastline, Málaga's mountains back the city to form a cocoon that ensures mild weather. Málaga is among the world's oldest cities, founded 2,800 years ago and settled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Visigoths and Christians. Looming over the skyline are the citadels Alcazaba and Castle of Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. Málaga was revitalized in recent years, now featuring some 30 museums and an edgy urban art community.

A diamond center, a magnet for fashionistas, a European cultural hub and mecca for brewmeisters – Antwerp is a multifaceted jewel. Meet the Rubens, van Dycks and van Eycks that fill its world-class museums. Admire the two oldest printing presses in the world at the sublime Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through one of the world’s most beautiful train stations and down the nave of the Antwerp Cathedral, where religious paintings by Rubens and other Flemish masters are on display.

Perhaps no single edifice has had more impact on a city than the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao. Designed by renowned architect Franck Gehry and opened in 1997, the massive, billowing, titanium-clad structure reflects the city’s revitalized relationship with the river that runs through it, and the modern collection within the museum is as impressive as the exterior. Other worthwhile museums include the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Euskal Museoa, devoted to Basque culture.

Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a handsome 18th-century city with stately buildings, broad avenues and historic public squares. Highlights include the majestic gate known as Porte de Bourgogne, the stained glass windows of Bordeaux Cathedral, the 12th-century Romanesque basilica and the impressive Hôtel de Ville, or City Hall. But no visit to Bordeaux is complete without an acknowledgment of what makes this region of France known worldwide – wine! Wine lovers everywhere will recognize appellations such as Pauillac, St. Emilion, Margaux and Sauternes.

Scotland’s capital is a city of handsome Georgian buildings, many architectural highlights and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The first is Edinburgh Castle and the medieval Royal Mile, Scotland’s most visited site. Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town are also part of this designation. Perched on an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle affords unrivaled views of the city, and its Esplanade is where the spectacle of the Royal Military Tattoo takes place every August as part of the Edinburgh Festival.