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Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.

The Amalfi Coast has been called the greatest meeting of land and sea on earth. Situated in the Campania region between Sorrento and Salerno, Amalfi and Positano are the two main towns on the world-famous Amalfi Drive - renowned as the most scenic and romantic road in Italy. The road is carved into the side of rocky cliffs plunging into the sparkling sea. Erosion has sculpted the rocky slopes into gargoyle shapes and hollowed out fairy grottoes where the air is tinted turquoise by the glowing blue water below. During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was an independent maritime state with a population of 50,000. The ship compass was invented here in 1302. Approximately 10 miles away from Amalfi is the village of Ravello. An enchanting village with wonderful views and quiet lanes, Ravello boasts romantic gardens surrounding medieval ruins, affording magnificent views of the entire Bay of Salerno.

Lipari is the largest of the seven major islands making up the Aeolian Islands. They were originally named after Aeolus, the mythical god of wind who the ancients believed made his home in a cave here. Recently renamed the Lipari Islands, they were created by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago and have a primitive rocky beauty accented by Mediterranean greenery. Their natural beauty and easy lifestyle have made the islands increasingly popular for those who wish to escape the modern world and its stresses. The crystal clear aqua-blue waters and the volcanic beaches are some of the most inviting in Italy. Many are inaccessible except by fishermens' boats. An abundance of fish and shell fish makes for some very good restaurants specializing in seafood.

A port not often visited by cruise ships, being more accustomed to welcoming fishing boats and private yachts. Malta’s smaller sister-isle has a lot of charm to offer. Villages such as Mgarr all boast tall, elaborately carved churches, the result of a combination of fine-grained, easily carved stone, time, and stonemasons whose skill is matched only by their religious devotion. The city of Victoria was so named to honor the British queen’s Diamond jubilee.

Occupied successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, French and British, Malta has been of strategic importance throughout history. A British Crown Colony until 1964, Malta received the George Cross for its valiant resistance to German occupation in WWII. The island's rich heritage is reflected in the architecture of Valletta, the current capital, and Medina, the capital until 1565. In Valletta the Knights of St. John built such masterpieces as St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Masters, along with the fortifications that guard the town's magnificent harbors.

Bright stone buildings, Phoenician fortifications and centuries of monuments - these are just a few of Trapani's delights. The scythe-shaped town extends out to sea with Mount Erice towering above and the Tower of Ligny, a majestic landmark. Under Arab rule, Trapani was a thriving port for the production of salt, tuna, and coral. The city became famous in the 16th century for the beautiful pieces produced by Trapanese coral artisans. A lovely collection of their work can be seen in the Pepoli Museum.

Tunis is the capital city of Tunisia, located on the Mediterranean coast in North Africa. It is a vibrant, historical city known for its mix of modern and ancient architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Medina of Tunis. The city is also home to important cultural institutions and a bustling market scene, with traditional souks and cafes.

Tunisia, the country itself, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It boasts a diverse landscape, from Mediterranean beaches to the Sahara Desert. Tunisia has a history dating back to ancient Carthage and is home to several archaeological sites, such as the ruins of Carthage, the ancient city of Dougga, and the El Djem amphitheater. Tunisia has a mix of Arab, Berber, and French influences, reflecting its complex past and vibrant present.

The charming harbor of La Ciotat is on the Cote d’Azur midway between Marseille and Toulon. It is in some ways archetypical of the Riviera. If one thinks of Cannes and St. Tropez in relation to cinema, then La Ciotat predates their notoriety, for it was here that the Lumière Brothers, summer residents, filmed the arrival of a locomotive at the local station in 1895, which became the first commercially displayed cinema in history. They filmed several other pioneer films here, and also created the first color photographs in La Ciotat. Not to be outdone, Jules Le Noir invented the quintessential Rivera boules game pétanque here in 1910. Learn all about it in the local Musée Ciotaden.

The port town of Rosas is as pretty as the flower for which it is named, set on a turquoise bay along Spain’s sunny Costa Brava. Ancient Greeks first settled here in the 4th century BC, followed by the Romans; the unique archaeological site of Empúries, about an hour’s drive from port, comprises dual cities where the two peoples peacefully co-existed for hundreds of years. Rosas’s former glory is still evinced in its 16th-century Trinitat Castle set above the harbor’s entrance and portions of Visigoth fortification walls. The city’s real appeal, however, are her beaches, with long stretches of fine golden sands and plenty of small, pebbly coves that are great for snorkeling. Life here today centers around the fishing port; check out its buzzy fish market for a taste of the local culture. Surrounding the town are plentiful vineyards and olive groves, best admired along numerous hiking trails through the Catalan countryside. 

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.