7-Day Spain, France & Italy

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city’s Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square’s perimeter.

Sanary-sur-Mer is a picturesque port town on the French Riviera, nestled between Toulon and Marseille, known for its authentic Provençal charm and colorful harbor. It is primarily a port of call for Mediterranean cruises, rather than a departure point for multi-day itineraries.

Attractions:

Sanary-sur-Mer Town ExplorationThe town is a hidden village offering a respite from the hustle of larger cities. Ships often anchor offshore and passengers take a tender into the tiny harbor.

• Harbor and Boats: The heart of the town is the harbor, lined with palm trees and brightly painted pointus, traditional wooden fishing boats still used by local fishermen to bring in the daily catch.

• Historical Sites: Visitors can explore the Tour Romane (a 13th-century watchtower used for art exhibitions and panoramic views) and the 16th-century Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié, which offers broad views over Sanary’s bay.

• Shopping and Markets: Wander the pedestrian-only streets for small galleries, arts and crafts workshops, fashionable boutiques, and the daily Provençal market (except Mondays), which features local wines, produce, olive oil, and textiles.

• Culture: The town has small museums dedicated to Jacques Cousteau, who developed deep-sea diving equipment in the area, and it was a place of exile for German writers and artists like Thomas Mann and Bertolt Brecht in the 1930s.

Calvi, Corsica's slice of the Riviera, has been described by author Dorothy Carrington as "an oasis of pleasure on an otherwise austere island." Calvi prospered by supplying products to Genoa; its citizens remained loyal supporters of Genoa long after the rest of the island declared independence. Calvi also claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. During the 18th century the town endured assaults from Corsican nationalists, including celebrated patriot Pasquale Paoli. Today Calvi sees a summertime invasion of tourists, drawn to the 6-km (4-mile) stretch of sandy white beach, impressive citadel overlooking the Old Town, lively restaurants, and buzzing nightlife.

Amid the resorts of Sardinia's northeastern coast, Olbia, a town of about 60,000, is a lively little seaport and port of call for mainland ferries at the head of a long, wide bay.San SimplicioOlbia's little Catholic basilica, a short walk behind the main Corso Umberto and past the train station, is worth searching out if you have any spare time in Olbia. The simple granite structure dates from the 11th century, part of the great Pisan church-building program, using pillars and columns recycled from Roman buildings. The basilica has a bare, somewhat somber interior, its three naves separated by a series of arches.

A summer escape for Rome's historic elite, the stacked waterfront of Porto Santo Stefano is a secluded taste of idyllic southern Tuscany. Physically closer to Rome than Florence, the city is strung to Italy's western coast by two sandy harnesses and sits on the unique peninsula of Monte Argentario - which was once an island. Flamboyant pink flamingos and herons stroll through the encased lagoon, while Porto Santo Stefano's waterfront hums with clinking cafes and strolling visitors. The luxury yachts in the harbor show that Porto Santo Stefano has lost none of its luxury appeals, and with beaches, wild hikes, and waterfront beauty, it continues to lure visitors to this secluded escape. Known for its fishing and cuisine - which is based on heavy use of the Tyrrhenian Sea's juicy bounty. Stroll to Piazza dei Rioni for a dripping lemon gelato, or wander the streets noticing the lingering World War II damage - the city was heavily bombed during the conflict. Fortunately, the historic, star-shaped, Spanish fort was spared, and it still watches out resolutely over the waters. Built during the Napoleonic Wars, it fortified the exposed town against pirate raids and offers beautiful views over the old town's terracotta roofs. Rugged coastline falls to secluded beaches, with a wilder, unkempt charm. Sail the coves - seeing cascading olive groves - or island hop to Giglio and Giannuti, which lie 12 miles from shore, and can be seen from the monastery-topped Argentario Mountain. On the other side of the promontory, you'll find Porto Ercole - where the lifeless body of the Old Master, Caravaggio, was discovered.

For centuries, Rome ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. More than 2,500 years of history live in the city’s streets. Ancient structures recall those heady days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance at the Pantheon. Along with the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world’s greatest repositories of history and civilization.