18-Day Spain, Italy & Greek Isles

Barcelona is the city where Roman history, Gothic grandeur, and Gaudí's delirious Modernisme collide in a Mediterranean coastal capital of astonishing energy and beauty. The Sagrada Família — still under construction after 140 years — continues its audacious ascent toward completion, while the Gothic Quarter's Roman-era foundations and the Passeig de Gràcia's extraordinary concentration of Modernisme masterpieces reward days of exploration. For a complete sensory experience, lose an afternoon in the covered labyrinth of La Boqueria market before descending to the waterfront for Catalan seafood at its finest. May through June and September through October offer the most pleasant weather; the city connects directly to Paris by overnight train.

Málaga distils three thousand years of Mediterranean civilisation into one of Andalusia's most compelling port cities, where the Moorish Alcazaba fortress surveys a modern waterfront of elegant promenades and sun-drenched café terraces. Do not leave without visiting the Museo Picasso — the artist was born here in 1881 — and ascending to the ruined Castillo de Gibralfaro for panoramic views stretching to the Rif Mountains of Morocco on clear days. Malagueta anchovies fried in olive oil and the sweet Pedro Ximénez-laced dessert wine are the city's defining pleasures. The shoulder seasons of April, May, and October offer perfect Mediterranean warmth.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory perched at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic beneath an iconic limestone monolith steeped in over a millennium of contested history. No visit is complete without ascending the Rock to encounter the Barbary macaques and the panoramic views stretching to North Africa, followed by a plate of calentita — the territory's beloved Genoese-heritage chickpea bake — at a Main Street bakery. The mild Mediterranean climate makes Gibraltar a rewarding port call year-round, though spring and early autumn offer the clearest skies for spotting whales and dolphins in the Strait.

Tangier is Morocco's storied gateway between Africa and Europe, a city of Phoenician origins where a whitewashed medina, vibrant souks, and a cosmopolitan waterfront converge at the Strait of Gibraltar. Visitors should not miss savouring traditional pastilla in a rooftop riad and exploring the Kasbah's amber-lit ramparts at sunset. The ideal season to arrive is April through June or September through October, when mild Mediterranean temperatures and fewer crowds allow the city's layered beauty to reveal itself at an unhurried, luxurious pace.

Almeria, Spain is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Azamara. Must-do experiences include walking the historic center to experience the layered architectural heritage, and seeking out the regional culinary traditions at a locally favored establishment away from the port area. The optimal time to visit is May through September, when mild temperatures and long days favor unhurried exploration.

Cagliari, Sardinia's sun-drenched capital overlooking the Gulf of Angels, has absorbed three thousand years of Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, Pisan, and Spanish ambitions into a layered and deeply compelling Mediterranean city — where the flamingo-fringed salt lagoons stretching to the city's western edge create one of Europe's most surreal urban vistas. The Castello quarter's medieval ramparts enclose a cathedral, Pisan towers, and panoramic terraces that survey the entire city and coastline, while the Marina district below offers some of the finest bottarga pasta and fresh tuna in Italy. Visit May through September for beach perfection; the prehistoric Nuraghe Su Nuraxi at Barumini, a UNESCO Wonder, is an hour's drive north.

Rome's ancient maritime gateway since the Emperor Trajan commissioned its harbour in 106 AD, Civitavecchia is the natural prologue to the Eternal City — just seventy minutes southeast by express rail. The port's Renaissance fortress, designed in part by Michelangelo, anchors a working waterfront that has welcomed travellers for millennia. Beyond Rome's unmissable monuments, consider an afternoon in the Civitavecchia thermal baths, drawing on mineral waters prized since antiquity. Spring and autumn offer the ideal balance of mild weather and manageable crowds for exploring the capital's layered history.

Purpose-built as a Medici utopia in the late sixteenth century, Livorno was conceived from the outset as a city without discrimination — its founding Leggi Livornine granted equal rights to Jews, Christians, Muslims, and merchants of every nation, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Renaissance Europe. Today, the Venetian-style canals of the Venezia Nuova quarter reflect colourful palazzi with a distinctly faded glamour, while the Mercato Centrale's fish counters display the cacciucco ingredients — a robust Livornese brodetto of five sea creatures — that make this port city a pilgrimage for serious eaters. Day trips to Pisa and Lucca are effortless from here. The season runs April through October.

Ajaccio, the vibrant capital of Corsica, enchants visitors with its rich history as Napoleon's birthplace and its stunning coastal views. Don't miss trying local delicacies like figatellu and brocciu, and explore the nearby picturesque villages. The best season to visit is during the mild spring or fall months, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer.

Founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC, Marseille is France's oldest and most viscerally alive city — a Mediterranean port where the catch is still sold from fishing boat decks at the Vieux-Port each morning beneath the golden Madonna of Notre-Dame de la Garde, gleaming on her basilica above the city. The bouillabaisse served at harbourside institutions such as Chez Fonfon is not merely a dish but a rite, its saffron-stained broth tying Marseille to its Hellenic roots. Explore the dramatic Calanques national park, a coastal labyrinth of turquoise coves just south of the city. Spring and autumn are the finest seasons.

Barcelona is the city where Roman history, Gothic grandeur, and Gaudí's delirious Modernisme collide in a Mediterranean coastal capital of astonishing energy and beauty. The Sagrada Família — still under construction after 140 years — continues its audacious ascent toward completion, while the Gothic Quarter's Roman-era foundations and the Passeig de Gràcia's extraordinary concentration of Modernisme masterpieces reward days of exploration. For a complete sensory experience, lose an afternoon in the covered labyrinth of La Boqueria market before descending to the waterfront for Catalan seafood at its finest. May through June and September through October offer the most pleasant weather; the city connects directly to Paris by overnight train.

Chania, a historic port city on Crete, captivates visitors with its stunning Venetian Harbor, rich culinary traditions, and a blend of architectural styles. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes like dakos and exploring the vibrant Agora market. The best time to visit is during spring or early autumn when the weather is pleasant and the atmosphere is lively.

Mykonos is the Aegean at its most seductive — a labyrinth of bougainvillea-draped whitewashed alleys designed to disorient pirates (and occasionally visitors) leading to Kástro, the medieval hilltop quarter overlooking Little Venice, where balconied houses hang directly above the sea. The island's famous windmills, perched on a ridge above the old harbour, are best photographed at golden hour as pelicans patrol the waterfront below. Visit the sacred archaeological island of Delos — a 30-minute boat crossing — for one of the most significant ancient sites in the Greek world. May, June, and September offer the perfect balance of warmth, light, and bearable crowds.

Kuşadası owes its place on the world's cruise itineraries to one extraordinary proximity: the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the greatest metropolises of the Greco-Roman world, lies just seventeen kilometres from the port. Ephesus — with its two-kilometre marble colonnade, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) — demands at least half a day of unhurried exploration. The House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years, adds a profound spiritual dimension. Kuşadası itself is a lively Aegean resort; the season runs April through October, with May and September offering ideal temperatures and smaller crowds.

Piraeus, the bustling port city of Athens, is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern charm, inviting travelers to explore its rich culture. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional Greek dishes at the Varvakeios Agora and embarking on day trips to nearby islands like Symi and Nydri. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are fewer.