MEDD

One of Europe's favorite playgrounds, Ibiza boasts more than 100 miles of coastline frosted with exquisite beaches. It's a hub of sun worship, white sand, beach bars and clubs that buzz all night. And there's history too. The fortified Old Town, known as Dalt Vila, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a spectacular example of Renaissance military architecture. Carrer del Calvari leads to Portal Nou, the entrance through the old city walls, and a walk up the hill reveals panoramic views of the city.

Medieval hilltop towns spread out across the undulating countryside where tall, slender cypresses march like sentinels past rolling vineyards. Iconic names like Chianti, Brunello and Vino Nobile are celebrated the world over, but the art and architecture of Tuscany may be the region’s biggest draw. Just a few hours from Livorno, you can visit Florence: the cradle of the Renaissance, beloved by great thinkers like Dante and Galileo, and utterly captivating.

The approach to Menorca reveals white houses clinging to rocks with a historic town rising above one of the world's largest natural harbors, used as a port since the 3rd century BC. King Island floats halfway in, featuring ruins of a 6th-century basilica. The streets of Menorca present an interesting blend of ancient treasures, such as the medieval wall of San Roque Arch and the relics in the Museu de Menorca, and more recent gems, including the grand Georgian homes that remain from the British occupation of the island. The city's rich history is also reflected in its varied cuisine.

Founded in 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest city in France and its third largest metropolitan area. A must-see is the 19th-century basilica, Notre Dame de la Garde, which sits at the highest point in the city. Also worth a visit is the water fountain at Palais Longchamp, built under the reign of Napoleon III. Marseille is considered the birthplace of bouillabaisse, so make time to stop for a bowl of this famous seafood stew in the Old Port.

Perhaps no port of call is better designed to welcome a luxury yacht than Monte Carlo, where some of the most splendid vessels in the world make their home. At this playground for the rich and famous, the only thing more spectacular than the yachts filling the harbor are the luxury cars driving the winding streets that host the annual Grand Prix. Verdant mountains ascend abruptly behind the lavish high-rises lining the bay, and perched on the cliff is the Palace of the Prince, where the Changing of the Guard attracts onlookers each morning at 11:55.

The capital of the Balearic Islands, beautiful Palma is famous for La Seu, the massive Cathedral of Santa Maria overlooking the bay. The adjacent Alumdaina Palace has been a royal residence since the 14th century, and the Gothic-style Bellver Castle houses the city's history museum. The Juan March Foundation Museum boasts a permanent collection of 70 works by the most important Spanish vanguard artists of the 20th century.

This postcard-perfect destination, with its pastel-colored houses encircling the port, may be one of the most photographed in all of Italy. If you can take your eyes off the scenery, there is much to explore in and around Portofino. The 12th-century Church of St. George and the medieval Castello Brown both afford spectacular views of the harbor. A long, scenic hike or a short boat ride takes you to the restored 11th-century abbey in San Fruttuoso. Northwest of Portofino lies Genoa, filled with museums, palaces and the grand Cathedral of San Lorenzo.