Take a veritable journey through time as you stroll past the Colosseum, custodian of almost 2000 years of history, to the elegant streets of Rome which are home to the top names in fashion.

Port cities quite like Marseille are few and far between. Youll find the energetic, lively and ever changing Marseille combines an alluring historic past with brisk, modern and industrious present. France’s second-largest city, Marseille’s was named a European Capital of Culture in 2013, and has since undergone much development and rejuvenation. It is a fantastic city to explore.

For art lovers, Villefranche is your gateway to museums displaying the works of Matisse and Chagal. From this picturesque port on the French Riviera, indulge in a day trip to fabulous Monte Carlo.

If you are beginning or ending your cruise in Genoa, consider leaving some time for shopping in Milan. Perhaps you wish to extend your stay at a fine hotel in Rome or Venice.

Tucked into the Ligurian coastline between the cities of Genoa and Pisa, the charming and atmospheric La Spezia is one of Italy’s most important commercial harbours and home to its largest naval base. La Spezia is also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre, a collection of five fantasy-like coastal villages perched immaculately on the contours of the coastline.

Take a veritable journey through time as you stroll past the Colosseum, custodian of almost 2000 years of history, to the elegant streets of Rome which are home to the top names in fashion.

Just breathe in the air, soak up the sights and allow yourself to be awed by this truly magical city. With red tiled roofs, tiny shops and magnificent architecture, Florence is the romantic capital of Italy.

Toulon sits on the sun-kissed Côte d’Azur, almost exactly between Marseille and St Tropez. From here, seek out chic beaches and Provençal landscapes of dry stone walls and swathes of lilac lavender. Toulon has associations with the French Navy that can be traced back to 1494 when Charles VIII established a naval shipyard here in the embrace of its natural harbour. It remains the home port of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier; models of this and ships throughout the ages can be found at the National Naval Museum, which was founded a century ago. Against today’s harbour backdrop of colourful fishing boats, sleek yachts and larger vessels you can still find the historic docks and workshops of Porte de lArsenal that have been here

Here on the French Riviera, Cannes is prized for its brilliant beaches, chic boutiques and the elegant nightspots around the La Croisette promenade. A climate that sees 12 hours of sun during summer. Visit the Palais des Festivals, a focal point for the annual throng of film stars, or the nearby La Malmaison hotel, a marvellous 19th-century mansion that welcomes passing visitors to explore.

Valencia is an exhilarating mix of history, art and intellectual activity. Brave the 200 steps up to the summit of the amphitheatre, for a giddying panorama of orange rooftops and blue-domed churches. Valencia’s rich Hispanic culture is visible everywhere in the city’s architecture, often reflecting Roman, Visigoth, Moorish, and Aragonese traditions.

Glimpse Barcelonas remarkable architecture as you tour the city. Or experience Monsterrat, legendary home of the Knights of the Holy Grail. Theres also a host of art galleries, museums and elegant shops to explore.