Italy’s capital city has been for centuries the center of Western civilization, and is the seat of the Catholic Church. Rome is deeply historic, yet modern and cosmopolitan. As one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively unscathed, central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character. The Historic Center of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The historical center is dominated by the traditional “Seven hills of Rome”: the Capitoline, Palatine, Viminal, Quirinal, Esquiline, Caelian, and Aventine hills.
Experience the many treasures of Rome and the Vatican: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and more. The old city center contains over 200 palaces, 900 churches, eight of Rome’s major parks, the residence of the President of the Italian Republic, the houses of the Parliament, and many monuments. The old city also contains thousands of workshops, bars, and restaurants. Millions of tourists visit Rome annually, making it one of the most visited cities in the world.

Green and gorgeous, Corfu is probably the best known and most luscious of all the Ionian Islands. And, though ruled by Italian doges, Ottoman sultanates, and Napoleonic imperialists in previous lives, today’s Corfu is definitively Greek. On this beguiling isle that Homer dubbed a “beautiful and rich land,” you’ll find a charming mixture of wildflowers and cypress groves, vineyards, Venetian architecture, and herb-perfumed mountains. Here you can explore the medieval Palace of Phrourio, admire St. George’s Church with its 17th-century icons, or enjoy the solitude in a shady corner of Mon Repos park. Follow winding roads past groves of ancient gnarly olive trees, linger in the elegant Parisian arcade, or head northeast to Nisaki and Agni.

The Fortress City, Citta' Umilissima, "a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen." Valletta has many titles, all recalling its rich historical past. It is the "modern" city built by the Knights of St John; a masterpiece of the baroque; a European Art City; and a World Heritage City. But these are just some of its faces and fortunes. Valletta is also Malta's capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. Nowhere in Malta is the life of the Islands reflected more than here. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets house some of Europe's finest art works, churches, and palaces.

Valletta hosts a vast cultural program. Street events are staged against the city's magnificent baroque architecture and floodlit bastions. There is theater and music and all manner of things to see and do. The city is a delight to shop in: narrow side streets are full of tiny shops selling antiques, maps, books, prints, and jewelry. For top-quality fashion, music, and much more, try Valletta's main streets:Republic Street and Merchants Street.

Walking around Valletta, you'll come across an intriguing historical site around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains, and coats of arms high up on parapets. And when you need to stop and take it all in, the city yields up squares, courtyards, gardens, and any number of cafés, right on cue.

Palermo is located in the northwest of the island of Sicily, right by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Palermo was founded in the 20th century BC by Phoenician tradesmen. Palermo is widely considered to be one of the most conquered cities in the world.
Traces of Roman, Arab and Norman influences mix in Palermo, Sicily. Highlights included the Norman Palace with its golden Byzantine mosaics, and Quattro Canti, a small city square at the crossing of the ancient main roads. Palermo is also home to many churches, museums, and opera houses

Palma is the major city and port on the island of Mallorca and capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. It is situated on the south coast of the island on the Bay of Palma. The city is the summer home to the Spanish royals.

Among Palma’s lovely sights are the Gothic-style Bellver Castle, a 13-th century cathedral and the Almudaina Palace, once home to Mallorcan kings.

Barcelona is a lively mix of Catalan tradition and modern style. On tree-shaded Las Ramblas, the city’s main thoroughfare, shop for exquisite Lladro ceramics; visit Gaudi’s Church of the Holy Family; marvel at the genius of Picasso.

Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona and the Crown of Aragon. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is today an important cultural center and a major tourist destination and has a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several beaches, renowned architectural works (many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites), art museums, and entertainment venues.