The buzzy port city of Rijeka is rooted in a rich, intricately layered history. Its present state bears the marks of centuries of Austrian, Hungarian, Serbian, and Italian influence. You'll get a sense of its multidimensionality by simply strolling its streets, which are punctuated with ornate historical monuments – from Roman ruins to medieval fortresses and remnants of the Habsburg Empire. On the famous Korzo, the distinctive yellow City Tower – a symbol of the city that once served as the entrance to the old town – looms above bustling shops and cafés. Keep ambling towards the Mrtvi Kanal to discover the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and its distinctive leaning bell tower. And be sure to visit the 13th-century Trsat Castle, which stands proudly above the city and offers sweeping vistas out across the Adriatic towards the distant island of Krk.

At the heart of the Dalmatian Coast sits Sibenik, the unsung alternative to well-trodden Croatian hotspots Dubrovnik and Split. With its winding cobblestoned streets, ornate Venetian architecture, and plethora of churches, this charming medieval city is just as lovely as its coastal cousins, but you won't have to compete with crowds to catch a glimpse of historical monuments. They include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites of St. James' Cathedral – the only cathedral in Europe built entirely from stone – and St Nicholas' Fortress – a stunning example of Renaissance architecture built in the 16th century to protect the city and its port. This is the perfect place to experience the art of fjaka, a Dalmatian philosophy that roughly translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing”. Park yourself at one of the city's many family-run konobas (traditional taverns) and linger over local wine and fresh seafood as you let the afternoon elapse.

Famous for its stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the nearby island of Capri, its vibrant cultural and culinary scene, and its convenient and beautiful location as a starting point for exploring the stunning Amalfi Coast, Sorrento surely has a lot to offer the happy traveler who finds themselves here. The views are legendary; the town's cliffside position offers spectacular vistas that have captivated visitors for centuries while the food is off the scale delicious. Sorrento's culinary offerings are a delightful journey through the flavors of the Amalfi Coast, where freshness and simplicity define the cuisine, allowing the region's high-quality ingredients - and culinary creative talent - to shine. If you can tear yourself away from the restaurants, cafes and gelatarias, then take a stroll through the pretty streets. Sorrento's history spans centuries of civilization and cultural influence, with origins tracing back to the ancient Greeks, and layers of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance influence wocen into the tapestry of daily life.

Many passengers use Civitavecchia as a stepping stone to the ancient wonders of Rome, which are a mere hour or so away by train or road. But with its pretty piazzas, strollable seafront promenade, and bustling open-air markets, the historic fishing port is a destination unto itself. Highlights include the impressive 16th-century Forte Michelangelo, built to defend the harbor from pirate raids; the mineral-rich Ficoncella Thermal Baths, beloved by locals and visitors alike; and the beautiful Baroque architecture of Cattedrale di San Francesco and Santa Maria dell'Orazione. Don't leave without sampling the fresh, local seafood, preferably washed down with a glass of crisp Frascati.

Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo made their marks of genius here. This cradle of the Renaissance owes its UNESCO status to the overwhelming influence the city and its museums, churches, architecture and artworks have had on Europe and, ultimately, the world. Vestiges of this enlightened period are everywhere today – at the Uffizi gallery, the Palazzos Pitta and Vecchio and throughout the city streets.

One of nature's miracles, the Cote d'Azur is blessed with superb natural beauty. This sun-drenched slope stretches some 60 miles westward from the border of the fairy-tale Kingdom of Monaco. And here in glamorous Cannes, where yachts dot the harbor and chic striped sunloungers line the beach, be sure to take some time to explore the designer bars and couture shops of La Croisette.

Marseille is France's oldest city and one of the Mediterranean's premier ports. Amid the big-city bustle, the old port is a quaint landscape of historic charm: colorful fishing boats sail past the imposing Fort Saint-Jean, narrow streets wander among ancient churches and cobbled squares, while the venerable Basilica overlooks the scene from the hilltop above.