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Rome, the capital, and largest city of Italy, is full of unending possibilities. It can be reached from the port of Civitavecchia in approximately ninety minutes either by train or coach. Rome greets visitors with a multitude of faces, such as the Ancient City with ruins like: the Colosseum; the seven hills; the Roman Forum; and the Sacred Way, the path used for triumphal processions. Read more about Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Livorno is the third largest port on the west coast of Italy, and is well known for supporting cruise ship tourism to Florence, the Tower of Pisa, the hill towns of Tuscany, Cinque Terre with its enchanting villages, and the Chianti wine region, generally with time allowed for visiting some famous outlet stores of famous fashion houses. However the port of Livorno itself has a lot to offer visitors. Criss-crossed by Medicean canals that are still navigable, and with its port overlooked by towers and fortresses, this well-planned city is most appealing. Read more about Livorno, Italy

The picturesque and elegant French city of Cannes, situated on the French Riviera, is possibly best known for its famous annual Film Festival, though it is also known for some beautiful beaches, glamorous yachts, a variety of luxury shops, and restaurants. Cannes is a most cosmopolitan town, and visitors are hard pressed to find a genuine native, as many attracted to the Côte d'Azur have chosen to make it their home. Not surprisingly, restaurants have international cuisines, including the traditional gastronomic delights. Read more about Cannes, France

The seaside resort town of Saint-Tropez that lies 104 km to the east of Marseille in SE France is very popular with tourists. Set on the lovely blue water of the Bay of Saint-Tropez, this modern version of a medieval town is distinguished by the line of yachts along the quay, the promenade, and the famous terrace cafes. Behind the cafes, the small streets and old buildings comprising sunset-hued pink, orange and deep red townhouses are picturesque, but they're possibly more popular for the multitude of shops and restaurants than their historical significance. Read more about St Tropez, France

Toulon is a French city that borders the Mediterranean in the SE of Provence. Better known as France’s main naval base than a cruise port, there are some excellent beaches a short drive along the coast, and many visit the beautiful and often dramatic Provencal countryside, while others prefer to drive east to the French Riviera resorts. Bobbing sailing boats dot its busy harbour where French warships also constantly come and go. Read more about Toulon, France

Palma de Mallorca is the major city and port on the Mediterranean island of Majorca, 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, and almost half of the total population of Majorca live there. Visitors are spellbound by its blue waters, white beaches, lush foliage (almost 40 percent of the island is protected countryside), and 300 days of sunshine each year. Read more about Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Barcelona, located in Catalonia Spain, is Europe's largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast, and one of the world’s major global cities. Today, Barcelona balances itself on the cutting edge of architecture, intellectual life, and style. Indeed Barcelona won the 1999 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for its architecture, the first time that the winner has been a city, and not an individual architect. Read more about Barcelona, Spain