It's a land of dreams. Of castles and castanets. Crusaders and conquerors. Where gnarled olive trees reach towards a brilliant sun and powder sand beaches are spun upon a never-ending coastline. It's the seven hills of Lisbon, where each relates a fascinating tale of Moorish invaders, Spanish raiders and Portuguese princes. Nothing stirs the imagination like the Mediterranean. Echoes of past glories are everywhere from the Colosseum in Rome to the ruins of Athens, Pompeii and Ephesus. In Venice, Barcelona and Istanbul, enjoy sightseeing and shopping. And Florence, Capri and Monte Carlo are jewels no true romantic should miss. How can you possibly resist?

Many of Europe's most legendary (and most beautiful) locales dot the Mediterranean's sunny shorelines. Home to cozy, cobblestone villages and ancient cities that changed the course of world history, each iconic destination is as close as your ship's tender. Explore the exotic seascapes of the Eastern Mediterranean, where whitewashed buildings and the grand bazaars of Egypt, Greece, Turkey, and Croatia beckon. In the colorful countries that comprise the Western Mediterranean - including France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain - you'll encounter medieval castles sprawled high on harbor cliffs and the posh playgrounds of the rich and famous.