14 Nights Europe

Travelers generally come to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim?some for the art inside, but many for the amazing building itself. The Fine Arts Museum and the Basque Museum may not have been designed by Frank Gehry, but are worth a visit, and you can catch international opera stars at the Palacio Euskalduna.

Perched on a rocky peninsula in Spains northwest, La Coruna is brimming with ancient Roman heritage and maritime history. Head to the Crystal City, located right near the harbor, and check out the galerias

The capital of Catalonia boasts the bustle of the world's busiest seaport, the medieval romance of its Gothic Quarter, and a feast of Catalan Art Nouveau buildings - including the great creations of Antonio Gaudí. The "Great Enchantress" remains one of the most exhilarating cities in Europe, decorated with the grandeur of Picasso, Miró and Dalí.

The small capital of Portugal is older than Rome - older, in fact, than any other western European capital. Pastel-colour houses line tiny, stepped alleys in old parts of town, while wide boulevards and mosaic cobblestone sidewalks highlight its grand 18th-century centre. The Alfama, an old Moorish quarter, retains its intricate, Arab-influenced layout.

The small capital of Portugal is older than Rome - older, in fact, than any other western European capital. Pastel-colour houses line tiny, stepped alleys in old parts of town, while wide boulevards and mosaic cobblestone sidewalks highlight its grand 18th-century centre. The Alfama, an old Moorish quarter, retains its intricate, Arab-influenced layout.

Portimao is a sailor's delight, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful conditions. Plenty of elite international competitions happen here, but you don't have to be a professional to set sail. Cruising the coast on the double-masted Santa Bernarda pirate ship is a family favorite. On dry land, you can wander the lovely Alvor boardwalk, enjoy a succulent seafood meal or zip around the go-kart track at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.

As the capital of Spain's Andalusia region, the energetic city of Seville stands tall at the banks of the Guadalquivir River. And like its rich flamenco legacy, this well-preserved city performs an elaborate dance between Moorish history and youth-infused street culture. A jovial spirit and intoxicating personality flow freely throughout its narrow streets, from Old Town's palaces to the tapas bars of Santa Cruz. Admire the lavish stylings of Plaza de España from a painted ceramic bench, or stroll through Maria Luisa Park's serene greenery. Stand in Spain's oldest bullring at the Bullfighting Museum? or breathe in citywide views from the top of Torre del Oro.

As the capital of Spain's Andalusia region, the energetic city of Seville stands tall at the banks of the Guadalquivir River. And like its rich flamenco legacy, this well-preserved city performs an elaborate dance between Moorish history and youth-infused street culture. A jovial spirit and intoxicating personality flow freely throughout its narrow streets, from Old Town's palaces to the tapas bars of Santa Cruz. Admire the lavish stylings of Plaza de España from a painted ceramic bench, or stroll through Maria Luisa Park's serene greenery. Stand in Spain's oldest bullring at the Bullfighting Museum? or breathe in citywide views from the top of Torre del Oro.

Almost entirely surrounded by water, this ancient Roman port has a history marked by conquest and destruction. Some of the city's 18th century walls still stand, and its medieval, if not dilapidated charm is evident in its crumbling Moorish structures.

Alicante's exceptional location between the mountains and the sea provides the city with a special kind of enrapturing beauty. Located in Spain's Valencia region, it is a lively town guarded by a 16th century fortress.

The capital of Catalonia boasts the bustle of the world's busiest seaport, the medieval romance of its Gothic Quarter, and a feast of Catalan Art Nouveau buildings - including the great creations of Antonio Gaudí. The "Great Enchantress" remains one of the most exhilarating cities in Europe, decorated with the grandeur of Picasso, Miró and Dalí.

The capital of the Spanish island of Menorca is best known for traditional Georgian buildings of its hilly old quarter and the mysterious 2,000-year old monoliths. It is also noted for inventing mayonnaise and gin, and for producing Spain's second most popular cheese.

This seaside resort town in the French Riviera is idyllically located aside the lovely blue waters of the Bay of St. Tropez. Local vineyards offer opportunities for tasting wine, while the centre square Place aux Herbes features unique stands and stalls for shopping.

Tuscany's second largest city has the aura of an authentic Mediterranean port and revels in its ancient maritime tradition. The Old Fortress, a grandiose five-sided complex built to protect the port, is one of the most important monuments dating back to the Medici dynasty.

The "Eternal City", with its 2,700 years of ancient history, is simply incomparable. Its formidable legacy is rooted in a plethora of masterpieces, including The Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, The Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza Novana.