3 Nights Europe, Mediterranean

The capital of the Liguria province and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus lies on the northeastern coast of Italy. Once a powerful maritime state, it is now is a seaside resort that lay claim to fine 16th century palaces.

France's second largest city and largest port offers gorgeous coastline, the Provence sun and cosmopolitan charm. Remnants of its decorated 2,600-year history include a 19th-century basilica and cathedral and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde church. The city has several museums, including the Archaeology and Fine Arts museums.

Tarragona is a port city in northeastern Spain's Catalonia region. Many ancient ruins remain from its time as the Roman colony of Tarraco. The Amfiteatre Romà is a 2nd-century arena facing the Mediterranean, the Necropolis contains Roman tombs, and traces of the Forum stand among the alleys of the walled, medieval old Town. A walkway along the ramparts, the Passeig Arqueològic, has sweeping views of the city.

One of Spain's liveliest cities is known for its oranges, paella (a rice dish with chicken or seafood), and the fallas festival in March. More than just sun and sea, it features great museums and remains of Phoenicians, Greeks, Iberians and Romans.