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Description
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In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers, Internet cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history. A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.
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Arriving by sea, you can see the imposing Medici fortifications built in the 15th century to protect the town from the pirate attacks of Barbarossa and his ilk. Once in the horseshoe-shaped bay, the views out to sea are just as arresting, as the old Roman villas built facing the water can attest. Later on, Napoleon chose the island for his exile because of its sublime climate and the “gentle manners of the islanders.” Although he only stayed for nine months, his legacy is everywhere. Visit the Museum Villa del Mulini where he lived for part of his stay. Wander the attractive old town and the home Victor Hugo and Napoleon shared at different times. Head to one of the 150-odd white pebble beaches, perhaps Spiaggia Paolina where Napoleon’s sister Pauline liked to bathe.
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While perhaps not as well-known as Cannes or Monte Carlo, Portofino draws celebrities with its scenic charms and aura of romance. Tall, skinny buildings stand shoulder-to-shoulder along the shore, painted in soothing Tuscan colors. Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor here (was it the first time? the second?) in a restaurant overlooking the bay. Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Ernest Hemingway, Frank Sinatra, and Brigitte Bardot also chose Portofino as their perfect hideaway. And what’s not to love? Climb the hill for a look at the 16th-century Castle Brown and Church of Saint George. Celebrate your arrival in the home of basil pesto with some delicious pasta. Dive in to some of the most famous waters of the Mediterranean for a look at red coral, giant moonfish, and “The Christ of the Abyss,” a giant submerged statue cast in bronze.
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You could say gambling has paid off in Monte Carlo since 1297, when Francois Grimaldi captured the fortress by disguising himself as a monk. The Grimaldi family has ruled the tiny principality ever since, continuing to make bold moves that surprise the world. After losing an important part of their territory to France in 1848, Princess Caroline came up with the idea of raising revenue with a casino. Then in 1956, Prince Rainier III caught the world stage with his storybook wedding to actress Grace Kelly. Today, the chic resort lures the well-to-do with its royal cachet, famed casino, and exclusive events such as the Monaco Grand Prix. Follow the royal trail from the Prince’s Palace to the Cathedral of Monaco where Princess Grace and other royalty are buried. Explore the Oceanographic Museum made famous by Jacques Cousteau. Stand at the entrance to the Grand Casino and watch Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Maseratis discharge their precious cargos.
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You could say gambling has paid off in Monte Carlo since 1297, when Francois Grimaldi captured the fortress by disguising himself as a monk. The Grimaldi family has ruled the tiny principality ever since, continuing to make bold moves that surprise the world. After losing an important part of their territory to France in 1848, Princess Caroline came up with the idea of raising revenue with a casino. Then in 1956, Prince Rainier III caught the world stage with his storybook wedding to actress Grace Kelly. Today, the chic resort lures the well-to-do with its royal cachet, famed casino, and exclusive events such as the Monaco Grand Prix. Follow the royal trail from the Prince’s Palace to the Cathedral of Monaco where Princess Grace and other royalty are buried. Explore the Oceanographic Museum made famous by Jacques Cousteau. Stand at the entrance to the Grand Casino and watch Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Maseratis discharge their precious cargos.
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Glamorous yachts crowd the harbor of this iconic Riviera jewel, and their occupants spill out onto the curving seaside promenade, La Croisette. Follow the “beautiful people” to the Avenue of the Stars, where you can place your hands in the handprints of your favorite celebrities, and explore the old aristocratic suburbs of La Croix des Gardes and La Californie where Russian and British royals once lived. Climb the narrow, cobbled streets to Le Suquet (the Old Town) or catch a ferry to the monastery on St. Honorat to discover the medieval heritage hiding beneath the glittering Côte d’Azur surface. Or soak up the resort pleasures of legendary beaches lined with palm trees and fabulous boutiques selling designer labels. While on Rue d’Antibes, stop by Maiffret for mouthwatering chocolate. Go ahead. Splurge. You’re the A-list star here today.
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Marseille is famous for its bouillabaisse and France’s national anthem, but it has much more than that to offer. France’s largest port city is the gateway to the pastoral landscapes of Provence, and was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2013. The water and sky are clear, clean, and inviting, making them the perfect backdrop for photos of fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the harbor or majestic monuments from the 19th century Notre Dame de la Garde basilica to the fortresses of St. Jean and St. Nicholas. Catch a ferry to the Chateau d’If, the island prison that inspired The Count of Monte Cristo. Taste the laid-back lifestyle of Aix-en-Provence, Paul Cézanne’s hometown. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon, famous for its ramparts, medieval bridge, and Palais des Papes. Admire Les Baux, a picturesque stone village abandoned in the 17th century.
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Marseille is famous for its bouillabaisse and France’s national anthem, but it has much more than that to offer. France’s largest port city is the gateway to the pastoral landscapes of Provence, and was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2013. The water and sky are clear, clean, and inviting, making them the perfect backdrop for photos of fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the harbor or majestic monuments from the 19th century Notre Dame de la Garde basilica to the fortresses of St. Jean and St. Nicholas. Catch a ferry to the Chateau d’If, the island prison that inspired The Count of Monte Cristo. Taste the laid-back lifestyle of Aix-en-Provence, Paul Cézanne’s hometown. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon, famous for its ramparts, medieval bridge, and Palais des Papes. Admire Les Baux, a picturesque stone village abandoned in the 17th century.
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Barcelona has always danced to a different drummer, as marching is far too proletariat for this artsy town. Joan Miró, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Antoni Gaudí have shaped the city in their Modernisme image, especially in the Gothic Quarter where even the labyrinth of alleyways refuses to conform to grid-like regularity. The arts surround you in this bustling city. Stroll Las Ramblas where street artists form human statues and perform acrobatic capoeira. Watch castellers practice Catalonia’s native sport of human castle building in Poble Sec. Sit at a trattoria and listen to the musical sound of Catalan, which the natives choose to speak over Spanish. Or head to one of the beautiful beaches to soak up the sun. (But be forewarned: nudity is legal on city beaches so you may see more than you bargained for!)
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Destinations