7 Nights Europe, Mediterranean

War-torn Palermo was neglected for centuries after WWII, which ironically led to the preservation of the city's historic buildings and bombsites. Though it was once regarded as Europe's most beautiful city, the fanciful decay of Palermo is now what draws visitors.

One of the world's greatest cultural centres is stretched around the Bay of Naples and lies at the foot of Mount Vesuvius in one of the most outstanding scenic settings in the Mediterranean. It hosts extraordinary works of art and architecture in classical Greek and Roman styles.

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.

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.

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.

La Goulette, known in Arabic as Halq al-Wadi, is the port of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.

War-torn Palermo was neglected for centuries after WWII, which ironically led to the preservation of the city's historic buildings and bombsites. Though it was once regarded as Europe's most beautiful city, the fanciful decay of Palermo is now what draws visitors.