14 Nights Europe, Mediterranean

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.

In 1530 Malta was given to the Knights Hospitallers, who built a Christian stronghold and the capital, Valletta, behind whose fortifications youll find Renaissance splendors that seem to be untouched by time.

Cairo's an ancient city that also happens to be a modern metropolis?it's one of the biggest cities in the Middle East and has the traffic and noise issues to prove it. But as long as you're not looking for solitude, Cairo?the City of the Thousand Minarets?is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture.

Cairo's an ancient city that also happens to be a modern metropolis?it's one of the biggest cities in the Middle East and has the traffic and noise issues to prove it. But as long as you're not looking for solitude, Cairo?the City of the Thousand Minarets?is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture.

Limassol, on the south coast of Cyprus, is the islands largest resort. The city stretches along the coast, sheltered by the Troodos Mountains, whose foothills are home to the grape vines used to make the areas famous wines. These wines are the focus of one of Limassols biggest festivals, the Cyprus Wine Festival

Rhodes, Greece offers over 300 days of sunshine a year with an east coast abound with pristine sandy beaches. The old town of Rhodes is considered the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe, and its mighty fortifications are a splendid example of the defensive architecture of its time. The Acropolis of Lindos, in eastern Rhodes, is a must-see archaeological site.

A Turkish resort town located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and Agean seas, Bodrum is the longtime haunt of Istanbul's intellectuals and jet setters. White cubic houses set on bronzed slopes are emblematic of the town's seductive architecture and landscapes.

The Mississippi River is the second-longest river and chief river of the second-largest drainage system on the North American continent, second only to the Hudson Bay drainage system.

Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents - Europe and Asia. Its old palaces, great mosques with soaring minarets, ancient churches, museums, bazaars, and the Istanbul Strait are all worth seeing. The Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace are impressive, unforgettable sites.

Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents - Europe and Asia. Its old palaces, great mosques with soaring minarets, ancient churches, museums, bazaars, and the Istanbul Strait are all worth seeing. The Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace are impressive, unforgettable sites.

Greece's capital and its largest city was born atop the Acropolis, where ancient warrior-kings once dwelled. These ruins are a testament to the golden age of Greece, and the Parthenon is considered the most architecturally sophisticated temples of its time. Ancient Agora, a sprawling array of stones, slabs and foundations, was once the focal point of ancient Greek life.