7 Nights Europe, Mediterranean

Trieste is the capital city of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. A port city, it occupies a thin strip of land between the Adriatic coast and Slovenia's border on the limestone-dominated Karst Plateau. Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Slovenian influences are all evident in its layout, which encompasses a medieval old city and a neoclassical Austrian quarter

Zadar is one of the Dalmatian Coast's best-kept secrets? and adventure in this tucked-away treasure teems with centuries of charm. As the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city, its timeworn history is perpetually on display among old city walls and Venetian gates. And its zany way of life keeps this dynamic city thriving today, from the waterfront Riva promenade to the untouched surrounding islands. One minute you might mingle over coffee in People's Square, the next plunge into turquoise waters off Ugljan Island. You can enter church treasuries, bicycle around Old Town, or check out fascinating museum exhibits. Adventure in Zadar leads you away from the crowds to discover off-the-beaten-path wonders.

The largest city on the Adriatic Coast, seaside delight Split has been under Roman, Venetian, Austrian, French, Italian and Yugoslav control. There is an abundance of restaurants and wine cellars. Sites such as Diocletians Palace and Mausoleum, the Grgur Ninski Statue and the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St. Domnius justify its position as a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. The citys coves offer several lovely beaches, including central Bacvice. Ferries link Split to Dalmatian summer resorts.

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.

The city of Palma is located on the southern side of Mallorca, the largest the Spanish Balearic islands. Though it has its fair share of cultural attractions, Mallorca's predominant crowd-pullers are the Serra de Tramuntana mountains range and the sun-splashed beaches.

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.