This isn't your average metropolis. Barcelona, the proud capital of the ancient nation of Catalan, has a quirky blend of timeless elegance and innovative spirit. Vast museums and celebrated structures find their homes among lively markets and outdoor cafes, and experiments in art and fashion are apparent in the laid-back bar and lounge scene, which moves out to the beaches and rooftops in summer months. There's sand, sangria and plenty to do in this super-cultural locale.

This city, which serves as a gateway between Asia and Europe, has more than enough sites to keep you enthralled through the day and into the bustling nightlife. See the stunning Blue Mosque; cruise the gorgeous shoreline, shop the Grand Bazaar, and then, before you jump into a cafe for dinner, rejuvenate in a luxurious Turkish bath. 

Visiting Venice is like unwrapping a present for the senses: The toll of church bells; beribboned gondoliers churning their oars; the sharp scent of coffee; glass chandeliers twinkling; and slender, twisting streets suddenly turning onto sun-filled market squares. The elegant piazzas and glistening waterways of this northern Italian city breathe ancient urban grandeur and romance

With stunning art and monuments everywhere you look, and life-changing meals waiting to be eaten around every corner, Rome is truly a feast for the senses. The city is nirvana for art lovers and history buffs, though if you skipped those classes in college it's the perfect place to get a crash course in Western Civilization.

Finding a get-away destination that allows for both lazy days at the beach and epic sight-seeing is hard enough, but when you add life-changing food to your wish list it becomes a very tall order. One of the few places that satisfies all those demands: Sicily. Due to its position as the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has played host to a wide variety of cultures -- including the ancient Greeks, Romans, Normans and Moors -- over the centuries, and they left it with a diverse array of world-class landmarks. 

Travel to Portugal and you'll find romance in the form of temperate weather, delectable local cuisine, picturesque river cruises, and a robust wine country. While you're there, don't miss out on the other attractions that make Portugal a must-visit destination, like great golfing, white sandy beaches, and quaint historic villages.

When you wander the winding streets of Prague, it's easy to see how Franz Kafka's surreal stories could have been inspired by the city -- the gothic architecture, smoky beer halls, and massive castle that overlooks Old Town all lend a sense of mystery and history to the surroundings.

For a city with European charm, world-class shopping and must-see museums, consider a trip to London. England is a relatively quick flight over the Atlantic if you're on the east coast, so you won't spend too much time traveling, and London's architecture, parks, and pubs all add to the city's romance and allure.

The French Riviera has been famous among the famous for more than a century. Celebrities and statesmen were initially attracted by its beautiful light, mild weather and access to both beaches and mountains; and over the years the area has been built up into a fantasia of luxury beaches, casinos, perfumeries, yachts and mansions. The French call this lavish coastline theCôte d'Azur, and here you'll find a range of terrain, with unequaled vistas of the both Mediterranean shoreline and French Alps.

Whether it's one of your island hopping stops, or your final destination, Crete is a great place to become enveloped in ancient history and Greek culture. There's time to walk along the shore, taste amazing cheeses (you'll probably never find a better feta), hang out with the locals and explore ruins thousands of years old from the Minoan civilization.