On the wild and rugged east coast of Barbados, the isolated beaches are the color of sunrise, the red sands having blown all the way across the Atlantic from the Sahara. The easternmost island of the Windwards, and indeed, of the entire Caribbean, reaches out to Africa and the Old World, as if not quite part of the New. Bridgetown, Barbados, is an interesting town full of contrasts. George Washington actually slept here! Trafalgar Square reminds you that the laidback, rum- and fun-loving island's British-influenced heritage includes revered traditions like cricket and high tea.

The Azores have long played host to transatlantic yachtsmen, traders, and explorers. It stands on the pretty green and fertile island of Sao Miguel. 16th and 17th century economic growth saw the construction of lavish palaces and churches, many still surviving.

The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of history. Spreading out along the right bank of the Tagus, its downtown, the Baixa, is located in the 18th-century area around Rossio. The Alfama, one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa, still retains much of its original layout since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755.

Portimão is the largest city in the western Algarve, and was traditionally a center for sardine fishing and processing. It makes a great base from which to explore the entire western Algarve. Two of the more popular trips are Lagos and Silves. Lagos was the center for Portugal’s 14th-century age of exploration and Silves served as the Algarve region's ancient capital. The tourist attractions here reflect its rich and extensive history.

Tangier was the real model for the famous American film "Casablanca" with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. It still retains its faded mongrel charm - not entirely Moroccan, European, or African but a heady mix of all three.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and headland, on Spain's south coast. It’s dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426m-high limestone ridge. The Cable Car is one of the ways to the "Top of the Rock" and a must-see attraction for all visitors to Gibraltar. The view is spectacular and you can watch the island's famous apes. A lesser-known wildlife attraction are the dolphins leaping in the sparkling waters of Gibraltar Bay. Whole families of dolphins visit the bay and the chances of seeing them are good.

The town of Motril is located in the Spanish region of Andalucia on the Costa Tropical. Nestling at the foothills of the Sierra Lujar mountains, the town's coastal strip includes two main beaches - the busy Playa Poniente, and the quieter Playa Granada.

Malaga's fortress palace of the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro are splendid examples of Moorish architecture. But it is in Granada that you can see the most romantic and magnificent expression of the Arabesque style in the glorious Alhambra Palace.

Ibiza is a place where people hang out because, except for the medieval walls, you could almost think it was the Med's version of Key West. But away from the hustle of town, some lovely beaches await.

Towering over the harbor, Palma's enormous Gothic cathedral is a powerful symbol of the religious fervour which gripped all of Spain shortly after the defeat of the Moors. Built by Jaumé I, its vast open nave and soaring Gothic columns have been added to over the centuries. Behind the Cathedral, a maze of twisting streets leads to designer boutiques and open-air markets.

Gracious Georgian buildings climb the steep hills backing the Moll Ponent. Mahon's heritage also includes the invention of mayonnaise and the first distillation of gin from juniper berries.

Bonifacio's almost land-locked harbor is one of the most dramatic, totally protected harbors. It is a bustling port with excellent seafood restaurants, and a modern marina. The ancient citadel town is perched high atop a seemingly impenetrable cliff.

Napoleon once said that he could recognize his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis. Approaching by sea, it is the first thing you experience about Corsica. The second is its wild and mountainous landscape. Nearby are secluded beaches and the eerie Grottes des Veaux Marins, offering fantastic diving opportunities.

Glittering Cannes is the archetypal Mediterranean resort city discovered by wealthy English nobles who came to the sunny south of France to escape their drafty old castles during the dreary British winters. Cannes’ high flying lifestyle has attracted notables and the notorious ever since. Every year, the stars flock to celebrate the Cannes Film Festival at the colossal Palais des Festivals. Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.