A blend of the traditional and modernity makes Barcelona one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. With approximately 1.62 million inhabitants, Barcelona is also the second-largest city in the country. Among the attractions are the Nou Camp, Sagrada Família, Park Guell and the beautiful Las Ramblas promenade. In addition to the many cafés, tapas bars are found all around the city and provide a culinary highlight.

The capital of Tunisia is located in the north of the country on the Mediterranean. The picture-book town, with its white Art Nouveau facades and crooked streets, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The contrast between European and Oriental Old Town is fascinating. The turbulent life can be best observed with a glass of tea from the numerous cafes.

Valletta has about 6,500 inhabitants and is the smallest capital in the EU. Since 1980, the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Thanks to the ring of bastions surrounding the city, Valletta is one of the best secured cities in the world. The Grand Master's Palace is surely one of the most magnificent sights of Malta. The St. John's Co-Cathedral, Fort St. Elmo, the Auberges as well as numerous museums, many of which deal with Malta's history are among the most noteworthy buildings.

Taormina is a town located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. The town sits right next to the active volcano that is Mount Etna, there are trails leading to its summit. Taormina was destroyed by the Arabs in the ancient world and had to be re-built in the Middle Ages. The mild climate and numerous attractions such as the Teatro Antico built by the Romans and the beautiful sandy beaches, formed by cliffs dropping to the sea make Taormina a magnet for tourists. Do keep in mind that this resort town is not the cheapest on the island.

Livorno is situated on the Western coast of Tuscany, and is a major Italian port. In spite of the large-scale destruction during the second World War II, the city still has many historic buildings, most of which can be explored with guided tours. The Fortezza Vechia is an example of these historic forts and climbing to the top of the Mástio di Matilde will provide you with a great view of the city and port. The Terrazza Mascagni is a wide promenade on the waterfront and is ideal for taking a stroll and enjoying the views as the sun goes down on the Ligurian Sea.