Naples to Monte Carlo

The grand city of Naples beckons with a vibrant waterfront. Within the bay stands Megaride Island, home of the Castel dell'Ovo. Legend has it that the poet Virgil housed a magical egg there that protects it, and the very city, from ruin. A jaunt through the city takes you through a blend of architecture and art. And Neapolitans agree you should take a walk through Via dei Tribunali, "Pizza Alley," for the best slice with signature charred dough. For a look into times past, make your way to Mount Vesuvius. Here you will find the surrounding ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The charms of Tuscany call out to your explorer spirit from the picturesque seaside town of Porto Santo Stefano. Luxury yachts in the harbor, buzzing cafes, and locals and visitors alike strolling the promenade make the port's waterfront a lovely scene. As you and your new friends take a leisurely walk along Piazza dei Rioni, lined with palm trees, stop for a refreshing lemon gelato in one of the cafes. Blue waters and white, sandy shores invite you to spend a day on one of Porto Santo Stefano's beautiful beaches. Venture out with fellow explorers in search of hidden coves surrounded by sloping olive groves. Sitting along the Tyrrhenian Sea, the cuisine offers a bounty of fresh seafood with Italian tastes, such as spaghetti with sea urchins or seafood risotto. Pair your culinary adventures with a wine selection from the Argentario region as you engage in a lively conversation about your day's adventures.

From the grandeur of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the charming canals of La Venezia Nuova (New Venice), which date back to the Medici era, the Italian city of Florence contains much to explore. The port city of Livorno's colorful building facades rises above the canal waters as a sight to behold. The long and storied history of Lucca call out to curious explorers seeking a mentally stimulating adventure. Cathedrals, art, culture, food, these iconic Italian cities have it all, and Livorno acts as the hub to make your way to each.

Referred to as Cinque Terre's "sixth town," Portovenere overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia along the Ligurian coast, providing much of what its five counterparts do - seaside scenes, rustic cuisine and stunning coastlines - with a fraction of the crowds. Seek out hidden gems like Byron's Grotto, a secluded cave named after the literary figure who frequented the area. Nearby lies the famous Cinque Terre, comprised of five small towns, hence its name. The region lies within the bounds of a national park and what's considered the Italian Riviera, giving it a magical aura.

The sea along the Italian Riviera is particularly peaceful, as it gently laps the shore. Snuggled in the Ligurian Coast is the village of Portofino, named after dolphins, Portus Delphini, that frolicked in these waters. The Piazza Martiri Dell'Olivetta is the main square of Portofino at the town's center. Take a stroll along the row of beautiful multicolored buildings and a number of chic cafes and restaurants. Along the way, grab yourself an Italian gelato or sit down and enjoy a pesto dish before continuing your leisure walk toward the harbor. Not far from the coast, you will find beautiful hidden islands, such as San Fruttuoso and Santa Margherita.

Take in the green-hued mountains with shady, palm-fringed squares and pleasure boats bobbing in the bay of Corsica. On the northwest coast of the island is the glorious town of Calvi. One of the popular highlights of Calvi is its citadel, the magnificent, impregnable fortress towers above the red-tiled roofs below. Getting to the top of the citadel via its winding and cobbled lanes is definitely a great way to enjoy the best views of the village. You can also take a boat trip down the coast to the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site of Scandola, a marine and land reserve.

The jewel in the heart of the spectacular Côte d'Azur, Saint-Tropez was a sleepy seaside village with a rich maritime history that achieved celebrity beginning in the 1960s. Explore the hexagon shaped Citadelle that once served as the defender of the gulf. The castle contains a maritime museum, and the grounds provide breathtaking views of the Côte d'Azur. La Musée de l'Annonciade is a real treat for art lovers and located just beyond the Quai de l'Epi pier. This 16th-century chapel features a small but powerful collection of paintings by Derain, Signac, and other artists.

Amid France's famed Côte d'Azur stands the charming little town of Sanary-sur-Mer. It's also one of eight communes in the renowned Bandol wine region. Its picturesque harbor creates that image by strategically docking traditional blue and white fishing boats, known as pointus, and heritage vessels. Stroll around the harbor heading east to find a church dedicated to the town's namesake, Saint Nazaire, a 19th-century Byzantine-style construct. For explorers seeking aquatic excursions, Portissol beach is the place to go. The crescent-shaped shore offers access to an "underwater trail" where divers and snorkelers can jump in and discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

One of the smallest sovereign states in the world - second only to the Vatican City - the Principality of Monaco is sure to mesmerize you. The most recognized building in Monte Carlo is Place du Casino. Try your luck at this opulent and iconic gaming house, a favorite spot of James Bond movies and real-life celebrities. Another icon is the Prince's Palace, which you can enter for a glimpse at the Throne Room, with ceiling frescoes painted by Orazio de Ferrari depicting the surrender of Alexander the Great. Every day at five minutes before noon, the white-uniformed guards perform the changing of the guard with the pomp and circumstance you would expect in Monaco.