Venice, Italy, has the heart and soul of a romantic city. Cast your eye on the rounded domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge's Palace. Listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the classic Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, or glide in a gondola down the Grand Canal. And know that love is always in the air in Venice.

Rovinj is a typical example of a Mediterranean town. The skyline is dominated by the Baroque three-nave church of St. Euphemia. Close to the harbor are the clock tower, the Baroque Balbi's Arch and the former 17th century Town Hall. To the east lies the complex of the Franciscan monastery and to the south, Rovinj's oldest monument, the Romanesque heptagonal chapel of the Holy Trinity. Experience this city's history as told by its beautiful architecture.

The heavenly scent of lavender perfumes the air in the fields and valleys around the island of Hvar. Located just off the idyllic Dalmatian Coast, the island and the little port named after it have been a favorite getaway ever since the time of the Romans for Byzantines, the Venetians and even Austro-Hungarian royalty. 

George Bernard Shaw said that “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik." Indeed, Dubrovnik is a treasure by any measure, made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th-century city walls are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik's long and colorful history.

This stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in southern Europe. Boka harbors the medieval city of Kotor, one of the best-preserved cities in the region. Founded by the Romans, fortified during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation. Explore the winding streets and enjoy the spectacular architecture.

The lushest (and some say the loveliest) of all the Greek Islands, Corfu lies just a stone's throw from the Albanian coast. Nowhere is the stunning natural beauty of Corfu more evident than in the small village of Paleokastritsa, where legend says Odysseus was washed ashore to be rescued by Nausicaa. 

The Royal Clipper offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, a revitalizing spa and a peaceful library.

Barreling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses, you arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna, Taormina was described by Goethe as “the greatest work of art and nature." Explore the lovely hillside town for expansive views of the brilliant blue Mediterranean shores. 

Sorrento, whose city walls rise straight out of the sea, is located on the lovely Amalfi Coast and overlooks the Bay of Naples. Optional excursions might include taking a trip back in history to Pompeii, where the ashen remains of ancient Romans lie frozen in time.

During the Middle Ages Gaeta, a coastal city south of Rome, was a fortified settlement, and vibrant port which carried out trade with countries in the eastern Mediterranean. Gaeta is shrouded in history and rich in ancient monuments. Here you will find Monte Orlando Park, a protected area with Roman ruins, Access to Monte Orlando is only on foot or by a shuttle bus during summer months. As you ascend the mountain you will pass the statue of the Madonna and Child which looks out protectively over the beautiful Bay of Gaeta. It is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.

The pastel houses of Ponza Town rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbor where sleek yachts and ramshackle fishing boats moor side by side. Happily, there are few tourists here, so it's a delight to wander through the uncrowded town.

Palmarola is a snorkeling heaven that is part of a group called The Pontine Islands, located off the coast between Rome and Naples. A craggy landscape with pink coral beaches and emerald coves invite a leisurely stroll along the shore or a relaxing swim in the warm waters.

Explore Rome, where ancient history and modern life collide. Stop in St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory, or enjoy a picnic lunch by the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by. Explore the Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death, or the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages. Rome is a unique city where western history becomes more real. 

From his villa in Portoferraio, Napoleon, the exiled Emperor of France, looked out over the waiting ships in the harbor and dreamed of returning to glory. Enjoy a local vineyard tour, and near Portoferraio, discover the remains of an ancient Etruscan civilization.

Napoleon once said that he could recognize his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis--and indeed, 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. After breakfast, disembark your ship to explore this beautiful French town for yourself.