Depart: 7:00pm

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tiles and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art, and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!) - one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Família and his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-biggest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.

Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 7:00pm

A place of monasteries tucked into mountains, surreal art, and gorgeous beaches, Palamos is your gateway to the Costa Brava's scenic beauty, and the cultural wonders of Catalonia. Inspect Palamos' rugged coastline, and you can almost see the Catalan flag's blood and gold colours reflected in the craggy red cliffs and golden sands. Soak in the unfiltered glory of Spain's Wild Coast, which is fringed with attractive beaches and rock-dappled outcrops plunging into the blue Mediterranean waves. Known for its rich, meaty shrimp, Palamos is a flavourful stop of culture, coastline, and historic charm. Just 20 miles inland from Palamos' tempting beaches, you'll find Girona's Medieval city looming. Four rivers converge here, in this delightfully walkable city. Soak up the atmosphere of the cobbled old town, which is protected by historic ramparts. A steep ramp of 90 steps leads up to the Baroque façade of the Cathedral of Girona, which towers over the city and impresses with the world's widest Gothic nave - a full 22 meters across. Figueres is also close by, where you can enter the “theatrical dream” conceived by the master of surrealism, Salvador Dalí¬. Born in Figueres, his hometown honours his memory and global influence at the irresistible Dalí¬ Theatre-Museum - a gloriously bizarre and immersive experience and a fitting summation of his creative outlook. Opened in 1974, Dalí¬ himself had an input into the design of the giant egg-topped building, having worked on its creation during the final decade of his life.

Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 11:00pm

A rugged Mediterranean gem, arising out of the rich blue haze, Mallorca is a Spanish island of cuisine, culture, and sun-gorged beaches. Palma de Mallorca is the island's dominating capital and a sand-coloured mirage of glorious buildings and living history. Conquered and liberated countless times over the years, since its Bronze Age founding, the city is your gateway to ceaseless Mediterranean beauty, buzzy markets, and intense flavours. Cafes and bars wait close to the sweeping coastline, where you can enjoy strong espressos to kick start the day, or splashes of red Mallorcan wines to round it off. Bicycles trundle up and down the promenade, which invites you to wander in the morning sunshine beside the waves. Dominated by the indefatigable form of Santa María cathedral, which looms over the city and coastline, Palma de Mallorca is drenched in history and culture. The labyrinth of the old town is a cobbled haven, which bustles with dripping ice creams and sun-lashed squares. Settle to try the island's superb cuisine, and savour local ingredients with an exceptional depth of flavour. Something about the sunshine here makes tomatoes extra sharp and delicious, while the seafood is consistently juicy and plump. The creation of the mighty cathedral, Le Seu, began in 1229 and was eventually concluded in 1601. A perfect encapsulation of Palma de Mallorca's blend of the historic and the contemporary, even Gaudi lent his hand to it, and the interior features a spectacular modernist take on the New Testament from artist Miquel Barcelo, which is painted across the chapel's walls. The splendid Royal Palace of La Almudaina fortress stands nearby, a left-behind Moorish footprint of square towers and Arabic archways that now serves as an official summer residence for the King of Spain.

Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 9:00pm

A mystical island of rustic beauty, featuring long stretches of sandy beaches, hidden coves, and sunsets that ladle flourishes of reds and pinks across the skies. The White Isle is so much more than just its thudding summer party scene - and an island of culture, fine dining, and sophisticated elegance awaits. Ibiza has always called out to those seeking escape and sanctuary, and you'll soon feel the island's magic as you dive with dolphins, dine on calamari and octopus platters, and revel in Ibiza's rejuvenating, artistic ambiance. Ibiza Town's 16th-century old town is a maze of wide cobbled streets, lined with a crowd of outdoor bars and energetic restaurants serving up heavy platters of fresh seafood. The steep walls of the rustic citadel, Dalt Vila fortress, tower over the town and the area is peppered with museums and historical quirks, as well as the crowning La Catedral d'Eivissa. Wind up along pathways of uneven cobbles for unrivalled views out over the city and waves below. Play golf on peaceful courses, which unspool along the coastline, lounge on a beach, or sail with the yachting crowd on the calm waves, as you rejuvenate in Ibiza's heavenly glow. Beaches are long and sandy - choose between humming options where water sports and casual beach volleyball matches take place, or seek out quieter scenic coves to enjoy the shade of pine trees and swim in shallow waters. You may find that you're mysteriously drawn to the 400-meter-high protrusion of Es Vedra - a rocky, uninhabited island, which rears from the waves opposite Cala d'Hort beach. Island whispers proclaim it to be the earth's third magnetic point, and home to the sirens of Ancient Greece.

Arrive: 7:00am | Depart: 5:00pm

Valencia is a proud city. During the Civil War, it was the last seat of the Republican Loyalist government (1935-36), holding out against Franco's National forces until the country fell to 40 years of dictatorship. Today it represents the essence of contemporary Spain's daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine - but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions. Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia's history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile floodplain (huerta) that surrounds it. The city has been fiercely contested ever since it was founded by the Greeks. El Cid captured Valencia from the Moors in 1094 and won his strangest victory here in 1099: he died in the battle, but his corpse was strapped into his saddle and so frightened the besieging Moors that it caused their complete defeat. In 1102 his widow, Jimena, was forced to return the city to Moorish rule; Jaume I finally drove them out in 1238. Modern Valencia was best known for its frequent disastrous floods until the River Turia was diverted to the south in the late 1950s. Since then the city has been on a steady course of urban beautification. The lovely bridges that once spanned the Turia look equally graceful spanning a wandering municipal park, and the spectacularly futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), most of it designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, has at last created an exciting architectural link between this river town and the Mediterranean. If you're in Valencia, an excursion to Albufera Nature Park is a worthwhile day trip.

Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 6:00pm

On the crossroads of mighty cultures, this Murcian port has endless ancient stories to share. A valuable natural harbour attracted many civilizations to this sun-bathed, south-easterly setting - following its foundation by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. Blending the imprints left by countless cultures on this global junction, the presence of everyone from the Vandals to the Phoenicians and Moors can be felt as you explore, walking between ruins and celebrated modernist architecture along Calle Mayor. Cartagena is crowned by the soaring Castillo de la Concepcion - rise to the stout castle aboard a panoramic lift. Inside, look through reams of archaeological treasures, or admire the rolling views down over the port and across the waters. Watch out for the electric blue peacocks who strut flamboyantly. Cartagena's emergence as a visitor destination coincided with a stunning discovery in 1988 - the bowl of a gloriously preserved Roman Theatre. Enter to sit among the grandiose ancient venue, so evocative, you can't help but imagine the historic performances that have graced its stage. Wander the breezy waterfront, looking across the narrow strait towards Africa's distant haze, and spotting gleaming warships. Cartagena's perfect harbour means it has been one of Spain's oldest strategic navy positions since the 16th century. Settle to enjoy the joys of tapas in lively bars - sampling crisped paella, squid and honeyed-eggplant. Easter's Semana Santa festivities are typically lively here, as hooded processions, lavish floats, and sombre fiery displays roll through the streets.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 10:00pm

A glitzy, glamorous coastal resort that needs no introduction, Saint Tropez is the French Riviera hotspot of choice for A-listers and flotillas of gleaming yachts. The sparkle of its beaches, and the clarity of its light, continue to attract artists - but it was the famous presence of Brigitte Bardot that lent Saint Tropez its enduring glamour and steamy appeal. Nowadays, speedboats skim offshore, while fine vintages from the vineyards nearby are uncorked in top-notch restaurants, in this well-heeled highlight of the Côte d’Azur. Famous bars offer views of the port along Quai Jean Jaurès, with its iconic cherry-red directors' chairs. Here you can admire the monstrous wealth of yachts that sparkle on the waters. On the same corner, big-name brand labels glimmer in the shops of Rue François Sibilli - which cuts inland from the charming waterfront. The earthier appeal of boules clinking and thumping into the ground can be enjoyed at Place des Lices, where sun-wrinkled locals compete. Saint Tropez has a few beaches of its own, but famous stretches like Pampelonne Beach draw the biggest crowds to relax on star-studded golden sands. La Ponche, the authentic fishing quarter, retains its cobbled, historic elegance, and a 17th-century, hexagon-shaped citadel watches over the city and coastline from above. Coastal walks in the sea air snake away from the city's bustle, and a series of headlands shape the stunning Riviera landscape surrounding Saint Tropez. The historic monochrome Cap Camarat lighthouse adds a pleasing accent to hikes above the sparkling Mediterranean waves.

Arrive: 7:00am

Glitzy, glamorous, and unashamedly luxurious - live the high life in Monte Carlo. From the super-yachts jostling for position in the harbor to the lavish bars splashing out iced champagne, tiny Monaco's only city is a high-rolling, decadent affair - and a gloriously indulgent, sun-soaked taste of the good life. Famed for its low tax status - and the Formula One race that roars through its hairpin bends and tight streets each year - Monaco is the ultimate playground of the rich and famous. Monaco may be the world's second-smallest country - only the Vatican has a smaller footprint - but Monte Carlo has a confidence, impact, and appeal that few can match. The gilded Royal Palace adds an air of regal glory, and whether you want to soak up the culture at the opera or raise the stakes at a casino - doing your finest 007 impressions - you'll feel very much at home here. Soar above the high-rise hotels and glorious casinos in a helicopter, to see the city from above, and admire landmarks like the cathedral where Grace Kelly married the Prince of Monaco in 1956. High-end fashion, fragrances, and fancy adornments await in the gold-label shops of Monte Carlo's lavish shopping streets, while the old town's pink and lemon floral facades offer an authentic balance of historic character to counterpoint the well-heeled excesses. A wonderful escape, revel in old-world glitz and glam, as you admire twinkling chandeliers and wander between palatial architecture while enjoying your time in Monte Carlo's abundant wonderland. Before you leave, explore the storied fortress that protected this tiny state's independence for so long.