Sunbathing, al fresco dining and late-night discos are a way of life in Hammamet, the Tunisian St-Tropez. Located on the fertile Cap Bon Peninsula, about 40 miles south of Tunis, the bayfront resort is surrounded by verdant hills and citrus groves. When not basking on Hammamet Beach, browse the markets for local pottery or wander through the medina (old city) with walls that date to 1500. Summer brings festival fever to the city with plenty of music and theatrical offerings.

Constructed in 1979 as a holiday resort, Port El Kantaoui is a playground of chic boutiques, beaches, golf courses and waterfront restaurants on the central Tunisian coast. Activity buzzes around the marina where Mediterranean jetsetters dock their yachts. Cobblestone streets and Moorish-Andalusian architecture provide North African flavor in a tourist-friendly environment. For a more authentic look at Tunisia, the port city of Sousse is only a 10-minute taxi ride away.

Founded by the Berbers in the 2nd millennium BCE, the city of Tunis has been controlled by Phoenicians, Romans, Arab Muslims, the Ottomans, the Spanish, the French and the Germans, finally achieving independence as the capital of Tunisia in 1956. This history has made Tunis a mélange of ancient and modern cultures. The medina is a network of narrow alleyways, mosques, mausoleums, palaces and a souq where shoppers haggle over the price of everything from filigreed gold to inexpensive souvenirs.

Sitting where the Phoenician colony of Hadrumetum once stood nearly 3,000 years ago, the modern-day Sousse is a resort destination, especially popular with Europeans. Sometimes called "the Pearl of the Sahel" (referring to the central section of Tunisia's eastern shoreline), Sousse is prized for its excellent beaches. Arab-Islamic since the 7th century AD, the city has many fascinating attractions, like the 9th-century Great Mosque, and its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Set on the Gulf of Hammamet, Monastir’s white-sand beaches, palm-lined promenade, and historical landmarks offer an appealing alternative to coast’s busier resorts. Add in year-round sun, vibrant souks, and a relaxed ambience, and you have one of Tunisia's most inviting destinations.

Founded in the early 10th century as the capital of Fatimid-ruled Tunisia, Mahdia is today a quiet port town and provincial center of about 40,000 people, known for its fishing, silk weaving and olive industries. One of Tunisia's most picturesque cities, Mahdia lies between Sousse and Sfax and has many historic attractions, including the ruins of an ancient Punic city (pre-dating Mahdia), the Fatimid port, the first Fatimid mosque (built in the 10th century), and a 16th-century Ottoman fort.

Brigitte Bardot frolicked on the beaches of St. Tropez in the '50s; now it's the playground of rap stars and international socialites. Most of the sandy hot spots lie southwest of town on the Baie de Pampelonne. But if you're not P. Diddy, take heart: you'll find a few family-friendly, public beaches where the sun, sand and waves are just as fabulous.

Barcelona feels a bit surreal – appropriate, since Salvador Dali spent time here and Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed several of the city’s buildings. Stepping into Gaudí’s Church of the Sacred Family is a bit like falling through the looking glass - a journey that you can continue with a visit to Park Güell. Sip sangria at a sidewalk café in Las Ramblas while watching flamboyant street performers, then create your own moveable feast by floating from tapas bar to tapas bar.

Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.

Amsterdam is truly a biker’s city, although pedaling along the labyrinthine streets can get a little chaotic. Stick to walking and you won’t be disappointed. The gentle canals make a perfect backdrop for exploring the Jordaan and Rembrandtplein square. Pop into the Red Light District if you must—if only so you can say you’ve been there. The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving experiences a traveller can have, and the Van Gogh Museum boasts a sensational collection of works.

The central Norwegian area of Trondelag has its ideological capital in Trondheim, founded by Viking king Olaf Tryggvason in the 10th century and the seat of Norway's power until the 13th. Today, it's still the country's third-largest city, a university town with a rich culture. Trondelag's western offshore islands of Hitra and Froya are popular for outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, biking, snorkeling and scuba diving. They are also one of the world's best spots for deep sea fishing.

Romance and adventure are in the air on this lush West Indian island in the Caribbean, depending on your coast. To the west, you'll find calm waters and good swimming. To the east, there are massive, competition-caliber waves. Wherever you stay, expect turquoise waters, fine soft sand beaches, catamaran cruises and delicious island fare.

Sailing, diving, fishing and soaking up the sun on perfect beaches is what it's all about on the 60 idyllic British Virgin Islands. Largest island Tortola, home to capital Road Town, is a 12 by three mile haven of white sand, lush green mountains, ruins and rum distilleries. Underwater caverns beckon from dramatic Virgin Gorda. Island time rules on laid-back Jost Van Dyke, where swim-up bars serve delicious rum concoctions. Pristine beaches lure visitors to beautiful coral island Anegada.