It’s easy to see why Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain. As the capital of the country’s Catalonia region, this cityscape’s cultural mosaic pieces together a 2,000-year-old hodge-podge of sun-drenched beaches, cutting edge architecture and a world-renowned dining and drinking scene. Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi left his modernist handprint all over the city, while medieval treasures linger in historic Gothic Quarter squares. Get lost in the whimsical gardens of Park Guell or savour a chef-led Catalan cooking class. Browse art collections dedicated to Picasso and Miro – or ride a cable car to the top of Montjuic Hill, relishing citywide views along the way.

Cartagena greets you with its ancient Mediterranean port on Spain's southeastern coast. Originally governed by the Carthaginians and subsequently by the Romans, Arabs and Castilians, this pedestrian-friendly city is a history buff's dream port. Visit the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre and the attached museum, where you'll find an ancient altar to Jupiter and a statue of Apollo. Then, check out the late 19th-century modernist architecture of Cartagena's historic center. Cruises to Cartagena, Spain allow you to stroll down blue-marble-tiled pedestrian-only Calle Mayor. Or take the 30-minute drive to the Batteria de Castillitos, a medieval-style fortress situated among the picturesque mountain landscape.

Gibraltar rocks – in more ways than one. From ancient castles to lush botanical gardens and the panoramic views you enjoy from the city's cable car, this British Overseas Territory is more than its most famous landmark, the Rock of Gibraltar. Cruise to Gibraltar and discover more than 300 years of history while touring landmarks like the Convent, where Gibraltar's governors have resided since the 18th century. Or monkey around with Barbary macaques, a semi-wild species of monkey that calls the territory home. Finish your day with a stroll through the port area, and dine outdoors for ocean views and seafood-focused, Mediterranean-inspired eats.

HMD Bermuda was the principal base of the Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic between American independence and the Cold War. Bermuda had occupied a useful position astride the homeward leg taken by many European vessels from the New World since before its settlement by England in 1609.

Two words always come to mind when you think about New Orleans: Mardi Gras. But it's so much more than that. Anyone interested in food, history or music - as well as romantics of all sorts - will enjoy a visit to New Orleans.