Race Day & Riviera Charm: Prix du Monde of Monaco

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

<strong data-end="57" data-start="44">Collioure</strong> is a picturesque seaside town on France&rsquo;s Mediterranean coast, known for its colorful waterfront, cobblestone streets, and artistic heritage. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the sea, it has long inspired painters like Matisse and Derain with its vivid light and charm. Explore the 13th-century Château Royal, stroll the quaint harbor lined with pastel buildings, and soak in the relaxed Catalan-French atmosphere that makes Collioure a hidden gem on the Côte Vermeille.

Small but chic, St. Tropez is a lively town whose beaches are legendary, both for their beauty and for the beauties on them. Follow the narrow lanes from the waterfront, and you&rsquo;ll arrive at the oldest part of St. Tropez, where twisting narrow streets open onto tiny squares and fountains. Great views can be had from the 16th century Citadel, but the most interesting views are from a chair in a sidewalk café: sit on the terrace and watch the fascinating, flirtatious French Riviera pass by.

With its flower-lined streets, flourishing markets, and interesting museums (the Musée Chagall and Musée Matisse are highlights), Nice is a charming introduction to the spirit of the Riviera. Pull up a chaise bleu on the wide sunny Promenade des Anglais and watch the world sail by. Or stop for bouillabaisse, a specialty of the area, in a local restaurant.&nbsp;

With its flower-lined streets, flourishing markets, and interesting museums (the Musée Chagall and Musée Matisse are highlights), Nice is a charming introduction to the spirit of the Riviera. Pull up a chaise bleu on the wide sunny Promenade des Anglais and watch the world sail by. Or stop for bouillabaisse, a specialty of the area, in a local restaurant.&nbsp;

With its golden ochre and terracotta buildings, designer shops, and chic cafés, Portofino represents the height of Italian artistry and sophistication. Sip a cappuccino along the fabled marina or enjoy a day of shopping in one of the town&rsquo;s tempting little boutiques. As you look out over the harbor from the famous Hotel Splendido, it&rsquo;s hard not to admire the sleek, streamlined beauty of your Windstar ship.

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history. &nbsp;A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins&mdash;Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.