MSC Grand Voyages from Barcelona

Barcelona is the city where Roman history, Gothic grandeur, and Gaudí's delirious Modernisme collide in a Mediterranean coastal capital of astonishing energy and beauty. The Sagrada Família — still under construction after 140 years — continues its audacious ascent toward completion, while the Gothic Quarter's Roman-era foundations and the Passeig de Gràcia's extraordinary concentration of Modernisme masterpieces reward days of exploration. For a complete sensory experience, lose an afternoon in the covered labyrinth of La Boqueria market before descending to the waterfront for Catalan seafood at its finest. May through June and September through October offer the most pleasant weather; the city connects directly to Paris by overnight train.

Málaga distils three thousand years of Mediterranean civilisation into one of Andalusia's most compelling port cities, where the Moorish Alcazaba fortress surveys a modern waterfront of elegant promenades and sun-drenched café terraces. Do not leave without visiting the Museo Picasso — the artist was born here in 1881 — and ascending to the ruined Castillo de Gibralfaro for panoramic views stretching to the Rif Mountains of Morocco on clear days. Malagueta anchovies fried in olive oil and the sweet Pedro Ximénez-laced dessert wine are the city's defining pleasures. The shoulder seasons of April, May, and October offer perfect Mediterranean warmth.

Tangier is Morocco's storied gateway between Africa and Europe, a city of Phoenician origins where a whitewashed medina, vibrant souks, and a cosmopolitan waterfront converge at the Strait of Gibraltar. Visitors should not miss savouring traditional pastilla in a rooftop riad and exploring the Kasbah's amber-lit ramparts at sunset. The ideal season to arrive is April through June or September through October, when mild Mediterranean temperatures and fewer crowds allow the city's layered beauty to reveal itself at an unhurried, luxurious pace.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the cosmopolitan capital of the Canary Islands, balances volcanic grandeur with refined urban pleasures — from the Santiago Calatrava–designed Auditorio rising beside the Atlantic to the ancient dragon tree at Icod de los Vinos and the World Heritage Teide volcano looming above the island. The city's Carnival, second in scale only to Rio de Janeiro's, erupts each February in spectacular costumes and street revelry. Local wines from the volcanic slopes, wrinkled potatoes with mojo verde, and fresh Atlantic fish define the island's culinary character. November through April offers reliably warm, sun-drenched conditions.

Salvador de Bahia, Brazil's first capital, is a cultural hub known for its Afro-Brazilian heritage and stunning colonial architecture. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional dishes such as acarajé and quindim, and exploring the lively Pelourinho district. The best season to visit is during the dry months from September to March, when the city's vibrant festivals and street life are in full swing.

Ilhéus is Bahia's historic cocoa capital on Brazil's Atlantic coast, immortalized in Jorge Amado's novels and still perfumed by the cacao that shaped its fortunes. Visitors must tour an artisanal cacao farm for single-origin chocolate tasting and sample the authentic Bahian moqueca at a waterfront restaurant. September through February offers the driest weather for exploring the beaches, colonial architecture, and surrounding Atlantic Forest fragments.

Hasselt is Belgium's jenever capital, home to a National Jenever Museum, Europe's largest Japanese Garden, and a fashion scene that belies its provincial size. Visit April through October via Uniworld River Cruises for cherry blossom season in the Japanese Garden, artisanal spirit tastings in historic distilleries, and the unpretentious Flemish culinary culture that makes this Limburg capital one of Belgium's most rewarding secrets.

Santos is Brazil's largest port and a historical gem, offering a blend of colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. Must-do experiences include sampling local specialties like “pastel de camarão” at the Mercado Municipal and exploring the nearby beaches of Búzios. The best season to visit is during the southern hemisphere's summer from December to February, when the weather is warm and the beaches are bustling.