Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

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.

Sète is a canal-laced fishing port on France's Languedoc coast, built around the terminus of the Canal du Midi and crowned by the panoramic heights of Mont Saint-Clair. Visitors should not miss the iconic *tielle sétoise* pastry paired with Bouzigues oysters at the covered market, and the contemplative walk through the Cimetière Marin above the Mediterranean. Late spring through early autumn offers the finest conditions, with September bringing warm seas, golden light, and the spirited jousting tournaments on the canal that have defined Sète's character for over three hundred years.

Founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC, Marseille is France's oldest and most viscerally alive city — a Mediterranean port where the catch is still sold from fishing boat decks at the Vieux-Port each morning beneath the golden Madonna of Notre-Dame de la Garde, gleaming on her basilica above the city. The bouillabaisse served at harbourside institutions such as Chez Fonfon is not merely a dish but a rite, its saffron-stained broth tying Marseille to its Hellenic roots. Explore the dramatic Calanques national park, a coastal labyrinth of turquoise coves just south of the city. Spring and autumn are the finest seasons.

The port of Nice is a vibrant gateway to the French Riviera, offering a rich tapestry of history, stunning architecture, and delectable local cuisine. Must-do experiences include savoring local specialties at the bustling Cours Saleya Market and exploring the charming streets of Vieux Nice. The best time to visit is during the spring and early fall when the weather is mild and the city is alive with cultural festivities.

Portofino is a jewel-box fishing village on Italy's Ligurian coast, renowned for its pastel harbour, Castello Brown fortress views, and exquisite pesto-dressed trofie pasta at waterside trattorias. Visitors should walk the coastal trail to the Cristo degli Abissi underwater statue at San Fruttuoso and savour focaccia di Recco with a glass of local Vermentino. The ideal season stretches from late April through October, with September offering the perfect balance of warm Mediterranean light and the intimate calm that returns after summer's peak.

Portovenere is a fortified Ligurian fishing village at the entrance to the Gulf of Poets, where Byron and Shelley found inspiration among colorful harbor houses, a dramatic cliff-top church, and UNESCO-listed coastal landscapes. Must-dos include the Church of San Pietro, boat trips to Palmaria island, and tasting fresh gulf mussels with Cinque Terre wine. May, June, and September offer ideal weather with fewer crowds.

Purpose-built as a Medici utopia in the late sixteenth century, Livorno was conceived from the outset as a city without discrimination — its founding Leggi Livornine granted equal rights to Jews, Christians, Muslims, and merchants of every nation, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Renaissance Europe. Today, the Venetian-style canals of the Venezia Nuova quarter reflect colourful palazzi with a distinctly faded glamour, while the Mercato Centrale's fish counters display the cacciucco ingredients — a robust Livornese brodetto of five sea creatures — that make this port city a pilgrimage for serious eaters. Day trips to Pisa and Lucca are effortless from here. The season runs April through October.