Barcelona
Barcelona has always been a prosperous city , thanks to an exquisite harbor, fertile soil, and a population of hard working, caring citizens. This great city was a strong, incredibly diverse region when Madrid was still a fledgling town with basically no landmarks or significance. The numerous Mediterranean empires that had at one time or another conquered the area brought tremendous influences, much more so than the Iberian presence to the west. Barcelona was most influenced by Rome, Carthage, and France during the Charlemagne era.
The monuments of Barcelona open a book into the rich history of the area. These include the intricate and beautiful Gothic Quarter from the medieval times, the series of Catalan art nouveau, and the surreal artwork of Picasso and Miro. But if you are searching for a little excitement and outdoor fun to mix in with your education and culture, look no further than Barcelona.
In 1992, Barcelona was given a huge boost by serving as home to the Summer Olympic Games. This race to the 21st century was quite beneficial to Barcelona and the neighboring areas, and the restructuring program that became everyone's focus was given the name Post Olympic. As a result of all of this hard work and dedication, Barcelona has recently developed into one of the premier port cities in all of Europe. There are so many fascinating sights and wonderful events; you will be awed by your choices and so much to do. Extraordinary museums and landmarks can be found everywhere in this ancient city with a rich heritage and culture. The Museu Picasso is one of the greatest art exhibits anywhere, and through the center of the old quarter of Barcelona is the gorgeous tree-lined promenade, a visual splendor. The nightlife is truly something, and the shopping is fantastic.
Marseilles
Marseille is France's second largest city, but it often goes unnoticed and unvisited by travelers who choose to spend their time in France either in Paris or along the sunny beaches of St. Tropez, Cannes, and Nice. They are missing out on one of France's most diverse cities, both in terms of people and activities.
Marseille has a fascinating history. Founded by the Phoenicians in the sixth century BC, Marseille has long been one of the more important port cities in the world. During the Middle Ages, the city was a focal point of the Crusades, as access to Marseille's port was an important stop on the way to the Holy Land. During the reign of the French monarchy, its strategic importance was reemphasized as a military stronghold. Even today, Marseille's port is the second busiest in all of Europe, trailing only Rotterdam.
A famous local legend revolves around Les Trois Maries, or The Three Marys. St. Lazarus awoke the three saints, including Mary Magdalene, and brought them ashore in Marseille, in order to Christianize the area. More recently, an army of French volunteers from Marseille marched to Paris during the French Revolution. Their battle song, La Marseillaise, became the country's national anthem. (If you're having a problem remembering how it goes, think of the opening notes of the Beatles classic, All You Need Is Love.)
Today, Marseille faces the same problems as any growing city. Crime is an issue, as is racial tension between the native French population and the arriving North African immigrants. Twenty-five percent of the population in Marseille is of North African descent, and that number is growing. But the city has come to embrace its newfound diversity, and is eager to put its best foot forward to attract a piece of the ever-growing tourism industry.
Villefranche
Villefranche is one of the small beach towns nestled between Nice and Monte Carlo. As the train winds from the two major resorts, each stop along the way looks like a postcard. Villefranche and its neighbors, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and St. Jean Cap Ferrat, are part of what's known as the Lower Corniches.
Villefranche's full name is Villefranche-sur-Mer, which literally means on the sea. This is not to be confused with Villefranche-de-Rouergue, another French town further inland. There's no confusion as to what is Villefranche's main attraction. Unquestionably, people flock here for its beautiful beaches. If you arrive in the summer, you had better stake out your spot on the rocks early, or else you will have no room to lay out your beach mat!
The town's charm lies in its reclusive exclusivity. Through the years, the small village has enchanted its share of celebrities who wanted to escape the limelight and find virtual anonymity. Beautiful houses have been built into the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, and these neighborhoods make for wonderful places to stroll after a long day soaking up the sun.
In all likelihood, you'll never leave the beach. Restaurants and shops have sprung up all along the coastline to cater to your every whim, and a day spent in Villefranche should be considered a success if you do as little as possible.
Ajaccio
Corsica may be French territory, but its wild, adventurous spirit is its own. French vacationers come here to get away from France without actually getting away from France. The rugged beauty of this island attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Corsica is not that big, measuring only 133 miles long and fifty miles wide. But the sheer diversity of both the terrain and the people make it seem much larger than it is. The Greeks called it Kalliste, or the most beautiful, but it was its advantageous geographical location that made republics battle over the small island. Located just one hundred miles south of France and fifty miles west of Italy, Corsica has seen its share of rulers over the years. Genoa made a huge impact on the island during its two centuries in power, with watchtowers still standing from Corsica's days as a military outpost. Pisa momentarily ruled Corsica, before eventually ceding the island to the French. Corsica's language did not cede, instead becoming an intricate mix of French, Italian, and Latin.
Corsica derives its greatest fame from Napoleon Bonaparte. The French emperor was born in Ajaccio in 1769, and his birthday is celebrated nationwide with a full day of festivals, parades, and celebration. Museums and art galleries all over Ajaccio are devoted to Napoleon, even though the man himself never returned to his homeland after he came to power.
Ajaccio is Corsica's administrative capital, with French government offices housed here. The city is on Corsica's west coast, in Corse du Sud, the southernmost of the two Corsican regions (Haute Corse is to the north). The confluence of Mediterranean water, Riviera sunshine, and a cheerful population have led to Corsica becoming one of the more sought-after vacation spots in Europe.
Gibraltar
The British colony of Gibraltar, known throughout the world as The Rock, is one of the most picturesque locations in the world. The importance of Gibraltar's geographic position, guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, has been realized since ancient times, and throughout the millennia The Rock has been the site of countless battles for its control.
The Moors seized Gibraltar in 711, and their conquest of Spain soon followed. In fact, Gibraltar is named after the commander of the Moors, Jebel Tariq, which loosely translates to Jewel's Rock. The Moors controlled Gibraltar for over 700 years, until Spain retook possession in 1462. Spanish rule over this important strip of land lasted until 1704, and in 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht officially granted the land to the United Kingdom. To this day, Gibraltar remains a colony of Britain. The pound is the official currency, and Elizabeth II reigns supreme, much to the dismay of Spain.
Today, Gibraltar is a top tourist destination, and the gateway for European travelers who wish to make the 14km journey to the African mainland. A trip to the summit of The Rock is spectacular, as are visits to the Gibraltar Museum, St. Michael's Caves, and the Moorish Castle. The city is not particularly known for its shopping and nightlife, but great duty-free deals can be found on Main Street, and an evening stroll down this pedestrian thoroughfare is a delightfully romantic way to end the day in this historic stretch of land.
Casablanca
Casablanca means white house in Spanish, and the reason for the city's name will become quite obvious as you explore the city's landscape. White houses and white office buildings are the norm here in Morocco's busiest city. The Hassan II mosque stands out above the white landscape, a green tiled edifice that catches your eye no matter where you are.
The city has a history of occupation, with many different rulers claiming the city as their own over the centuries. The Berbers traded at the Port of Anfa with Carthaginians and Phoenicians. Later on, the Portuguese came and destroyed Casa Branca, in retaliation for Berber pirate attacks. Sultan Mohammed Ibn Abdellah rebuilt the town, but it soon came under French control. It was only in 1956 that Morocco gained its independence from Spain and France. The evidence of this occupation is everywhere. French is as widely spoken as Arabic, and street names still carry the words rue and boulevard before them.
The drive along Morocco's western coast, from Rabat to Casablanca, is replete with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This area, known as La Corniche, is truly exquisite, and is well worth the time it takes to get there. But if you are on a tight schedule, the bustling pace of Casablanca will offer you plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and fine dining.
It's the people of Morocco who will make your time here memorable. The country stands where Europe and Africa meet, and a legacy of European imperialism has transformed Morocco into a unique combination of Eastern and Western worlds. Moroccans are proud of their country, and they will go out of their way to show you its best face.
Tangier
Tangier's name derives from the Legend of Hercules. Hercules killed Anteus, the giant who protected the Garden of the Hesperides. He then married his widow, Tingis, and together they had a son. As a gift to his son, Hercules separated the Rock of Gibraltar, and with it the rest of Spain, from Africa, clearing the space for a city by the sea. The boy named the town Tingis after his mother, and Tingis became Tangier over the years.
Northern Morocco has always enjoyed a tremendous geographical location. What it hasn't enjoyed is the constant wars that have erupted over control of this important strategic point. On the tip of Africa, less than ten miles from the southern tip of Spain, Tangier lies at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the entryway to the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar. Since the Phoenicians settled the area around 1200 BC, Tangier has seen the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Turkish, and Muslims gain rule over the years. Tangier became a hostage to European imperialism for most of the past millennium.
It was only in 1956 that Morocco gained its independence from Spain and France. The evidence of this occupation is everywhere. French is as widely spoken as Arabic, and the sights and sounds of Andalusia drift south, covering the area with the dynamic combination of three distinct cultures.
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