Farther from a continental landfall than any other group of islands on earth, the twelve Marquesas jut out of the open Pacific just south of the equator, shrouded in a constant cloud cover.

Tunis' white-washed, blue-shuttered buildings hide a treasure trove of Arabic and Ottoman art. Inspect illuminated manuscripts from the Koran, follow the twists and turns of the fascinating old Medina (inner city), marvel at the ornate Palace of Dar Ben Abduallah and the magnificent Djamaa-Ez-Zitouna Mosque, whose 184 columns were "recycled" from the rocky ruins of Carthage.

Kos, an enchanting island in Greece’s Dodecanese archipelago, is a gem steeped in both history and natural beauty. Known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, Kos is home to the ancient Asclepeion, a healing temple where Hippocrates taught his students. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved ruins and enjoy sweeping views over the island and the Aegean Sea.

There's more than meets the eye in Savona, a Northwest Italy port city many cruise ship passengers are lucky enough to find themselves in. The giant Fortezza del Priamàr looms over the water, providing a unique welcome. Be sure to stroll through the city's genteel, impressive medieval center, visit the beautiful Savona Cathedral and see marvelous artistic works from centuries past at the Ceramics Museum.

Cuba is a multicultural nation and the largest island of the West Indies. Its waterfront capital is Havana, a musical, scenery-rich city that is the center of commerce and tourism. Walk the Malecon of Havana, marvel at the artworks in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and go for a refreshing swim on Cayo Coco in central Cuba.