Marseille, France's main port city, is rich in history which can be traced back to the year 600 BC. The beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a focal point of Marseille and with its stunning hilltop location is the ideal place to look down over all of Marseille and beyond. The city is a blend of style and history, with shopping areas and modern architecture contrasted with historic sites in the old town and port. A trip by boat will bring you to the Château d'If, an impressive fortress on an island boasting turquoise waters, pristine beaches and spectacular limestone cliffs.

The Italian port city of Genoa is located in the northwest of the country. Due to the location of Genoa, it faces almost exclusively to the sea. Another characteristic is the soaring mountains of the Apennines. Among the attractions of the city are many historical monuments, museums, palaces, and the landmark La Lanterna. The approximately 117-meter-high lighthouse was built in 1128 and is located in the western part of town.