Rome is one of those cities you could spend a year in and still feel like you've barely scratched its surface. Amazing historical sites, mind-blowing art—and then... more »

Rome is one of those cities you could spend a year in and still feel like you've barely scratched its surface. Amazing historical sites, mind-blowing art—and then there's the food. Stop at the Forno in the Campo de' Fiori for a fresh slice of pizza bianca (cut from a piping hot six-foot-long slab of it), buy some tiny strawberries in a street market, and make it your business to find the city's best gelato. Someone has to do it. « less

Everyone’s heard the Doors of Paradise, the Duomo, and Michelangelo’s David are captivating, but in Florence, beauty can sneak up on a traveler unexpectedly. You’ll... more »

Everyone’s heard the Doors of Paradise, the Duomo, and Michelangelo’s David are captivating, but in Florence, beauty can sneak up on a traveler unexpectedly. You’ll duck into a random church to escape the heat only to spend two hours staring at an impossibly pure blue in a fresco. Or you’ll consider writing a sonnet about pear gelato. It’s just that kind of place. Don't miss the sunset over the Arno and the famous wines of the Chianti region just south of town. « less

Stunning architecture. Mysterious passageways. And of course, the canals. Venice is one of the most alluring cities in the world—the type of place where, as a... more »

Stunning architecture. Mysterious passageways. And of course, the canals. Venice is one of the most alluring cities in the world—the type of place where, as a visitor, you'll welcome getting lost (as you inevitably will). Relax in Piazza San Marco, take a moonlit gondola ride or taste the original Bellini at Harry's Bar. Or just wander. No matter where you go, you'll find history, beauty and romance. « less

Land of Mermaids. Land of Orange and Lemon Groves. Land of Colors. This small city in Campania has earned a plethora of alluring names. Famed for its sea cliffs... more »

Land of Mermaids. Land of Orange and Lemon Groves. Land of Colors. This small city in Campania has earned a plethora of alluring names. Famed for its sea cliffs, the town's steep slopes look out over azure waters to Ischia, Capri and the Bay of Naples. The birthplace of Limoncello liqueur offers some good diving, great sea fishing, boat cruises and appetizing restaurants. Excellent hiking trails cross the peninsula. Rent a car or take a taxi if the steep streets look too intimidating.  « less

Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea provide the cinema-worthy backdrop for Taormina, Sicily's legendary resort town. Twisting medieval streets and a... more »

Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea provide the cinema-worthy backdrop for Taormina, Sicily's legendary resort town. Twisting medieval streets and a second-century Greek theater add to its romantic air, which inspired the writings of D.H. Lawrence and Truman Capote. Take a cable car to the beach, or walk uphill behind the Church of St. Joseph for panoramic views. « less

Once a vital part of a mighty sea power, Positano is today a sophisticated resort on the central Amalfi Coast. Moorish-style architecture rises up steep slopes that... more »

Once a vital part of a mighty sea power, Positano is today a sophisticated resort on the central Amalfi Coast. Moorish-style architecture rises up steep slopes that gaze out on the Sirenuse Islands. Smart boutiques, selling fashions for visitors to display on Grand Beach, abound in the village. And it’s a great base for exploring the area—you can easily travel by boat to Capri, Ischia and the Grotta dello Smeraldo cave. « less

To the first-time visitor, Palermo is a city of ever-changing character. An abundance of dusty museums, Arabian domes and flourishes of baroque splendor jostle with... more »

To the first-time visitor, Palermo is a city of ever-changing character. An abundance of dusty museums, Arabian domes and flourishes of baroque splendor jostle with boisterous markets, chaotic traffic and oppressive summer heat. The Sicilian hotspot is a noisy, polluted, often dangerous, but always fascinating city. Don't miss marvels of Arab-Norman architecture, such as 12th-century Palazzo dei Normanni or San Giovanni degli Eremiti. Ask your hotel to arrange cabs and negotiate fares before setting off.  « less

Fashion is big business and a big draw in Milan, from the extremely upscale stores of the Quadrilatero d'Oro to the more reasonably priced shops on Corso Buenos... more »

Fashion is big business and a big draw in Milan, from the extremely upscale stores of the Quadrilatero d'Oro to the more reasonably priced shops on Corso Buenos Aires. But there's plenty else to do and see, including the ornate Duomo cathedral, the famous La Scala opera house, art museums, galleries and elegant palazzos. Leonardo da Vinci aficionados can book a viewing of "The Last Supper" and visit the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e Tecnica to see da Vinci's technical drawings and models.  « less

The beaches of Riccione are as beautiful as the sunbathers who populate them. Bathing attendants take meticulous care of the beach, sun beds, umbrellas and... more »

The beaches of Riccione are as beautiful as the sunbathers who populate them. Bathing attendants take meticulous care of the beach, sun beds, umbrellas and facilities, while lifeguards keep a watchful eye out for trouble. By day, kids and parents alike soak up Italy's citrusy rays. By night, the beach takes on a glitzier personality as scenesters spill onto the shore after hitting one of Riccione's open-air discos.  « less

Escape to the Alps with a luxurious ski vacation in Selva di Val Gardena. Gorgeous mountains loom over world-class hotels and quaint B&Bs, all dedicated to giving... more »

Escape to the Alps with a luxurious ski vacation in Selva di Val Gardena. Gorgeous mountains loom over world-class hotels and quaint B&Bs, all dedicated to giving you the most indulgent stay imaginable. Local craftsmen pore over intricate wood carvings that have come to epitomize the artistry of Selva di Val Gardena. Of course, winter sports are the purest art form here, with perfect powder for skiers and snowboarders to plow through.  « less