4. Use Italy's wonderful train system. This will save you the hassle and expense of renting a car and then trying to find parking for it. 

No matter what your interests, Italy is sure to have something for everyone. Scroll below for my personal Italian favorites. 

Venice is a city of 117 small islands, separated by canals and linked by more than 400 bridges. Its location at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea earned it the role of middleman in trade between Europe and the rest of the world, and by the 15th century it was the wealthiest and most powerful city in all of Europe. 

Today, Venice is often criticized for being an "Italian Disneyland" devoid of locals and everyday life. This was NOT my impression, and is why I so enthusiastically recommend it. 

I'll agree that Venice is not a "gritty" working city like Naples, but nor does it pretend to be. Venice is an enticing maze of pedestrian walkways (calli), that beg to be discovered and reward the visitor at every turn. And if the percentage (~95%) of Italian speakers we encountered during our 3-day visit was any indication, I would say that Venice is popular with Italians as well.  

Just emerging from the train station to encounter the surreal image of the Grand Canal at night took my breath away. If you're planning a trip to Italy, I would go out of my way to squeeze in a few days in Venice. 

I recommend:

• staying in the city where all the sights are within a few minutes walking distance.

• walking among the sites rather than using the water taxis (or vaparettos). 

• and giving yourself at least 3 nights to get a feel for the city. 

Read on for my Venice recommendations. 

1. Walking in Venice

One of my favorite experiences when traveling is to walk the narrow streets of centuries-old cities to imagine what life must have been like in their prime. Nowhere is this more true than in the compact city of Venice. 

Stroll along the Riva degli Schiavoni (promenade in front of the Doge's Palace) on a typical weekend afternoon and soak up the dolce vita. Window shop the high-end and artisan stores to work up an appetite for al fresco dining. Then comes the tough part: where to eat in this city known for its delicious food. 

2. St. Marks Basilica, Venice

If you do nothing else in Venice, visit St. Mark's Basilica and the bell tower or Campanile. 

Built in 1060, the basilica is instantly recognizable by its five domes and distinctive Byzantine architecture. But as impressive as it is on the outside, its exterior is no match for what lies within. Walking through its doors you'll  discover elaborate mosaics-- many containing gold--  which were added to the basilica over eight centuries. You'll see the four Horses of San Marco-- magnificent copper horse sculptures plundered from the sacking of Constantinople in the 13th century. 

Walk through the basilica looking from floor to ceiling and try your best to take it all in. It's overwhelming, so I didn't feel bad not shelling out anywhere from 2-5 euros (each) to see the Treasury, the Pala d'Oro, and the museum.

If you're curious... The Treasury houses a collection of sacred relics and objects of art acquired by the church during its crusades. It is considered to be the single best collection of Byzantine metalwork, though much of the original hoard was in turn plundered by Napoleon. 

The Pala d'Oro (or Golden Pall) is the 9.8 ft x 6.6 ft high altar retable of the Basilica; it's made of gold and silver and inlaid with pearls and precious stones. The museum houses manuscripts, liturgical vestments and other objects of religious significance.  

3. St. Mark's Basilica Campanile, Venice

Admission to the Basilica is "free". However, if you want to avoid the hour-long wait times to enter, you can purchase a guided tour costing 39 euros, or pre-purchase a self-guided entry for 3 euros. The latter are unavailable for same day entry. Many retailers sell packages offering line-skipping privileges in combination with other services. 

This fee does not include the Campanile, which is the 323 ft. bell tower across from The Basilica. For a cost of just 10 euros, an elevator whisks you up to the top for the best view in the city. 

The Cinque Terre refers to five quaint fishing villages built into cliffs of the Italian Riviera as it plunges into the Ligurian Sea. The towns from south to north are: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, and the big draw-- aside from the charming villages themselves-- is that you can hike from one village to the next by following centuries-old footpaths carved into the hillside. Trails vary in length from 1.2 miles to 2 miles each and generally get more challenging-- and scenic-- as you travel north. 

And before you say you just want to do the easy ones, please note that the two easiest and shortest trails-- from Riomaggiore to Manarola and from Manrola to Corniglia-- are currently closed for repairs until the summer of 2024. We did the two trails which were open and the views were nothing short of spectacular. If you're reasonably fit, I highly recommend this experience. (See a word about safety below.) 

Store your luggage at a hostel or luggage hold facility in La Spezia, and switch to a daypack containing just what you need for a night or two. Then, ride the local train (5 euros) to any of the five villages to swim, sunbathe, eat, or just relax and take in the sights. When you're ready to move on, you can take a boat (seasonal), train, or hike to the next village. If you are staying overnight, I recommend pre-booking a room which includes a full breakfast. You will need those calories if you plan on hiking to the next village, 

A word about safety: 

Please be realistic about your physical limitations when considering hiking the Cinque Terre. The two trails that are presently open involve walking up and down steep, often uneven stairs. If you have trouble climbing 20 flights of stairs please check with your medical provider before embarking on this adventure. Bring drinking water as none is available on the trails, and a hat and sunscreen depending on the time of year. 

Know before you go:

• There is a charge for hiking on the Cinque Terre trails.  

• For Tourist Information click here.

• For Cinque Terre National Park info click here.

Ever hear the saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day?" Well, it's true, and there's nothing like walking among 2,000 year old ruins, built upon 500 year old ruins, to impress you of that fact. But such is the case with many parts of Rome, which is why the Roman underground is not more extensive and walking, in my opinion, is still the best way to get around. 

There are many free downloadable narrated walking tours of Rome. But I favor pre-booking timed entry into the major sites and walking to these places to get a taste of the city.  

Where to Stay in Rome

If you've come to see the major tourist sites, I recommend booking your accommodations south of Termini Station. This area is known as the Esquilino district and is close to the major sites, yet close to the train station as well.  

Thanks to booking sites like Airbnb, you can rent an entire apartment and situate yourself in whichever neighborhood you choose. We paid $185/night for a one bedroom apartment that was a 7-minute walk from the Colosseum and the train station. And the only reason we paid that much is due to a last minute change in our travel dates.  

Scroll down for my Rome favorites. 

1. The Colosseum 

This iconic symbol of Rome was built in 80 AD as a venue for hosting gladiatorial contests, battle re-enactments, animal hunts, executions, Roman mythology dramas, and other public spectacles. Boasting an average audience of 65,000, this oval amphitheater was even flooded at times to hold mock sea battles. 

After the fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD), the  Colosseum fell into disuse. Though it was briefly repurposed for housing, workshops, a Christian shrine, and a fortress, it mostly served as a quarry for building materials. Until the 18th century, marble and stone was carted away to build structures like St. Peter's Basilica, until nothing remained but the travertine frame we see today.  

Nearly 2,000 years later, it remains the largest amphitheater of the ancient world still standing, but is nevertheless impressive. 

Know before you go:

If you're visiting Rome for the first time, the Colosseum is an absolute must. Like many high demand tourist sites, daily visitation is limited and crowd control is managed by timed entry. So, the best way to ensure you don't miss this iconic site is to pre-book your timed-entry tickets in advance. 

• Tickets for the Colosseum include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

• If you're going to see items #3-6 on this list, consider getting Roman Tourist Card through Tiqets. 

• I have tried the free downloadable audio guide by Rick Steves, but wasn't a fan. I recommend renting and using the audio guides available upon entry.

2. The Roman Forum 

The Roman Forum is a sprawling, 25-acre rectangular area near the Colosseum, which served as an important meeting place for religious, political and social events from about 500 BC to 500 AD. Legend has it that the founder of Rome, Romulus, controlled Palatine Hill and his arch rival, Titus, controlled Capitoline Hill. The Forum lies between the hills and became the neutral ground upon which the two could meet. 

Over the years, the area was used as a market center, and as a site for civic and religious events, public executions, exhibitions, celebrations, and gladiatorial events (before the Colosseum was built.)  

Stroll among the pagan temples of Saturn, Vesta and Romulus and wonder at the historic events these structures have seen in the last 2700 years. Then continue on to nearby Palatine Hill.

Each of the 140 columns is topped with a statue of a saint, and you can see some of these up close if you visit the dome and/or terrace.  

Ride the elevator (10 euros) to the top of the dome for a spectacular 360 degree view of the city.

Know before you go:

• Cameras are allowed in St. Peter's Basilica. 

• Purchase advance tickets to avoid long lines at the door. 

• Morning is generally less crowded than the afternoon. 

6. Castel Sant'Angelo 

This walled, cylindrical structure overlooking the Tiber River was commissioned by Hadrian (117-138) as a mausoleum for himself and his family. After he, his wife and his adopted son were interred here, several emperors followed suit, with the last one being Caracalla in 217. 

Over the centuries, it was fortified and improved to serve as a fort, prison, castle, and the papal residence. 

In 1277, Pope Nicholas III commissioned the building of a secret elevated passageway linking St. Peter's Basilica to Castel Sant'Angelo. Known as the Passetto di Borgo, this route would serve as an escape route if the pope were ever under attack and the defense of the Swiss Guards was breached. 

The Passetto was used some 250 years later (1527) when Pope Clement VII fled to Castel Sant'Angelo with 42 of his Swiss Guards during the sacking of Rome. The remaining 147 members of the Swiss Guard gave their lives defending the pope. 

7. Trevi Fountain

Designed in 1732 by Nicola Salvi, this 86-foot tall, 161-foot wide Baroque fountain is among the largest in Rome and perhaps the most famous in the world. Legend has it that anyone who tosses a coin into the fountain will return to Rome. 

The fountain is located in one of the oldest parts of Rome, so you walk down narrow, cobblestone streets to reach it...which only adds to the charm! Go at night for the best viewing, but...

• Expect crowds, as the place is filled with tourists all jockeying for a shot without 20 strangers in it. 

• Take extra precautions against pickpockets due to the heavy crowds.

8. The Pantheon

No trip to Rome would be complete without paying your respects to the building which inspired the design of America's Capitol-- the Pantheon. 

Considered to be the single best preserved building of the ancient world, the Pantheon boast the largest unsupported dome in the world. It was designed by master architect Apollodorus of Damascus and completed in 126 AD under the Emperor Hadrian. 

Historians aren't sure if the Pantheon was built as a temple to all gods as the name implies, or if the use of the Latin root "pan" in its name was simply a reference to its expansive dome. Whatever its original purpose, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church in 609 AD and is officially known today as Santa Maria ad Martyres. 

The fact that the Pantheon survives today bears testament to its clever design and the Romans' expert knowledge of concrete. For example, the walls of the Pantheon were designed to be thickest near its base, providing extra surface area upon which to distribute the load of the dome. The dome itself is made of progressively lighter materials, with those near the oculus comprised mostly of pumice. Standing inside the Pantheon and looking up toward its 27-foot-wide oculus, you see waffle-like patterns called coffers, which provide needed structure to the dome while reducing its weight by over 550,000 pounds! 

Know before you go

• Admission is free, but

• Online booking is required on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. 

• Prebooked admission + audio guide is 8.50 euros 

• You must leave an original form of iD to collect your audio guide (ID card, driver's license, passport)

• Click here for visitor information 

9.Tivoli- Day Trip from Rome

If your schedule allows, consider a day trip to Tivoli to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites--Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) and Villa d'Este. Both are spectacular, yet sufficiently different from each other that you won't get bored seeing them in the same day. Also, the villas are 5 km apart, so a tour not only provides the expertise of a professional guide, it simplifies your transportation.   

Several companies offer day tours. We went with Viator and were not disappointed. 

After lunch, you'll visit Villa d'Este, a 16th century villa known for its lovely terraced gardens and extensive fountain system.

The estate was designed by Pirro Ligorio in 1550 for the newly elected governor of Tivoli, Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este of Ferrara. Ippolito's new position came with an official residence located in a former convent of the Benedictine order. He had always been a patron of the arts and commissioned Ligorio to design a residence and gardens which would reflect his elevated status and passion for the arts. 

The result was Villa d'Este and while the villa is impressive, it is the gardens that everyone comes to see. The Italian Renaissance style gardens of Villa d'Este boast 51 fountains and nymphaeums, 398 spouts, 354 water jets, and 220 basins, and thanks to clever terracing, all work off of gravity alone. 

There's even a fountain that plays music! Known as the Organ Fountain, this fountain uses a concealed system of hydraulic-pneumatic mechanisms to control air levels in the organ pipes at the same time another mechanism lowers the keys. The result is a fountain that serenaded us with about 10 minutes of Italian Baroque music.  

Cost: $93 per person 

Know before you go:

• Your guide may not have extra transceivers, so make sure yours is working before you leave Rome.  

• You can pre-pay to have lunch included or do lunch on your own. I recommend the latter. 

• Gratuities are not included; please tip your hardworking guide!

Known as the "birthplace of the Renaissance", Florence grew from a center of finance and trade in the 14th century to the preeminent site of culture, art and architecture in the 16th century. It was here that artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo vied for commissions from the Medici family. Today, the city is bustling with tourists, as visitors from around the world come to see the original works of the Renaissance masters.  

"Must sees" in Florence include the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, and the Duomo, (discussed below), but be sure to carve out a few hours from your busy day to just walk around this lovely city. 

Cross the Arno at the Ponte Vecchio-- the only bridge the Germans left standing as they retreated during WWII-- and climb the hill to a 16th century fort known as the Belvedere. Tickets are free, but mandatory to enter for what may be the best view of Florence. 

Know before you go:

• Most state run museums (Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia) are closed on Mondays. 

• If you plan to visit a lot of museums within a 72 hour period, buying a Firenzecard, may make sense. 

1. The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is considered to be one of the most important museums in Italy and the single best collection of Renaissance art. Even if you know nothing about art, you're bound to recognize famous works like "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli and "Medusa" by Caravaggio. 

Know before you go:

• Visit their website ahead of your visit to purchase tickets and download a map.

• Allow at least 90 minutes to enter and visit the museum. 

2. The Accademia (or Galleria dell'Accademia) 

If you want to see the original version of Michelangelo's "David", you'll have to brave the crowds at the Accademia to see it. Unveiled in the Piazza della Signoria in 1504,  and displayed there until 1873, this work was later moved into the Accademia to prevent deterioration from pollution and the elements. 

Carved from a single block of marble, this 17-foot tall rendition of the Biblical figure David embodies the principles defining Renaissance art and is considered by many to be the finest sculpture in the world. 

Many visitors go strait to "David", snap a few photos and leave. But if you're the least bit interested in music, you may want to visit the musical instrument museum to see a Stradivarius, or visit the Hall of the Colossus to see a plaster model of Giambologna's "Rape of the Sabine Women". (The actual is in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria.)

3. Piazza della Signoria & Loggia dei Lanzi

The Piazza della Signoria is a large, w-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio (or town hall) in Florence. The area has become a tourist destination for its public display of fine Renaissance sculptures. 

Come here to see the Fountain of Neptune, returned to its former glory following a restoration in 2019. Facing into the square you'll see the Loggia dei Lanzi-- an open-air sculpture gallery, instantly recognizable by its wide arches which open to the square. Beneath these protective arches you find Giambologna's original "Rape of the Sabine Women", Cellini's "Perseus with the Head of Medusa", and the Medici lions.  

Stroll through the rest of the square to see other Renaissance sculptures, like "Hercules and Cacus", Donatello's "Judith and Holofernes", and Giambologna's "Equestrian Monument of Cosimo". 

4. The Duomo of Florence, Italy

The red and white brick dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or the Duomo, has become the iconic symbolic of Florence. Designed by Brunelleschi in 1418, this massive dome was a daring feat of architecture, requiring innovations in design, engineering and construction techniques to bring it to fruition. Most notably, Brunelleschi conceived of a criss-crossing brick laying technique, which created a double dome. This distributed the weight of the dome so it could support itself without the use of timber or buttresses. Completed in 1436, this church is the fourth largest in the world, and this dome is the largest of its kind.  

Know before you go:

Purchase tickets in advance  

• 19 euros Duomo only, 

• 22 euros for cupola access via 463 stairs; 

• 25 euros for Duomo entrance + elevator to cupola. 

5. The Galileo Museum (Museo Galileo) 

If you're the least bit interested in science, the Galileo Museum is worth a visit. This museum houses one of the best collections of scientific instruments and experimental apparatuses in the world. Come here to celebrate those who spent their lives pursuing problems and answering questions most had neither the desire nor intellect to ask. 

Galileo's first telescopes and lenses through which he discovered Jupiter's moons in 1610 are here, as are instruments for measuring barometric pressure, temperature, time, weight, height, length, distance, angles, and practically anything else which was measurable at the time of the Renaissance. Pause a moment to appreciate the lives saved by having more accurate maps, as you wander through rooms of increasingly detailed maps and globes. Then contemplate the opposite as you visit the section dedicated to the science of warfare. 

Know before you go

Admission is 11 euros. You can purchase tickets here, but we had no line on a Monday in September. 

In 79 AD this bustling town of 12,000 residents was buried under 19 feet of ash and other volcanic debris as Mt. Vesuvius erupted. 

Those that weren't killed instantly by flying rocks from the explosion or collapsing structures from the earthquake, took cover under tables, sought refuge in caves near the harbor, or hid in any other crevice they felt might protect them. The next few hours would see temperatures rise to more than 570 degrees F, as multiple pyroclastic flows  hit Pompeii and killed what remained of it's population. 

We know this because, in 1860 Pompeii's director of excavations, Giuseppe Fiorelli, noted that over the millennia, the ash compacted to stone while the corpses decomposed. The result was a void where each body lay at their moment of death. Fiorelli developed a way to pump plaster into the voids to reveal a mold of the victim. The fact that the city was buried in literally hours left us with a wealth of information about what life was like in this very Roman of cities. 

If you are based in either Naples or Sorrento for a few days, consider allowing a full day to explore the ruins of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius National Park. 

Got more time? Visit the National Museum of Archeology in Naples to see glass melted from the pyroclastic flows. 

Know before you go

• Admission to Pompeii is 16 euros. 

• Large backpacks are not permitted. 

• Toilets are outside the entrances. 

• Food is sold outside the city entrances, and you can bring lunch or snacks into the site. 

• Remember, this place was a city and is sprawling. Take a water bottle (which you can refill), snacks, and possibly a hat and sunscreen. 

• Please visit their website for tickets and more info.