Visit Rome, the Eternal City and capital of Italy. Explore the Colosseum (ancient amphitheater that could hold up to 80,000 spectators), see the Vatican Museums (home to the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo), toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain (Baroque masterpiece and tradition for a return visit), and walk through the Roman Forum (historic center of ancient Roman public life).
Visit Venice, the floating city of canals in northeastern Italy. Glide along the Grand Canal in a gondola, admire the Byzantine mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica, cross the iconic Rialto Bridge (one of the oldest spanning the canal), and explore the historic Doge's Palace (former seat of Venetian government).
Visit Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state and spiritual center of the Catholic Church. Explore St. Peter's Basilica (home to Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome offering panoramic views of Rome), marvel at the Sistine Chapel (featuring Michelangelo's iconic ceiling frescoes like The Creation of Adam), and wander through the Vatican Museums (housing ancient Roman sculptures and Renaissance art).
Visit Naples, a historic city in southern Italy known for its rich culture, vibrant streets, and as the birthplace of pizza.
Visit Milan, Italy's fashion and design capital. See Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' at Santa Maria delle Grazie (a UNESCO World Heritage site), admire the Gothic spires of the Duomo di Milano (the third-largest cathedral in the world), shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (a 19th-century glass-vaulted arcade), and catch a performance at La Scala (one of the world's most famous opera houses).
Visit Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance in Italy. See Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia, climb the Duomo (Brunelleschi's dome with panoramic city views), cross the Ponte Vecchio (medieval bridge with jewelry shops), and explore the Uffizi Gallery (home to Botticelli's Birth of Venus).
Visit Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna in Italy. Explore Piazza Maggiore (the main square with the Basilica di San Petronio and Neptune Fountain), climb the Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda, medieval symbols offering panoramic city views), and sample local cuisine like tortellini (stuffed pasta) and mortadella (cured meat) at the historic Quadrilatero market district.
Visit Bergamo, a beautiful city in northern Italy known for its historic Citta Alta (upper town) with medieval architecture and charming streets.
Visit Bari, a coastal city in southern Italy known for its historic old town, Basilica di San Nicola, and vibrant waterfront.
Visit Turin, the elegant capital of Italy's Piedmont region. Explore the Mole Antonelliana (iconic 19th-century tower housing the National Cinema Museum), see the Shroud of Turin at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, stroll through Piazza Castello (historic square with royal palaces and museums), and sample bicerin (traditional layered coffee-chocolate drink) at historic cafes like Caffè Al Bicerin.
Visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Puglia, Italy, famous for its unique trulli houses. Explore the Rione Monti district with over 1,000 trulli, including the Trullo Sovrano (a two-story museum showcasing traditional life), and wander through the historic center to see these whitewashed, conical-roofed limestone dwellings that date back to the 14th century.
Visit Lecce, the 'Florence of the South' in Italy's Apulia region. Admire the Baroque architecture of the Basilica di Santa Croce (intricate facade with mythological figures and rose window) and the Roman amphitheater (2nd-century AD arena partially excavated in the main square). Explore the historic center's limestone buildings and try local specialties like pasticciotto (custard-filled pastry) and caffè leccese (iced coffee with almond milk).
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