Italy

The Coliseum in Rome. The Leaning Tower of Pisa. The canals of Venice. Italy is an iconic destination filled with beauty, history and culinary delights.

The monuments in Rome reveal a rich history, from modern style to the glory of Imperial Rome to the mystery of the Etruscan civilization. The National Museum, located in Italy’s capital city, showcases some of the world’s most important archaeological collections, while the oldest classic sculptures are on display at the Capitoline Museum.

Vatican City is actually an independent city-state entirely surrounded by the city of Rome. Visitors can tour St. Peter’s Basilica—the largest religious building in the world—including the dramatic double colonnade that encircles the Piazza San Pietro in front and the tomb of the Apostle Peter underground below the Basilica.

The city of Venice to the northeast brings to mind romantic visions of gondolas gliding through the famous waterways. In fact, the city is built on 117 small islands. This unique layout—which includes 150 canals and more than 400 bridges—once afforded the city a powerful position as a center of trade and a great sea power.

In the famed region of Tuscany, picturesque villages perched on steep hillsides overlook colorful fields of sunflowers. The regional capital is Florence, filled with incredible architecture and vibrant street markets. Wine aficionados flock to the region of Siena for tastings of Chianti and Brunello, and visits to the cities of Montepulciano and Pienza are a must.

Near Genoa lies the seaside town of Portofino. The name is thought to be taken from a reference made by Pliny the Elder who called the area the “Port of Dolphins” for the unusual number of dolphins that frolic in this tranquil bay.

Farther south, the island of Capri—adrift in the azure blue of the Mediterranean—casts a dramatic silhouette against the sky. Via Camerelle is known for its high-end shopping. Most major cafés and restaurants provide incredible views of the harbor.

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