Rome offers endless choices: enjoy street performers at the Spanish Steps, wine and people-watching in colorful Trastevere, or the city's rich history and architecture. St. Peter's Basilica is a full-day visit, with the Sistine Chapel and panoramic views from the dome. Don't miss the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and Aventine Hill, which overlooks the Imperial Palaces ruins and the Circus Maximus.

As is true of the rest of the Amalfi Coast, this city boasts beautiful vistas, charming open-air cafés and captivating landmarks with historic roots. One example is Duomo di Salerno, an absolute must see for lovers of art, history and architecture. This Italian cathedral showcases an impressive design, powerful frescoes and melodious mosaics spanning the centuries as far back as the 11th century, when it was built by the Normans.

Messina, Sicily's third-largest city, was a key medieval port for knights heading to the Crusades. Though extensively rebuilt, it still has major landmarks, especially the cathedral with its unusual astronomical clock, the 12th-century Catania Church, and the ornate Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. It's also a starting point for day trips to Mt. Etna's Crateri Silvestri.

Destroyed by a 17th-century earthquake, Catania has been beautifully restored and offers ancient churches, castles, amphitheaters, lush gardens, and elegant palazzos. Visit 13th-century Ursino Castle, once on the coast before earthquakes and eruptions reshaped the land. Inland, explore Villa Romana del Casale, a 4th-century UNESCO site famed for some of the finest Roman mosaics.

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro, located in a most secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The old port, surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the House of Nemanjicc, is very well preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous other attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), and ancient walls which stretch directly above the city. Nightlife also attracts tourists to Kotor with pubs, taverns, cafes, and nightclubs.

Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today's Cavtat). It is known worldwide for its unique marble-paved squares, tall houses, steep-cobbled streets and fountains. The city walls, once used to as protection against its enemies, now keep motorists at bay in this picturesque town. UNESCO named the Old City a World Heritage Site, and Dubrovnik's beautiful historic sites have been restored to their former glory.

Koper charms with its marina, red-tiled roofs, seaside cafes, and old Venetian mansions from its days as a jewel of Venice's overseas empire. Around Titov Square, see the Praetorian Palace in Venetian Gothic style. Nearby excursions include the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves or a trip through the Slovenian countryside to Ljubljana, ending with a river cruise past picturesque historic buildings.

From Fusina, journey to Venice, where you'll witness the Grand Canal, lined with enchanting Renaissance architecture. Art lovers can visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Doge's Palace, a Gothic masterpiece. Savor Venetian cuisine at a traditional trattoria, sampling fresh local dishes. History enthusiasts can also peruse St Mark's Basilica, a marvelous 18th-century cathedral adorned with sculptures, mosaics and bas-reliefs representing Italian sophistication.