Monte Carlo is a glamorous port built for luxury yachts, with some of the world's finest vessels in its harbor. Luxury cars line the winding streets during the Grand Prix, while steep green mountains rise behind the bay. On the cliff stands the Prince's Palace, where the Changing of the Guard draws crowds at 11:55 a.m. Nearby are Monaco Cathedral, with Princess Grace's tomb, the oceanographic museum founded by Prince Albert I, and the Monte Carlo Casino, created by Prince Charles III.

This small town on Corsica's northwest coast is a lively beach resort with a promenade of restaurants, bars, and shops. Above it, a 15th-century Genoese citadel offers great harbor views. See Église Sainte-Marie, the pink church, and Notre Dame de la Serra. A plaque marks the controversial claim that Christopher Columbus was born here. Nearby, boat tours explore the dramatic rock formations of the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve.

Porto Cervo's yacht marina is the glamorous heart of Sardinia's Costa Smeralda. Founded in the 1960s by the Aga Khan, it's long been a playground for the rich and famous and a favorite jet-set resort. Celebrities flock here, making it a summer base for Italian paparazzi. Relax at nearby Cappricioli beach or visit the Promenade du Port for boutiques, galleries, gourmet restaurants, designer shopping, and a Champagne at Zamira Lounge.

Tuscany's countryside is dotted with medieval hill towns, cypress-lined roads, and rolling vineyards. Though Chianti, Brunello, and Vino Nobile are famous worldwide, the region's real draw is its art and architecture. Near Livorno, Florence-the cradle of the Renaissance-offers masterpieces by Dante, Galileo, da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, and Donatello. Other beautiful towns include Pisa, Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano.

Portofino, with pastel houses around its harbor, is one of Italy's most photographed spots. Highlights include the 12th-century Church of St. George and medieval Castello Brown, both with harbor views. A scenic hike or boat ride leads to the restored 11th-century abbey at San Fruttuoso. Nearby are Genoa, with museums, palaces, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Cinque Terre, the UNESCO-listed cliffside villages, about an hour away.

Monte Carlo is a glamorous port built for luxury yachts, with some of the world's finest vessels in its harbor. Luxury cars line the winding streets during the Grand Prix, while steep green mountains rise behind the bay. On the cliff stands the Prince's Palace, where the Changing of the Guard draws crowds at 11:55 a.m. Nearby are Monaco Cathedral, with Princess Grace's tomb, the oceanographic museum founded by Prince Albert I, and the Monte Carlo Casino, created by Prince Charles III.