Climb to the top of Palatine Hill (Monte Palatino).
Legend has it that the ancient city of Rome was born atop Palatine Hill. Well-preserved samples of Roman era palaces and temples still stand, incorporated into the natural landscape by trees and vegetation that grow out of the ruins. Today these sites -- which include the Baths of Septimus Severus -- feel more like a park than an archeological site. Quiet paths shaded by slanting maritime pines give the place a serene feel. For a treat, visit Palatine Hill at early dusk, and watch the sun set on the center of ancient Rome -- from Circus Maximus, to the Forum, to the Colosseum.

Stroll the grounds of the Roman Forum (Foro Romano).
You won't have to strain your imagination to picture the Forum as the political, commercial and religious center that it once was, Columns, arches and temples built between 500 B.C. and A.D. 400 -- including the Temple of Vesta, where virgins once guarded the sacred fire -- are artifacts of its ancient prominence. This center fills the valley between Capitoline and Palatine hills.

Imagine yourself a gladiator at the Colosseum (Colosseo).
The Colosseum is the most recognizable symbol of Rome. Once called the Flavian Ampitheater, it was built from A.D. 72 to A.D. 80 -- in just eight years. Here, up to 50,000 spectators -- protected from the sun by an ingenious system of shades -- packed the stands to watch Roman gladiators fight it out in the ultimate combat. Today, the only wild animals haunting visitors are stray cats that make their home in the shadow of this monument.

Make a wish at Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi).
Squashed into the corner of a small piazza, Trevi Fountain's statue of Neptune seems ready to burst forward from the ancient Acqua Vergine aqueduct. The recently cleaned, and gleaming, 18th-century fountain is one of Rome's most famous sights. It draws throngs of tourists, who crowd into the tiny square to toss coins into the water over their left shoulders; legend says this assures a return trip to the city.

Take a break on the Spanish Steps.
A grand outdoor staircase, the Spanish Steps offer a fabulous view of city monuments and rooftops. But they are also a great vantage point for people watching. The Spanish Steps are the meeting place in Rome, filled daily with guitar-playing city dwellers and stylish shoppers descending on the piazza's world-class boutiques. When you've had enough rest, head next door to the Keats-Shelley house, and take a look at memorabilia from literature's Romantic period. Or take a sip and a photo in front of the piazza's azalea-trimmed Fontana della Barcaccia (Old Boat Fountain).

Admire Rome's best-preserved monument, the Pantheon.
An architectural wonder in simplicity, this domed temple was built in 27 B.C. as a tribute to all gods and then rebuilt in the second century A.D. by Emperor Hadrian. It is one of Rome's best-preserved monuments, despite the removal of its marble walls, and bronze ceiling during the Renaissance. The round temple includes a series of columns topped by a dome, which boasts a 30-foot opening to let in light. It remains the burial site of the first ruler of the Kingdom of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, and artist, Rafael.

Take an evening stroll at Holy Angel Castle (Castel Sant'Angelo).
The Castel Sant'Angelo's is a distinctive round building, nestled between the Tiber and the Vatican. It was built in A.D. 135 as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum. Later it was used as a fortress and a prison, even providing an escape route for popes via the connected corridor running atop the wall encircling the Vatican. Inside, the castle not only serves up fabulous views of the city, but also houses medieval cells, frescoed halls and a museum of arms and armor. And if you want to experience the romance of Rome, you can't beat a stroll across the Ponte Sant'Angelo at night. Newly installed floodlights dramatically illuminate the 10 angel statues flanking this approach to the castle.

Visit St. Peter's Square and Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro).
As the largest church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica features stunning architecture, works of art and a chance to see the pope, who addresses the public in the square on Wednesdays and Sundays when he is in town. Inside, the bronze statue of St. Peter draws crowds, as does Michelangelo's 1499 depiction of the Pieta. And ascending St. Peter's 435-foot dome provides a great vantage point for viewing the city and the pope's gardens. But not to be missed is the ancient necropolis, or "city of the dead," beneath the basilica. Plan ahead, because the small tours of St. Peter's scavi (excavation) require reservations through the Vatican offices. St. Peter's bones are believed to be buried there; the burial site is preserved, along with the Constantinian-era basilica and Nero's Circus.

Visit the Vatican Museums, and see the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina).
A journey through the 4.5 miles of displays in the Vatican Museums begins at the foot of an impressive double helix stairwell. Because it is one of the largest collections in the world, seeing all of the Vatican Museums is a near-impossible task for the casual tourist. But no matter how short your time, you don't want to miss the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, or Michelangelo's Last Judgement fresco behind the chapel altar. The museum also is home to artworks of every age, from early Egypt to the present day.


Walk along the Ancient Appian Way (Via Appia Antica), and visit the catacombs.
The Appian Way, or "queen of roads," was the first and most important of the Roman Empire's great roads. Built entirely from cobblestone in 213 B.C., today it is scattered with ancient monuments and, most notably, a series of catacombs. These burial sites are underground labyrinths dug out of volcanic rock, outside the city walls due to laws forbidding burial in ancient Rome. Be sure to visit the Catacombe di San Callisto, one of the oldest and best-preserved, and the Catacombe di San Sebastiano. Unlike most catacombs, San Sebastiano also contains pagan tombs. But it once housed the remains of St. Peter and St. Paul, and its basilica still contains the basalt Domino Quo Vadis footprint, made, according to tradition, by the foot of Jesus Christ.

Cultural sites in Florence

Galleria degli Uffizi

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world's top art museums - it houses some of the most important works of the Renaissance, including works by Leonardo da Vinci , Giotto , Botticelli and Michelangelo . Lots of sculptures too.

Galleria dell'Accademia

The Accademia houses Michelangelo's David , easily the most famous sculpture in the world. Once inside, you'll also see Michelangelo's unfinished and powerful Prisoners , along with a few works by Perugino , Giambologna , and Botticelli .

Palazzo Pitti

The Pitti Palace houses several important collections of paintings and sculpture, works of art, porcelain, silver and period costumes. The rooms contain works by Raphael , Titian , Caravaggio , Andrea del Sarto , and countless others. Behind the Pitti Palace, you'll find the baroque Boboli Gardens which are also a must see anytime of the year.

Duomo

This famous cathedral dome dominates the skyline of Florence, with its eight white ribs against a background of terracotta tiles. Close up it is so huge as to be quite overwhelming.

Ponte Vecchio

No visit to Florence is complete without at least some time spent dawdling on the Ponte Vecchio , looking at the glittering jeweler's shops along the bridge or admiring the view.

Piazza della Signoria

Standing in the Piazza della Signoria with the shadow of the forbidding Palazzo Vecchio, it is impossible to escape the sense of Florence's past political might.

Cultural sites in Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The leaning tower of Pisa is one of Italy's most famous monuments one of the most remarkable bell towers in Europe. Its construction began in August 1173 and continued for over 200 years. The original architect still remains unknown.

Cultural sites in Venice

The Piazza San Marco
This is Venice's main square and is located right in the heart of the city. The square itself is truly stunning; packed with stylish sidewalk cafes and designer shops; it's also a great place to enjoy the scenery and people. In the evenings, you can listen to live music performances too. During peak season you'll pay top prices for a meal in the square, but walking, chatting and taking photos in the piazza is, of course, free.

Doge's Palace
Palazzo Ducale, on St. Mark's Square is an absolute must see. It's arguably the most impressive building in Venice. It was the political hub of the Venetian government up until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797.

Saint Mark's Basilica

The Basilica di San Marco is an incredibly attractive church; the architecture is a dynamic mixture of Eastern and Western styles. The church itself was consecrated in 832 AD.

Grand Canal
The Grand Canal, Venice's main thoroughfare is lined with spectacular buildings and all kinds of boats. It's an idyllic location and a great place to go walking all year round.

Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge or the (Ponte di Rialto), is the main bridge in Venice. It's located right in the centre of Venice and crosses over the Grand Canal. The bridge dates back over 400 years. Don't forget to check out the nearby Rialto Market; there are plenty of interesting little shops here - perfect for picking authentic Italian souvenirs.

Galleria del'Accademia
This is one of Italy's best-loved art Museums. It's spread out over three buildings and has a total of 24 rooms. It's massive! It can get very packed during the high season, so remember to get there early.

Cultural sites in Turin

There is one tourist attraction in Turin that draws the crowds in their thousands. The Turin Shroud is rarely seen in public and yet remains an endless source of fascination for visitors to the city. Aside from its most famous relic, Turin is a veritable treasure trove for anyone interested in uncovering the rich heritage of this largely undiscovered tourist destination. From grand royal palaces to impressive churches, there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy during their stay in the city.

Basilica di Superga
Built on top of a hill on the very edge of Turin, Superga Cathedral is the final resting place for many members of the House of Savoy. The site also became tragically the place where Turin's football team lost their lives in an air crash back in 1949. A memorable trip to the cathedral can be made from Turin centre via an antique tram, the Trenino per Superga. The views from the top are, as you'd expect, absolutely stunning. Superga Cathedral is better known to locals as the Basilica di Superga.

Duomo di San Giovanni
The best-known feature of Turin's Cathedral is the Turin Shroud. The fact that this controversial religious relic is stored safely in a vault beneath the cathedral often comes as a major disappointment to visiting tourists. In fact, the Shroud is officially brought out for public viewing every 25 years, it's last appearance being in 2000. In between, visitors can view a large photograph or look out for unofficial outings at special events and attractions. Shroud-aside, the 15th-century cathedral is interesting in its own right. It is one of Turin's few examples of Renaissance architecture, although all was nearly lost in 1997, when a fire destroyed part of the building.

Palazzo Reale

Turin's Palazzo Reale epitomizes the grandeur of the city's royal history. Built for King Carlo Emanuel II, it served as a royal residence until 1865. Expect to see some lavish interior decoration and period attractions, together with all the fittings of royalty, including a Throne Room and Dining Room.

Palazzo Madama

Santuario della Consolata

Built to house a statue of the Madonna, this church's beautiful pink-and-white facade is matched by an equally elaborate interior. The Santuario della Consolata church itself features lots of marble, silver and gold, together with wood carvings, paintings and religious attractions. The church is still home to several statues, including one of Queen Maria Theresia

Cultural sites in Genoa

Genoa is situated in the picturesque region of Liguria, so there is no shortage of beautiful towns and villages located nearby. Most of these are perfect destinations for daytrips out of the city, with plenty of attractions worth seeing.As you'd expect from a city that has such a diverse and fascinating past, Genoa has plenty of tourist attractions. Its fine architecture, religious buildings and maritime connections offer Genoa's visitors a valuable insight into the city's history as well as life today. Genoa also has a number of family-based attractions, which are guaranteed to keep everyone entertained, young and old alike. Tourists will particularly enjoy visiting the city's many historic buildings and churches, as well as the dolphins and penguins at the Acquario.

Biosfera

This dome-shaped greenhouse on the seafront is home to an ecosystem in miniature. Within the Biosfera itself is a tropical environment, complete with exotic birds, plants and colourful butterflies.

Il Galeone Neptune

Children will love to explore this pirate ship and find out about the life of a Genoese pirate in the 17th century. The Il Galeone Neptune ship was built especially as a prop and used in the film Pirates, directed by Roman Polanski and first screened in 1986.

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

Genoa's cathedral is easy to spot, thanks to its distinctive black-and-white striped façade. Inside is the Cappella del San Giovanni Battista, a chapel that is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is said to be the resting place of the saint's relics. Perhaps one of the cathedral's most memorable stories of modern times is that of the night a bomb landed on the cathedral during the Second World War. It failed to detonate however and, thankfully, this popular historical attraction survives to this day intact.

Aquarium - Ponte Spinola

To the east of Genoa is a stretch of coast known as the Riviera di Levante, with the charming seaside resorts of Nervi and Camogli. Heading west are several seaside resorts that are equally worth visiting, with the main attractions including Pegli. A short journey to the north of Genoa brings visitors to the pretty hillside village of Casella.

Camogli

The charming fishing village of Camogli is a 20-minute drive from Genoa. Thanks to its picturesque harbour, beautifully decorated churches and authentic Italian atmosphere, Camogli is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. From Camogli, it's possible to take a boat trip to the nearby port of Portofino.

Nervi

Portofino

Portofino is anything but a quiet fishing village. For years, this seaside resort has attracted the rich and famous, including film stars and members of various royal families. Enjoy a stroll along Portofino's seafront to see some of the town's expensive shops, restaurants and other attractions. Alternatively, visitors can take a more strenuous walk up nearby Monte di Portofino, where at the top they're sure to be rewarded with some rather breathtaking views of the area around Genoa.