7 Sun-Drenched Days in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

It feels as though everything in Brussels is tinted with gold. From the gilded rooftops of the old houses on the Grand Palace to the foil-wrapped bonbons piled in chocolatier windows, Brussels seems to sparkle and wink at you around every corner. Aside from the lustrous architecture and Trappist ales, this shiny city is probably still best known for its iconic street food options: salty, golden fries, and fluffy, honey-colored waffles.    While a major political center, home of the EU and NATO, don’t be fooled by Brussels stern ‘Eurocratic’ facade. Brussels revels in cheeky humor and mischief. So much so, Brussel’s beloved mascot, the ‘Manneken Pis’, is a statue of a small child urinating into a fountain. The city takes great pleasure in dressing this statue in festive-themed costumes. It’s no surprise that the artist Magritte, one of the great visual tricksters of the 20th century, called Brussels home. After a few days exploring the city, and taking in its sights and scenes, you’re sure to come away smiling.         

Palermo, the soulful capital of Sicily, is a city where ancient history and gritty charm collide in captivating ways. A trip to Palermo immerses you in a world shaped by centuries of conquest, culture, and culinary tradition. Walk its chaotic streets, and you’ll encounter crumbling palaces, bustling markets, and Arab-Norman architecture that speaks to the city’s layered past. From the golden glow of Monreale Cathedral to the vibrant chaos of Ballarò Market, a Palermo itinerary is an adventure for the senses. As twilight falls, the city hums with energy—piazzas fill, aromas rise from trattorias, and the soundtrack of Sicilian life plays on. In Palermo, every corner tells a story, and every story is unapologetically alive.

Paros, a sun-drenched gem of the Cyclades, blends laid-back island life with timeless Greek charm. Whitewashed villages, golden beaches, and clear turquoise waters set the scene for easy exploration, from historic Parikia to the lively harbor of Naoussa. Ancient landmarks like the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani sit alongside inviting cafés and seaside tavernas, while quiet villages such as Lefkes offer a slower pace. Whether you’re swimming in hidden coves, enjoying long coastal meals, or soaking up the Aegean glow at sunset, Paros delivers an effortlessly memorable island escape.

Sorrento is the perfect place to bask in the Mediterranean mood, somewhere to enjoy the sun, the sea, fine dining, and good wine. Churches like the Duomo and the Church del Carmine beg to be explored, along with museums, galleries, and castles. But mostly Sorrento is somewhere to kick back and, for a few days, focus entirely on the business of living - and living well. Seafood dinners, Limoncello evenings, swimming, hiking, and boat trips are all perfect ways to pass time in this seaside haven.    If you really tire of all that, Sorrento is well-placed for those looking to explore its surrounding region. A train ride away from Naples, and within fairly easy reach of Pompeii, Sorrento is the doorstep to the attractions of Campania. A short ferry ride away is the island of Capri, with its own collection of beaches, restaurants, and excellent hiking. It’s not necessary, however, to pack the days full of exploring and adventure. While all that is certainly possible, a perfectly acceptable alternative is just to relax and soak in the special Mediterranean vibe.

Zurich is Switzerland’s biggest city, located in the center of the country’s German-speaking region. It’s this location, superbly connected to almost everywhere else by train and close to an international airport, that makes Zurich an obvious destination for tourists. Well, that’s one of the reasons. There’s also the city’s bevy of bars and restaurants, the lakeside views, and stunning architecture around every corner.Take a stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse, a street known around the world for its unrivaled shopping. Weave through crowds of shoppers as you pass rows of world-famous and exclusive brands. Zurich is a small city, but that just makes it easier to get around. Lindenhof Hill, a slight rise of land in the center, offers views across all of the town. Among the city’s most striking features are the Grossmünster towers, which can also be climbed. This is a proud, sophisticated, and elegant city.

Gritty and chaotic Naples calls to travelers who want to experience the real Italy. Pressed along the coast of Campania, hilly Naples is jammed with maze-like streets, strung with outdoor clotheslines, descending toward the sea below. A much deserved UNESCO World Heritage site, Naples is famous for its churches, museums, castles, and catacombs. As you navigate the city, you’ll find yourself immersed by its culture and history.  You can easily occupy a full day gazing at churches like the Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, and Cappella Sansevero.   If you cast your eyes toward the Gulf of Naples, you’ll see Mount Vesuvius looming over the harbor. This foreboding volcano erupted in AD 79. Not far from the inner city — less than an hour by train — you’ll find the ancient town of Pompeii, its dramatic ruins still preserved in ash from the eruption. One of the best things you can do in Naples is to eat. This is the city where pizza was born. Propped up by its ripe tomatoes, local cheeses, and fresh fish, food from Naples has come to define what many see as the height of Italian cuisine. Everything you taste in Naples seems like a delicacy. Authentic and vivid, Naples is a true Italian city where the ancient world meets the modern-day with a bang.