A Roman Holiday, Napoli Delights & Amalfi Allure

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry. 

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's. 

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world. 

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

Walk across a causeway to reach this picturesque medieval castle located on a small

Accessed via the 15th century Ponte Aragonese, a 750 feet (228m) long causeway, the rocky islet fortress of Alfonso the Magnanimous is Ischia's top sight. As you explore you will understand why it made such a stunning backdrop in the film The Talented Mr Ripley. The citadel itself is showing signs of wear and tear and some of it is closed to the public, but below is a complex of buildings that could be almost a separate village, and you can wander around these by way of olive-shaded paths and lush terraces. There's an eerie open shell of a cathedral destroyed by British bombardment in 1806 and a prison that once held political prisoners during the Unification struggle. Otherwise, there are a couple nice cafe-restaurants from where you can enjoy the sea views.There's also the remains of a convent, in which a couple of dark rooms are ringed with a set of seats that look like stone toilets. These actually served as a cemetery for the deceased sisters - the bodies were placed on these seats to decompose, and the nuns would gather to pray here. While today this all seems rather macabre, the sisters considered it a reminder of their own ephemeral existence on earth.

Hike to the top of Mount Epomeo for breathtaking views over the island.

Take a short but steep hike up to Ischia's highest point on Mount Epomeo to enjoy superb views of the entire island of Ischia and its many vineyards. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento and the island of Capri in the distance.  You need to be reasonably fit and wear good shoes, as the final part of the track becomes no more than a channel cut out of the soft rock. There's a rather good terrace cafe/restaurant at the top where you can take a refreshment break.

Walk across a causeway to reach this picturesque medieval castle located on a small

Accessed via the 15th century Ponte Aragonese, a 750 feet (228m) long causeway, the rocky islet fortress of Alfonso the Magnanimous is Ischia's top sight. As you explore you will understand why it made such a stunning backdrop in the film The Talented Mr Ripley. The citadel itself is showing signs of wear and tear and some of it is closed to the public, but below is a complex of buildings that could be almost a separate village, and you can wander around these by way of olive-shaded paths and lush terraces. There's an eerie open shell of a cathedral destroyed by British bombardment in 1806 and a prison that once held political prisoners during the Unification struggle. Otherwise, there are a couple nice cafe-restaurants from where you can enjoy the sea views.There's also the remains of a convent, in which a couple of dark rooms are ringed with a set of seats that look like stone toilets. These actually served as a cemetery for the deceased sisters - the bodies were placed on these seats to decompose, and the nuns would gather to pray here. While today this all seems rather macabre, the sisters considered it a reminder of their own ephemeral existence on earth.

Hike to the top of Mount Epomeo for breathtaking views over the island.

Take a short but steep hike up to Ischia's highest point on Mount Epomeo to enjoy superb views of the entire island of Ischia and its many vineyards. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento and the island of Capri in the distance.  You need to be reasonably fit and wear good shoes, as the final part of the track becomes no more than a channel cut out of the soft rock. There's a rather good terrace cafe/restaurant at the top where you can take a refreshment break.

Visit this fascinating restored Pompeiian home with a famous animal mosaic.

On the threshold is a mosaic dog, with the inscription cave canem ('beware of the dog'). Some of the most striking wall paintings housed in the National Archaeological Museum in the center of Naples were taken from this house.

Visit this incredibly well-preserved upper class residence.

The House of the Vetti is one of the richest and most famous sights in Pompeii. It was the property of two wealthy merchants, and it features some beautiful original wall paintings, still in their original positions, the most famous (or notorious) of which is the extraordinary front image of the god Priapus weighing his enormous phallus against a money bag.

Visit this fascinating restored Pompeiian home with a famous animal mosaic.

On the threshold is a mosaic dog, with the inscription cave canem ('beware of the dog'). Some of the most striking wall paintings housed in the National Archaeological Museum in the center of Naples were taken from this house.

Visit this incredibly well-preserved upper class residence.

The House of the Vetti is one of the richest and most famous sights in Pompeii. It was the property of two wealthy merchants, and it features some beautiful original wall paintings, still in their original positions, the most famous (or notorious) of which is the extraordinary front image of the god Priapus weighing his enormous phallus against a money bag.

Visit the beautiful residence of the Swedish physician and writer Alex Munthe, one of the top sights on the island.

This beautiful 20th-century mansion is one of the top sights on the island. Sitting almost 1000 feet above the sea, visitors come to the villa to walk through its beautiful gardens and enjoy the panoramic views of the town of Capri. Inside the villa, you'll find a small museum home to a collection of archaeological artefacts found on the island. 

Take a taxi or bus up to this pretty little village awash with boutique shops and high priced restaurants.

High up the plateau above Capri town lies Anacapri, a smaller village (compared to Capri Town) which is much quieter and more authentic in feel. Stroll its white-washed lanes of artisan boutiques, take the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro or walk to the nearby Villa San Michele. 

Take a boat trip around the island to reach this mystical Blue grotto cave.

Named the Grotto Azzurra in Italian (Blue Grotto), this famous sea cave is a popular trip from Capri by boat. Sunlight passing through the small entrance creates a bright blue water grotto which is only accessible by a small rowing boat. Lie down flat in the boat, pass through the entrance and awe at the aqua colours of this natural wonder. 

Take the chairlift up to Mount Solaro for amazing views over Capri and the Bay of Naples.

Ride to the summit of Capri's mountain on a thrilling chairlift journey. The scenic ride up takes approximately 12 minutes, and from the top you'll enjoy views over Capri and over the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the distance. 

Visit the most beautiful and most popular town on the Amalfi Coast.

Known for its colorful buildings, beautiful panoramas, excellent seafood restaurants and luxury boutique shops, Positano is the go-to town for most people visiting the Amalfi Coast. Wander its narrow streets, spend time on its beach front or walk to the top of town to enjoy the famous views over the town and sea below. 

Visit the largest town on the Amalfi Coast known for its culture, history and beaches.

What was once an important trading centre is now a stunning seaside town and the second most visited after Positano. Spend time relaxing on the beach and dip your toes in the azure water, visit its historic Cathedral, enjoy a cold lemon spritz in one of its seafront restaurants or simply enjoy strolling around its lanes and take in its views. 

Visit one of the most important Cathedrals on the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Cathedral called “Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo” can be found on the main Piazza Duomo in Amalfi Town. Built during the ninth century with a Byzantine architecture style, the cathedral is considered a must-visit for anyone who comes to Amalfi. Today the Duomo is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque style, with an imposing staircase that leads to a 1,000-year-old bronze door that was given to the town by a wealthy local merchant who had the door made in Constantinople - modern-day Istanbul. Follow a one-way route around its interior which includes relics of Saint Andrew, the Apostle (the patron saint of Amalfi), the crypt and the cloister. 

Visit the most beautiful and most popular town on the Amalfi Coast.

Known for its colorful buildings, beautiful panoramas, excellent seafood restaurants and luxury boutique shops, Positano is the go-to town for most people visiting the Amalfi Coast. Wander its narrow streets, spend time on its beach front or walk to the top of town to enjoy the famous views over the town and sea below.