Italy: Things To Do

Drive the Amalfi Coast The towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Praiano cling precariously to steep ruddy cliffs that dip down into the blue sea. The views at sunset are staggering. The drive is only for the most confident of drivers (be sure to listen for honking; that means a local bus is about to round a blind corner). Our advice? Hire a chauffer! Amalfi Coast Drive; 011-39-37-34-010-659; www.amalficoastdrive.com
culture | tour | outdoors

Duomo di Milano Most tourists stop by Milan to do two things: view Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” and shop at designer stores. But the true highlight of Milan is its fairy-tale Duomo, a masterpiece of ornate Gothic spires and lacy decorative motifs. Piazza del Duomo; 011-39-02-860-358
architecture | culture | history

Explore Sicily Sicily’s triumvirate of top tourist destinations (Syracuse, Catania, and Taormina) are about an hour apart. There’s the old town of Syracuse, Sicily’s answer to Venice, the bustling urban life of Catania, and lovely Taormina, with its sweeping views of the mountains and the sea. www.sicilytourist.net
architecture | culture | history | art

Gondola ride in Venice If you tire of wandering Venice’s winding maze of alleys on foot, hop in a gondola and float down the Grand Canal. Though it has a reputation for being too touristy (not to mention overpriced), it remains the quintessential Venetian experience. Ente Gondola, St. Marcus Square; 011-39-041-528-5075; www.gondolavenezia.it
cruise | tour | smart splurge

Il San Pietro di Positano This unforgettable, centrally located resort boasts stunning terraces and gardens, wildly eclectic rooms with hand-painted tile floors, an elevator that cuts through the rock that descends to a private beach, and exclusive beach cafe. 2 Via Laurito; 011-39-89-875-455; www.ilsanpietro.it
luxury | beach | smart splurge | expensive | view

Michelangelo's David The Uffizi museum in Florence boasts a number of must-see Renaissance masterpiece paintings, but the city’s star attraction is Michelangelo’s David, sculpted from 1501 to 1504, and now residing in the Accademia Gallery, which also houses Michelangelo’s unfinished Captives. Accademia Gallery, Via Ricasoli 58-60; 011-39-55-238-8609; www.sbas.firenze.it/accademia
culture | museum | history | art

Pompeii Preserved for centuries under volcanic ash, Pompeii is still being excavated by archeologists. What’s already been unearthed, however, is impressive enough: an entire Roman-era city complete with villas, basilicas, “fast-food” joints, even a brothel. www.pompeionline.net
architecture | culture | history | art | archeology

The Vatican Whatever your creed, a visit to the Vatican is a religious experience. The Popes had a knack for collecting masterpieces of world art. They also commissioned two of Michelangelo’s masterworks: the Sistine Chapel and the soaring St. Peter’s cathedral. Vatican City; mv.vatican.va
architecture | culture | history | art

Tour Roman ruins The Glory of Rome seems much more glorious when narrated by someone who can resurrect the city's scattered ruins with their informed descriptions. If you go it alone, keep in mind that the Forum is free, but you need a ticket for the Colosseum. 011-39-06-488-991; www.romaturismo.it
architecture | culture | smart splurge | art