What to do in Italy

Rome’s largest fountain and one of the most famous in the world, your visit to the Eternal City wouldn’t be complete without tossing a coin into it. An elaborate baroque masterpiece, it includes a marble statue of Neptune surrounded by tritons. There are several legends behind the coin tossing, including that throwing one from your right hand over your left shoulder will ensure your return to Rome. Another tells that three coins should be thrown in, the first of which guarantees your return, the second ensuring a new romance, and the third, marriage. The coins don’t go to waste as the municipality of Rome collects an average of $3,500 from the fountain every day which helps to fund food programs for the poor. While it attracts big crowds, if you visit during the early morning hours or late at night, the experience can be magical.

Pompeii is the city that was destroyed in the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, left buried under several feet of ash for nearly 1,700 years before being rediscovered. It was frozen in time, providing a remarkable look at life in Roman times with even human residents preserved in the positions they were in. It’s like an open-air museum, with bath houses, villas, shops, bakeries, a meat and fish market, law courts, and even a brothel. As you wander the ancient streets look down to see chariot tracks left by the chariots that were used for transport. The forum at the center was the political, economic, and religious hub, the place where religious events and public debates were held, while the amphitheater is the oldest stone amphitheater of its kind ever discovered, dating back to 80 BC. A guided tour is the best way to see it all with expert insight.

2003’s “Under the Tuscan Sun” made Tuscany a star and one of the top things to do here is to sip wine in the sunshine, with the light touching the picturesque vineyard-covered landscapes. There are plenty of vineyards where you can do just that, often alongside some of the local pastas. Many also offer the chance to learn about the wine-making process before sampling. This is a vast region, so you’ll want to figure out where to go – Chianti offers many vineyards with areas dedicated to wine tasting and opportunities to see the production of its famous Chianti Classico, with its famous medieval town of San Gimignano boasting some of the finest wineries in all of Italy. White Vernaccia wine is the local specialty. The classic walled hill town is also known for its medieval towers that create a breathtaking skyline that can be seen from the surrounding countryside.

Taking a boat trip from one of the world’s most stunning coasts is sure to be a highlight of your time in Italy. The Amalfi Coast is where you’ll find those colorful clifftop villages overlooking the turquoise sea and there are numerous options for excursions that leave from Sorrento, Positano, and other towns. One of the most popular options visits the island of Capri, known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, world-class shopping, and delicious cuisine. It’s a place to see and be seen, with many celebrities and VIPs of all sorts anchoring their superyachts here. Tours often include visits to the Blue Grotto, a unique sea cave that gets its name from the brilliant blue light that filters through the water via an opening below sea level. You’ll board a rowboat that can get through the opening to witness the surreal turquoise glow.

Renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture, Florence is where you can marvel at Michelangelo’s David up close under a skylight, the best way to understand the passion that the artist had for human anatomy. You’ll be able to see the flexing thigh muscles in his leg, the pulsing veins in his hands, and the watchful eyes that make it feel as if the gleaming masterpiece of white marble has come to life. Michelangelo was only 26 in 1501 when he took on the challenge to sculpt the large-scale, 17-foot-tall David and is said have worked tirelessly for three years to complete it. While in Florence you won’t want to miss the chance to climb to the top of the bell tower of the Duomo in the heart of the city. One of the four main monuments on Piazza del Duomo, it’s a fine example of 14th-century gothic-style architecture standing nearly 300 feet high. From the top you’ll enjoy fabulous views of the piazza, the city, and beyond. The cathedral museum displays original works of art created for the bell tower, including pieces by Pisano and Donatello.