Top Things to See
The sites in Italy are so concentrated and varied—many of them dating back nearly 2,000 years to the Roman Empire—that it is impossible fit them all into any reasonable itinerary. That's why tourists return to Italy over and again, to seek new attractions and revisit old favourites. Those attractions listed below are all internationally recognised for their heritage.
 Amalfi Coast
The intensely beautiful Amalfi coastline has been home to thriving communities since early in the Middle Ages. Numerous architectural gems line the coastline here, interspersed with terraced houses lining the steep cliffs. A narrow ribbon of road navigates the precipitous coastline for 31 miles from Salerno to Sorrento. Positano is the most spectacular of these coastal towns. Wherever you travel along the Amalfi Coast, you'll find walking paths, spectacular scenic overlooks and intermittent beach access.
 Colosseum
Easily the most identifiable attraction in Rome, the Colosseum dates to the first century and was originally built to house 50,000 spectators during gladiator contests and similar exhibitions. This colossal, elliptical amphitheatre measures 510ft by 615ft and its exterior is adorned by three tiers of archways. The arena was once covered in wood flooring and a layer of sand, the whole of which was sometimes flooded to recreate battles at sea. The Colosseum was also once outfitted with a canvas awning that sheltered spectators from the elements. Long queues can be avoided either by signing up for a tour or by purchasing a combination ticket which also admits tourists into several other historic sites.
 Florence
Though its roots are Etruscan, Florence was officially declared a settlement by Julius Caesar in 59 BC. Florence served as capital for the Kingdom of Italy during the 19th century and is today the administrative seat of the region of Tuscany. Its walled and historic centre is synonymous with the Renaissance period. Some of the city's proudest artistic accomplishments are housed in Santa Maria del Fiore, a magnificent 13th century cathedral. There are countless historic and significant sites here, including the Medici Chapel, Campanile tower, Fountain of Neptune and the Palazzo Vecchio. The world-class museums and art galleries here testify to Florence's artistic and cultural importance.
Naples
Just west of Mount Vesuvius, the city of Naples boasts 2,500 years of history. Architecture here represents Baroque, Renaissance and Medieval periods, and the city's historic centre has an astonishing concentration of historic structures including 448 historic churches. The Castel dell'Ovo which sits on the tiny island of Megarides dates to the 1400s, though this is only one in a series of castles that have occupied this spot for many more centuries. Naple's Duomo is a lavish cathedral that was begun in the 13th century. Inside is St Januarius' Chapel of the Treasure, which is known for its altarpiece and frescoes.
 Pompeii
One of Italy's most celebrated historical sites, Pompeii would be just another ancient settlement levelled by a volcano if it weren't for the unusual way the city was preserved. When Mount Vesuvius erupted almost 2,000 years ago, the city was buried in a thick layer of ash and subsequently forgotten. As the city was lost for so long, its excavation has provided a unique and candid insight into the lives of 1st century Romans. When the bodies decayed centuries ago, they left a mould in the hardened ash; archaeologists later filled these with plaster to caste the victims in their last moments before the cataclysm consumed them. The effect is a fascinating and eerie window into the city's ancient history. Nearby Herculaneum also lost in the eruption is well-preserved.
 Roman Forum
The Roman forum was originally an Etruscan burial ground, later converted and developed as a centre of civic and commercial interest. The forum was central to the Republic of Rome and grew for nearly a millennium before fading into antiquity in the 4th century. Visitors can explore the charming ruins alone or enlist the help of a knowledgeable guide.
Sacri Monti
A spread of nine hills spanning Lombardy and Piedmont in northern Italy are known for their clustered 16th and 17th century churches. These chapels blend seamlessly with their natural environment, and each is dedicated to a specific tenant or virtue of the Catholic faith. Built as a regional pilgrimage site to facilitate meditative journeys to the tops of these hills, the chapels also house an impressive array of wall paintings and sculptures that date to the same period as the chapels’ construction. The interiors of the chapels evoke elements of Christ's Passion.
Sistine Chapel
An intensely well-known feature of the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel is the primary draw card for most who visit the Vatican Museum. This is the room in which a new pope is traditionally elected. However, most know it for Michelangelo's remarkable frescoes that adorn its vaulted ceiling. Tapestries by Raphael are also displayed on the interior walls. Botticelli and numerous other Renaissance artists contributed to the chapel's breathtaking collection, most of which dates to the late 15th century.
Top Things to Do
 Climb the leaning tower of Pisa. This famous tower leaned at a rate of one millimetre per year for centuries until 1998, when efforts to quell the leaning were successful. Only a limited number of people are allowed up every day so advance reservations are essential. Website: www.opapisa.it/boxoffice.
Cruise the Grand Canal. A gondola ride through the waterways of Venice is, without a doubt, one of Italy's quintessential experiences. Prices are high, but the experience is worth it. Chartered rides last the better part of an hour and gondolas can seat as many as six people.
 Escape to Lake Maggiore. This lake in northern Italy is close to the border with Switzerland. Part of the larger lake region that has entertained holidaymakers for centuries, the Lake Maggiore area is ideal for mountain biking and hiking during the summer months.
Go church-hopping in Rome. With more than 900 churches within city limits, you could spend weeks trying to visit them all. Of course, it's more gratifying to choose a couple of churches off the beaten tourist trail where you might discover a lesser-known gem without the hassle of long queues and crowds.
 Soar to the top of Monte Solaro. In Anacapri, just outside of Naples, the Monte Solaro chairlift takes 15 minutes and ascends 1,900 feet to deposit visitors at Monte Solaro's summit. The view of Naples bay is unparalleled.
Stay up late in Rimini. The city of Rimini is more modern than many of Italy's tourist destinations. Known for family-friendly daytime activities followed by high-octane hedonism after hours, Rimini is an ideal layover for travellers in need of a party.
 Tour the wine country. Sampling the local wines as you travel through Italy is a great way to experience the countryside. Piedmont is one of the best regions to devote to wine tasting, and every town seems to have its own trademark variety. Asti, Barola and Monferrato are three of this region's most noteworthy wine producers.
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