Italy

The Italian Renaissance was a transformative period that shaped the course of history, and Florence stands as a testament to this remarkable era. The city's rich heritage as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance is evident in its numerous artistic and architectural marvels, such as the iconic Uffizi Gallery, the magnificent Florence Cathedral, and the renowned statue of David by Michelangelo. Moreover, Florence's contributions to the sciences and global exploration during the Renaissance period have had a lasting impact on the world, making it a city of immense historical importance.

Venice has long captivated the hearts and imaginations of millions of tourists with its unparalleled beauty and rich history. This enchanting city, with its Renaissance charm, is renowned for its masterpieces of art and architecture. While the main attractions of Venice, such as Piazza San Marco and the Basilica of San Marco, are well-known (and plagued by over tourism and overwhelming crowds), there is a hidden side to this city that remains undiscovered by most visitors - a journey beyond the crowds, where you can explore the lesser-known treasures and off-the-beaten-path labyrinths of small streets and alleys that allow you to discover its true essence.

Bologna, the vibrant and enchanting city in Italy's Emilia- Romagna region, is a hidden gem that will captivate you with its unique and colorful buildings. It is a destination that invites you to uncover its hidden beauty, one colorful building at a time. You’ll find that in this enchanting city you will always have sunshine . . . even on a cloudy day.

Alberobello is a town in southern Italy’s Apulia region. It’s known for its trulli - whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs - and this hilltop town has hundreds of them. If the author J.R. Tolkien had designed a rural Italian city, this would be it. Alberobello is charming, idyllic, and a joy to experience. Enjoy this little visual stroll through Alberobello’s delightful streets.

Matera, Italy is the third most ancient city in the world - only behind Aleppo and Jericho. Within the town there is a district known as the Sassi (Italian for the “stones”), where some 1,500 cave dwellings are located - dating back to the Paleolithic era. Over the millennia, the people living in the naturally existing caves gradually burrowed deeper and deeper and created living spaces. Today, these cave residences are being renovated into restaurants and lodging. Enjoy a closer look at this unique and fascinating town.

With dramatic and stunning cliffs along its coastline and a delightful and charming old town, Polignano A Mare is often referred to as The Pearl of the Adriatic. No doubt, the Amalfi Coast is Italy's most popular coastal stretch, but the Adriatic will surprise you with its beauty, magnificence, delightful charm, and far fewer visitors. It will call you back again and again. Enjoy.

Known as the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is one of the most beautiful cities in Southern Italy and is famous for its 17th-century Baroque architecture, while also featuring archaeological remains from the time of Roman rule. The streets of Lecce are glorious . . . to know Lecce is to walk her beautiful and magnificent old town. Few places hold as much beauty and elegance as Lecce, Italy. Enjoy.

On August 24, 79 AD, the town of Herculaneum was destroyed in a cataclysmic volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, along with the neighboring town of Pompeii. Herculaneum has been preserved like no other site in the world, not even nearby Pompeii. The city was buried beneath 16 meters of ash and mud during the eruption and when the ancient site was rediscovered in the 18th century, it was found that the layer of rock had preserved the remains of Herculaneum incredibly well over the last two millennia.