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Rome
Rome seems to have its own gravitational pull, attracting not only millions of tourists each year, but also the most creative artists and thinkers of every era. All that surrounds a visitor in Rome—the stunning art and architecture, the grandeur of scale and the lively citizens—guarantees an unforgettable trip. Known as "The Eternal City," Rome is a supreme palimpsest. The ruins of pagan temples have become the foundations of Christian churches, ancient theaters have been made into medieval family fortresses, and Corinthian columns support new walls. The ages are layered, one atop the other, but the flow of Roman life is ever forward, with a respect for its glorious past. Rome wasn't built in a day, so don't expect to see it in one. The historic center alone could absorb a week: the Michelangelo-designed Campidoglio, the Pantheon, the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, as well as the nearby Colosseum and Baths of Caracalla. The basilicas take a little longer because they are spread throughout the city. If it's Rome's views you're after, climb up into the dome of St. Peter's or admire the panorama from the top of the Spanish Steps (better yet, from the Pincio Gardens above it) at sunset. Or survey the Forum at night from the Capitoline. Bustling, beautiful Rome, sprawling among its seven hills, is fascinating for both its ancient and its modern wonders.
Corfu, Greece
Part of the Ionian chain, about 300 mi/475 km northwest of Athens, Corfu is one of Greece's most beautiful islands. Once renowned for its notorious nightlife (which is now mainly confined to rowdy Kavos on the south coast), it has rich scenery, numerous cypress and olive groves, rugged mountains, splendid hidden coves, and miles/kilometers of sandy beaches (the one at Paleokastritsa is the most scenic). Highlights include a boat ride into the green and blue grottoes, visiting the monastery, and wandering the narrow alleys of Corfu Town (also referred to as Kerkyra). The town has a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere: Walk through the Venetian quarter, shop for silver or sit in one of the numerous outdoor cafes. Visit the island's proudest possession, the church of Agios Spiridon, which holds the remains of Corfu's patron saint. The gaudy Achillion Palace (4 mi/6 km south of Corfu Town) was built by Elizabeth of Austria in honor of her favorite Greek hero, Achilles.
Dubrovnik, Crotia
Like something out of a picture-perfect fairy tale, the Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a walled medieval city set right on the sea, with drawbridges (used in the 1991-92 war) and 18-ft-/6-m-high gates guarding the main entrances. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it's also very much a living, breathing city. From the crenulated ramparts and watchtowers, there are some perfect vistas of the medieval city, with its cluster of signature bright red clay roofs, and outwards to the Adriatic Sea, nearby islands and mainland mountains. Because the Old Town is blissfully free of motorized traffic, the main streets (Placa or Stradun), squares and alleyways are perfect for exploring the city on foot. Most of the inhabitants of Dubrovnik live outside of the Old Town's city walls. However, inside those walls, several hundred residents still live in historic homes, and the streets and alleyways are crammed with tiny shops, bars, cafes and restaurants that spill out onto the street. The serious damage from the Serbia-Croatian War in the early 1990s has been completely repaired. Locals are still keen to point out the shrapnel and bullet damage that has been retained as a reminder of those dark days, which still come up frequently in conversation. Dubrovnik also offers a spectacular natural setting, which includes soaring rugged mountains running along the coast, dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, tiny deep coves with pebble beaches, offshore islands and unbelievably crystal-clear waters. This draws visitors as much as the historical medieval town. In addition, many of Dubrovnik's stunning luxury and boutique hotels are destinations in themselves, easily commanding some—or much—of guests' leisure time. Many visitors return year after year to luxuriate in their favorite hotel or resort. Dubrovnik has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe because of its warm climate, seaside setting and its rich historic and cultural heritage. In addition, many Game of Thrones fans visit the city to see the original locations that were used in the popular TV show. Dubrovnik's increased popularity also means that the city is facing the challenge of accommodating more visitors, especially during the busy summer season. Therefore, the number of visitors in the old town at any one time is limited to 8,000 people in order to protect historic buildings.
Split, Croatia
The seaport of Split, Croatia, designated by UNESCO as a cultural treasure, lies on the Dalmatia coast 160 mi/260 km south of Zagreb. Its stunning, historic palm-lined oceanfront promenade is reminiscent of the French Riviera, but the rest of the old city reveals a striking combination of Roman, Venetian and Hapsburg influences. Tourists aren't the only ones who have enjoyed the charms of the city—the Roman emperor Diocletian built a palace in Split in the fourth century, and Prime Minister Joseph Broz Tito maintained a palace in the city. Diocletian's Palace forms the heart of the old town (the ruins are thought to be some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in eastern Europe). Over the centuries, the people of Split have made themselves at home within the walls of the enormous palace—you can have coffee at a cafe next to a huge column from the palace poking up through the center of the building. Art aficionados will not want to miss the two galleries dedicated to Croatia's greatest sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. Be sure to spend time just walking around this interesting city. Take a ride up the hill of Marjan for fabulous views of the city and the sea.
Bar, Montenegro
One of the most popular summer destinations in Montenegro, Bar's coastline is 27 mi/44 km long, making it a favorite with beach lovers. Located 47 mi/76 km southwest of Podgorica, Bar consists of the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town (Stari Bar) is an ancient city on a rocky hill located approximately 3 mi/5 km from the Adriatic Sea, and the New Town is located directly on the Adriatic seashore. In the Old Town, you can see cultural sites including ramparts, a citadel, an 11th-century town gate and a restored Diocesan palace. The Old Town has been deserted since the 19th century, when most of the buildings were destroyed during an invasion by the Turks. Some restoration has been done to the ruins, particularly after a major earthquake in 1979. Ferries are available from Bar to Ancona and Bari in Italy.
Katakolon, Greece
Picture a charming little port town on the Ionian Sea, often serving as the gateway to the famous ancient site of Olympia. It's a delightful blend of history, culture, and seaside charm perfect for those seeking both exploration and relaxation. Here's a quick glimpse of what makes Katakolon, Greece, a captivating stop: Historic Haven: Just a short drive away is Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Walking amidst the ruins is like stepping into a grand ancient arena of history. Coastal Beauty: Katakolon itself offers stunning coastal views, with small fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbor. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon by the sea. Tantalizing Tastes: Greek cuisine is at its finest here—fresh seafood, tangy tzatziki, and local wines that give you a true taste of the Mediterranean. Shopping & Souvenirs: The quaint streets are dotted with shops offering everything from traditional Greek art to modern trinkets—ideal for finding a memento to cherish. With Greece's signature charm and a touch of ancient mystique, Katakolon beckons with promises of unforgettable memories. Sounds like a great adventure, don't you think?
Messina, Sicily
The third largest settlement on the island of Sicily, Messina is an interesting mixture of old and new architecture, as much of the city had to be rebuilt following earthquakes in the 19th and 20th centuries. Be sure to visit the Piazza del Duomo to see Orologio Astronomico, the world's largest astronomical clock. Founded by Greek colonists in the eighth century BC, Messina was originally called Zancle, from the Greek word for "scythe," because of the shape of its natural harbor. Messina has always been a strategically important port, and a focal point during many critical parts of ancient and modern history. Crusaders departed from there for the Holy Land in the Middle Ages, and it was a vital link between Europe and the Orient: Silk worms brought from China helped establish Italy's textile industry. The spice trade was also a thriving source of commerce. Unfortunately, the black plague was also brought to Europe from a ship returning to Messina. In 1908, Messina was destroyed by a massive earthquake and tsunami that hit the northeastern coast of the island and caused extensive damage on both sides of the strait through to Calabria. Messina practically had to be rebuilt from scratch, with very few buildings surviving the quake. Today Messina has evolved into a cosmopolitan city filled with fascinating pieces of history, art and culture.
Naples, Italy
You will find spas, designer shopping and fine-dining restaurants with some of the best views in the world. Each Neapolitan neighborhood has its own character. Naples is located in the beautiful Campania region, and many visitors use the city as a base to explore the surrounding areas, particularly Mount Vesuvius, the amazingly preserved cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri. Within Naples itself, historic sights are so numerous that you can't help but come across them. The National Archaeological Museum is one of the best in the world, and the Museo di Capodimonte houses a collection of art that includes the Farnese Collection and rivals the Uffizi in Florence. Strolling along the Gulf of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background, you can quickly forget the chaos of the Centro Storico. Then, of course, there's the food. Naples has some of the best cuisine in all of Italy. From espresso and biscotti to dishes of pasta overflowing with fresh seafood, Naples does it like no other city. True Neapolitan pizza cannot be found anywhere else, and even the street food is worth sampling, especially when served piping hot from storefronts.