Italy is located in Southern/Western Europe, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and sharing borders with France, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Austria. A country with such a rich history is surely to be at the top of most peoples' travel lists. This is a guide to my trips in Italy that have taken me to Venice, Rome, Florence, Trieste, Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and even to Vatican City.

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city, located near Naples in Italy, at the foot of volcano Mt. Vesuvius dating back to 8th century BC. It is most known for its demise by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was once a city of 11,000 before the eruption. Serious excavations of the city started in the 1920s and work is ongoing for preserving the site.

The island of Capri is located just off the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It is a part of the Naples municipality and has been known to be a resort town since its founding. Popular spots include the town of Anacapri, the Blue Grotto, the Belvedere of Tragara, and the Marina Piccola.

The island of Procida is located among the Phlegraean Island archipelago, off the coast of Naples, Italy, along with Ischia, Vivara, and Nisida. Created by the eruption of four volcanoes, it was visited by Greek settlers back in 8th century BC. Winner of the Italian Capital of Culture in 2022, it is best known for its colorful building facade on the southeastern side of the island.

The Amalfi Coast is located on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its gorgeous vistas and natural landscapes. Some of the notable towns on the Amalfi coast include Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, Atrani, Praiano, Furore, Capri, as well as the town of Amalfi itself.

The town of Positano is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. Archaeological evidence of the town dates back to the 1st Century BC. Known for its market port in the 15th to 17th centuries, it was a poor fishing village in the mid 1900s, then roared in popularity thereafter. Notable sites to see are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Marina Grande beach.

The beach of Fiordo di Furore is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. The village of Furore is located higher up on the cliffside, but the beach is the most notable attraction of the town. The beach is a ria, or coastal inlet, created by the Schiato torrent. It is a popular destination for swimmers with its aqua water and arched bridge facade.

The town of Atrani is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It is the smallest municipality in Italy, located just East of Amalfi. It bears the designation of 'I Borghi più belli d'Italia', given to beautiful towns in Italy. Its traditional characteristics are well preserved and its most notable attraction is the Collegiate Church of St Mary Magdalena.

The town of Amalfi is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. As a famous former trading post, it is known today for its Limoncello liquor and central location along the coastline, providing port access to other coastal towns. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its Cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi.

The town of Maiori is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. Founded by the Etruscans, it was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. It was originally called Rheginna Maior by the Romans in relation to the river that runs through the town. It is located close to the neighboring town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast.

The town of Minori is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It is known as the 'City of Taste' for its culinary tradition. Minori means 'small' in latin, referring to the La Rheginna river running through it. It is the oldest inhabited site on the Amalfi Coast, dating back to the 1st century.

The town of Ravello is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It was founded in the 5th Century as a shelter against barbarian incursions at the end of the Roman Empire. The town is nestled in the Amalfi Coast cliffside and has been a popular destination for artists. Its most popular attraction is certainly the historic Villa Cimbroni.

Rome is the capital city of Italy whose history spans over 28 centuries. The historical center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its name comes from its founder, Romulus. Referred to as the 'City of Seven Hills', some notable attractions in Rome include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Roman Forum.

Vatican City is a landlocked country, located within the confines of Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world with a population of 453 and size of 49 hectares. It officially came into existence in 1929 with the Pope as its ruler. Some notable landmarks to check out include St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Apostolic Library, and the Vatican Museums.

The city of Florence, or Firenze, is probably one of the most popular in all of Italy. And for good reason since you have landmarks here like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi Gallery, just to name a few. Of course, sunset over Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo is a best do on your visit here as well!

Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost town that comprises Cinque Terre, on the Italian coast. The town also has the largest beach among all five towns, replete with cafes, restaurants, and umbrellas as far as the eye can see. Aside from landmarks like the San Francesco d'Assisi Statue and Convent of the Capuchin Friars, consider taking a Pesto cooking class at the Cinque Terre Cooking School!

Vernazza is one of the best towns that make up Cinque Terre, along the Italian coastline. This town is more relaxed than the others, which still offering great panorama city views, an adorning castle at Castello Doria, and the picturesque Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church. Swimming here is also a must during the hot summer months. You do not want to miss Vernazza I guarantee you!

Corniglia sits right in the middle of Cinque Terre on the Italian coast. Perhaps the best way to see the city is to meander through the many alleyways and pockets of shops and restaurants before making your way to the Chiesa Di San Pietro. You can reach this town by train but consider also hiking from nearby Manarola, you'll be glad you did.