Things to Do in Italy

St. Mark’s Basilica is the crown jewel of Venice, one of the most sumptuous cities in the western world. This ornate cathedral blends elements of Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture—testimony to the city’s political and economic dominance that spanned centuries. Topped by soaring domes and with an interior of astonishing golden mosaics, the church is so opulent it is known as the Chiesa d’Oro, or the Golden Church. Construction began in 828, when the body of St. Mark was smuggled back to Venice from Alexandria; the church has been rebuilt, expanded, and delicately restored over the centuries. 

St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous monument in Venice and hosts millions of visitors each year, so there are often long lines to enter. To avoid the crowds and wait times, book a skip-the-line tour, or opt for an after-hours tour for private evening access. While the exterior is visited on just about every city sightseeing tour, a guided tour is the best way to experience the cathedral, given the complexity of its art and architecture. A private or small-group evening tour led by an expert tour guide offers a unique and intimate experience, and the basilica is located on St. Mark’s Square, so you can easily combine a basilica tour with a gondola ride and a Doge’s Palace tour.

The cathedral is on the eastern end of the Piazza San Marco, adjacent to the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) along the Grand Canal. The nearest vaporetto (ferry) stop is San Marco–San Zaccaria.

The basilica is most crowded at midday, so begin or end your Venice tour with a morning or late-afternoon visit. Summer is the most popular time of year to visit, while Venice is relatively quiet from November through February (aside from the Christmas and New Year holidays, and during Carnival).

St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is famous for Michelangelo's “Pietà” and Florence’s Duomo is known for Brunelleschi’s dome, but St. Mark’s Basilica’s greatest treasure—the stunning Pala d'Oro—dates back centuries before either of those masterpieces. This glittering gold and enamel altarpiece from AD 976 is considered one of the most important, refined examples of Byzantine enamel in the world.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the most important of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and is seat of the bishop of Rome: the Pope. One of the most important Catholic churches in the world, the archbasilica is decorated with rich mosaics, Cosmatesque floors, and 12 baroque statues of the apostles.

 

The Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Sts. John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran is the cathedral of Rome. More commonly known as the Basilica of St. John Lateran, it is named for its location at the Lateran Palace. Constantine, the first Christian emperor, donated the property to the church. It became the main papal residence and the venue for consecration of popes for centuries. Today, visitors can see the six papal tombs and larger-than-life-size statues of the Twelve Apostles.

 

St. John Lateran is best visited with a guide as part of a Christian Rome tour to be able to fully appreciate its historical and religious importance. Many small-group tours also include visits of the Vatican City’s Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.

 

 

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is located at the southern edge of the city center, about a 5-minute walk from the San Giovanni Metro Station on Line A.

 

Italy's capital city is one of the most visited destinations in Europe, and its holy sites, such as Saint John Lateran, are especially crowded during the Catholic holidays and Jubilee years. Try to schedule your tour outside of these popular times to visit.

 

St. John Lateran is also the site of the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta)—said to have been climbed by Jesus Christ to reach the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem and brought to Rome in the fourth century. Today, they lead to the Sancta Sanctorum, a chapel that contains some of the holiest relics in Christian history, though pilgrims today climb a nearby replica, as the original stairs are closed to visitors.

The enormous St. Peter's Basilica dominates Vatican City, and its dome can be seen from all over Rome. Built on the site of St. Peter’s crucifixion and over his tomb, it’s the epicenter of the Catholic Church and the burial place of many popes, including Pope John Paul II. The lavishly adorned basilica is the largest church in Italy and all of Christendom, and it's also a museum full of priceless works of art—including Michelangelo’s spectacular “Pietà” and Bernini’s bronze baldachin.

St. Peter's Basilica is an essential part of any visit to the Vatican. There's no admission fee, so it's easy to stop in on your own, but a guided tour or audio guide will help you truly understand the significance of the history and art. Many travelers either choose a tour that focuses exclusively on the basilica or opt for one that pairs a visit with stops at other areas in the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. This is one of the most popular attractions in Rome and all of Italy, so crowds are nearly inevitable. It’s best to book a skip-the-line ticket or early-access tour that allows you to visit before most of the swarms arrive. 

St. Peter's Basilica is across the Tiber River from top sights such as the Colosseum and Piazza Navona. The nearest metro stops are Ottaviano–San Pietro–Musei Vaticani and Cipro on line A; there are closer tram and bus stops. If you'd like to walk, cross the Ponte Sant'Angelo toward the Castel Sant'Angelo for a picturesque view.

The church is open year-round, but it's a working church so it closes regularly for mass and special religious services. Crowds are at their thickest during summer and holidays such as Easter and Christmas, as well as during public papal addresses, given most Wednesdays in the square.

The basilica’s most famous tomb is that of St. Peter, but most visitors never go below the main level of the church. You can book a small group tour of the Vatican Necropolis to explore the ancient Roman cemetery that lies underground, past the Vatican grottoes, and stand before St. Peter's tomb.

In the early years of his pontificate, Pope Urban VIII commissioned what is now called St Peter’s Baldachin (Baldacchino di San Pietro) over the saint’s grave. The project was designed by Bernini and turned out to be so enormous that the Pantheon’s beams had to be melted down to provide the massive amount of bronze needed. The Romans weren’t too happy with the damage done to their beloved Pantheon, and the project was thus on the receiving end of all sorts of mockery. A popular pun was an allusion to the Pope’s family name Barberini: "Quod non fecerunt Barberi, fecerunt Barberini"—a saying that roughly translates to "what even the barbarians didn’t dare to do, the Barberini did."

Located under the dome of Michelangelo where the nave and transept meet, the canopy is as high as a nine-story building. It is directly over the altar, which in turn lies over the supposed grave of St Peter, and is held up by four corkscrew columns that form a helix—an idea conjured up by then-24-year-old master sculptor Bernini when he saw the twisted columns of the old St Peter’s Basilica. The work of art turned out to be so expensive that the project devoured 10 percent of the Papacy’s annual revenue at the time. But the risk paid off. On the day the baldachin was unveiled, it proved to be a spectacular success, even with the previously disdainful Romans.

This historic Anglican Church in Florence, Italy has English roots — remaining one of three worship centers that form the chaplaincy of the Church of England (the other two are St. Peter’s in Siena and a growing congregation in Bologna.) Built in 1881, it is steeped in local history — part of an old Medici palace, later owned by Machiavelli, and then renovated in neb-renaissance style. It is known as a symbol of Renaissance architecture. 

The church often serves the homeless community of Florence and holds mass regularly. It remains a center of Anglo-Catholic religion for the British expat community in Florence. The beautiful interior of the Anglican Church is furthermore a hub of historic art and one of the most celebrated concert venues in Florence with classical performances in music, choral singing, and opera as well as a variety of visiting performers. With only 150 seats, it is an intimate venue to experience a live concert.

The ornate 17th-century facade of Syracuse’s Duomo is typical of many Sicilian baroque churches, but belies the unusual interior of this former Greek temple. Built in the fifth century BC and dedicated to the goddess Athena, the building was converted into a Christian church over a millennium later.

 

The Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo) is one of many ancient Greek and Roman remains that dot this UNESCO-listed city, though one of the few still in active use today. The temple’s original Doric columns—still visible from both inside and outside—were incorporated into the structure of the seventh-century Byzantine church, and Norman and baroque elements were added over the subsequent centuries, making today’s cathedral a remarkable mix of architectural styles. Inside, the baptismal font is a retrofitted Greek vase, decorated with a number of 13th-century bronze lions.

 

Syracuse Duomo is a highlight of any walking tour of the city’s historic center, and can easily be visited as part of a day trip from the nearby city of Taormina. Join a guided tour of that includes this unique church to fully appreciate its history and architecture.

 

 

The Syracuse Duomo is on the pedestrian-only Piazza Duomo in the city’s historic center of Ortigia and can only be reached on foot.

 

The duomo closes at from 12pm to 4pm, so time your visit for early morning or late afternoon to catch it open but without the crowds.

 

Syracuse Cathedral is home to a number of relics of Saint Lucy (Santa Lucia), patron saint of the city, including bone fragments and clothing. On the first Sunday in May and December 13, the cathedral’s 16th-century statue of Saint Lucy is the focal point of a religious procession through the city streets.

The image of Michelangelo’s David statue, one of the world’s best-known works of art, is so ubiquitous in Florence that it has become a symbol of Italy’s Renaissance capital. Carved between 1501 and 1504 and installed at the custom-built Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in 1873, the masterpiece also symbolizes strength and human beauty.

Michelangelo’s statue of David is one of the most popular sights in Florence—if not the entire art world—and there are always long lines to enter the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in high season. To avoid waiting for hours under the hot Florentine sun, it is essential either to book skip-the-line tickets in advance or to join a guided tour that includes gallery entrance tickets along with an explanation of this important masterpiece. Once you’re inside, admire the four unfinished statues by Michelangelo, known as the Slaves or Prisoners, lining the hall leading to the rotunda under which David holds court. Many Florence city tours include visits to the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), and Accademia Gallery accompanied by an experienced tour guide, and small-group tours of the city center hit must-sees like Ponte Vecchio as well.

The Galleria dell’Accademia is located in the heart of Florence, an easy walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria.

Florence’s Accademia Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15am to 6:50pm; final entry is at 6:20pm. The gallery is closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, and December 25. The gallery is most crowded from late morning through the afternoon, so consider reserving a private tour with exclusive early morning access to enjoy the famous statue before the throngs of daily visitors arrive.

The statue of David has a fascinating history, and did not seem initially destined for greatness. The block of marble Michelangelo was given to work with was flawed and had already been partly carved by his predecessor. Nonetheless he carved David to adorn the Duomo, but the finished statue was too heavy to hoist onto the cathedral and was placed instead at the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria. Not long after the statue was unveiled here, rioters at an anti-Medici rebellion threw a chair out of a window directly onto David's arm, which broke in three places. In 1873, David was moved to the safety of the Accademia Gallery, and a replica—one of many—now marks the spot where the original once stood.

Lying on the western flank of thin, wispy Lake Maggiore, Stresa is an elegant resort backed by the Alpine foothills of Monte Mottarone and beloved of travellers for the grandiose hotels spread along its tree-lined promenade. Summer sees lidos bordering the lake and visitor-thronged craft markets on Thursday afternoons; come the balmy evenings the cobbled streets of the town are equally packed with locals and tourists alike enjoying a passeggiata (nightly stroll) before they settle down to dine al fresco in leafy Piazza Cadorna.

Once the hang out of literary stars Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway, the jewels in Stresa’s crown are undoubtedly the three miniature Isole Borromee (Borromean Islands) just minutes away across Lake Maggiore by ferry. Owned by the all-powerful Borromeo clan since the 12th century, today they exist in a Baroque time warp; while Isola Bella and Isola Madre both boast extraordinary 17th-century palazzi decorated with unbelievable decadence and surrounded by formal terraced gardens – built as the Borromeos’ private pleasure grounds – every inch of Isola dei Pescatori is smothered in miniscule churches, art galleries, souvenir shops and fish restaurants with lake views at each turn. The aristocratic Borromeo family ruled over tracts of Lombardy for centuries, building another elaborate palace at Rocco Borromeo on Maggiore’s southwestern shore; Archbishop Carlo Borromeo was canonized in 1610 and a vast bronze statue stands in his honor at Angera. 

Climbing from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church, the Spanish Steps is one of Rome’s most recognized landmarks, immortalized in countless postcards and films. Built between 1723 and 1725, the 138-step staircase recently underwent a meticulous cleaning, restoring the marble landmark to its former glory.

The monumental Spanish Steps, the widest staircase in Europe, was designed by architect Francesco de Sanctis and counts among the Eternal City's most iconic tourist sites, along with such highlights as the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Roman Forum. The steps are also a lively meeting places for locals, who gather at the bars and cafés around Bernini's famous Fontana della Barcaccia in the square below.

Rome tours by Segway, Vespa, or hop-on hop-off bus are a great way to see the Spanish Steps along with other famous attractions like the Colosseum (often with skip-the-line access) and Pantheon in a single day, or opt for a specialized private tour with an expert tour guide to combine a food and wine or pizza tour with your visit. For a unique look at the steps, consider joining a small-group city tour by night when the monument is dramatically lit and the crowds are thinner.

The metro line A runs from the Termini train station to Piazza di Spagna.

The Spanish Steps are crowded most of the day, so you'll have to visit early in the morning or late at night if you want to enjoy them in relative peace. The steps are in direct sunlight almost all day, so can be hot to climb during the midday hours in summer; they are particularly photogenic in the spring, festooned with colorful flowers, and decorated with a towering Christmas tree and fairy lights during the winter holidays.

The Spanish steps were financed by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier and built to link the Trinità dei Monti Church, under the patronage of the king of France at the time, with the Spanish Square below, so-named because it was home to the Spain's embassy and considered Spanish territory in the 17th century.

Sitting high above St. Mark’s Square and visible from the Grand Canal, the remarkable clock in St. Mark’s Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio) has served as Venice’s official timepiece for more than 500 years. Touring this historic symbol of the city is a highlight of any visit, not least for the sweeping views from the top of the tower.

A unique landmark of Venetian architecture, St. Mark’s Clock Tower is part of a 15th-century building featuring the central tower thought to be designed by Mauro Codussi flanked by two shorter wings on either side. The clock mechanism has changed over time, with a later addition of panels with Roman numerals and Venice’s winged lion symbol, but the two large bronze figures that strike the hours on a bell, the copper statues of the Virgin and Child, and the clock face are all original. The clock displays not only the time of day but also the current zodiac sign and phase of the moon.

A visit to the clock tower is generally included in tours of the highlights of St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), including St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), and the bell tower; skip-the-line tickets are a must for these popular sights. Tours include an explanation of the internal clock mechanism and a climb to the top of the tower.

St. Mark’s Clock Tower is located on the north side of St. Mark’s Square, in the center of Venice. The nearest vaporetto (water bus) stop is San Zaccaria.

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and can be very crowded in the summer. The best time to visit is from October through March, when the sights around St. Mark’s Square are more pleasant to tour.

One of the most unique features of St. Mark’s Clock Tower is the procession of the three Magi—statues of the three Wise Men led by an angel that emerge from a small doorway to pass in front of the Virgin and Child statues. This happens only twice a year, on the Epiphany (January 6) and on Ascension Day (40 days after Easter Sunday).

There is no better stretch of beach in Positano to take a dip or work on your tan than Spiaggia Grande, next to the Marina Grande port. At this well-provisioned beach you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella, stroll the beach walk, grab a meal at a beachfront restaurant, or hop on a ferry to other coastal destinations or the islands. 

Take a beach break at Spiaggia Grande before or after your small-group or private tour of the top attractions along the Amalfi Coast, including Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Day trips depart from Sorrento or Naples, often include a stop for lunch, and can also be combined with a tour of Pompeii.

 

Spiaggia Grande is the beach located adjacent to Marina Grande, Positano’s port. If arriving by ferry, the beach clubs are just steps away. If arriving by bus, walk downhill to the port and beach. 

 

Temperatures soar in southern Italy at midday during the summer months, so be cautious about sun exposure or hit the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. The beaches along the Amalfi Coast get very crowded on the weekends from June through September, so visit in spring or fall if possible.

 

If you fancy a slightly quieter but equally beautiful beach, take the pretty footpath overlooking the water from Spiaggia Grande to Fornillo beach. Though this stretch of sand is less crowded, there are still snack bars, restaurants, and a number of beach clubs renting chairs and umbrellas. 

The 12th-century Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo), with its fortified ramparts and vaulted halls, is one of top sights in Bari and a refreshing break from the port city’s Romanesque churches and art collections. Climb the Hohenstaufen tower and Aragon walls for sweeping views of the city and sea.

 

The Swabian Castle was built on the Adriatic seafront in 1132 by Norman conquerors to keep the citizens of Bari in check. Damaged later during a skirmish with Sicily, the fortress was rebuilt and extended in 1233 by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II; its thick walls and moat were added during the 16th century when the castle became a private residence. During its long life, this waterfront castle has been owned by several Italian noble families and used as a prison and army barracks. Today, the tranquil courtyard and halls house the Gipsoteca, a museum of sculptural fragments in plaster from important monuments in Bari Vecchia, the city’s historic center.

 

One of the top attractions in Bari, Swabian Castle is included in most walking or bike tours of the historic center, along with the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the Cathedral of St. Sabino, and Piazza Mercantile.

 

 

The Swabian Castle is located on Piazza Federico II di Svevia, adjacent the city’s historic center and an easy walk from the train station and from other important sights and attractions.

 

Southern Italian cities can get uncomfortably hot in the summer, and Bari is no exception. Plan your visit to Swabian Castle for first thing in the morning or during the late afternoon if you are traveling between June and September. The castle is closed on Mondays.

 

Inside the castle, three large vaulted halls house Bari’s Gipsoteca, a museum that collects sculptural fragments, plaster casts of architectural motifs, and decorations made of marble and stone. The sculptures and fragments come from some of the most important churches and palaces in the region, tracing architectural styles from ancient times through the 18th century.

The heart of Rome's Vatican City is St. Peter's Square, the grand space that provides a magnificent approach to St. Peter's Basilica. Designed by Bernini in the 17th century, Piazza San Pietro is lined by semicircular colonnades four columns deep on either side that seem to reach out and enfold visitors in an embrace. 

At the center of the square, a soaring Egyptian obelisk and two marble fountains—one by Carlo Maderno dating from 1613 and the second designed by Bernini to match in 1675—break up the sweeping cobblestone space. Within the colonnade, formed by massive Doric columns and topped by 140 statues of the saints, lies the security check for entry to St. Peter's and, on the other side, the Vatican post office. The square is the site of large public Masses on the main Catholic holidays and for papal audiences, when it is packed with pilgrims from all over Italy and the world. 

St. Peter's Square is best visited with a tour guide as part of a small-group tour that touches on all the Vatican highlights, including the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, and the Vatican Grottoes containing the tombs of former popes. The Vatican is a vast repository of art and history; savor it as part of a private tour with skip-the-line tickets to avoid wasting time in the Vatican's notoriously long queues.

The most spectacular way to enter St. Peter's Square is by foot, crossing the Emperor Hadrian's Ponte Sant'Angelo over the River Tiber to Castel Sant'Angelo (Hadrian's Tomb) and walking up the grand Via della Conciliazione. Otherwise, use one of two metro line A stops: Ottaviano–S.Pietro–Musei Vaticani or Cipro. 

The square is crowded with visitors during the opening hours of St. Peter's Basilica, so consider booking a night tour or an early-entry basilica tour to see St. Peter's Square in relative peace.

St. Peter's Square, along with the rest of the Vatican, is protected by the historic Swiss Guards, established in the 16th century and still sporting their colorful Renaissance-style uniforms.

The Stadium of Domitian was built in 80 AD as a venue for sporting events and was the first of its kind. It was designed in an elongated U-shape using a Greek architectural style, and it could hold between 15,000 and 20,000 people. In the 15th century, the stadium was paved over to make Piazza Navona, which is a popular square in Rome today. The square is almost the exact same size and shape as the stadium was. Some pieces of the original stadium can still be seen above ground, but much of the remains are underground. 

Today visitors can see parts of the archaeological site and get a glimpse of Rome's past. Graphs, photos, and videos explain the history of sport as well as the history of the stadium itself. Much of what lies underground is off limits and can only be accessed with special permission, but the parts that are visible are spectacular. The stadium is one of many examples of the many layers of history that exists in Rome.

Topped by soaring domes and spires, the Basilica of Saint Anthony is the most important church in Padua and is visited by pilgrims from across the globe. With its mix of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic architecture, and rounded domes reminiscent of St. Mark’s Basilica in nearby Venice, this church is one of Padua’s top attractions.

 

Built during the 13th century, the Basilica of Saint Anthony includes in its design the small pre-existing church where St. Anthony was buried. Inside, notable artworks include 14th-century frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio, an ornate 16th-century candelabrum by Andrea Briosco, and bronze statues by Donatello. Saint Anthony’s body was originally entombed in the Madonna Mora Chapel; today his tongue and jaw bone are displayed in elaborate gold reliquaries, and the rest of his remains are in the Chapel of St. Anthony.

 

The basilica is included in small-group Padua tours or day trips from nearby Venice, along with other main attractions in Padua like the Scrovegni Chapel—with frescoes by Giotto—and elegant Prato della Valle square.

 

 

The Basilica of Saint Anthony is in Padua’s historic center, an easy walk from the city’s train station and main Prato della Valle square.

 

The feast day of Saint Anthony is celebrated each year on June 13 with special Masses and services. Pilgrims from across the world gather at Padua’s basilica to honor the beloved Franciscan friar, making the month of June a crowded but special time to visit the basilica.

 

In addition to the church, you can tour the adjacent Franciscan Friary and its five cloisters: the Paradise Cloister, the Novitiate Cloister, the Magnolia Cloister, the General Cloister, and the Museum (or Blessed Luke Belludi) Cloister. From the Museum Cloister, you can tour the basilica’s Anthonian Museum and the Museum of Popular Devotion; in the General Cloister, you can see a Multimedia Exhibition on the life of St. Anthony.

St. Paul’s Within the Walls was the first Protestant church built in Rome, considered the capital of the Catholic world. Today, this 19th-century Episcopal church—a national monument and home to beautiful mosaics—is both a religious and cultural center, holding services, musical performances, and art exhibitions.

Using glass from Murano, pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones designed St. Paul’s Within the Walls’ four mosaics that earned the building its recognition as a national monument from the Italian government. That said, St. Paul’s Within the Walls (Chiesa di San Paolo Entro Le Mura) is primarily known as venue for musical performances. Here you can see productions of famous Italian operas such as Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata and Gioachino Rossini’s Barber of Seville, or performances of famous opera arias by singers from the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma or today’s Three Tenors. There are also frequent classical music concerts featuring works by composers including Beethoven, Schubert, and Vivaldi.

Booking tickets to one of the many concerts and performances held at St. Paul’s Within the Walls is the perfect way to both visit the lovely church interior and appreciate its excellent acoustics. The Three Tenors and the Virtuosi dell'Opera di Roma are two of the most popular performances, but there are also symphonic concerts and special musical events on Easter and New Year’s Eve. 

The church is located on the corner of Via Nazionale and Via Napoli, about a 10-minute walk from Rome’s Termini train station or near the Piazza Repubblica stop on metro line A.

St. Paul’s Within the Walls is a beautiful backdrop for evening performances, though you can also visit Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm to simply tour the interior.

In addition to concerts and operas, St. Paul’s Within the Walls often holds contemporary art exhibitions, which you can visit during their regular opening hours.

The bustling port of Sorrento is a popular stop for cruise lines exploring Italy's southern coast of Campania. Sorrento, perched high on the clifftop above the Marina Piccola port below, is a charming resort town and destination in its own right, and also serves as a transportation hub and jumping-off point for excursions to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and other destinations on the Bay of Naples.

Sorrento is a popular departure point for shore excursions by land or sea to the most famous towns along the Amalfi Coast—Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Shore excursions usually depart directly from Marina Piccola, though some may depart from Piazza Tasso in the center of Sorrento. Sorrento has an old town of picturesque lanes lined with artisan workshops and boutiques, historic churches such as the Basilica di Sant’Antonino and the Church of San Francesco, and shady piazzas crowded with outdoor cafe tables. Corso Italia is the main thoroughfare, home to stores selling everything from designer fashions to limoncello, the coast’s traditional lemon liqueur. At the foot of the zigzagging stone staircase down the cliffside, the tiny fishing village of Marina Grande is known for its excellent waterfront restaurants.

From Marina Piccolo, you can either walk up the hill to the center of Sorrento or take a local bus or taxi. The city's transport hub is in the main square—Piazza Tasso—where buses and trains depart for the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Herculaneum, and Naples.

Sorrento is a tender port, meaning it’s too shallow for ships to dock right next to the shore, so allow a little extra time getting to and from your cruise ship. Sorrento is a popular tourist destination and English is widely spoken. The currency is the euro.

Solfatara is a shallow volcanic crater at Pozzuoli, not far from Naples. Likely the most interesting of the 40 or more volcanoes that comprise the Campi Flegrei volcanic area, the Solfarata first formed about 4,000 years ago and last erupted in 1198. While dormant today, it still emits jets of steam with sulfurous fumes. Solfatara’s thermal waters were once believed to cure a variety of medical ailments and the crater was once home to a volcanological observatory, built in the year 900 by a German volcanologist. Ruins of the observatory can still be seen today.

Solfatara is now a popular tourist attraction with two unique phenomena to witness: the condensation of steam and the rumble of the ground when a rock is dropped just right. A walk around the crater floor takes you past the main fumarole known as Bocca Grande and the mud pit known as the Fangaia, as well as a variety of other fumaroles, mofettes and typical Mediterranean vegetation.