Mountains & Mystery - Rome to Trieste (Venice)

Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum to the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's Pieta and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.

Experience the sublime atmosphere of the towns and villages that punctuate the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its quintessentially Mediterranean scenery. Stroll along Salerno's elegant lungomare, a shoreside promenade with far-reaching views of the sea and the mountains beyond. From Amalfi's quaint Piazza Duomo, walk up ancient steps to the stunning Cathedral of Saint Andrew, while in kaleidoscopic Positano, take postcard-worthy photos of houses precariously perched on the shoreside cliffs. Behold the splendid Renaissance palazzi of Sorrento, float above the emerald green waters of a fabled sea cave and take in extraordinary panoramas of the ruggedly beautiful coastline from hilltop Ravello.

Destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century, Catania has been beautifully restored and offers ancient churches, castles and amphitheaters, lush gardens and lovely palazzos to explore. Tour the 13th century Ursino Castle, which was situated along the coast until earthquakes and volcanic eruptions transformed the landscape. Drive inland through picturesque villages and explore Villa Romana del Casale, a 4th century villa and UNESCO World Heritage Site containing a complex collection of Roman mosaics considered one of the finest in the Roman world.

Discover the myriad of cultural layers of Malta, from its amazing prehistoric temples at Tarxien to beautiful walled medieval Mdina, nearby Rabat, and Marsaxlokk, a colorful fishing village. Admire the stunning scenery and wander through imposing churches and down the streets of fortified towns where the Knights of St. John once held sway.

A bit off the tourist circuit and delightfully so, the hidden treasure of Taranto in the Puglia region possesses renowned Greek and Roman history dating back to the Spartans when they founded it in the 8th century BCE. Known as the City of Two Seas, it straddles the Ionian Sea and Mare Piccolo, the large lagoon behind its Old Town. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Taranto is a major draw, one of Italys most important archaeological museums that houses one of the largest collections of artifacts from the Magna Graecia era. Taranto's 11th-century cathedral is the gem of the Old Town and among Puglia's oldest Romanesque buildings. The city is more recently famous as the site of one of the most pivotal World War II naval battles. Dont miss the chance to sample orecchiette, Puglia's signature pasta; freshly caught seafood; and the deliciously creamy mozzarella at one of the many fabulous restaurants.

An undiscovered gem on the northwest coast of Greece, Igoumenitsa stands on the site of a settlement dating to the 4th century BC, and several ancient sites are located nearby. Founded in 31 BC, the archaeological site Nikopolis was once a thriving capital built by the Roman emperor Octavian to commemorate his victory over Anthony and Cleopatra. You can also visit Meteora with its spectacular 15th century monasteries built into seemingly inaccessible sandstone peaks.

Tucked along the southern Adriatic, Bari is conveniently divided between its picturesque Old Town on a peninsula to the north and its modern city center to the south. The chief draws are architectural, especially the Romanesque 12th century San Nicola Church and the imposing Swabian Castle.

Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Stroll through the compact old town, admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral, consecrated in 1166.

Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector's palace and the cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.

A hidden gem of the Adriatic, Zadar offers beautiful beaches, charming promenades, preserved ancient architecture and fascinating historical monuments. Roman aqueducts, forums and temples surround the old town, which features medieval churches and monasteries. The archaeological museum offers more than 80,000 exhibits from the Stone Age to the late Middle Ages, and it is one of the most important museums in Croatia. Stroll along the paved waterfront and enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea or lounge in one of the many cafes.

Situated at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures, Trieste invites visitors to discover new palaces, piazzas and cathedrals around every corner. Along the canal, the gilded Serbian Orthodox Church of San Spiridione is juxtaposed with the neoclassical Catholic Church of Sant'Antonio Nuovo. A walk along the harbor takes you to Trieste's majestic main square, Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia, and on to the Museo Revoltella, the opulent palace of a wealthy baron. Not to be missed is the Castello di Miramare, Archduke Maximilian's gleaming castle situated on a rocky promontory north of the city.