If you are one of the ten million or so people throughout the world who say, "I want to go to Florence" each year and actually do so, then make the most of your trip by getting yourself oriented before you go. Otherwise, there is so much to see and do in Florence that you could end up wasting half your trip just deciding where to go on any given day.

As the oldest capital of one of the maritime republics, Genoa nowadays belongs to the “Industrial Triangle” with Milan and Turin, and it's one of the main ports in Europe. It’s symbol is the lighthouse of the old port known as “La Lanterna” (the lantern). Famous also for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is a melting pot and an important center for culture and scientific research.

Bologna is one of the most important Italian cities for history, culture, and economy, located in the middle of Padana plain, between the two rivers Reno and Savena. The geographic position has always been basic for its economic role: the large number of canals (now buried), the short distance to the sea, and the presence of the biggest plain in Italy, made Bologna a sorting center for this part of Europe.

The lake shared by the municipalities of Como and Lecco, has always been attracting people since the Roman Era: Pliny the Elder, Pliny the Younger, Winston Churchill, Vincenzo Bellini, Lord Byron, Alfred Hitchcock, the directors of movies like 007 – Casino Royale and Star Wars – The Phantom Menace, just to have an idea of this impressive location, rewarded by UNESCO as World Heritage in 2003.

As early as 1882, Henry James observed that the most obvious thing to say about Venice is that there is nothing left to say. Works of art associated with images of Venice tend to stick in my mind and evoke its atmosphere and architecture. Wagner regarded Venice as a good place in which to compose because you could see the crowds and yet to be alone. Palaces, canals, gondolas, effects of light seen across the Lagoon at dawn and sunset, dissolve into a colorful Romantic vision.

Peru is a breathtaking country. From its long stretches of desert coastline, past the Andes Mountains, to the lush Amazon rainforest in the interior, from its thriving cities to some of the world’s most ancient sites; Peru’s diverse geography and mystical history draw visitors from every corner of the planet. . . . Read article...

Costa Rica is one of the loveliest and most biologically diverse countries on earth. From its roiling ocean surf to colorful tropical birds, from long, pristine beaches to its dense and pretty rainforest, this Central American country is a paradise on earth. The best way to experience the full splendor of Costa Rica’s unique geography and natural wonder is by visiting one of its incredible volcanoes. . . . Read article...

For hundreds of years, Florence, Italy was one of the most important cities in the world. From the 14th to the 16th century, this stunning Italian city played a pivotal role in our civilization. Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, which finally pulled Europe out of the Dark Ages. Industry grew, as did philosophy, the arts, language and architecture. Famous artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. . . Read article...

Fought over by the Spanish, the Greeks, the French and the Italians, Naples has been a center of European culture for thousands of years. Here are some the things you won't want to miss on your trip to Naples, Italy