Star Collector: Best Beaches of Italy

With 3,000 years of history, you can't turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.

This Gibraltar-like town tied to the mainland by a single thread of causeway holds treasures that are old even by Mediterranean standards, with town walls and several churches dating to the 12th century. Climb to the upper town for an up-close look at the castle and Agia Sophia, a Byzantine church. Wander the lanes of the lower town lined with Venetian mansions, many of which have been lovingly restored. Savor the sun on a smooth pebble beach.

Cheerful pastel houses are littered among intriguing whitewashed lanes and staircases. Playful sculptures welcome you to the harbor's cheerful shops, coffee houses, and waterfront cafés. This is a perfect place to enjoy a cup of rich coffee or a glass of ouzo while you watch the world go by. Or go exploring on an optional tour of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cobblestone streets of Messina, Sicily, are the perfect launching point for an optional visit to nearby Taormina. Stroll along flower-filled streets in search of a delightful lunch or an artist's palette of colorful gelati. The ancient Greek Theater is an ideal place to sit back and admire shimmering waters below and Mount Etna, languidly smoking in the distance.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound in Sorrento. Optional tours will take you to the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Torre Annunziata, or the 4th century B.C. city of Herculaneum. Perhaps your choice will be a boat ride to Positano, the legendary home of the Sirens. Perched on a terrace on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, Sorrento offers exceptional views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound in Sorrento. Optional tours will take you to the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Torre Annunziata, or the 4th century B.C. city of Herculaneum. Perhaps your choice will be a boat ride to Positano, the legendary home of the Sirens. Perched on a terrace on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, Sorrento offers exceptional views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history. A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.

As the principal port of Corsica, Bastia has vibrant historical neighborhoods with narrow streets and alleys between ancient shuttered buildings of the 18th century. One of the main squares is the Place du Marche, home of a morning market and the impressive 16th century Saint-Jean-Baptiste church. On the other side of the harbor sits the substantial citadel, the beautiful gardens of Jardin Romieu and the once very-elegant houses of the Terra Nova district.

Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, is a picturesque city on the island's west coast. Famously known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, it boasts a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the Napoleon Museum and the 16th-century Ajaccio Cathedral. The city offers stunning Mediterranean views, beautiful beaches, and a charming old town with narrow streets and colorful buildings. Ajaccio's harbor is lively with boats and seafood restaurants.

Bonifacio, located on the southern tip of Corsica, is renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs and medieval citadel. The town's ancient fortifications and narrow, cobbled streets offer a glimpse into its rich history. Bonifacio's picturesque marina is filled with colorful yachts and cafes, providing stunning views of the Mediterranean. Notable sites include the King of Aragon's Staircase, carved into the cliffside, the Old Town, and Sartene, an ancient hillside community dating back to the 16th century.

Alghero, Sardinia is a small ship exclusive. This charming coastal city in northwestern Sardinia, is often referred to as "Little Barcelona". It features cobblestone streets, vibrant piazzas, and the imposing Alghero Cathedral. The city's old town, enclosed by ancient walls, is filled with lively markets, seafood restaurants, and boutiques. Alghero's coastline offers stunning beaches and clear, turquoise waters, and the nearby Neptune's Grotto, a spectacular sea cave, is a popular attraction. Alghero is also known for its coral jewelry; you'll be able to find coral pieces constructed by local artisans in many of the shops.

Alghero, Sardinia is a small ship exclusive. This charming coastal city in northwestern Sardinia, is often referred to as "Little Barcelona". It features cobblestone streets, vibrant piazzas, and the imposing Alghero Cathedral. The city's old town, enclosed by ancient walls, is filled with lively markets, seafood restaurants, and boutiques. Alghero's coastline offers stunning beaches and clear, turquoise waters, and the nearby Neptune's Grotto, a spectacular sea cave, is a popular attraction. Alghero is also known for its coral jewelry; you'll be able to find coral pieces constructed by local artisans in many of the shops.

Golfo Aranci, located on Sardinia's northeastern coast, is a picturesque town known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The town is surrounded by nature reserves, making it perfect for bird and marine life watching. Golfo Aranci is also a great spot for diving, snorkeling, and other water sports. The promenade is lined with seafood restaurants and cafes, offering delicious local cuisine.

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history. A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.

Welcome to the island where real Romans go to vacation. Cars are scarce here and with only one main street and a casual, laid-back atmosphere that will have you relaxing in no time. There is little shopping available here and simplicity of this island adds to its charm. Check out the botanical garden or the blue grottoes. Take the bus around the entire island, find a beach to hang out at or sit with the locals and watch the fishing boats come and go.

The town of Amalfi lies at the mouth of a deep ravine surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. As part of the Amalfi Coast, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important tourist destination. The whole region is famed for its lemons, which are about double the size of other lemons, and the production of the limoncello liqueur. An optional tour can take you to the UNESCO archaeological areas of Pompeii, Positano and Ravello.

Take time on shore to explore the beautiful village and enjoy the exclusive access that only a small ship can provide in a port large cruise ships cannot reach. An optional tour will introduce you to the highlights of the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands, well-known for its mythological connections and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Weather conditions depending, you will see the volcano that never sleeps as you cruise by Stromboli and with any luck observe the active lava stream by day or the glowing lava at night.

Porto Cervo, located on the Costa Smeralda in northern Sardinia, is a luxurious resort destination renowned for its stunning coastline and vibrant social scene. It features elegant marinas, upscale boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. The charming Old Town is known for its Mediterranean architecture, beautiful piazzas, and the striking Stella Maris Church. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, exclusive yacht clubs, and lively nightlife.

Porto-Vecchio, located on the southeast coast of Corsica, is a charming town famous for its stunning beaches and historic old town. Known as the "City of Salt" due to its ancient salt marshes, it features narrow streets, quaint shops, and lively cafés. The nearby beaches, like Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, boast white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and water sports. The town also offers scenic views from its hilltop citadel.

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history. A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.