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Santa Cesarea Terme atop a rugged plateau overlooking the sea in Puglia is famous amongst Italians as its coast is punctuated with thermal springs, located in four natural caves or grottos along its cliff face. Do note that pathway through the woods will take you to higher side of the town, which boasts beautiful views of the Salento coast.

Frame is of Villa Sticchi (built between 1894 - 1900) which stands out with its eastern dome against the blue of the Adriatic Sea, and is one of the symbols of Santa Cesarea Terme and, with its oriental purple-red dome.

Devoid of traffic lights or cars Manarola is hands-down one of Europe’s most photogenic and picturesque villages.

Manarola a tiny village on the Cinque Terre coastline - is characterized by its brightly and multi-colored houses resembling an artist’s palette - it is built on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Ligurian sea. You must spare time to check the sweeping views of Manorala and other villages when you reach the Church of San Lorenzo, that is in itself stunning both in and out.

You could opt to walk or ride a shuttle bus to get around Manarola and it is up to you to either spend a day enjoying the cheerful mediterranean colors that spring out of the cliffs, turquoise waters lapping at its shore. Or settle in for a few nights wandering down winding narrow streets, and hiking paths connecting the various fairytale villages offering apart from jaw dropping panoramic views also options to snorkel or kayak.

Pietrapertosa is literally carved into the bare rock on the side of the mountain at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level.

Pietrapertosa delivers on its promise of dramatic and picturesque views and engages you with its many ancient ruins especially the 9th century Saracen castle.

Thrill seekers may enjoy trying the highest zip-line in the world as it delivers an unbeatable aerial view of the entire town and dramatic landscape..

It is easy to reach Pietrapertosa from Matera as it is about 80 km away.

Positano with its pastel-colored houses that literally tumble down steep is a vertical town and hence - means strenuous hike/s and you need to also be prepared for a lot of steps.

Positano with its rustic charm and expensive wisteria-draped accommodations is a boat ride away from Capri, Ischia and the Grotta dello Smeraldo.

Romantic Positano has been delivering picture postcards views since centuries - on all fronts be it the framed blue waters and cliffs that plunge into the sea or the the jaw-dropping sunsets that perfectly blend with its pastel colored houses that actually seem to spill down the mountain.

Does Positano really look exactly like it does in its picturesque photographs? Short answer is a vehement yes! Positano has a metamorphic effect on people inspiring millions to travel to check out this jewel of the Amalfi Coast in person.

Shoppers actually just traipse-in from any location across the Amalfi coast to just browse though it's pastel-colored cascade of chic boutiques

San Gimignano really doles out Tuscan charm as it is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. Recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO San Gimignano is well known for its walled village’s and fifteen medieval towers fame. Most visitors agree whilst walking around its enchanting narrow streets that it feels like one has stepped back into time.

Though described as a humble fishing village – Portofino with its distinctive half moon harbor on the Italian Riviera is anything but that. One of the most stunning way to reach Portofino is to take a ferry ride. Alternatively a boat ride along its coastline takes you around the treacherous inlets and beaches like Paraggi, Camogli and Lavagna.

To enjoy stunning visuals of Portofino trek up to Church San Giorgio - combining the same with an alfresco lunch may make your visit more memorable.

You can add exploring of the 15th century Castello Brown to your Portofino trip - as it is known for its luscious gardens and magnificent views too.

Though described as a humble fishing village – Portofino with its distinctive half moon harbor on the Italian Riviera is anything but that. One of the most stunning way to reach Portofino is to take a ferry ride. Alternatively a boat ride along its coastline takes you around the treacherous inlets and beaches like Paraggi, Camogli and Lavagna.

To enjoy stunning visuals of Portofino trek up to Church San Giorgio - combining the same with an alfresco lunch may make your visit more memorable.

You can add exploring of the 15th century Castello Brown to your Portofino trip - as it is known for its luscious gardens and magnificent views too.

Siena is easy to reach from Florence either by bus or train - and once you reach there it is easy to tour - as most of its historical sights (Cathedral complex = Biblioteca Piccolomini Library + Museum, Baptistery +  Crypts, Historic Centre of Siena, Battistero di San Giovanni) are almost within five minutes’ walk of the Piazza del Campo - till date is one of most impressive medieval squares I have visited in Europe.

My wishlist of day tours from either Florence or Sienna would laways include - San Gimignano, Chianti Wineries, Montepulciano, Pienza...

Note - I think this frame is of Siena - I am not 100% sure....

You need to head to Procida (sitting halfway between between Ischia and Naples) described as an idyllic island if you are looking for forts, abbeys, picturesque harbor or smooth beaches and a place that is ideally explored on foot!

Castelmola overlooking Taormina is a small village on Sicily and off the beaten tourist track thus is relatively unspoiled. Did you know that Castelmola has spectacular views that can beat the ones in popular Taormina? It seems you can view the Ionian coast plus the monumental Etna, the Bay of Giardini-Naxos and the Cape of S. Alessio, the strait of Messina and the Calabrian coast in a single glance....

Note it is a steep climb so opting for a glass of local almond wine might be an apt reward after catching the intriguing views.

Notes on how to reach the charming village of Castemola by sicily.co.uk...

You need to head to Procida (sitting halfway between between Ischia and Naples) described as an idyllic island if you are looking for forts, abbeys, picturesque harbor or smooth beaches and a place that is ideally explored on foot!

The island of Loreto in Lombardy is located in Lake Iseo, north of Montisola, and is a private island. The property was bought by Vincenzo Richeri, captain of vessel in the Royal Navy in 1900. He built a neo - Gothic castle, a garden full of conifers, plus a marina as well as two light towers.

The town of Monte Isola is a green mountain that sits right in the center of Lake Iseo impressing you with its tranquility and its ancient appeal. To get there, you’ll need to drive an hour and a half from Milan, then take a 20-minute ferry ride across the lake from the town of Iseo, but it’s well worth the effort. The sleepy quaint town has many excellent trattorias and lakeside cafés, and the beautiful Madonna della Ceriola chapel built in the 1500s.

Whilst walking to the top of the island or the Madonna della Ceriola Sanctuary do stop and explore the ancient hamlets where the ancient rural traditions still remain intact - such as artistic churches surrounded by small squares or homes made in white and local stone;

Matera is popular for its old cave-houses turned into comfortable modern hotels, B&Bs and restaurants. Most tourists explore the famous sassi districts of Matera with its tumbling grey stone facades that are ancient caves - that help understand it's painful history as well as great example of unique atmosphere of the cave-dwellers.

Ostuni’s medieval walled city was built without a plan as its history is peppered with invaders, Greeks, Romans, Lombards, Saracens, Byzantines or Normans and many more - leaving behind monuments and ruins to explore. Ostuni is also a fabulous base to explore many charming Puglia towns like Alberobello and Cisternino.

Turning from the sapphire hued Adriatic Sea and wandering around the White City as Ostuni is often described would lead you through a maze of alleyways and arches leading to white washed houses constructed as tumbling clusters - pretty sight with their bold blue and green wooden doors.

Riomaggiore is the first village and the largest on your Cinque Terre quest. You may hear the bell towers chiming away when you are walking around the very tiny harbor, colorful short buildings. If you are not the hiking type than settle down in a cafe or a bar found on Riomaggiore main street.

Painting by Isidro González Velázquez -dated 1837 - View of the magnificent ruins of the ancient city of Pesto, housed in Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando.

Paestum a short train ride away from Salerno or Naples is the erstwhile Greek city of Poseidonia. Its ancient temples of Poseidon, Hera, and Athena are amongst the few best preserved monuments

What not to miss in Paestum? - Foremost, what will stop you in your tracks in absolute awe is - The Temple of Hera II also known as the Temple of Neptune, one of ancient Greek temples in Italy dating its origin to 450 BC; Temple of Athena that is dedicated to the goddess of war, wisdom, and heroism in 500 BC - later used as a church. Plus the Temple of Hera I also dubbed as the Basilica of Hera; Do explore the incredibly well-preserved ancient tomb paintings that have been painted back in 470 B.C; and the ancient roman amphitheater at Paestum;

Image from a book named - Italy from the Alps to Mount Etna - dated 1877+ by multiple authors - Publisher Chapman and Hall, London - Contributed by University of Illinois Urbana.

Paestum a short train ride away from Salerno or Naples is the erstwhile Greek city of Poseidonia. Its ancient temples of Poseidon, Hera, and Athena are amongst the few best preserved monuments

What not to miss in Paestum? - Foremost, what will stop you in your tracks in absolute awe is - The Temple of Hera II also known as the Temple of Neptune, one of ancient Greek temples in Italy dating its origin to 450 BC; Temple of Athena that is dedicated to the goddess of war, wisdom, and heroism in 500 BC - later used as a church. Plus the Temple of Hera I also dubbed as the Basilica of Hera; Do explore the incredibly well-preserved ancient tomb paintings that have been painted back in 470 B.C; and the ancient roman amphitheater at Paestum;

Image from Le antichita di Pozzuoli, Baja, e Cuma, by Filippo Morghen (1730 - 1807), published in Napoli, 1769 housed in Houghton Library, Harvard University.

Paestum a short train ride away from Salerno or Naples is the erstwhile Greek city of Poseidonia. Its ancient temples of Poseidon, Hera, and Athena are amongst the few best preserved monuments

What not to miss in Paestum? - Foremost, what will stop you in your tracks in absolute awe is - The Temple of Hera II also known as the Temple of Neptune, one of ancient Greek temples in Italy dating its origin to 450 BC; Temple of Athena that is dedicated to the goddess of war, wisdom, and heroism in 500 BC - later used as a church. Plus the Temple of Hera I also dubbed as the Basilica of Hera; Do explore the incredibly well-preserved ancient tomb paintings that have been painted back in 470 B.C; and the ancient roman amphitheater at Paestum;

Painting by Jules Coignet (1798–1860) - dated 1860 - Paestum Temple in Morning Light. 

Paestum a short train ride away from Salerno or Naples is the erstwhile Greek city of Poseidonia. Its ancient temples of Poseidon, Hera, and Athena are amongst the few best preserved monuments

What not to miss in Paestum? - Foremost, what will stop you in your tracks in absolute awe is - The Temple of Hera II also known as the Temple of Neptune, one of ancient Greek temples in Italy dating its origin to 450 BC; Temple of Athena that is dedicated to the goddess of war, wisdom, and heroism in 500 BC - later used as a church. Plus the Temple of Hera I also dubbed as the Basilica of Hera; Do explore the incredibly well-preserved ancient tomb paintings that have been painted back in 470 B.C; and the ancient roman amphitheater at Paestum;

Polignano a Mare is located in the province of Bari is an historic old town perched on limestone cliffs with panoramic terraces overlooking the azure adriatic sea.

Polignano a Mare Is known to be one of the most vital ancient settlements in Puglia and is also well-known in the world for cliff diving.

Many churches in Matera are cut into the rock of hillsides and ravines and its well worth your time to visit one or two of these atmospheric ancient places of worship.

The 'Sassi' is a unique landscape and along with other monuments and sections in Matera is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.

It’s a little tough to believe that Malcesine a beautiful town on the shore of Lake Garda has seen many wars as it was fought over by the Romans, Ostrogoths, Franks and also Napoleon! Malcesine with Monte Blade looming behind.

Malcesine is a vibrant town full of color with cafes, bars and restaurants buzzing with music and sounds of laughter almost all year round especially during summer time.

Saluzzo backed by the snow-capped Cottian Alps is a sleepy postcard perfect town in Piedmont with medieval gems like La Castiglia, a 14th century castle, and the Casa Cavassa, a Renaissance palazzo turned into a museum that showcases spectacular gold-leaf paintings and frescoes. It just takes about an hour to drive from Turin to Saluzzo.

Salo, a quaint town on the banks of Lake Garda has one of the longest promenades that makes it the perfect break to submerge in its natural wonder or spend many afternoons or evenings enjoying aperitifs at the many lakeside cafés.

Ravello with its jaw-dropping Mediterranean views is an enticing haunt that has captivated millions through centuries. Apart from its monuments from the medieval period and its noble atmosphere Ravello is well known for its opulent villas - the Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo or the Villa La Rondinaia.

La Maddalena is far cry from its violent past and intriguing history – today it’s a popular town with many legends and ancient fortresses and its beautiful beaches surrounded by a rocky terrain.

What not to miss in La Maddalena: La Maddalena is best experienced as a local so you need just relax and soak in the calm at the Piazza Umberto I erstwhile known as the Piazza Rossa that is surrounded by ancient buildings, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Cala Francese and Bassa Trinita are popular beaches for both locals and tourists during weekends and in summers.

With just a handful of sights La Maddalena is best explored by foot as all the talked about attractions are within easy reach of each other and located in the main town of La Maddalena.

How to reach La Maddalena?
The only way to reach La Maddalena is by boat or ferry that depart from many locations the nearest being Palau. Try to figure out the rush hours and avoid them for a unflustered or tranquil ride.

Charming Gubbio is perfect to explore on foot - strolling down it's cobblestone streets lined with sober and imposing medieval and gothic buildings actually takes us centuries back.

You will be stumped by Gubbio's stunning preservation of its monuments as you wander through its evocative alleys and stairs that evoke textbook Italian dreams. You most probably would say that Gubbio’s cathedral and the Basilica of St Ubaldo are impressive!



How to reach Gubbio, Umbria? 

The nearest train station to Gubbio is Fossato di Vico. Buses connect Gubbio with the station as it is about 12 miles away. You could also take a bus from Perugia which is about 50 kms away from Gubbio. Gubbio is at a distance of about 124 miles from Rome Fiumicino airport.

Charming Gubbio is the perfect to explore on foot to reach cobblestone streets lined with sober and imposing medieval and gothic buildings. You will be stumped by Gubbio's stunning preservation as you wander through its evocative alleys and stairs that evoke textbook Italian dreams. You could say that Gubbio’s cathedral and the Basilica of St Ubaldo are impressive!



How to reach Gubbio, Umbria? 

The nearest train station to Gubbio is Fossato di Vico. Buses connect Gubbio with the station as it is about 12 miles away. You could also take a bus from Perugia which is about 50 kms away from Gubbio. Gubbio is at a distance of about 124 miles from Rome Fiumicino airport.

Pitigliano with its quintessential rolling hills can be termed as a one of the most unusual and photogenic Tuscan towns with an extraordinary, steep fortress surrounding its commune and Etruscan tombs that are connected by a maze of caves and tunnels which are used to store local wine.

What to see in Pitigliano, would include a 16th century synagogue, Pitigliano Cathedral and the Medici Aqueduct with its Fountain of Seven Taps.

With a shrouded mystical history Maiori is well known today as it has the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast and much of it has been rebuilt and restored as medieval Maiori was washed away in the floods.

Worth your time in Maiori are the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie that dates back to year 596 and the church of Santa Maria a Mare built in 12th century that hosts a wooden sculpture of the Madonna with Child of the 15th century.

Alternatively you may want to take a boat ride from Mamori to explore the spectacular sea cave called the Grotta di Pandora.

The Grotto Pandora is embellished with fairy outline of stalactites and stalagmites that make a spectacular statement around the emerald waves.

Note - a day trip to Capri from Maiori is possible during summertime as ferry services work only during the summer.

Looking for a scruffier and a genuine short break from Ravello - than head to Minori just 50-60 minutes steep walk from Ravello. With its atmospheric pedestrian shopping streets and noisy traffic jams did you know that Minori as per archaeological findings was the oldest inhabited site on Amalfi Coast?

Minori does have spectacular ruins especially the Villa Marittima Romana, one of the most important Roman archaeological sites on the Amalfi coast. Minori has been a pasta powerhouse since centuries and its restaurants are popular haunts on Amalfi Coast itineraries.