Ponza is the largest island of the Italian Pontine Islands archipelago, located 33 km south of Cape Circeo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is also the name of the commune of the island, a part of the province of Latina in the Lazio region.

Capri, Italy | Arrive: 7:00 AM | Depart: 5:00 PM
Sorrento (Pompeii), Italy | Arrive: 6:30 PM
The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples. In Capri you can marvel at the whitewashed homes and villas, fragrant lemon trees and flower-filled courtyards. From the water, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Once inside the cave, you can marvel at the water’s sapphire color, which is caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock. Also from the water, see the Arco Naturale on the east coast of the island. Dating from the Paleolithic age, the limestone arch is the remains of a collapsed grotto.

Pompeii is a vast archaeological site in southern Italy’s Campania region, near the coast of the Bay of Naples. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii was buried under meters of ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The preserved site features excavated ruins of streets and houses that visitors can freely explore.

Sorrento (Pompeii), Italy | Depart: 4:30 PM
Positano, Italy | Arrive: 7:00 PM
Pompeii is a vast archaeological site in southern Italy’s Campania region, near the coast of the Bay of Naples. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii was buried under meters of ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The preserved site features excavated ruins of streets and houses that visitors can freely explore.

The small seaside city of Positano on the Amalfi Coast is centrally located for day trips to Capri Island, Sorrento, Naples or Ravello, but it is intriguing enough to be a standalone destination on anyone's Italy itinerary.

Positano's striking scenery is its greatest asset. Pastel-colored shops, restaurants and hotels cling to cliffs that rise steeply from the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Steep cobblestoned steps connect the labyrinth of dining and shopping options above with the beachfront and marina below. Visitors to Positano can be as relaxed or as busy as they want to be.

Italian charm and sophistication abound in art galleries and boutiques. The main sight in town is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which dates from 1200 and houses a stunning Byzantine Black Madonna and Child painting.

The number of year-round residents is relatively small in Positano, and although this number may triple or quadruple in the height of the tourist season, the locals remain friendly, open and very helpful. After all, tourism is what provides for them.

Staying for a little longer than a couple of days, which is what most itineraries generally prescribe, will provide a window into a different side of Positano. The town has its own unique rhythms, particularly in the shoulder-season months of March, April, September and October. Positano is very quiet in the winter.

Positano, Italy | Depart: 5:00 PM
Amalfi (Ravello), Italy | Arrive: 6:30 PM
The small seaside city of Positano on the Amalfi Coast is centrally located for day trips to Capri Island, Sorrento, Naples or Ravello, but it is intriguing enough to be a standalone destination on anyone's Italy itinerary.

Positano's striking scenery is its greatest asset. Pastel-colored shops, restaurants and hotels cling to cliffs that rise steeply from the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Steep cobblestoned steps connect the labyrinth of dining and shopping options above with the beachfront and marina below. Visitors to Positano can be as relaxed or as busy as they want to be.

Italian charm and sophistication abound in art galleries and boutiques. The main sight in town is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which dates from 1200 and houses a stunning Byzantine Black Madonna and Child painting.

The number of year-round residents is relatively small in Positano, and although this number may triple or quadruple in the height of the tourist season, the locals remain friendly, open and very helpful. After all, tourism is what provides for them.

Staying for a little longer than a couple of days, which is what most itineraries generally prescribe, will provide a window into a different side of Positano. The town has its own unique rhythms, particularly in the shoulder-season months of March, April, September and October. Positano is very quiet in the winter.

The small town of Amalfi lies amidst the famous coast, renowned for its exquisite beauty. From the roses of Villa Rufolo to the Mediterranean scenes from a bird’s-eye view, it’s easy to see how this little village gained a reputation as a picture-perfect destination. Its vantage point upon the cliffs, facing the deep blue of the Salerno Gulf in the Tyrrhenian Sea, makes it the ideal backdrop for that brag-worthy shot to show your friends, new and old.

Along the Amalfi Coast, life may give you lemons, but it is far from sour. The Path of Lemons, a relatively easy climb from Maiori to Minori, takes you through the famous groves. Delicious scents of citrus drift through the air as you pass through the trees cultivated by Amalfi families for generations. Here you can discover the source of Italy’s famed limoncello before you take a shot of the liqueur at a local restaurant.

As you wander through Amalfi’s grand architecture and historical constructs, you will find your way to Ravello. Known as the City of Music, travelers from all around the world come to the small Italian town for the Ravello Festival, a series of musical events with strong ties to composer Richard Wagner.

Ravello’s winding streets and staircases are perfect for travelers who prefer the wanderlust route of getting lost in a city. It’s a great way to stumble upon a local restaurant for authentic cuisine that cannot be found anywhere else. It is a truly immersive experience of life in small-town Italy.The small town of Amalfi lies amid the famous coast, renowned for its exquisite beauty. From the roses of Villa Rufolo to the Mediterranean scenes from a bird’s-eye view, it’s easy to see how this little village gained a reputation as a picture-perfect destination. Along the Amalfi Coast, life may give you lemons, but it is far from sour as the Path of Lemons takes you through the famous groves from where Italy’s famed limoncello derives. As you wander through Amalfi’s grand architecture and historical constructs, you will find your way to Ravello. Ravello’s winding streets and staircases are perfect for travelers who prefer the wanderlust route of getting lost in a city.

Amalfi (Ravello), Italy | Depart: 3:00 PM
Stromboli Volcano Scenic Navigation | Arrive: 11:59 PM
The small town of Amalfi lies amidst the famous coast, renowned for its exquisite beauty. From the roses of Villa Rufolo to the Mediterranean scenes from a bird’s-eye view, it’s easy to see how this little village gained a reputation as a picture-perfect destination. Its vantage point upon the cliffs, facing the deep blue of the Salerno Gulf in the Tyrrhenian Sea, makes it the ideal backdrop for that brag-worthy shot to show your friends, new and old.

Along the Amalfi Coast, life may give you lemons, but it is far from sour. The Path of Lemons, a relatively easy climb from Maiori to Minori, takes you through the famous groves. Delicious scents of citrus drift through the air as you pass through the trees cultivated by Amalfi families for generations. Here you can discover the source of Italy’s famed limoncello before you take a shot of the liqueur at a local restaurant.

As you wander through Amalfi’s grand architecture and historical constructs, you will find your way to Ravello. Known as the City of Music, travelers from all around the world come to the small Italian town for the Ravello Festival, a series of musical events with strong ties to composer Richard Wagner.

Ravello’s winding streets and staircases are perfect for travelers who prefer the wanderlust route of getting lost in a city. It’s a great way to stumble upon a local restaurant for authentic cuisine that cannot be found anywhere else. It is a truly immersive experience of life in small-town Italy.The small town of Amalfi lies amid the famous coast, renowned for its exquisite beauty. From the roses of Villa Rufolo to the Mediterranean scenes from a bird’s-eye view, it’s easy to see how this little village gained a reputation as a picture-perfect destination. Along the Amalfi Coast, life may give you lemons, but it is far from sour as the Path of Lemons takes you through the famous groves from where Italy’s famed limoncello derives. As you wander through Amalfi’s grand architecture and historical constructs, you will find your way to Ravello. Ravello’s winding streets and staircases are perfect for travelers who prefer the wanderlust route of getting lost in a city.

Catch sight of the impressive Stromboli volcano off the northern coast of Sicily. As you sail around it, keep in mind the three small villages along its coasts – San Bartolo, San Vincenzo and Ginostra. It’s surprising to imagine there’s a small population living under one of the most active volcanoes of Italy. Take in its awe-inspiring peak as you witness the land that features in the end of the famous book by Jules Verne, Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northern coast of Sicily, southern Italy; it is also the name of the island's main town and comune, which is administratively part of the Metropolitan City of Messina.

The journey from Giardini Naxos on through Taormina holds a diverse landscape that includes white, sandy beaches that call out to you to come and play. Taormina holds a treasure trove, whether it’s the Palazzo Corvaja or Duomo di San Nicola, of ancient atmospheres that entice you to venture deep. As you wander the grounds of the Ancient Greek Theater built directly into the mountains, standing amid such ruins transports you back to ancient live theater. The surrounding peaks of Mount Etna provide an exhilarating environment. Its various foothills and pathways make it the perfect site for hiking.

Syracuse holds many wonders for the venturesome traveler seeking something far from the ordinary. From archaeological parks to World War II battlefield remnants to the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, the vast and diverse environment contains any level of challenge for the explorer at heart.

The Sicilian city of Syracuse holds 2,700 years of history with influence from other cultures like Spanish, Greek, Norman, and Arabic. This amalgamation of cultural influences brings a unique flavor to the local cuisine, as it incorporates the likes of saffron, couscous, arancini, goose, and marsala wine. Such diverse options in food and drink make Syracuse a most delicious destination.

The capital of the Italian province of Syracuse is filled with countless treasures for you to explore, but it is also a gateway to various small villages that are perfect for a leisurely stroll through local history. Among the most notable is Noto, the “Baroque Capital of the world.

Stepping into Noto feels like traveling through time. The exquisite architecture will keep you in awe as you traipse through the village. Wandering the streets through its stunning buildings and constructs makes it feel like no time has passed at all.

This UNESCO-protected city holds all the charms of small-town living on the island of Sicily. From indulging in sweet gelato to catching a street musician put on an accordion show, the simple pleasures will make you want to stay in Noto forever.

The capital city of Malta is a treasure trove of architecture and art. The sight of this fortress city (built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century) immediately astounds the senses. From the bustle of everyday life happening all around to the view of the majestic St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta offers an array of experiences to immerse yourself in.

For the pop culture aficionado, Valletta’s scenery holds a sense of familiarity. That is because it served as the backdrop for the Streets of Flea Bottom in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. But don’t worry. No dragons will make an appearance. You are safe.

Along the Grand Harbor travelers can capture spectacular views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. A ride on the Barrakka Panoramic Lifts within the fortifications’ ditches gives visitors a view of Valletta that is sure to inspire a great sense of discovery. Looking out over the fortress constructs built so many centuries ago brings one back to a time that reminds them that adventure awaits.

As you walk along its limestone streets gazing at the colorful apartments, it is easy to get lost in wanderlust. Hidden gems among the neighborhoods entice you to explore its streets, beckoning you with the promise of savory cuisine at local restaurants and stunning gardens to behold.

History abounds on an island that is over 2,000 years old. Stories of the Apostle Paul bringing the Christian religion to Malta when he shipwrecked there are part of the nation’s tradition. It is in St. Paul’s Bay in northern Malta where travelers can discover more about the rich history and culture of the island.

The capital city of Malta is a treasure trove of architecture and art. The sight of this fortress city (built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century) immediately astounds the senses. From the bustle of everyday life happening all around to the view of the majestic St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta offers an array of experiences to immerse yourself in.

For the pop culture aficionado, Valletta’s scenery holds a sense of familiarity. That is because it served as the backdrop for the Streets of Flea Bottom in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. But don’t worry. No dragons will make an appearance. You are safe.

Along the Grand Harbor travelers can capture spectacular views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. A ride on the Barrakka Panoramic Lifts within the fortifications’ ditches gives visitors a view of Valletta that is sure to inspire a great sense of discovery. Looking out over the fortress constructs built so many centuries ago brings one back to a time that reminds them that adventure awaits.

As you walk along its limestone streets gazing at the colorful apartments, it is easy to get lost in wanderlust. Hidden gems among the neighborhoods entice you to explore its streets, beckoning you with the promise of savory cuisine at local restaurants and stunning gardens to behold.

History abounds on an island that is over 2,000 years old. Stories of the Apostle Paul bringing the Christian religion to Malta when he shipwrecked there are part of the nation’s tradition. It is in St. Paul’s Bay in northern Malta where travelers can discover more about the rich history and culture of the island.

Porto Empedocle is a town and comune in Italy on the coast of the Strait of Sicily, administratively part of the province of Agrigento. It was named after Empedocles, a Greek pre-Socratic philosopher and a citizen of the city of Akragas, in his day a Greek colony in Sicily.

In a crescent-shaped coastline on the west end of Sicily you will find the Italian city of Trapani. From many of its landmarks and historic sites, you can discover views of the surrounding Aegean Islands and Tyrrhenian Sea. Ligny Tower, located on the west coast overlooking the Sicilian Channel, stands as a proud symbol of the city. When it’s time for a lunch break, stop at a local restaurant and order the red prawns of Mazara del Vallo, known as ammaru russu in Sicilian. Trapani also lies beneath Mount Erice, the gateway to the archaeological site of Selinunte.

Cagliari is the capital city of the Italian island of Sardinia. It’s known for the hilltop Castello, a medieval walled quarter situated high over the rest of the town. Architectural highlights include the 13th-century Cagliari Cathedral. Housed in a former arsenal, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari displays bronze objects, Roman ceramics and artifacts from the Nuragic age to the Byzantine era.

The capital of the Spanish island of Menorca, Mahón (or Maó), is well-known for its British-style Georgian houses and its sheltered natural harbor. The best way to appreciate the land’s beauty is by navigating it on a small vessel. When visiting Mahón, considered the birthplace of salsa mahonesa (better known as mayonnaise), you must sample the local fare. From fresh seafood to refreshing gin to delectable cheeses, it’s a foodie’s paradise. Support local artisans by shopping for the island’s famous Menorquinas or Avarcas, a specialty shoe once favored among the peasants for keeping their feet cool now turned into a fashion statement.

You know you have arrived in Palma de Mallorca, a major city of the Balearics of Spain, when you are met with majestic limestone cliffs plunging into glimmering blue water. On shore, its rich history is evident in its wonderful buildings, castles, and cathedrals. Take in the landmark Gothic cathedral, La Seu, with its enormous rose window and its wrought-iron canopy over the main altar designed by famed Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí. Go for a run or bike ride along the seaside promenade that connects Palma de Mallorca to the neighboring villages of Portitxol and Es Molinar. Beyond the city, explore the lush Sierra de Tramuntana Valley, the island’s major mountain range and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The area surrounding Alicante has been inhabited by people for more than 7,000 years, starting with the first tribes of hunter-gatherers of the region. Visit the Plaza de San Cristobal in Alicante’s Old Town where buildings dating back to between the 15th and 18th centuries display an array of architectural styles that show the city’s evolution. Overlooking the famous Playa del Postiguet, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara on Mount Benacantil offers exquisite views. Find your way to the Alicante Central Market to sample delicious, local seafood, produce, meat and other Spanish delicacies.

The Spanish city of Málaga along the Mediterranean’s Costa del Sol combines the simple, cosmopolitan feel with the quiet sleepiness of local fishing villages. A dive into the past starts with the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, its ancient stones creating the path that leads to Alcazaba Castle. When the sun goes down, the party starts at Plaza de la Constitucion. Energy thrums through the city streets as the residents come out for the night. Make your way to Granada to visit the famous Alhambra Palace, an outstanding example of Moorish architecture that attracts travelers from all around the world.

Cádiz, the province and city, is located on Spain’s southwestern edge and achieved its greatest fame during the era of the Catholic kings, as it became the headquarters for Spain’s exploration fleet and treasure ships. With the only inland port in Spain and lying farther from the coastline than other port cities, Seville offers over 2,000 years of history for the curious mind. Set out toward Donana National Park, Spain’s largest protected oasis and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars franchise, Seville’s Plaza de España has played a role in film history..

Along the southwestern coast of the Algarve region of Portugal lies the vibrant port city of Portimão, equal parts history come to life and modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar contain prehistoric remnants of the country’s beginnings while Praia da Rocha (Rock Beach) presents the quintessential beach scene that makes this an ideal, tropical getaway. Not far from here you’ll find Praia dos Três Castelos, a beach well-known for its strange and dramatic rock formations of limestone. Located in the urban setting of Portimão, the Fort of Santa Catarina creates a stark contrast with its medieval construct, where walking the ancient paths call to your inner child and make you feel a sense of wonder and imagination.

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers.

While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.