by Matt Bender

Created on: November 15, 2009   Last Updated: April 19, 2011

If you've never been to Italy, you're missing out on one of the most historically-rich countries in Europe. By visiting any or all of the four best travel destinations in Italy-Rome, Cinque Terre, Venice, or Pompeii-you can have an incredible Italian travel experience.

Rome, capital of the Roman Empire nearly two centuries ago, and capital of modern Italy, has the most unique history of any European city. The city, over 2000 years old, has a unique combination of both old and new buildings. Ruins from the Roman Empire reside in the heart of the city. Visitors flock to see the Palatinate-the palace grounds of the emperors-and the Colisseum, as well as many of the remains of ancient aqueducts and other buildings.

Other fascinating sites within Rome include the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish steps, and the Roman Forum. Additionally, visitors can explore St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world found in Vatican City.

If you prefer the small-town feel, check out Cinque Terre-meaning "Five Lands"-on Italy's northwestern coast. Cinque Terre is a series of five small towns that lie on the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can hike through all five towns, starting with Riomaggiore, passing through Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and ending at Monterosso al Mare. Because Cinque Terre resides on the coast, visitors can spend some time on any of the numerous rocky beaches.

Venice, in northeastern Italy, is the only city of its kind in the world. Over 1000 years ago, the city was built entirely on water. If you enter the city via train, upon leaving the station you'll see the canals which are the lifeblood of the city. If you wish, you can take the ferry which navigates the Grand Canal past the famous Rialto Bridge down to St. Mark's Basilica. Be sure to try one of the gondolas while you're there; prices vary depending on the gondolier you ask.

Pompeii, only a short drive from Naples, is well-known for having been covered in meters of ash from the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. For history fanatics, the city has slowly been excavated over the past several centuries since its discovery in the late 1700s, and sections of the city are now open the public. Taking the tour leaves visitors with a good understanding of what life was like in Roman times.

Visiting Rome, Cinque Terre, Venice, or Pompeii-far and away the best travel destinations in Italy-will provide tourists with an incredible Italian travel experience.

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