Quick Getaways: La Dolce Vita in Italy & France

Set sail on a romantic interlude between the scenic Italian coastline and Corsica's rustic shores. Relax aboard a chartered boat and admire Cinque Terre’s picturesque terraces, hiking paths, and precariously perched vineyards. Wander scenic village lanes in Vernazza and Monterosso then sample local seafood. Journey inland to see the Piazza dei Miracoli--the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Visit Bonifacio’s imposing Corsican citadel and the narrow lanes of Old Genoese town, or board a boat that drifts past limestone cliffs peppered with sea bird nests, precipitous vegetation, and ancient caves.

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.

Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites beckon you. Select an optional excursion to Pisa, known for its bell tower with its unintended tilt.  Tour the beautiful city of Florence, or the historic San Gimegnano. Or step back into Tuscany’s rustic tradition to visit the charming villages of Cinque Terre (Five Lands) by boat. 

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 16^th century.

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.