Pompeii and its neighbor, Herculaneum, provide an unmatched view of life under the Romans. The volcanic mud, ash, and lava that poured in 79AD preserved many of the Roman structures in both cities. The College of the Priests of Augustus, the Roman baths, and the theatre remains mostly intact in Herculaneum, while a number of houses and buildings in Pompeii are in outstanding shape. The Capitolium, Basilica, and public baths are among them, as are the Surgeon's House and the House of Mysteries. Furthermore, both are home to a variety of stunning sculptures, mosaics, and wall paintings. Visitors may practically stroll down the old Roman streets and acquire a glimpse and record of what daily life was like at a very precise point in history.

To avoid long lines, purchase your Pompeii and Herculaneum tickets in advance, or take a guided tour of Pompeii to make the most of your visit.

Location: Campania

Since 1980, the entire old center of Rome has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses the Mausoleums of Augustus and Hadrian, the Pantheon, Trajan's Column, the Forum Romanum, and Marcus Aurelius' Column, as well as papal Rome's religious and civic buildings. However, the Colosseum is the most impressive of Rome's ancient sites in our opinion.

In its peak, the Colosseum in Rome was the biggest ancient amphitheatre ever erected, seating up to 50,000 people (against 30,000 in Verona's amphitheatre). It took 8 years and hundreds of slaves to finish before it was utilized for anything from gladiatorial games to marine conflicts (when filled with water) to animal hunts.

Just a word of caution! The Colosseum in Rome becomes incredibly crowded, with over 6 million people passing through its doors each year, so book'skip the line' tickets in advance to avoid any delays.

Location: Rome

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is the world's biggest archeological site, spanning over 3200 acres, and, like Pompeii and Herculaneum, is remarkably well preserved. Originally established as a Greek colony in the sixth century BC, tourists may now enjoy a plethora of Doric temples and structures on the site. These include the Temple of the Dioscuri and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is without a doubt the tallest Doric temple in the Western world, standing over 30 meters tall and housing gigantic sculptures over 8 meters tall positioned between the temple's columns.

The Temple of Heracles, the Temple of Hera Lacinia, and the Temple of Concordia are also located in Agrigento. The latter is the most well-preserved of the temples on the site, with a lovely six-column, triangular pediment front. If you want to explore the Valley of the Temples for yourself, stay at this Italy villa rental.

Location: Sicily

We have a special place for Milan, and the white and pink marble Duomo is unquestionably the focal point and heart of the city. The Duomo in Milano is Italy's biggest cathedral, having taken over 600 years to complete. To put its enormity into context, it can house up to 40,000 people. Visitors may now enjoy two quite distinct perspectives of the edifice. Visit the magnificent inside before ascending to the rooftop for a somewhat different perspective on this renowned monument.

By purchasing fast track tickets to Milan Cathedral, you may avoid long lines.

Location: Milano

The whole historic center of Florence, like Rome, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, the Duomo in Florence (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), like the Colosseum in Rome, epitomizes the spirit of the city for us. Arnolfo di Cambio and Filippo Brunelleschi created the dome after being inspired by the Pantheon dome in Rome.

Its creation signaled a rebirth of classical proportions and architecture at the commencement of the Renaissance period, and it was the largest of its type in the world at the time it was erected. Climb the Duomo's 463 steps for a spectacular perspective of the city. Alternatively, you may enjoy a spectacular perspective of the dome by ascending the 414 steps of the neighboring Campanile.

Location: Florence

Matera, in my opinion, best exemplifies Italy's incredible diversity. Matera's Sassi is essentially residences cut into the rock, creating a dramatic, gorgeous, and one-of-a-kind scenery. Visit the Sasso Barisano, one of the most beautiful historical sites in Italy, to discover more about the history of these cave-houses, some of which date back to the Palaeolithic period and have been continuously inhabited up to the present day. You might remember them from the newest James Bond film, No Time to Die, which chose Matera as the setting for its suspenseful opening prologue.

If you wish to experience Matera for yourself, stay in one of Italy's villa rentals in Puglia. Puglia is an excellent starting point for a day journey to Matera in adjacent Basilicata.

Location: Matera

St Mark's Basilica, one of the most baeautiful historical sites in Italy, requires no introduction. The current structure was erected in the 11th century to replace an earlier 9th century church. St Mark's Basilica, originally erected as the Doge's private chapel, became the formal cathedral of Venice in 1807. Its marble exteriors and the gleaming, golden mosaics of its Byzantine domes, which span an area of almost 8000 square meters, are stunning. Take time to observe the Cupola of the Prophets, which is an exceptionally magnificent altarpiece encrusted with over 2000 precious stones and is best seen from the main altar, which also houses St Mark's tomb.

Location: Venice

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy's most famous historical attractions, is just one of several significant structures inside the Piazza dei Miracoli. The Camposanto, Battistero (Baptistery), and Duomo are the others. We enjoy how it appeals to both young and old people. And it must win the title for the most famous (and predictable!) tourist photograph, with tourists propping up the tower with their hands or using it as the gelato on their ice cream cone! Just watching folks struggle to get that cheesy photo is entertaining! When you've got enough of people watching, head inside and up the 294 steps to the top to take in the sights.

If you wish to visit Assisi, this Italy house rental in nearby Spello is a fantastic option, with beautiful country lanes covered with olive trees and vineyards.

Location: Pisa

Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Puglia, Italy. It is home to around 1400 limestone trulli dating back hundreds of years, some dating back as far as the 15th century. The town is divided into two sections: Rione Aia Piccola and Rione Monti. The latter has the most trulli, which are currently used as businesses, cafés, and apartments. Keep an eye out for the Casa d'Amore, the first trullo built with mortar in 1797, and the Trullo Siamese, so-called because it has two entrances into the same house.