Genoa, Italy-A hidden gem.

Genoa, Italy

Genoa is a historical Port city in Northern Italy. A Hidden Gem.

Genoa today is often shadowed by cities such as Rome and Venice. This city however is a hidden gem behind cozy alleyways, excellent cuisine and a renovated old port. Christopher Columbus was a native to this city.

Along with a Royal Palace there are plenty of Museums, Cathedrals and Genoa is known to have Europe's biggest historical center. This is the heart of the old city. It’s made up of an incredible amount of tiny streets and alleys called Caruggi. Walking through it will take you right back to ancient times when Genoa was the most important harbor of the Mediterranean sea.

The main features of central Genoa include Piazza De Ferrari, around which are sited the Opera and the Palace of the Doges. There is also a house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born.

Medieval gates of the city of Genoa are a rare survivor of the city's oldest buildings.

Florence, Italy-Gem of Tuscany

Florence, Italy

Florence is the capital of the region of Tuscany in Italy. The city is considered a cultural, artistic and architectural gem. A wonderful Port of Call on a Celebrity Cruise.

Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Politically, economically, and culturally it was the most important city in Europe for around 250 years. Opera was invented in Florence.

Florence is famous for its beautiful hand blown glass. What a terrific place to shop art, glass, jewelry and more.

Florence is also an important city in Italian fashion, being ranked within the top fifty fashion capitals of the world.

Florence is famous for its history. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time. Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages.

Due to Florence's artistic and architectural heritage, it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Catania, Sicily-Italy Catania is Sicily's 2nd largest city and sits under the shadow of Mt. Etna

Catania, Sicily-Italy 

 Catania is Sicily's 2nd largest city and sits under the shadow of Mt. Etna

Catania is a truly a volcanic city. Much of the city is constructed from lava that has poured down Mt. Etna in the past. The buildings in Catania have used the lava as building material. It is often called the "Grey City" because of this.

Catania is located on the east coast of the island of Sicily. Catania today is one of the main economic, touristic, and educational centers in the island. It is nicknamed the "European Silicon Valley".

The Cathedral, is dedicated to St. Agata the city's patron saint. This imposing Barque structure stands in the city square the hub of markets and other city activities.

This would be another great city to go to the Opera. The Teatro Massimo Bellini is an opera house in Catania, Sicily. This building took almost 200 years to come together due to funding problems. It truly is a beautiful opera house.

Sorrento, Italy-Lovely seaside town.

Sorrento, Italy

A  lovely seaside town in southern Italy.

A lovely seaside town in Southern Italy. Situated on a terrace overlooking the splendid Amalfi Coastine. A great place to visit Pompeii and Naples or enjoy the lovely shops and cafes of the town. You can also catch a ferry to the Island of Capri.

A enjoyable shore excursion in the area of Sorrento is the cameo factory. It is a very fun and interesting place to visit. Yes, I bought a cameo there and I love it.

The streets of Sorrento are lovely. I truly look the tourist don't I? At least the flowers of the city matched my outfit.

Another great shore excursion is to visit one of the local farms. I was able to see how they made cheese and enjoy a sample of Limoncello. Lot's of fun.