Venice
Venice is known as La Serenissima, or the Serene Republic. One look around the city will help you understand why. At first you may not recognize the absence of sound that fills your ears. But then it hits you - there are no cars here. As you walk down the middle of the street, you'll marvel at the beauty around every street corner. It seems like the entire city has been lifted straight out of a painting. There is nowhere else in the world where earth and water exist together so freely, with neither element trying to assert its dominance. Couples from all over flock to the world's most romantic city.
Of course, the secret is out, and the throngs of tourists do detract from the city's pristine visage. During the summer, Piazza San Marco is teeming with people, so many in fact that it seems like the city will sink into the water that runs through it. In actuality, the city is sinking, at an average of five inches every twenty years. Unless something is done to keep Venice afloat, the city may join Atlantis at the bottom of the sea.
Because Venice's fortunes are tied so closely to the sea, it must be noted that Venice loses some of its charm in the autumn months, when high tides flood some of the best parts of the city, including the city's center, Piazza San Marco. On the hottest summer days, the water begins to smell, despite the city's best efforts to keep its waterways clean. However, do not let these small inconveniences distract you from all of the good things Venice has to offer. This is the one location in the world where the city itself is the attraction. You can spend an entire day walking around and sitting outside, stopping for lunch or some gelato, and not step foot in a single attraction. You will still be enchanted, having experienced the most picturesque city in the world.
Taormina
Taormina is on Sicily's eastern coast, overlooking the turquoise Ionian Sea. The beautiful town is built right into a cliff, and every year thousands of tourists descend upon the otherwise sleepy village to revel in the perfect weather and easygoing pace.
The town's relaxed image belies a turbulent past, when Sicily passed through more hands than a hot potato. In succession, the Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, and Bourbons have all controlled Sicily since it was first settled by the Phoenicians over two thousand years ago.
Looming ominously beyond Taormina's fun loving landscape is Mt. Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Active may be an understatement, as the volcano erupted over sixty times in just six months in early 2000. Some of Mt. Etna's eruptions have sent pillars of ash two miles into the sky, temporarily blocking the sun like a solar eclipse. A day trip to Mt. Etna's base is always fascinating. It isn't often that you get so close to nature's sheer power. But remember to check with the local tourist office before heading too close.
The city of Taormina itself doesn't spend too much time agonizing over Mt. Etna. It's too busy enjoying its gorgeous beaches, its myriad of dining options, and its vibrant nightlife to notice. You will find it easy to let your cares drift away into the Ionian Sea, as you fall into Taormina's seductive trance.
Sorrento
Sorrento has long held a special place in the heart of Italians. Its rugged beauty has attracted poets, philosophers, playwrights, and authors for centuries. Roman mythology places Sorrento as the spot where sailors were lured to their death by the songs of the sirens, mermaids who used their beautiful voices to lead men to their watery graves. It's said that the mythical hero Ulysses stuffed his crew's ears with wax to deafen them and strapped himself to the ships hull in order to resist their allure.
Today, the city is still every bit as alluring. Sorrento is on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, a strip of land in Western Italy that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The small island of Capri is just three miles off shore, and one of Italy's most beautiful (but dangerous) roads winds along from Sorrento, through Amalfi and into Salerno. Sorrento is equidistant from both Naples and Salerno, exactly 43 miles away from each. Vic Damone's tear-jerking hit, Come Back to Sorrento may become your theme song once you visit this little slice of paradise.
Amalfi
Amalfi was once a major center of European culture and commerce. The mighty Republic of Amalfi thrived from the 9th Century through the 11th Century. It was home to 50,000 people, and an important player in the Mediterranean Sea trade. The maritime code created here, the Tavole Amalfitane, was adopted as the code of the entire Mediterranean for centuries. In the 1100?s, Amalfi's very own Flavio Gioia invented the compass. The art of paper-making was centered here, with the Republic bringing the craft with it on journeys to the rest of Europe and the Arab world. But over time, Amalfi's influence eroded, and attacks from Pisa to the north left the town deserted and powerless. Only recently has the city reinvented itself as a tourist attraction, with people drawn here by its small-town Italian charm, and the beautiful stretch of land known as the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi is on Italy's western coast, facing the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby is Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano that buried the ancient city of Pompeii. The island of Capri is just offshore. Naples, the region's largest city, lies northwest of Amalfi.
Santorini
The Cyclades Islands in Greece are a gorgeous collection of unique and empirically beautiful islands. The southernmost area in this island collection is Santorini. This is the island that most often adorns tourist brochures welcoming visitors with its fantastic landscape. Guests will tell you that photographs can hardly do this place justice. Famous for its caldera, the collection of cliffs bordering the Aegean Sea that in ancient times was an active volcano, Santorini is the Cyclades most prized possession
Geologically, it is a spectacular sight. The western side of the island is stacked with homes of lucky locals that sit perched atop sharp cliffs thrusting toward the sea. The eastern side of the island is a tourist's paradise, with calm beaches stretching as far as the eye can see.
With over a million tourists per year, Santorini is constantly packed. And the 7,000 residents of the island have made their home an inviting destination by opening shops, nightclubs and restaurants in abundance. By day, Santorini is a sparkling place of water and relaxation. At night, it comes alive as its tone is transformed from placid to party. Wine is the islands largest export, and the incredible selection undoubtedly adds to the festive atmosphere the island takes on after dark. Local taverns are packed with tourists who simply want to taste the flavors and sample Santorini's finest.
Santorini has two main towns, Ia to the north and Fira in the center of the island. Both towns sit atop the caldera and are visible upon your arrival to the island. Fira, Santorini's capital, is the livelier of the two towns. It is truly the embodiment of commercialism and trade, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to indulge themselves and their wallets. Ia is a tamer town, catering especially to visitors looking to slow down and enjoy the scenery. With a decidedly residential tone, Ia emphasizes the beauty of its land and invites visitors to unwind and take in the famous Ia sunset on any of its caldera's peaks.
Mykonos
The Cyclades Islands in Greece are some of the most magnificent islands in the world. The startling contrast between bright white sands and sharp cliffs overlooking crystal blue waters offers visitors a dreamlike experience that is incomparable to anything even the most seasoned tourist has seen.
Mikonos is only 10 miles long, making it one of the smallest of the Cyclades. Visitors from other islands find Mikonos to be a lovely change of pace and atmosphere. Its dry, rough topography makes its radiant beaches all the more inviting, and its air is clean and warm. Mikonos has earned the reputation of being a cosmopolitan island that draws an enormous amount of tourists to its sandy beaches and hilly terrain. It is quite a dynamic place, attracting all types of travelers depending on the seasons. During the early summer months, it is a hot spot for party-seeking college students. But during the off-peak months, Mikonos transforms into a haven for sophisticated tourists, artists, and intellectuals seeking to vacation in the midst of beauty. It is also quite popular among Londoners and Parisians, as it is known for its chic style and accessibility. During her life, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis frequented the island and helped transform it into a decidedly socialite-heavy place. The same elegance and magic that once attracted Jackie O. remains today in the form of a beautifully cohesive landscape that suggests a reprieve from the harsh contrast of some of the other Cyclades terrain. Here you will find sweeping shores, warm air, charming houses and an aura of placidity.
The capital of Mikonos is Hora, a town of fishermen and boaters, where the invitation is to relax and enjoy the slower environment. Here you can spend an entire day reading on the beach. Or, perhaps you will want to window shop at seaside boutiques, stroll along the harbor, and sample Greek cuisine in any number of Hora's restaurants and specialty stores. You could just set out with no destination at all and wind your way through the town's delightfully narrow streets and explore. You will soon realize that in Hora, aimlessness is an acceptable and commendable form of leisure.
Whether you are looking for excitement or calm, you are sure to find it here, as Mikonos also boasts of an energetic social scene. Spend the day relaxing, then dance through the night. There is truly something for everyone here.
Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the principal Dodecanese islands. The Dodecanese are the easternmost of the Greek islands, neighboring Asia Minor, and some of its most beautiful and diversified. Rhodes is the most traveled of the 12 Dodecanese, enticing tourists with its gorgeous land and fascinating history. It is also the largest Greek island, with 540 square miles of beautiful land. It is believed that Rhodes was once a part of nearby Turkey, as evidenced by the similarities in their terrains. A volcanic eruption separated the two.
Helios, the Sun god, is the signature god of Rhodes. This is perfectly fitting, as Rhodes enjoys an average of 300 or so days of blissful sunshine a year. Obviously, its sun-drenched environment is enough to draw visitors from all over the world, but it is Rhodes impeccably maintained terrain that charms them to come back over and over again. Rhodes has remained seemingly unspoiled by pollution and a growing population, and this is a testament to how much pride residents of Rhodes take in their home. Rhodes has a reputation for kindness that is unrivaled by other European destinations. It is not unusual here for strangers to engage in conversation, and the locals love to share their warmth and tradition with tourists. Hospitality is nearly a given, especially if you are new to the island.
From sleepy mountainous village areas to the vibrancy of Rhodes Old and New Towns, this island is a lovely display of rich earth and sparkling beaches crowned by an aura of history that links East to West with an indescribable magic.
Rhodes is a tourist's dream. For that reason, it has earned itself the reputation of being the most crowded of the Dodecanese. If you are visiting Rhodes in late summer months like July and August, brace yourself for crowds. Reservations are recommended at most restaurants during those months, and some museums also offer reservations in addition to regular walk-in availability. But if you are fortunate enough to visit Rhodes during off-peak times such as October or November, you will be able to enjoy all of the beauty and festivities that the island has to offer without the lines and crowds. Either way, you are sure to take pleasure in the rich history and natural beauty that is Rhodes.
Kusadasi
Turkey is a sprawling and diverse country, and Kusadasi best exemplifies this diversity. The city has been built up to resemble a beach resort, but the citizens have rebelled against this all-out push for tourism. Many of the beaches are quite unpopulated, and when you travel into the heart of the town you do not get a bustling touristy feeling at all. Instead, you are likely to marvel at the glorious historical and architectural sights, enjoy one of the great dining facilities, or lounge around a cozy bar and have a drink with one of the locals.
No one is exactly sure when Kusadasi was officially founded. The Greeks inhabited the area and had a tremendous impact on the history and culture. Kusadasi took over as the major trade center when the ancient port of Ephesus was rendered useless because of a lack of water and resources. By the 1400?s, Kusadasi was controlled by Genovese and Venetian traders and shop owners who named the port Scala Nuova. Some years later the Ottomans invaded and took over, and they ruled the land for centuries. They called Kusadasi Bird Island because of the frequent herds of pigeons that migrated to the area.
Today Kusadasi is a city famous for its spectacular sunsets and interesting bazaars. The best way to enjoy Kusadasi is by spending the majority of your time at the beach or by one of the fabulous swimming pools. If you are one to trust the masses, then visit Kusadasi in the summertime when the normal winter population of 40,000 balloons to a tremendous 400,000. Even in the summer you will still be able to find beautiful and secluded beach areas and enjoy a peaceful dinner by the sea.
Istanbul
Istanbul is an amazing destination, full of extraordinary outdoor vendors, wonderful restaurants, interesting sites, and glorious museums. There are so many things to do in the city that you are certain to feel overwhelmed. Your best bet is to line up three or four activities that particularly interest you, and spend your time exploring these in depth. A visit to Istanbul without a definite plan is a chaotic visit. Your eyes and ears will be inundated with sights and sounds that are intoxicating. Watch out for an abundance of ruthless salesmen, but do not be too much on the defensive. The citizens of Istanbul are respectful and friendly, and if you stop someone to ask for directions, they will be more than happy to help you. But once you enter a store or bazaar, the game is on. If you are shopping, you are in the hunt, and if you are in the hunt, you are fair game for the merchants to attempt to force a sale on you. Simply stick to your guns, and you will find the bargains you are looking for
This historic city is 2,500 years old, and the heritage of the country can be observed in the region known as Sultanahmet. Also called Old Stamboul, the architecture and park areas in this section of the city are particularly beautiful. The heart of Istanbul can be found near the Golden Horn, and everywhere you travel you will see a cultural tug of war between East and West. Traditions are being met head on by American and European influences, creating a strong cultural youth movement. This is making for an even more complex and fascinating Turkish society. In any event, a visit to this sprawling and spectacular city will be one that you will never forget.
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