Set between Rome and Naples amid the so-called Ulysses Riviera, gorgeous Gaeta overlooks the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea. Its history as a resort dates back to Imperial Rome. Nearby sites include the first-century BC mausoleum of general Lucius Munatius Plancus. Its old town is mostly medieval, showcased by narrow alleys, the massive 13th-century castle and the 12th-century Cathedral of Assunta e Sant'Erasmo. For relaxing, lovely and central Serapo Beach is a favored locale.

Serving as the main port town for the island of the same name, the town of Ischia has been inhabited for centuries, famous for its beaches and the healing waters of its spas. The town is divided in two: Ischia Porto is the harbor district and commercial center of the island, filled with brightly lit taverns and bars, and Ischia Ponte, the historic quarter, with its ancient castle and its stone streets seemingly frozen in time.

Lying at Italy’s geographic and historic heart, Lazio (or Latium) was the seat of the Roman Empire, and as such is teeming with ancient attractions, especially in the Eternal City of Rome itself. To the east, Tivoli has Emperor Hadrian’s exquisite and massive Villa Adriana. Civitavecchia, today a major cruise and ferry port, has been Rome’s main harbor since the second century. Many pre-Roman sites dot Lazio too, like the Etruscan necropolis at Cerveteri, dating from the 9th century BC.

Romantic Naples, two hours south of Rome, is the largest city in southern Italy. It has some of the world's best opera and theatre houses and is often called an open-air museum, due to its many historic statues and monuments. Join families on the promenade as the sun sets on the Bay of Naples. View finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale or revel in the art and architecture of Museo Cappella Sansevero, built in the late 1500s.

Once a vital part of a mighty sea power, Positano is today a sophisticated resort on the central Amalfi Coast. Moorish-style architecture rises up steep slopes that gaze out on the Sirenuse Islands. Smart boutiques, selling fashions for visitors to display on Grand Beach, abound in the village. And it’s a great base for exploring the area—you can easily travel by boat to Capri, Ischia and the Grotta dello Smeraldo cave.

Stretching along the southern side of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi coast dazzles with its mysterious grottos, craggy cliffs and shimmering bays. Grab a seat on the sea side of a regional bus to soak up views on the fabled route from artsy Positano to Amalfi. Ravello offers some respite from the crowds, plus the stunning Villa Cimbrone, which overlooks the Bay of Salerno. The winding streets of Sorrento's historic district are filled with craftspeople. Capri is only a hydrofoil or ferry ride away.

While crowds of tourists fill Venice, Florence and Rome, Bologna remains relatively quiet in comparison. This mediaeval university town is charming, historic and fun to explore… and you'll find Bologna's local cuisine is light-years away from the American deli meat bearing the city's name.

Nice has a cosmpolitan Riviera vibe, and you'll enjoy exploring its fashionable boutiques and restaurants and sunning yourself on its popular beaches. (Just don't expect soft sand—these beaches have pebbles.) Walk up to Castle Hill for a beautiful view of the city, the Bay of Angels and of course, the bright blue water that gave the Cote d'Azur its name.

Lefkada's name means "white," from the famous white cliffs of Cape Lefkata, site of an ancient temple of Apollo, where rumor has it that the celebrated Lesbian poet Sappho flung herself from the rocks. To stay with the mythology theme, don’t miss a boat tour on the mighty Odysseia, a colorful replica of a Greek war ship. You can also explore deserted monasteries in the mountains, splash around under the Nidri waterfalls and swim at some of Greece's most famous and beautiful beaches.

If the mention of Mykonos doesn’t immediately bring to mind bright white buildings, turquoise skies and tanned bodies lining golden sandy beaches, you’ve been living under a rock. The most popular Greek Island in the Aegean Sea is all about energy and attracts a diverse and upscale crowd that thrives on its stylish nightlife. During the day some privacy can be had in the more secluded north beaches, but the south beaches are all party. Ski, jet-ski, windsurf, horseback ride, parasail or just save up your energy for the evening ahead, like most of your fellow travellers in Mykonos.

It took George H.W. Bush to make Kennebunkport known to most of the country, but New Englanders have enjoyed this quiet coastal Maine town for years. In hot weather, beaches are a major draw, but Kennebunkport's many small boutiques, art galleries and restaurants make a visit fun at any time of year. Inveterate shoppers may want to combine a visit to Kennebunkport with a trip to nearby Kittery, where dozens of outlets and factory stores offer plenty of bargains.

Southampton, New York, on the east end of Long Island, shines in the summer. Sandy beaches and celebrities make this the place to be. The rest of the year, enjoy the museums, luxury shopping and fine dining. Visit farms and wineries nearby.

The people of Tamil Nadu consider providing food to others a service to humanity. Thus the service in the state capital, Chennai, is first-rate. Treat your senses to some of the richest South Indian flavours in traditional dishes like sambar, rasam, fish curry or kootu. And don't forget to have a cup of full-bodied Tamil coffee, enhanced with chicory—no visit is complete without it.