ITALY

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

BARI (BRI)

Bari is a vibrant port city where the smell of salty Adriatic air mixes with the aroma of freshly made “orecchiette” pasta. It remains the gateway to the sun-drenched region of Puglia. Visitors are drawn to Bari Vecchia (the Old Town), where “pasta nonnas” still hand-roll dough in the streets, and the majestic Basilica di San Nicola. With its bustling promenade, elegant 19th-century boulevards, and proximity to the primeval Foresta Umbra, Bari is a city that perfectly captures the gritty, generous, and joyful heart of Southern Italy.

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe (alternative to Rome)

BOLZANO/BOZEN (BZO)

Bolzano (Bozen), the alpine capital of South Tyrol, is a captivating cultural crossroads where Mediterranean flair meets Central European tradition. Nestled in a glacier-carved valley at the doorstep of the Dolomites, the city is famous for its bilingual heritage and the world-renowned South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman. Visitors stroll through medieval arcades in the Portici, enjoy local Lagrein wine in the vibrant Piazza Walther, and take cable cars to high-altitude plateaus. With its mix of Gothic cathedrals, Tyrolean stube, and sun-drenched vineyards, Bolzano offers a unique, sophisticated Italian-Austrian experience.

CATANIA (CTA)

Catania, Sicily’s energetic “Black City,” sits at the foot of Mount Etna and is built largely from the volcano’s dark basalt. Its heart is the Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the iconic Elephant Fountain and the Baroque Cathedral of Saint Agatha. The city is a sensory delight, from the chaotic “La Pescheria” fish market to the aromatic streets serving Pasta alla Norma and pistachio arancini. Visitors can explore ancient Roman theaters hidden beneath street level or hike the lunar landscapes of Etna. Catania’s resilient spirit and bold flavors make it an essential Sicilian gateway.

Archaeological Area of Agrigento (alternative to Palermo)

GENOA (GOA)

Genoa, the “La Superba,” is Italy’s grandest maritime gateway, nestled between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine Mountains. Its soul resides in Europe’s largest medieval old town, a dizzying labyrinth of narrow caruggi (alleys) that open into magnificent hidden plazas. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Palazzi dei Rolli, a series of Renaissance and Baroque palaces once used to host visiting dignitaries. From the futuristic Porto Antico designed by Renzo Piano to the iconic San Lorenzo Cathedral, Genoa blends industrial grit with aristocratic elegance. As the birthplace of pesto and focaccia, it remains a culinary powerhouse.

Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) (alternative to Pisa)

NAPLES (NAP)

Naples, Italy, is a high-octane sensory explosion where ancient history meets gritty modern life under the watchful eye of Mount Vesuvius. As the birthplace of pizza, the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center is a labyrinth of narrow streets like Spaccanapoli, filled with Baroque churches and artisan workshops. Visitors can marvel at the “Veiled Christ” in the Sansevero Chapel or explore the vast Naples National Archaeological Museum. Beyond its chaotic charm, Naples serves as the ultimate springboard for the ruins of Pompeii, the idyllic island of Capri, and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex

PALERMO (PMO)

Palermo, the chaotic and captivating capital of Sicily, is a Mediterranean crossroads where Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences collide. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is famed for its “Arab-Norman” architecture, best seen in the glittering mosaics of the Palatine Chapel and the imposing Palermo Cathedral. The city’s soul resides in its gritty street markets—Ballarò, Capo, and Vucciria—where vendors hawk legendary street foods like arancine, panelle, and the daring pani ca meusa. From the grandeur of the Teatro Massimo to the bustling intersections of Quattro Canti, Palermo offers an intoxicating, multisensory journey through layers of ancient history.

Archaeological Area of Agrigento (alternative to Catania)

PISA (PSA)

Pisa, a radiant jewel of Tuscany, is far more than the home of its world-famous Leaning Tower. Situated along the River Arno, the city boasts the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the stunning Romanesque Cathedral and Italy’s largest Baptistery. Beyond the marble wonders, Pisa’s historic heart reveals vibrant student life, the medieval Piazza dei Cavalieri, and the serene botanical gardens. Visitors can stroll the high-altitude city walls or enjoy local cecina (chickpea flatbread) in hidden plazas. Blending ancient maritime prestige with youthful energy, Pisa remains an essential, soulful Italian destination.

Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) (alternative to Genoa)

ROME (CIA/FCO)

Rome, the “Eternal City,” remains a living museum where 2,800 years of history meet a vibrant modern pulse. The city is more accessible than ever, benefiting from the new Metro C extension and “Archeo-stations” like Colosseo. Travelers can marvel at the Pantheon’s new Basilica of Neptune experience or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain (noting the new nominal €2 access fee for the basin). From the sprawling ruins of the Roman Forum to the bohemian lanes of Trastevere, Rome rewards explorers with legendary Carbonara and world-class gelato, capturing the timeless essence of la dolce vita.

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe (alternative to Bari)

VENICE (VCE)

Venice, the “Floating City,” is an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site composed of 118 islands linked by over 400 bridges in the Venetian Lagoon. Renowned for its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the city’s heart is the magnificent Piazza San Marco, home to the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Visitors navigate the labyrinthine “calli” (alleyways) or glide along the Grand Canal by gondola and “vaporetto” (water bus). From the glass-blowing traditions of Murano to the colorful houses of Burano, Venice offers an unparalleled romantic atmosphere steeped in centuries of maritime history.