The Grand Tour was established in 1660. It literally put tourism on the map in Italy, and ironically, travelers still love the very same sights and attractions.

Florence is still the jewel of Renaissance Italy. The Medici family greatly influenced this city for centuries, supporting some very famous artists along the way. Some of those included Michalangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, Giotto, Pontormo and Boticelli. Make sure to visit Michelangelo?s David, the Palace of Bargello, Basilica of San Lorenzo, Cappelle Medici, Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, Giotto?s Bell Tower and the San Lorenzo market.

Venice is an amazing city, built on 117 small islands. It has more than 150 canals, and 409 bridges spanning those canals. Certainly, the Grand Canal is a tourist favorite, and so is the Vaporetto. Other attractions you?ll want to see include the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, St. Mark?s Basilica, Palazzo Pisani, the Clock Tower and San Rocco.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is most assuredly a tourist highlight. However, the city of Pisa, located on the Arno River, has a number of other attractions you will love, too. Be sure to see the Baptistery, Campo Santo, Santa Maria della Spina, Pisa Cathedral, National Museum and the Campo dei Miracoli.

Bologna offers visitors a chance to see Roman baths, temples and amphitheatres, mixed with Baroque palaces, churches and squares. Make sure to visit the Archeological Museum, Bevilacqua Palace, Palazzo della Mercanzia, St. Dominic?s Church, San Martino, Casa Isolani and the Basilica di San Pietro.

A tourist favorite, Rome could consume your entire vacation, and you still would not see it all. Some highlights to see include the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Roman Forum, Campidoglio, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Castel Sant?Angelo and St. Peter?s Basilica.

Pizza, which is one of Italy?s most famous foods, originated in Naples, and because it is close to many fascinating places, Naples makes a good base for travelers. While in Naples, be sure to visit the Piazza del Plebiscito, Piazza Mercato, Via Toledo, Spaccanapoli, the Duomo, Santa Chiara Church, Castel Dell?Ovo, and Teatro San Carlo.

In the 18th century, Pompeii?s ruins were discovered. They contain 2,000 year old old temples, villas, and art. While there, you will also want to see the House of the Gilded Cupids, the House of the Vettii, the House of the Mysteries, the Necropolis, the House of Menander, the Stabian Baths, and the Street of Tombs.

Still partly buried beneath the modern city of Ercolano, the remains of Herculaneum offer visitors a unique look at history. While you?re there, make sure to visit the Suburban Baths, House of the Bicentenary, House of the Deer, Palestra, and Sacello degli Augustali.

When you think of Italy, you think of Renaissance art, architecture and Roman antiquities, and yet, there is so much more. Enjoy the rich heritage of food, wine and music, as well. From the Duomo in Naples to the Vatican, you will find something that delights you.