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Saturnia
This small hilltop village and its nearby spa are located halfway between Rome and Florence (west of Orvieto, in Tuscany). Saturnia is known primarily for its sulphur baths and thermal springs (Terme di Saturnia) and the attendant resort complex. It's a good place for those who have lots of time and want to relax, take the treatments and explore the surrounding countryside. This southern part of Tuscany is less heavily touristed, which can be a welcome break. 75 mi/120 km northwest of Rome.
Sicily
Sicily is a mountainous, arid island dotted with lemon, orange, almond and pistachio orchards - an extension of the Apennine Mountains separated from the mainland by the Straits of Messina. Many powers have occupied this strategically important area: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Phoenicians and, of course, the Mafia. Historical sites related to those powers are part of the island's attraction. (A Mafia tour visits sites of various family activities and the graves of infamous godfathers and victims.) But there are many other reasons to visit Sicily: watersports, beaches of rock and sand (including black sand), rugged volcanoes and beautiful vistas, good food, prized ceramics and friendly people.
Siena
In scenic hill country just south of Florence, this picturesque, well-preserved medieval town lies in the Tuscany region. A bitter competitor with Florence for much of its history, Siena is a treasure trove of art, pageantry and architecture. Visit Giovanni Pisano's wonderful black-and-white Gothic cathedral (don't miss the magnificent Bernini statue of Mary Magdalene hidden away in a niche of the Chigi Chapel or the dazzling inlaid marble floors) and tour the Palazzo Pubblico (for its world-famous frescoes, The Effects of Good and Bad Government). You can climb the adjoining Torre del Mangia for a wonderful view over the city. 43 mi/70 km south of Florence.
Sorrentine Peninsula
About 20 mi/32 km south of Naples, this area is one of the most romantic and beautiful in Italy. The peninsula (especially the Amalfi coastal drive) is spectacular. Begin in Sorrento (at the northern end) and continue to Vietri Sul Mare, on the southeast coast (or vice versa). It's only 40 mi/64 km, but en route you'll find secluded beaches, reefs, citrus groves, clear blue water, exquisite scenery, excellent restaurants and a hair-raising, narrow cliff road along the seaside. (Local residents truly drive as if they're crazy, so be prepared - and don't drive at night.) There are some nice towns on the way (best seen by parking and walking through them). Sorrento is a busy garden-filled resort town on cliffs overlooking the sea. You catch the ferry there to Capri or Ischia, making it a bit too touristy for those seeking the serenity and beauty of the area. In charming Amalfi, visit the impressive, Arabian-style Paradise Cloister and Gothic Arsenal. Amalfi has exceptional crystal-blue water, almost Caribbean in quality. An early-morning swim there with the sun on the mountainside is quite an experience. (There's even an ice-blue cocktail - practically undrinkable - served at the Hotel Santa Caterina in honor of the water.)
Spoleto
A truly charming Umbrian hill town, Spoleto is best known for the Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds), an annual festival of international music, theater and art held during the last two weeks of June and the first two weeks of July. Begun by Gian Carlo Menotti in 1958, it includes performances of opera, dance, theater, concert and film (tickets are best purchased six months to a year in advance). Spoleto is a beautiful Renaissance town in itself, with arched, narrow, winding streets and Roman architecture that includes a theater, an arch and a remarkable first century AD house that belonged to Emperor Vespasian's mother. Roman stonework forms part of many buildings. Just on the other side of La Rocca, an old prison and hilltop fortress, is a spectacular gorge - cross the 750-ft-/233-m-long, 14th-century brick footbridge (built over an older Roman aqueduct) for a breathtaking view. 60 mi/95 km northeast of Rome.
Todi
A medieval hill town in southern Umbria (near Orvieto), Todi has an inviting collection of meandering narrow streets, churches and squares. See the Santa Maria della Consolazione church, the Piazza del Popolo and the views from the remaining portions of the city's ramparts. From late March to mid April, Todi hosts the Italian Antique Exhibition - antique furniture, ceramics, paintings and carpets - in the 13th-century Palazzo Comunale. Todi is best seen if you're spending a lot of time exploring hill towns in this area or if you're taking a leisurely pace on your way from Rome to Florence. Don't go there if you're in a hurry or if it's at the expense of time spent in Perugia or Assisi. 60 mi/95 km north of Rome.
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