5 Places to go in Italy that aren't Venice

There is more to Italy than taking a romantic gondola ride. Outside of the famous 'City of Water,' there are other extraordinary places to visit in Italy.

No matter where you go, you can look forward to filling up on the best pasta and gelato you've ever tasted. But to see all "the Boot" has to offer, you'll need to hop on ItaliaRail.

Where to go first? Here are five locations to add to your travel plans.

Rome

No trip to Italy would be complete without seeing Rome, Italy's capital. Everywhere you look, there is jaw-dropping architecture and antiquities.

At the heart of it is the city's world-famous Colosseum. Touring the massive stone amphitheatre, you can almost hear the crowds cheering for the battling gladiators.

A few steps away is Palatine Hill, an open-air museum focused on the history of the Roman Empire. Nearby, you'll also find the heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum, where everything from elections to social gatherings happened. Have your camera ready: every few feet, there is a spectacular monument to admire and capture.

If time allows, plan a day trip to Vatican City to behold Michelangelo's most extraordinary paintings in the Sistine Chapel, which cover 12,000 sq ft (or 1,110 sqm) of the ceiling and walls. Then, to wrap up your stay, treat yourself with a scoop (or two) of gelato and make a wish at the Trevi Fountain. According to legend, anyone who throws the coin will one day return to Rome.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a Mediterranean jewel that stretches along the coastline of Southern Italy. Head to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello to explore the picturesque, candy-coloured seaside towns beside the turquoise sea that gently splashes against the towering cliffs.

The area is also home to some of the best beaches in the country. While here, rent a chair on the pebble beachfront to relax in a slice of paradise and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Tuscany

On your trip, rent a car and head to Tuscany to explore the winding roads lined with cypress trees. It is a wine-lover's paradise, where you can tour local vineyards and sip a glass of Chianti and nibble on olives and bread.

Then head to Florence, an art-filled city overflowing with Renaissance masterpieces. Some of the top sights include Michelangelo's 'David' at the Galleria dell'Accademia and Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus' in the Uffizi Gallery.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is on the waterfront of the Italian Riviera in Northwest Italy. Every year, tourists flock to see the five romantic seaside villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso) with pastel homes built into the rugged cliffs over the azure-blue water.

For postcard-worthy views overlooking the sea, lace up comfortable shoes and explore the Sanctuary walks. The steep cliff-side hiking trails range in length from one to six hours round-trip.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a popular day trip located south of the capital. The ancient city is famous for being buried when Mountain Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. Today, you can tour the well-preserved Roman ruins, including temples, manors, and theatres.

Some of the top sights include the Temple of Apollo (dedicated to the god of the sun, archery, and music), the House of the Faun (a former large residence), and the House of Vettii (decorated with large painted frescoes).

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