7Rome, Italy

Few places offer a history lesson quite like Rome. Ancient monuments are woven into the fabric of an energetic modern city, meaning you can encounter extraordinary historical sites almost by accident.

The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain are obvious highlights, while Vatican City adds another layer of art and history.

Yet Rome’s real charm is often found between the major attractions. Enjoying pasta in a neighborhood trattoria, drinking an espresso at a small cafĂ© or wandering through a quiet piazza can become just as memorable as visiting the famous monuments.