See the jewels of the Mediterranean on an Italy cruise

From the countryside to the capital, Italy draws travelers in with its beauty, history and zest for living. But what about the Italian seaside? That's where you'll find spectacular scenery, unique lifestyles and cultural richness, all with a dash of fresh sea air and the opportunity to indulge in delicious seafood dishes that have been perfected over the centuries. Those looking to take in Italy's coastal treasures can find the perfect mode of exploration on an Italy cruise that hugs travels along the dramatic Amalfi Coast.

The Mediterranean Sea's abundant natural beauty is augmented by the on-shore sights and laid-back lifestyle of coastal villages and cities, and if you choose an Italy cruise that includes destinations like Malta and the islands of Sicily, Lipari and Stromboli, your experience in the region will be even richer. The opportunity to see a wide variety of places will give you a more well-rounded Mediterranean experience and a glimpse into the cultural diversity of the region.

Planning a vacation is a time-consuming effort, and when you're visiting a place as full of wonderful sights and places to explore as Italy, it can be confusing simply to choose where to go, and even more so to make arrangements. Italy cruises make it easy to sample both cityscapes and countryside, and because your accommodation and transportation are already included, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy. Tours like those offered by Tauck will have you sailing the legendary Mediterranean on a private yacht, giving you the opportunity to relax in style. Tauck's Italy cruise can also offer significant cost savings over planning independently - often as much as 40 percent - in addition to virtually eliminating the potential stresses of travel.

Italy offers enough to keep travelers busy for a lifetime, so a bit of strategic planning is necessary. To truly delve into the Italian lifestyle, it's essential that you see both metropolitan areas and the countryside. A well-planned Italy cruise will include a variety of destinations, including these:

* Rome. While the "eternal city" isn't on the coast, it's not far inland and is a must-see destination. Even travelers who have visited Rome before can continue to unearth treasures and unique experiences in this trove of culture and history. Travelers on Tauck's Italy cruise experiences have the unique opportunity for an after-hours tour of the Vatican, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see sights like the Sistine Chapel with no crowds.

* Naples. This coastal city has a personality all its own, forged through centuries of seafaring culture. During your Italy cruise you can get a taste of the city's famous pizza - considered by some to be the best in the world - as well as incredible fresh seafood. Nearby, you can explore the ruins of the city of Herculaneum. Like Pompeii, it was covered by ash when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., but this once-wealthy city is even better preserved.

* The Amalfi Coast. Connoisseurs of travel to Italy know that this is one of the most spectacular places to explore. Rocky cliffs plunge down into the sea, and dotted along them are elegant-yet-rustic towns and villages like Ravello and Amalfi, which capture the essence of Italian luxury and scenic beauty. Balance scenery with history on a visit to Villa Rufulo, the former home of a number of popes.

Aboard a luxury yacht like Tauck's "Le Ponant" cruising to the most appealing destinations on Mediterranean Sea will be a stress-free experience that's devoted to enjoying "la bella vita." To learn more about taking an Italy cruise, visit Tauck online.