My parents are going on a Mediterranean cruise. What should they NOT miss?

Question

Also, my mom asked me what I wanted her to bring back for me. What should I tell her? She is going to Venice, Athens, Ephesus, Naples, Rome, Florence, Nice, and Barcelona, among other places.

Answer 1

They shouldn't miss the Amalfi Coast (which includes Naples, Pompei, Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, and nearby islands Capri, and Ischia.  My votes out of these are Positano and Capri, however it depends how long they're stopover is, whether or not they will see them.)  They must see St. Mark's Square and go on the Rialto bridge in Venice.  Gondola rides are expensive, but you can take the water bus (or traghetto) from Rialto to San Marco, to get in your canal experience.  

Souvenir wise, my vote is for a cameo necklace (popular in Naples and the Amalfi Coast), or a venetian mask or Murano glass from Venice.

In Florence they should absolutely climb the top of the duomo (only 463 steps!) for a panoramic view of the city, breathtaking!  The Ponte Vecchio is nice as well.  All the major sites in Florence are within 15 min walk of each other, so this is the easiest one.

Rome - They should absolutely see the Colosseum, Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), and the Spanish steps (if they are going in May or summertime, the steps are filled with flowers).  If they like gardens, Villa D'Este is only 45 min by train out of the city, and is made from the ruins of Hadrian's Villa.  If they are garden people, this is a must see!

Sorry I haven't been to any of the other places, but my friend just did the exact same tour, a few months ago.  If you have any other questions email me!