Numerous small and big companies offer guided tours that focus on the savoury and salty richness of Parmigiano cheese and Parma ham. Most operators will bring you to a cheese factory tour just outside the city, let you try differently aged samples (most likely 1, 2 and 3-year cheeses). Similarly, don't miss a chance to see a Parma ham factory and taste the thinnest melt-in-your-mouth slices. Pick a tour that best matches your budget, interests and time frame. The most important variable in choosing the best tour is traveller reviews.

This neoclassical theatre looks like it's frozen in time: the majestic golden décor and the red suede curtains will probably throw you back to the 18th century when it was built for Charles III, Duke of Bourbon. After several restorations, it is still open today and hosts great shows such as Swan Lake.

Built when Naples was under Spanish rule, Palazzo Reale is one of the four royal residences around Naples used by the Bourbon Kings during their reign over the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Today, the grand palace and its sprawling grounds are home to the Teatro di San Carlo, the Teatrino di Corte, the National Library, and a captivating museum that offers a glimpse into 17th to 19th-century history through the exquisitely decorated royal apartments. The Royal Gardens, an enchanting sanctuary within, boast tree-lined avenues adorned with rare plants, statues, and hidden gardens, adding to the historical allure of this magnificent landmark.

The National Cathedral sits on Mount St. Alban and is one of the largest cathedrals in the country. The stained glass, stone carvings, and soaring ceilings are impressive, and the grounds are pleasant to wander. Guided tours, led by staff who know the history and architecture inside out, are the best way to explore.