Pompeii's treasures come to LACMA.

Pompeii is a special place, that touches you on many levels.  While the grandeur of the Roman Forum humbles you, the intimacy of Pompeii draws you in.  It reveals glimpses into daily living that make the inhabitants come to life.  And knowing how many of them died makes it all the more moving.

For a 360-degree view of Pompeii, you have to visit the National Archaeology Museum in Naples.  Although Naples has a bad reputation due to its crime and pollution, it’s well worth a visit -- if only to see the museum, which contains a fantastic collection of mosaics from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae, as well as Roman copies of marble and bronze Greek statuary.

Perfume shopping in Positano.

Tumbling recklessly down a steep side of the Amalfi Coast, Positano is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Arriving by ferry, you are greeted by orange and green umbrellas and a school of brightly colored kayaks.

Wind your way up the hillside along the cobblestone alleyways and you'll discover some of the most charming shops in Southern Italy. Antiques, estate jewelry, beautiful stemware, kitchen shops, and clothing stores galore.

Follow the main street all the way to top of the hill. If you're not dressed like an American tourist, you can pop into the legendary Le Sirenuse for a cocktail. On the left side of the street, past the hotel, there's an antiques store with lots of treasures spilling out onto the sidewalk. Profumi di Positano is next door.

Fortuny's fabulous Venetian lamps and scarves available online.

Venice is always new. No matter how many times you return, there's always something fantastic across the next bridge or campo. If you love to shop, or just window shop, Venice is out of this world.

Fine paper, brilliant Murano glass chandeliers, gorgeous antiques and paintings, and fabulous masks are just some of the temptations. But our favorite is the exquisite creations of turn-of-the-century artist Mariano Fortuny.