Beyond places already covered, I can’t resist slipping you a handful more that are under the tourist radar and have great feminine appeal:

Catania, Sicily

Patron Saint Agatha reigns in this city of stunning baroque architecture and delicious Pasta alla Norma, named after Bellini’s opera heroine. The daily market is sprawling and passion-filled, and with its major airport, this is a perfect landing spot to begin explorations of the east coast of the island.

Portovenere, Liguria

Romans believed Venus, Goddess of Love and Beauty, rose from the sea on this town’s shore. Go for a less crowded coastal experience than the nearby Cinque Terre, and swoon over sunset views from Byron’s Cove, named after the romantic poet who loved to swim here.

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Venus’s navel is said to be the inspiration for the shape of tortellini, Bologna’s signature pasta. The city is a mecca for foodies, and its contemporary art scene is the best in the country. Easily reached from Florence via a 40-minute train ride, you may consider staying here to enjoy a delicious and authentic Italian experience.

Asolo, Veneto

A trio of former female residents are honored in this treasure of a town: legendary actress Eleonora Duse, travel writer Freya Stark, and ex-Queen of Cyprus Caterina Cornaro. Asolo’s surrounding breathtaking views of vineyards, olive groves, and snow-covered mountains have earned it the nickname “City of One Hundred Horizons.” Its cozy country vibe, crisp mountain air, and silence make it a wonderful break from Venice just an hour’s drive away.

Nemi, Lazio

Romans came to this forested spot and built a Temple to Diana, Virgin Goddess of Fertility, the Moon, and the Hunt. They called the lake that bordered the forest the Specchio di Diana (Mirror of Diana) because it so finely reflected the moon above. Today Nemi is the most enchanting of the Castelli Romani, an area 15 miles south of Rome. It’s famous for its wild strawberries, which are sweetly celebrated every spring.