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It was a great summer for discovery in Italy, even on the island of Capri. The bases of 3 Roman statues discovered in the cave in 1964 have been found on the floor of the Blue Grotto , along with evidence that there were at least 4 more statues in the cave. Now an underwater hunt for the remaining 4 statues is on. When they are discovered, archaeologists plan to make copies of the statues to display in their original positions in the cave, bringing the emperor Tiberius' private swimming grotto back to its ancient glory. I can't wait to see what they find. PS-don't try searching for them yourself-the sea bed is almost 500 feet below!

Nestled in the Bay of Naples between Capo Miseno and Ischia is the tiny island of Procida . Perfect for day trips, this picturesque island was host to scenes in the movie Il Postino . Sailors and fishermen call this island home and the seafood is a reason to linger over lunch or stay for dinner. There aren't very many hotels on the island, certainly not any grand ones, but if you are looking for a quiet getaway, La Casa sul Mare is perfect. Each simply furnished room has a terrace overlooking the sea and breakfast is included. Rates are just 168 Euros in the high season!

Epicurious.com has tons of travel-related food articles about destinations all over the world. Most recently they toured the region of Campania to sample the best pizza, cheese, lemons (Sorrento, of course), seafood (try Sapori di Mare in Marina di Vietri sul Mare), pastries, candies and coffee. They recommend the shops, restaurants and markets where the best of Campania and the Amalfi Coast can be found. I'm definitely ready for my next trip!

Yes, Capri pants really did originate on the island of Capri . Perhaps they were invented to make hopping from your yacht to the dock a little less hazardous. The place to buy them is La Parisienne in Piazza Umberto 1 (#7). Jackie Onassis bought them by the dozen here and Audrey Hepburn made La Parisienne's cropped pants part of her iconic style. Get them in classic white and wear them with big shades for that true casual Italian holiday look. (They even do custom orders!)

The Hotel Caruso Belvedere in Ravello (my favorite town on the Amalfi Coast) is so spectacular, Budget Travel has written a whole article about it. Well, part of an article, anyway. Read all about this infinity pool with the most incredible view of the Mediterranean at budgettravel.com .

National Geographic Traveler has the scoop on driving the scenic roads of the Amalfi Coast. You'll find tips on what stops to make, what routes to take and how to avoid crowds (and the dangerous traffic that comes with them). Here's a couple of tips from me: don't drive the roads at night and make sure your car is small -not like the huge station wagon I drove the last time I was there!

Positano is certainly where the beautiful people are. At the Grande Spiaggia (big beach) you can join them at La Scogliera (the reef) for drinks and snacks or for lunch and dinner on the terrace at L'Incanto. The restaurant is open-air and offers a myriad of seafood options and a view of the sea. They will gladly reserve a beach chair and umbrella for you-and bring your lunch to you as you lounge in the sand.

Right in the center of Capri town, just steps from the Funicular, is Da Georgio. A Caprese original, Da Giorgio has been serving fresh seafood and local treats since 1948. The view of the Bay of Naples is beyond comparison and the tomato, mozzarella and arugula pizza is to die for. Buon Gusto! Via Roma 34.

Admit it-you have always dreamed of getting married in a villa in Tuscany . Who hasn't? Well, you can make that dream come true. Go to GettingMarriedInItaly.com and the Italian wedding of a lifetime can be yours. The website will take care of the Italian bureaucracy, the venue, the flowers, the music, the food (yum) and will help your guests with accommodations. They have resources for every region in Italy, so if you want a vineyard in Umbria or an ancient chapel on the Amalfi Coast , you can have it. The website has tons of great ideas and photos to inspire you. It makes me want to get married all over again!

Bon Appetit interviewed television star and self-proclaimed foodie Mariska Hargitay about her favorite meals. At the top of her list was a simple meal of caprese salad and seafood at La Conca del Sogno in the little hamlet of Nerano near Positano. To quote Ms. Hargitay: "I took a bite of tomato and suddenly I was eating Italy." The family-owned restaurant is on the beach and has gorgeous views of the sea and nearby islands. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch. Via San Marciano, 9.

People will say that the Blue Grotto on Capri isn't worth it. Well, if you don't like wonders of nature, pristine water, and ancient mysteries, then maybe it isn't worth it. But perhaps the rigmarole of hiring a boat to take you from the harbor to the grotto and then hiring another little boat to take you into the cave itself is a bit tiresome. So forget going by boat. Swim there! This is how you do it (it's best if you are staying overnight on the island so that you can leave your possessions-and clothing-at your hotel). 1. Wait until after 5:00 so that the tour boats have all left. You don't want to get run over by anyone. 2. Make sure you are wearing only your bathing suit (you can bring a t-shirt or cover-up with you for decency's sake). Maybe you'd like to bring goggles too. 3. From Anacapri find the Via Grotta Azzurra . Follow this until you reach the stairs for the Grotta Azzurra. 4. Descend the stairs (not a short walk!). 5. Make sure that the sun ...

An Amalfi Coast specialty is chocolate covered eggplant: melanzana in salsa di cioccolato . It sounds unusual but some restaurants have been making this dessert for a century. In particular, Da Gemma in Amalfi, with its terrace set back from the main piazza, is truly an Amalfi Coast classic. You'll love the seafood and regional dishes-and the view of the Duomo. Via Fra Gerardo Sasso 11.

Le Sirenuse (The Sirens) is indisputably one of the best hotels in Positano . But not only is it unique, luxurious and quintessentially Italian, but it is also right across the street from its own boutique, Emporio Le Sirenuse . The shop is run by Carla Sersale, the daughter-in-law of Antonio Sersale, the hotel's owner. Here you can find everything in exquisite taste: ballet flats by Porselli , Laura Urbinati swimwear, Faraone Mennella jewelry, Venetian glassware and bohemian textiles by Lisa Corti. The shop is Suzy Gershman's ( Born to Shop Italy ) favorite store in all of Italy. Diverti te! 30 Via Colombo.

According to legend, in 1380 the monks at the Carthusian monastery on Capri accidentally created a gorgeous perfume from the dregs of water left in a vase full of Caprese wildflowers. Centuries later the formula for the perfume was rediscovered and Carthusia, I Profumi di Capri , was established. The scents today are still made by hand according to the centuries-old methods and each fragrance is hand-bottled as well. Be sure to stop by the shop and factory when you are visiting Capri. Not only will the scents delight your nose, but you can feast your eyes on the beautiful view of the Tyrrhenian Sea while you shop.

Up above Positano in Montepertuso ("Hole in the Mountain") is a restaurant that embodies Italian sensibility. Ristorante Donna Rosa is truly a family affair. The staff is small and the setting is intimate-the kitchen is open for guests to watch the meals being prepared. Classic pastas, meats, rare wines and delicious desserts are on the menu, and if you really like a dish they will give you the recipe (straight from Donna Rosa's cookbook!). Be sure to stop in and see the "Hole in the Mountain" at sunset on your way to dinner. Reservations recommended. Via Montepertuso 97/99. +39 089 811806.

Not that you need to look for any reasons to visit the Amalfi Coast, but just in case you need some guidance, here are the Modern Traveler's top historical sites to visit on and around the Costiera Amalfitana. 1. Villa Jovis on Capri : Capri is fabled for two reasons. It is breathtakingly gorgeous and it was the playground for the less than moral Emperor Tiberius. Don't miss the ruins of his grand palace, the Villa Jovis, at the southern tip of the island. The flower-lined walk to the Villa from town is a lovely way to spend your morning and the views of the Amalfi Coast will knock your socks off. 2. Paestum (pictured): Somehow this sanctuary of ancient Greek temples was overlooked for the past 2,000 years. The 2,500 year old temples are in almost pristine condition and the rest of the archaeological site is pretty interesting too. Paestum is just a short drive from Salerno which is at the southern base of the Amalfi peninsula. Don't miss the museum ! 3. Herculaneum : In ...

Trenitalia has launched the new high-speed line from Naples to Milan. Now you can get from Rome to Milan in 3.5 hours, and Rome to Naples in a little over an hour! Perfect for your trip to the Amalfi Coast . The line also offers free newspapers, beverages and snacks. Make reservations at www.italiarail.com . Buon Viaggio!

Yes, Christmas is over, but it's always the season for a festive meal. L'Espresso's food blog, Cucina , has a great holiday menu for vegetarians . Stefano Mazzone, the chef at Quisi (at the Grand Hotel Quisisana on Capri), has prepared a special menu using regional ingredients and traditions. All the courses would be appropriate at any time of year (except the Neapolitan cake, Struffoli, which should really only be enjoyed at Christmas). The menu begins with a vegetable and cheese bruschetta, moves on to a simple onion pasta, and for the main course Eggplant Parmigiana. Try Google's Translator for the recipes in English. The Italians celebrate Christmas until January 6th, so feel free to serve the Struffoli until then!

Originally built in the 12th century, the Hotel Palumbo was a private palazzo until 1875, when its owners turned it into a hotel. The great composer Richard Wagner stayed there and even composed many pieces on the piano which is still in use at the hotel. The public rooms were decorated in the 1600s and incorporate intricately frescoed ceilings and Greek and Roman columns from Paestum and around the Amalfi Coast. The hotel's restaurant, Confalone , makes use of these grand rooms and includes a terrace overlooking one of the most spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is an exquisite marvel, worth visiting even if the high room rates (600 Euros for a double in the summer!) make a stay out of the question. Stop in during the evening to truly make the most of this romantic place.

Every year Travel and Leisure publishes THE LIST. This year, 5 hotels on the Amalfi Coast and one in Sorrento made the coveted ranking, however none of them are new to the list. All are luxurious and all are VERY expensive. But even if you can't stay at any of these properties, stop in for lunch or a drink. The views and service are definitely a worthwhile experience. On Capri, the Capri Hotel & Spa and the Grand Hotel Quisisana are recommended. In Positano, Travel and Leisure ranks Il San Pietro di Positano and La Sirenuse as the best. In Ravello, the lovely and exclusive (43 rooms) Palazzo Sasso (pictured) is the hotel to visit. If you make it over to Sorrento, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria overlooks the Bay of Naples and provides an excellent jumping-off point for visiting ruins, islands, and the Amalfi Coast.