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The land of La Dolce Vita and the Eternal City
Flavours, colours, smells, human warmth and the melodious language of romance? In short, Italy offers visitors a sumptuous feast for the senses.
Overview
Italy retains an exceptional legacy from peoples who have occupied it throughout the course of its history. Over the centuries, it has seen great civilizations that still permeate Europe. Rome, Florence and Venice are particularly marked by this rich cultural heritage.
Attractions
Rome
Ancient Rome was founded and developed on a defensive site made up of seven steep hills along the left bank of the River Tiber (or Tevere, as it is called in Italy). Also known as the Eternal City, Roma became the capital of Italy in 1870. In the area between the Colosseum and the Pantheon stand ancient monuments, the source of inspiration for their Renaissance counterparts.
As an independent state governed by the pope (who holds the title of sovereign pontiff), Vatican City is located along the right bank of the Tiber. The 44-ha (109-acre) walled enclave encompasses such gems as the Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica).
The Piazza Navona is Rome's most famous square. A refreshing, pedestrian-only oasis graced with three fountains, it is a popular local gathering spot.
The picturesque Trastevere quarter is renowned for its winding alleys and trattorie, while the Gianicolo hill offers stunning panoramic views of the Eternal City.
Florence
Located on the River Arno in Tuscany, Florence is surrounded by hills planted with olive trees, cypresses and vineyards. The surrounding countryside is bathed in soft, diaphanous light characteristic of the region.
The political heart of the city since time immemorial, the grand Piazza della Signoria, surrounded by open-air cafés and restaurants, is a favourite meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
Florence is a veritable outdoor sculpture museum, with its numerous statues, including a replica (the original is now housed in the Accademia) of Michelangelo's (1475-1564) famous David.
Venice
Located in the northeastern part of southern Italy, Venice rises out of the waters like Botticelli's Venus. Set in the middle of a saltwater lagoon and crisscrossed with canals connected by countless bridges, the city is linked to the mainland by the 4-km-long (2.5-mi) Ponte della Libertà, erected in 1846. Unsurprisingly, life in Venice, a commercial and maritime city steeped in atmosphere, revolves entirely around water.
The Piazza San Marco is the only true piazza in Venice, as the other, smaller squares are known as campi. Moreover, the historic square was long the centre of political, social and cultural life of La Serenissima, as Venice is known to locals.
The Lagoon of Venice encompasses over 40 islands, most of which were inhabited until the 19th century. Many -- though, fortunately, not all -- have been abandoned. Murano, the largest of the islands, is famous for its glass industry, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can even watch artisans create these very marvels right before their eyes in the island's world-famous glassblowing workshops. Another must-see is the Museo del Vetro, which showcases ancient pieces.
Where on earth
Italy occupies a 1,300-km-long (800-mi), boot-shaped peninsula that juts out far into the Mediterranean Sea to the south and is delimited by the towering barrier of the Alps to the north. It also includes two large islands, Sicily and Sardinia.
Regions of Italy
> ITALY
The birthplace of Opera, the Scientific Revolution and the Renaissance, Italy is a world all its own. The marvellous country is divided into 20 regions, including Tuscany, Campania and Venetia, each unique and splendid in its own right. Italy's regions together create a cohesive and colourful mosaic of sensual pleasures, be they culinary, artistic, visual or auditory. Here you will encounter a veritable cornucopia of cultural experiences and an abundance of breathtaking scenery from the rugged terrain of the Amalfi coast to the ancient waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
> LOMBARDY
The Lakes
The lakeside towns here have charmed visitors for centuries. Lake Garda is Italys largest lake while Lake Como is best known for its palatial villas. The beautiful Lake Maggiore offers spectacular scenery, as does Lake Lugano, which shares a border with Switzerland.
Milan
Home to undisputable great art and architecture, the cultural attractions of the city include the prestigious Conservatory of Music, the Art Academy and La Scala, the most famous opera house in the world.
> VENETO
Padova
A bustling city with a medieval center, Padova is home to the Cathedral of St. Anthony. Donatelos Gattamelata looms large in the Cathedral and stands guard at the church door.
Venice
Known as the City of water as well as the City of light, Venice is comprised of close to 120 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon. These are connected by hundreds of bridges. Glide along the citys legendary canals in a gondola or wander through the Piazza San Marco and ancient narrow walkways flanked by classical architecture. Just outside the city, relax on the world-famous beaches of Lido di Jesolo, where you can relax, enjoy the sun, and visit Venice easily by public transit, as often as you like.
What St. Marks Basilica, the Doges Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, Venetian canals, glass art and lace in Murano and Burano.
Getting there Air or train.
Location 1 hour by plane from Rome, 4 1/2 hours by train from Rome.
Verona
The setting of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliette is one of Italys most fascinating cities and offers fine examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture.
What The little Rome. The worlds 3rd largest Roman amphitheatre, the house of Shakespeares Juliet and the balcony of the legend.
Getting there Train or excursion from Lido di Jesolo.
Location 1 1/4 hours from Venice, 2 1/4 hours from Lido di Jesolo.
Lido de Jesolo
What 18 km of beach and pedestrian walkways, filled with boutiques and restaurants.
Getting there Air (Rome to Venice) and transfer, train, bus, boat or car.
Location 1 hour by plane, 1 1/4 hours from Venice by bus or boat.
> EMILIA-ROMAGNA
Bologna
The oldest city in Italy is Bologna, with a compact city centre, and many tourist sites located within a short distance of the main road. Notable buildings include the cathedral of San Pietro, the gothic church of San Petronio, the palaces and the leaning towers of the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.
> TUSCANY
Tuscany is a dreamland of rolling hills and mountains contrasted with the plains of the valleys of the Arno river. The region is home to many UNESCO world heritage sites, including the historical centres of Florence, Siena, and the square of the Cathedral of Pisa. Florence is without doubt both the cradle of the Renaissance and a jewel in the crown of Tuscany as is Montecatini, a world-renowned spa with natural hot springs which receives over 2,000,000 clients yearly. Tuscany is well-known for wine production, especially Chianti, as well as olive oil, and memorable culinary delicacies.
Florence
Firenza casts a spell in the way that few cities can. Set in a valley on the banks of the Arno, fringed by olive groves and vineyards, Florence has been home and inspiration to such great artists as Michelangelo, Botticelli and Donatello.
What The Duomo at the Piazza della Signoria, the works of the masters of the Renaissance, museums, Michelangelos David, and much, much more.
Getting there Train or car.
Location 2 hours from Rome.
Pisa
A quiet and graceful town known for its famous leaning tower. The tower is on the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), a collection of four impressive structures which also includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistry and the Capmosanto Cemetery.
What Majestic Roman Cathedral, circular Baptistry and the famous Leaning Tower.
Getting there Bus or train.
Location 2 hours from Rome, 1 1/4 hours from Florence, 1 hour from Montecatini.
Siena
Siena is the true picture postcard of the Tuscany region. Here you will find rolling hills planted with seemingly endless rows of vines, or topped with dark straight cypresses. Siena has maintained its jewel-like medieval ambience and architecture over the centuries.
Montecatini
What Experience the hospitality of an Italian village in the heart of Tuscany and take advantage of the lifestyle, surroundings and market.
Getting there Transfer from Rome, train from Florence or car.
Location 4 1/2 hours from Rome, 40 minutes by train from Florence.
Lucca
What Birthplace of Puccini, imposing ramparts accessible on foot or by bike.
Getting there Bus, train or car.
Location 1 1/2 hours from Florence, 25 minutes from Pisa and Montecatini.
> UMBRIA
Assisi
A picturesque town that will overwhelm your senses with its many churches, art galleries, archaeological finds, frescoes, castles, piazzas, and scenic views.
Perugia
Umbrias best-preserved town of its size is located in the hills overlooking the Tiber River Valley. Youll marvel at the charming square dominated by the imposing Palazzo del Priori. Perugia boasts a rich history in architecture, museums, and monuments dating from the Etruscan and Roman periods to the present.
> MARCHE
Lands of unspoiled beauty, the regions of Marche and Abruzzo stretch from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. The quaint town of Acquaviva Picena in the Marche region seems to have stood still in time. The small towns here have remained unchanged by tourism, allowing you to step back into the past.
Youll fall in love with the rugged yet gentle beauty of the Abruzzo region. Peaceful days with warm breezes and the aroma of the salty sea can be enjoyed in the seaside holiday resorts of Giulianova, Pineto and Silvi Marina.
San Marino
Founded in 301 A.D., the Republic of San Marino is the worlds smallest and oldest independent Republic. Covering an area of 60 square kms, San Marino is still governed by its own laws and has maintained its sovereignty for almost 1700 years.
> ABRUZZO
Acquaviva Picena
The charming village of Acquaviva Picena surrounds the medieval fortress, which now houses an ancient arms museum. All the monuments youll find here are rich with history and tradition. The popular beach of San Benedetto del Tronto is only 8km away.
Giulianova
Located at the foot of the Apennines with a magnificent golden sand beach, Giulianova is not only an ideal seaside resort town, but also a town rich with beauty that youll find in the nearby natural caves.
Pineto
A beautiful resort town that is great for families, Pineto offers many modern comforts in a charming and picturesque setting.
Silvi Marina
One of the most famous seaside resorts in Abruzzo, Silvi Marina has spectacular beaches with crystal clear waters and shopping outlets where youll find great deals in fashionable Italian clothing such as Prada,Armani and Paciotti.
> LIGURIA
Cinque Terre
What Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre and the magnificent surrounding landscape.
Getting there Train to the entrance village of La Spezia.
Location 50 minutes from Pisa, 1 hour and 45 minutes from Montecatini.
> LAZIO
Rome
The capital of Italy as well as its most populous city, Rome is at the junction of the Aniene and the Tiber rivers. One of the major European cities to survive the Second World War with little damage, Rome has been able to hold onto monuments and architecture from bygone eras, including the Renaissance and Baroque periods and the impressive Colosseum, an imposing relic from the days when Rome was the capital of the powerful Roman Empire. . Several of mankinds greatest accomplishments can be found here. Youll find the imposing Colosseum, and youll be able to marvel at the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Basilica of St. Peter and the museums of Vatican City. If views are what youre after, climb the dome of St. Peters or admire the panorama from the top of the Spanish Steps at sunset. Bustling, beautiful Rome, sprawling across its seven hills, is fascinating for both ancient and modern wonders.
> CAMPANIA
Campania is a region of Italy that typifies the sea and lanscapes alive in many a Mediterranean vision, particularly along the Amalfi Coast, the location of mountainous terrain and a cluster of townships, including Vietri Sul Mare, Maiori, Minori, Amalfi, Positano and Capri. Visitors are often drawn to the lovely village of Agropoli and the ruins of Paestum. Campania is home to Limoncello liquor, mozarella and Sophia Loren, the legendary actress.
Agropoli
This area boasts beautiful beaches and is the ideal starting point for excursions along the Cilento Coast and Paestum.
What A seaside holiday with the ambiance of the archeological site of Paestum and the magnificent Amalfi Coast nearby.
Getting there Transfer by car or bus from Rome or by train.
Location 4 1/2 hours from Rome, 40 minutes from the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi Coast
The famous coastline with its scattered picturesque villages, intense blues and greens of the Mediterranean sea and the fragrant scents of lemon trees, olive groves and vineyards combine to create the perfect Italian paradise.
What Archeological site of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Vesuvius Volcano, Capri, Sorrento, Napoli, Amalfi, Positano, Minori, Maiori, Raito, Vietri sul Mare.
Getting there Transfer by car or bus from Rome or by train.
Location Minimum 2 1/2 hours from Rome.
Baia Domizia
Quickly becoming a favourite holiday resort area for families on the Gulf of Gaeta, Baie Domizia offers a magnificent stretch of beach and is a great base for day trips to Amalfi, Naples and Pompei.
Capri
The wonderful island of Capri has often been referred to as southern Italys finest jewel. Leisurely walks are suggested to enjoy the natural attractions of the Blue Grotto, the Villa Jovis and the Gardens of Augustus.
Naples
The best way to experience this city is surely by walking the streets and admiring its many monuments such as: The Naples Cathedral, Mergellina, the San Carlo Theatre and the Royal Palace.
Paestum
Less crowded than most of Italys tourist locations, the main attractions here are the three Doric temples: the Basilica, the Temple of Hera and the Temple of Ceres.
What A seaside holiday with the ambiance of the archeological site of Paestum and the magnificent Amalfi Coast nearby.
Getting there Transfer by car or bus from Rome or by train.
Location 4 1/2 hours from Rome, 40 minutes from the Amalfi Coast.
> SICILY
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, southwest of the mainland lies the region of Sicily. Here youll find Mount Etna - Europes largest live volcano and one of the most active. The region is also home to great archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Norman Cathedral in Monreale and the Doric Temple in Segesta. The larger cities of Palermo and Catania exude a lofty, noble air, while the holiday resorts of Terrasini and Cinisi offer crystal clear waters and friendly, typically Sicilian hospitality.
Agrigento
A pleasant medieval town, well known for its Valley of the Temples. These include the temples of Juno, Hercules and Concordia all masterpieces of Greek culture in Sicily.
Castelbuono
Located in the Madonie Mountains, the picturesque town of Castelbuono is well worth visiting for the magnificent views and many historical churches.
Catania
Sicilys second largest city and one of its most historic and intriguing. Catalania has survived conquests, earthquakes and eruptions but was quickly rebuilt on a grand scale, which gives the city a lofty, noble air.
Cefalu
The charming medieval town of Cefalu is built on the site of an ancient Sicanian and Greek settlement. Here youll find the ruins of the Temple of Diana and a beautiful Norman Cathedral.
Cinisi
Boasting crystal clear waters and friendly hospitality, Cinisi is quickly becoming one of the most sought after holiday resort areas in Sicily. An ideal base for day trips to Agrigento, Etna, Taormina, Palermo, Cefalu and Castelbuono.
Erice
The lovely medieval town of Erice is located atop a 751-meter hill.
Monreale
Home to a Cathedral which is considered the finest example of Norman architecture on Sicily, it is extensively decorated with mosaics, fine gold and incorporates Norman, Arab, Byzantine and classical elements.
Mount Etna
Europes largest live volcano and one of the worlds most active. Enjoy a walk along the panoramic terraces of Rifugio Sapienza, 1900 meters above sea level, or to the Silvestri craters.
Palermo
There is no other Italian city quite like Palermo. Not only does it offer great cuisine and fascinating history, Palermo also has some great shops that sell everything from antiques to homemade specialty crafts like ceramics and jewellery.
Piazza Armerina
The City of Mosaics with impressive mosaics of the 3rd century that decorate 3,500 square meters of pavement, is a lively, modern and popular town in the province of Enna.
Selinunte
Selinunte is a site of some of the best-preserved Greek ruins in all of Europe.
Syracuse
The rock garden Noto of the Sicilian Baroque era can be found in Syracuse, as well as the Greek Theatre, a masterpiece that could seat up to 16,000 people, the Roman Amphitheatre, used for gladiator fighting and the Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto.
Taormina
A favourite with tourists worldwide, Taormina has an absolutely stunning setting high on a mountain with views of Mount Etna as the backdrop. Walking is suggested to make your own discoveries in this beautiful city.
Terrasini
In the province of Palermo, Terrasini is a lovely fishing village that has developed into a wonderful holiday resort area thanks to its sandy beaches and a friendly and casual environment.
What From the beach to Mt. Etna, from ruins to well-preserved Cathedrals, Terrasini is a fascinating combination of folklore and the legends of the Greek, Roman and Italian civilizations.
Getting there Air (Rome to Palermo).
Location 1 hour flight from Rome and 20 kilometres from Palermo.
