Italy

General Visiting

Positani, Amalfi CoastItaly’s endless charms have always drawn travelers in search of culture and la dolce vita. Few countries can compete with Italy’s classical origins, its art, architecture and wealth of historical remains left by an empire, which ruled the known world from Britain to Africa.

From the northern snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the sun-kissed coasts of Sicily lies a beautiful country with a plethora of distinctive regions and people. Throw in the great food, wonderful wines, warm, friendly people and a beautiful language that sounds sung rather than spoken and you have the makings of an enchanting experience.

Italy lies in southern Europe - a long peninsula in the shape of a high-heeled boot extending southeastwards into the Mediterranean. In addition to its mainland territory, it includes a number of islands and archipelagos. The two largest islands, Sardinia and Sicily are worth a visit.

Having visited the justifiably famous trio of Rome, Florence and Venice, some tourists figure that they have seen Italy. However, there is so much more. The biggest problem facing a visitor to Italy is that there is so much to see that one can never hope to do it in one trip. Keep in mind that according to UNESCO, two thirds of the world’s historical artistic sites are in Italy.

Tuscany, which is only one region in Italy, possesses more artistic treasures than the whole of Spain, which is the second country in the world for cultural heritage. The museums are packed with the genius of Italy’s finest artists: Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and Leonardo Da Vinci to name a few. So, one can certainly understand the dilemma facing a traveler to this country. To help you choose, here, at a glance, are some of the places to visit, starting north and working our way south.

Northern Italy

Venice SunsetThe sheer variety in northern Italy makes it a fascinating area to explore. The majestic Dolomites Mountains dominate the north and provide a spectacular backdrop to many medieval castles and modern ski resorts. On the plain, you find the romantic city of Venice with its narrow waterways criss-crossed by storybook bridges and shadowed by majestic palaces whose pastel colors reflect in the shimmering water. The cities of Verona, Vicenza and Padua are gems with outstanding architecture and museums.

Italy’s Lakes

Actor George Clooney displayed excellent taste when he purchased a villa on Lake Como, one of the glorious lakes in Italy’s north. The lyrical lake area abounds with beauty and romance and is the place to linger. Visit Sirmione in Lake Garda, Bellagio in Lake Como and continue on to Lago Maggiore. Here you will find a tiny archipelago consisting of small little islands, each more beautiful than the first, world famous for dramatic palaces and spectacular fragrant gardens. You will not want to leave.

Milan

The heart of Milan has much to offer including Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous fresco The Last Supper, some of the most glamorous shopping streets in the world, the La Scala Opera House and a sensational cathedral, the third largest in the world, enhanced by 100 slender spires.

Tuscany and Umbria

Tuscany ItalyNothing can surpass the exquisite beauty of the countryside in Tuscany and Umbria where every hill is crowned with a picture-perfect walled town, fields are brilliant with vibrant sunflowers and poppies, vineyards lace the fields, and ancient olive trees grace the hillsides. Even if you are planning a trip to the major cities, save a few days at least to linger in the Tuscan countryside. Visit Lucca, Sienna, San Gimignano, Pisa, and Assisi.

Florence

You can spend the entire trip just in Florence and not see all there is to see in this city that is a vast and beautiful monument to the Renaissance. It is surprisingly compact and you can get everywhere by foot. Plan to spend as much time here as you can, and then add a few more days.

Rome

All roads lead here and for good reason. Rome has it all, incredible wealth of art, cathedrals, gourmet restaurants, trendy boutiques, enchanting piazzas, and ancient monuments. Just a visit to Vatican City, which includes in its complex St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, would justify a visit to this city. Then you add the Coliseum, the Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and you can see how a visit for a few days could stretch into weeks.

Southern Italy

Capri ItalyIn this region of Italy you can experience a trip back in time in the famous ruins of Pompeii. You can drive the Amalfi Drive, the twisty and precipitous road that has to be one of the most stunning stretches of shoreline in the world. Each town in Amalfi has its own personality. Sorrento, Ravello, and Positano are some of the places you will want to visit here. Take an excursion to the enchanting island of Capri.

Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean jutting out from the tip of Italy’s toe, Sicily is a delightful destination and a melting pot of culture in and of its own. Here you can see traces of the ancient Greek civilization, the monuments built by the Romans and the various layers of culture left behind by each of the island’s invaders, which included the Normans, the Spanish, the Arabs and others. The vast coastline of Sicily provides great beaches. The varied interior is characterized by remote hill towns and plains punctuated by mountain ranges, including the spectacular Mount Etna, an active volcano.