Italy — Introduction

Italy is the embodiment of designer chic and great food and wine. A gastronomic delight awaits – rarely will you dine better than on Italian cuisine and wines. But it’s also a country steeped in history.

This long history has provided it with an abundance of cultural attractions, museums, well preserved archaeological sites and historical monuments. Italy is a living museum to its proud history and its remarkable cities and striking countryside have given much to the world.

The timeless capital of Rome is home to many historical treasures such as the Colosseum, Panthéon, the Vatican City, Spanish Steps and the beguiling Trevi Fountain.

Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world, with many upscale designers and shops, and is home to the famed Scala opera house.

Everyone should visit Venice at least once in their life. A classic Venetian gondola trip is a great way to see the grandeur of this enchanting masterpiece from the water but it’s just as impressive on land.

Then there’s the countryside – Tuscany and Puglia whose crystal clear blue sea makes it a beach-seekers’ paradise. With over 700 kilometres of coastline bordered by the Adriatic and the Ionian seas there are plenty of beautiful coves and bays to relax on.

Italian Alps
The Italian Alps meanwhile are a nature-lovers’ haven with breathtaking natural beauty, alpine glaciers, mesmerising mountain peaks, broad meadows and woods. They’re an all year-round destination, with skiing in the winter and hiking, biking and mountaineering in summer.

The Alpine lakes of Garda, Como and Maggiore are mainly glacial and always magical. Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and its delightful landscape changes depending on whether you are at its Northern or Southern shores. The captivating Lake Como has a dramatic mountain setting and a shoreline dotted with picturesque villages and parks.

The Dolomites are among the most striking sections of the Italian Alps with sharp, crystalline points soaring heavenwards away from the valleys dotted with neat pine forests. In winter the region is a skier’s dream, but in summer the Dolomites shrug off their snowy coat to reveal breathtaking scenery and activities that range from climbing to paragliding and even base jumping.