Things To Do In Italy
- Visit The Trevi Fountain
- Godfather Tour In Sicily
- Visit The Leaning Tower Of Pisa
- Stroll on the Costa Verde Coast
- Visit Ancient Pompeii
- Boat Tour Around The Amalfli Coast
- See The Vatican
- Gondola ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
- Eat Pizza On The Spanish Steps
- Boat Trip On Lake Como
Italy Culture
Italy is the most vibrant, and sensational country in Europe. Everywhere in Italy from the villages and cities to the museums and galleries to the shops, restaurants and cafes, you will find Italians do things with panache. With one of the most dramatic, action packed histories of any nation in the world, one that includes Michelangelo, Casanova, Julius Caesar, Christopher Columbus and Leonardo da Vinci, to name a few, you can rest assured there will be plenty to see and experience in Italy. Combine that culture with dramatic coastlines, stunning sunshine, and idyllic mountain ranges and you have a holiday of a lifetime that is ready and waiting for you.
Italy's Astounding History
According to UNESCO, two thirds of the world's historical artistic heritage is in Italy. Tuscany, which is only one region of Italy, by itself, possesses more artistic treasures than the whole of Spain, which is the second country in the world for cultural heritage. Practically all major styles of Western architecture can be found in Italy. Such is the historical legacy of Italy; a first visit to Italy can be astounding even for visitors from Europe familiar with the continent’s rich legacy of historical sights. For visitors from the US and outside Europe a trip to Italy can be literally mind-blowing such is the abundance of truly beautiful historical treasures wherever you go. Rome alone, could take a lifetime exploring the rich architectural legacy and monuments on display.
Italian Cities
Italian cities are living museums, with amazing attractions from the past as well as stylish entertainments from the present.
- Assisi
Florence- Genoa
- Messina
- Milan
- Naples
- Paestum
- Palermo
- Pisa
- Portofino
- Ravenna
- Rimini
- Rome
- Siena
- Sorrento
- Taormina
- Turin
- Tuscany
- Venice
- Verona
Places of Interest
Venice - Stunningly beautiful and magical city built on 117 small islands, a honeycomb of canals, bridges and walkways. Islands are connected by about 400 bridges. Canals serve as roads and every form of transport is on water or on foot. Its Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco are some of the wonderful Venetian sights along with galleries, churches and palaces to explore.
Pompeii - A major archaeological site Near Naples, Pompeii was the thriving resort town for wealthy Romans. It was buried and preserved under ash during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins provide a fascinating insight into how ancient Romans lived and include impressive temples, a forum, one of the largest Roman amphitheatres and luxury houses.
Capri - Southern Italian island with a history of attracting the rich and famous. Overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius this is a beautiful island with a unique atmosphere.
Assisi - Perched halfway up Mount Subasio this city of white marble buildings is dominated by a huge 14th Century hill fortress. St Francis was born here in 1182 and his basilica contains stunning frescoes and imperial relics. The town also includes many delightful churches.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa - Italy’s famous Leaning Tower began construction in 1173 but was postponed because the ground started to give way. It was finished in the 14th Century.
Ravenna - Small city halfway between Venice and Ancona which includes a world beating array of ancient art and architecture. Ecclesiastical treasures include Dante's tomb.
Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso - In North West Italy the first national park established in Italy is an oasis of larch woods and firs, alpine prairies, rocks and glaciers. The park covers 173,000 acres of permanently snow-capped mountains. About 3000 ibex live in the park as well as foxes and golden eagles.
Sicily - Famous for its food culture, arts and golden beaches this is the largest Mediterranean island. Not only is it a beautiful landscape but it is home to some diverse historical treasures from Greek temples to Roman ruins and Norman castles. There is also Mount Etna – Europe’s largest live volcano.
Best Beaches in Italy
The world famous Amalfi coast has many of the best beaches in Italy. The villages along the coast lie on spectacular curves.
Palm trees and expensive boutiques line the narrow streets leading to the pebbled shores of the Italian beach resort of San Remo. Popular Italian beach resorts are also located in the antiquated Greek ruins of Syracuse. Fontane Bianche is another prime spot for cooling off in the summer, popular with both Italians and tourists. Nearby Taormina offers equally fine sandy beaches. And there is also Sicily, any of its beaches easily among the best Italian 
beaches.
Italy Facts
Capital City – Rome
Time Zone - GMT +1
Currency - Euro
Places of Interest
Venice - Stunningly beautiful and magical city built on 117 small islands, a honeycomb of canals, bridges and walkways. Islands are connected by about 400 bridges. Canals serve as roads and every form of transport is on water or on foot. Its Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco are some of the wonderful Venetian sights along with galleries, churches and palaces to explore.
Pompeii - A major archaeological site Near Naples, Pompeii was the thriving resort town for wealthy Romans. It was buried and preserved under ash during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins provide a fascinating insight into how ancient Romans lived and include impressive temples, a forum, one of the largest Roman amphitheatres and luxury houses.
Capri - Southern Italian island with a history of attracting the rich and famous. Overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius this is a beautiful island with a unique atmosphere.
Assisi - Perched halfway up Mount Subasio this city of white marble buildings is dominated by a huge 14th Century hill fortress. St Francis was born here in 1182 and his basilica contains stunning frescoes and imperial relics. The town also includes many delightful churches.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa - Italy’s famous Leaning Tower began construction in 1173 but was postponed because the ground started to give way. It was finished in the 14th Century.
Ravenna - Small city halfway between Venice and Ancona which includes a world beating array of ancient art and architecture. Ecclesiastical treasures include Dante's tomb.
Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso - In North West Italy the first national park established in Italy is an oasis of larch woods and firs, alpine prairies, rocks and glaciers. The park covers 173,000 acres of permanently snow-capped mountains. About 3000 ibex live in the park as well as foxes and golden eagles.
Sicily - Famous for its food culture, arts and golden beaches this is the largest Mediterranean island. Not only is it a beautiful landscape but it is home to some diverse historical treasures from Greek temples to Roman ruins and Norman castles. There is also Mount Etna – Europe’s largest live volcano.
Italy Attractions
Colosseum - Built in 72 AD the Colosseum is one of the best loved tourist attractions in Rome. In its hey day it was an unrivalled public spectacle with a 70,000 strong crowd watching bloody sports involving gladiators, lions and tigers. It remained intact until the 8th Century and was eventually consecrated to the memory of Christian martyrs.
Pantheon - Regarded as one of the architectural wonders of the world, the Pantheon was built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa. Still intact, it is a marvel, a perfect sphere resting in a cylinder.
Trevi Fountain - Made famous in films Three Coins in a Fountain and La Dolce Vita this is one of the best known fountains in the world. While marvelling at its mythical sea creatures and frothing water display visitors also pursue the ancient tradition of throwing in a coin thereby ensuring they return to Rome. Designed by architect Francesco Salvi in the 17th Century.
The Vatican City - The Vatican has been a separate state within Italy since 1920 with The Pope as its head. This tiny enclave in the heart of Rome is the administrative and spiritual home of Roman Catholics. The world’s smallest independent state includes The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel with ceiling by Michelangelo and frescos by Botticelli and Perugino.
The Catacombs - On entering the catacombs you will see the crypt of the nine popes with the original marble tablets of their tombs still preserved. There are almost half a million tombs and numerous paintings, sculptures and epigraphs inside.
The Spanish Steps - Popular hangout and meeting place among visitors and locals alike these ornate steps take their name from the adjacent Spanish Embassy. Designed by Italian architect Francesco de Sanctis and built 1725.
The Forum – The Forum was the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Rome. Constructed over a period of about 900 years this vast area was once the main marketplace, admin and business district of the city.
Pantheon - Dedicated to all gods of the Roman Empire this temple has an interior which allows light to pour in though a special opening in its ceiling. Emperor Hadrian created it in AD 120.
The Palatine - The Palatine is a small hill near the Forum with ruins and pleasant garden walks. The rulers of ancient Rome built their palaces and temples here. Sites include the Palace of the Flavians and the ruins of the Baths of Septimus Severus.
Visit Italy
With its spectacular beaches, ski resorts, art galleries, street life, restaurants, music, shopping and more you will find thousands of years of culture, art and cuisine have not got in the way of the modern day Italy. This is the country where lives are lived for today with a style and coolness that is unmistakably Italian. Roman ruins, Renaissance art, cafes, skiing, architecture, fast cars, sports, films: all life is here to enjoy. Contemporary architects are still as inspiring as their ancient counterparts; and modern Italy designs ooze with their own unmistakeable charm which is of the now.
