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Italy

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A Mecca for culture, history and fine food, Italy is a top tourist destination and it's not hard to see why so many millions of people choose it for their holidays each year. From Lake Garda in the North, to Mount Etna in the Southern region of Sicily, Italy has a smorgasbord of things to see and do, whilst offering a hot climate, a deeply rooted traditional way of life and beaches and mountains alike.

Starting at the top, an incredible tourist destination is Italy's biggest lake; Lago Di Garda nestling in the foothills of the Alps. The fertile ground in this region makes the Italian cuisine out-of-this-world. To the East of Lake Garda is the historic city of Verona with its astounding architecture, from the "Arena" amphitheater to the Gavi Arch.

If it is culture and romance you are looking for from your holiday then cast your eyes over the "City of Light"; otherwise known as Venice. This Northern Italian city is said to be one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, whether visited during summer or winter. Venice is a maze of streets lined with quirky shops, café's and restaurants, interspersed with gently lapping rivers which cut through the islands that make up this city. Grab a gondola, watch glass being blown or visit the Palazzo Grassi for some classic Venetian art.

Moving south we come to Siena; a stunning city just 115 miles from Italy's capital city, Rome. Each year on July 2nd and August 16th Siena holds the legendary Palio horse race, right in the World Heritage Site City Centre (otherwise known as Piazza Del Campo). Siena is a great stop for those who are traveling from North Italy right down to the South.

The cultural difference between the North and South of Italy is somewhat stark, which is mostly dictated by the weather which is so much warmer in the South. Sicily is a region which lies at the very bottom of Italy, full of orange and lemon orchards, rich foods and enchanting artworks. For instance, the city of Palermo offers Palazzo Dei Normanni; an Arab-Norman style Palace, and the heliometer observatory located at Palermo's cathedral.

Italy is a country whose cuisine, traditions, language and culture come unrivaled and provide endless points of interest. It is an ideal location for romantic couples, fun-seeking families and keen tourists as it's impossible to get bored and there’s always something to feast your eyes (and stomachs) on.

Quick Facts

Destinations

Portofino Right on the tip of the region of Liguria lies the seaside village of Portofino. On first impressions this is a stereotypically beautiful and serene Italian area full of history, culture and fantastic food. These first impressions are generally correct! Also known as the Port of the Dolphin, Portofi...

Riccione Riccione is a commune within the province of Rimini; East Italy and after becoming well known for its nightlife and coastal location, Riccione is now one of the country's most successful tourist destinations. Not far from Rimini's capital city, Riccione has secured its supreme location right in the ...

Rimini Making up the North Eastern tip of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy is the province of Rimini. With a population of almost 300,000 and land spanning 534km², this Mid-Eastern Italian province is a thriving and exciting place. Rimini's capital city (also called Rimini) has a population of around 13...

Salerno The city of Salerno is located within the province of the same name, in the Campania region of South Western Italy, looking out onto the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the main city on the Amalfi Coast, quite near Sorrento and shares the same Italian Riviera calm coastal lifestyle mixed with a strong sense o...

Sardinia Just South of France, West of Italy, East of Spain and North of Tunisia lies the Mediterranean Sea's second largest Island: Sardinia. Its tranquil atmosphere, warm climate and typical Italian culture bring holidayers flocking every year who wish to visit the lush beaches, stunning inland market town...

Sicily As the largest Island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is almost a nation unto itself. It may be part of Italy but this islands' individual cultural style sets it apart from the rest of the country and has a lot to bring in terms of art, intrigue, gastronomy and fantastically warm weather. This isla...

Sorrento On the west coast of Italy just 30 miles south of the city of Naples lies Sorrento; a small town overlooking the Bay of Naples and one which is famous for its lemon trees. Sorrento is an ideal starting point for those looking to travel across the Western coast of Southern Italy with its close locati...