Italy is a country to fall in love with. There's so much to see and so much to do, that the hardest part will be deciding what you love the most. The food, the art, the people and the culture and history – the list is endless!
History and culture
Italy’s history is immense: the country has 41 World Heritage-listed sites – more than any other country. Choose from the many individual monuments and locations such as the Villa Adriana in Tivoli, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and its surrounds, or Padua’s botanical garden.
Some of the world’s most valued and famous artworks are found in Italy. Art is such an intrinsic part of some Italian cities that they are known as ‘citta d’arte’, or ‘cities of art’. From the astounding durability of Roman monuments, such as the Colosseum and the Forum, to the Renaissance splendour on display in Venice and Florence, art and beauty can be found everywhere.
Each of Italy’s cities has its own distinct character and appeal, shaped by centuries of geographical location, historical chance and regional traditions and style. Rome’s imperial roots are still evident, elegant Florence still resonates with the Renaissance, Naples is full of colour and chaos and there’s just nowhere else in the world quite like Venice. Visit them all and fi nd your favourite.
Lifestyle
Italy’s greatest wealth is its people; the gregarious, charming Italians seem to know how to do everything bigger and better. They love their food, their families, their music and their heritage, and they display a passion for everything they do. They also love to laugh and talk, usually emphasising everything with hand gestures, and are quick to welcome strangers into their towns and homes, ready to share a meal, a story or a good joke. It creates an atmosphere that is ideal for a relaxing holiday. Despite the country’s wall-to- wall attractions and avid sense of adventure, the Italian’s love of the good life is so contagious you’re bound to throw up your hands, declare ‘when in Rome’ and indulge in a leisurely café sojourn or simply settle down for an afternoon siesta.
Natural wonders
The green hills of Tuscany are synonymous with visions of rustic villas, charming hill towns and wine from local vineyards. If skiing and alpine trekking is your thing, the Dolomites are for you, or head north to the Lakes District at the foot of the Alps. Try cycling along the western shore of Lake Como or windsurfing on Lake Garda.
If you’re dreaming of white sandy beaches, blindingly blue water and stunning coastlines, Italy can provide. Choose from the sandy coves of Sardinia, the dramatic cliffs and vistas along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the enticing Isle of Capri or the sheltered bay of Santa Margherita.
Dining
One of the greatest passions for all Italian people is food. While Italian cuisine is very familiar to the western palate, mealtime in Italy is less about extinguishing hunger and more about the experience. The main meal of the day is lunch and it may last several hours. It’s not unusual to have four courses – antipasti (starters), primi piatti (pasta or soup), secondi piatti (meat or fish) and dolci (desert). Topped off with several bottles of wine and completed with coffee or grappa, it’s no wonder the locals need a siesta!
Food is taken very seriously by the Italians and parochial rivalry is fierce. Each city or region will serve up a new take on your favourite dish, while proudly declaring it to be the most authentic version, better than all others. For a more hands-on experience, there are cooking courses and tours available throughout the country, particularly in Umbria, Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.
Shopping
If you love to shop, you’ll love Italy. This place was designed for shopping; in fact, in some parts of Rome the traffic is banned on Saturdays to make way for the window shoppers! In Milan, the best fashion gazing is to be done along four adjoining streets, known collectively as the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Quadrilateral). The main artery of this shopping heartland is Via Montenapoleone, lined with chic boutiques and elegant fashion outlets. Tuscany’s Montalcino is the perfect stop to purchase a delicious local wine, while Rome’s Via dei Coronari is an antique collector’s dream.
Get in the know ...
To market, to market! When in Rome, join the locals at some of the city’s wonderful markets and be reminded of a more traditional way of life. You’ll usually be greeted with an overwhelming display of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood stalls, delicatessen produce and often clothing, shoes and bric-a- brac. The prettiest of Rome’s markets, but probably the most expensive, is the daily Campo de’ Fiori. But you’ll fi nd the Trastevere locals shopping at the Piazza San Cosimato market, an excellent and very traditional neighbourhood market adjacent to Via Natale del Grande, one of the best food-shopping streets in Rome. Another good place to shop is the covered Piazza dell’ Unita market near the Vatican or the Testaccio market on Piazza Testaccio, the most ‘Roman’ of all the city’s markets.
Useful Travel Links
