In comparison to the rest of the European countries, Italy is probably
the hardest to categorize as it is an industrialized and modern nation.
It is the forerunner in terms of style with its designers taking the lead
with the fashions of each season. At the same time, it is also a great
place for Italy vacations in a Mediterranean country that caters for both
the senses and the mind. Italy is mostly covered with agricultural
activities especially the southern part which are still controlled by an
almost feudal environment.
During the middle of the day, life usually stops for a long lunch time in
most of the towns and villages all over the country. This tradition
remains as a strength in the family-oriented customs, with emphasis
placed on the Catholic Church rituals and traditions. It is common for
parents to have their children staying with them until into their early
thirties. To travel in Italy to have the best experience, simply live in
the Italian style, enjoy eating regional foods, or enjoy the countryside.
Whenever Italy tours or Italy vacations are mentioned, it would brings
forth the visions of Pompeii, the Renaissance which is Italy's rich
treasure of art and architecture. One cannot missed Italy's national
characteristic to live life to the fullest with all the never ending
local festivals taking place all year round. Other than that, Italy also
possesses an enormous cultural legacy. Nowhere in the world could anyone
find more classified historical monuments compared to what is found in
Tuscany alone. Moreover, every regions in Italy maintain their own
remnants of an inspired tradition generally known to be the richest in
the world.
Italy was not unified until 1861 and that is a fact that's resulted from
the regional nature of the place today. The world's most advanced
industrial societies could be found in the north while the most
economically depressed areas is at the south. Turin and Milan in the
northwest regions of Piemonte and Lombardy is the testament to this
wealthy area.
Venice in the
northeastern regions is a very unique attraction and beautiful city for
an Italian vacations. This beauty is highly appreciated by many people.
Other than that, you can also visit Verona, Vicenza and Padua in the
nearby historical towns.
Tuscany in the
center of Italy and with Florence, Pisa and Siena has earned the
reputation as the most commonly perceived image of Italy and is a great
place to wrap up a great travel for an Italy vacations.
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Flag of Italy |
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Aeolian Islands
A volcanic archipelago off the
north-east coast of Sicily. Get there by boat, ferry or hydrofoil
from Milazzo, Sicily or Naples. |
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Agrigento
Lies on Sicily's south coast, it presents "The Temple of Concord", the
temple of Juno and other monuments of ancient Akragas. The best time to
visit is during spring or autumn. |
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Assisi
A superb example of an Umbrian hill
town. Never miss the monastery of St Francis, the Basilica of Santa
Maria degli Angeli. Best time to visit is in early October. |
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Bologna in Italy
Bologna is famous for its food and wine.
The Museo Civico Archaeologico has one of the best Etruscan collections
in Italy. Climb the Asinelli tower for a spectacular view of the city. |
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Capri
Ensure you visit the gardens of Augustus,
take the chairlift up to Monte Salaro. Don't miss the Monastery of San
Giacomo, Mount Solaro, the islands of Ischia and Procida. |
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Castel del Monte
A thirteenth-century castle 16 km (10
mi) from Andria, built for the Emperor Frederick II Barbarossa.
Castel del Monte appears on the reverse of the Italian 1 cent coin. |
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Florence
Located in Tuscany, in the north of
Italy. It is also known as the soul of Italy. The city center is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can have a picnic in the Boboli
Gardens, explore the wine-growing regions of Tuscany. |
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Gubbio
Known for the Eugubine Tables which is
the largest surviving text in ancient Umbrian, Gubbio is located
north-east Perugia in Umbria, central Italy. |
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Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este
It is two villas and gardens about 30
km (20 miles) east of Rome. Travel there by train or bus from Rome.
Do not miss the Medieval Tivoli, with several tower houses, the
temples of Hercules and the Tiburtine Sybil. |
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Herculaneum
A Roman resort destroyed by the
Vesuvius in 79 AD, Herculaneum is located on the Bay of Naples in the
Region of Campania in south-west Italy. Get there by train or bus
from Naples or Sorrento. |
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La Scala
You will never regret visiting La Scala Opera House, the
theatre museum and the cathedral. Make sure you also visit the
refectory of Santa Maria della Grazia, containing Leonardo da
Vinci's Last Supper. |
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Lake Maggiore
Enjoy the perfect semi-Mediterranean
climate, with mild summers and winters. Do not miss the Stresa's
cable-car for stunning views. |
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Lake Trasimeno
The longest lake in peninsular Italy. Take
a boat over to the islands and get a closer look at the scenery. Get
there by train or bus from Perugia, or hire a car. |
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Leaning Tower of Pisa
One of the Sever Wonders of the World.The cathedral, bapistery and
museum, the Church of Santa Catharina, the National Museum of San Matteo
should not be missed. |
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Mt Etna
Europe's
highest active volcano. Some of the trails lie along steep cliffs and
extra care should be taken. Get there by bus or the Ferrovia Circumetnea
railway from Catania. |
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Noto
Located in the south-east of Sicily, Noto is also known as The
Baroque city of Sicily. If you are short of time, make sure you see
Piazza Municipo. Get there by train from Syracuse, or by bus from
Syracuse or Catania. |
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Orvieto
Known as being the last Etruscan city
to fall to the Romans, Orvieto is also known as Oinarea, or 'where
the wine flows'. Get there by train from Rome, Florence or Perugia. |
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Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica is a 20-minute train ride
from Rome. Enjoy one of the live performances that take place in the
theatre during summer. |
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Padua (Padova)
Lies 37 km (23 miles) west of Venice on
the River Brenta. To visit, you will need to book at least one day in
advance of your visit ot the Arena Chapel and you can only spend 15
minutes inside. Entry fees payable. |
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Paestum
Paestum contains the three most important
Greek monuments sough of Naples. Visit the temple of Neptune for a look
at the best-preserved temple. |
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Pantalica
Pantalica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of Sicily's
special hidden surprises. Make sure you follow the trails through
Anaktoron and see the rock tombs when visiting Pantalica. |
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Pompeii
One of Italy's most famous cities,
frozen in time. Located on the Bay of Naples, in the Region of
Campania in south-west Italy. Do not miss The House of Vettii as it
is the best example of human life in Pompeii. |
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Portofino
One of Liguria's most exclusive
seaside resorts, east of Genoa, and a draw for the jet-set. Enjoy the
cafe culture and partake in an afternoon of celebrity spotting. |
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Rome
As the center for centuries of the
Christian world, Rome has more than 900 churches and basilicas. It is
hard not to be awestruck by its blend of noise, excitement and bustle
threaded with sudden calms of tranquil reflection. |
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Royal Palace at Caserta
An eighteenth-century royal palace
considered by many to be the last great example of Italian Baroque
architecture. Located North-east of Naples |
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San Gimignano
Located north-west of Siena and
south-west of Florence, it is also known as San Gimignano delle Belle
Torri. Do not miss climbing the Torre Grossa for stunning panoramic
views. |
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Siena
A classic image of Tuscany and about
an hour's drive south of Florence, Siena sits on the northern edge of
the Crete Senese, a landscape of soft, rounded hills bathed in warm,
golden light. |
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Taormina
Sicily's most famous resort. You can reach Taormina by bus or train
from Messina or Catania. Taormina splendor
has attracted visitors for more then
two centuries. |
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The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful
stretch of coastline 40 km (25 mi) long that runs along the south
side of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Spring and Autumn is best as the
area is really crowded during Summer. |
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Torre Annunziata
A modern seaport in the shadow of
Vesuvius, between Pompeii and Herculaneum. Don't miss the Villa
Poppaea for an unparalleled insight into the lives of wealthy Romans. |
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Urbino
The Galleria Nazionale delle Marche,
one of the greatest collections of Renaissance paintings in the
world. Visit during the flower festival in May or the Jazz festival
in June. |
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Venice,
History of Venice, Monuments of
Venice
A 'floating' city built on wooden
piles on a series of mud flats and islets. Take a water taxi down the
Grand Canal for the best view of the city. Venice is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. |
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Travel
in Italy