Italy

The Republic of Italy is located on a boot-shaped peninsula in southern Europe.   It is bordered to the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the south by the Mediterranean and Ionian Seas and to the east by the Adriatic. The Alps lie at the northern borders with France, Switzerland and Slovenia and the Dolomites mountain range at the border with Austria.  The Apennine Mountain range runs down the length of the country. The largest lake is Lake Garda and the River Po is the major river. Islands belonging to Italy include Sicily, Sardinia and Elba.  Vatican City and San Marino are two small independent states located within Italy.  

The largest and capital city is Rome.  Other major cities in Italy include Bari, Bologna, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, Turin and Venice. The currency is the Euro. Italian is the official language, with French, German and other languages spoken among minority communities.  Italy is a member of NATO and the EU and adopted the Euro in 1999. 

Italy is a country much-loved by all who visit and a place of dreams for those who have yet to go.  Whether it be for the romantic canals and gondolas of Venice, the history and splendour of Rome, the operas, the beauty and colours of Tuscany and the countryside, the wines, the works of masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, or the beaches and sparkling coastlines.  Italy has so many faces and so much to see that it could take a lifetime of visits to see it all.   

As if there was not enough choice of things to do in one country, you could also go to Italy for your winter holiday destination in the Dolomites, with many popular and fashionable ski resorts to choose from. In summer the mountains turn into summer playgrounds with water sports on the lakes and rivers and activities such as hiking, mountain biking, camping and climbing.   You could even visit live volcanoes in the country, the most famous of which are Mt. Etna and Stomboli.

Link:  www.italiantourism.com

Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy.  It lies between the river Po and the Apennine Mountains in the Po River valley.   It is fondly known as the food capital and, as its name suggests, Bolognese sauce was named after the area.  There are many vineyards in the area, including Lambrusco di Modena. 

Aside from restaurants and cafes serving delicious food, Bologna also has many museums, gardens, parks, historic buildings, and good shopping.   It is a university city and so has a very youthful ambience. 

Landmarks and attractions include the Piazza Maggiore, Neptune fountain, medieval town centre and several museums.  For interesting day trips, you could go to Modena which is the home town of Pavarotti, the famous tenor.  South of Bologna is Florence and east is Ravenna.
 
Link:  www.comune.bologna.it

Florence

Florence is located in the northern central part of Italy in the middle of beautiful Tuscany.  It is known as the Renaissance Capital and city of art and culture. This is the place you have seen pictures of and longed to walk through the city and surrounding stunning countryside.  It is a coloured dreamland of vineyards, castles, flowers and rolling hills.  Florence was the birthplace or area of residence of such geniuses as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, Machiavelli, Galileo, and Fra Angelica. 

Some well known landmarks in Florence include the (Duomo) Cathedral with its magnificent cupola and the Piazza del Duomo, Baptistry and Giotto’s Bell Tower (campanile) in the heart of the city.  Climb to the top of the bell tower and cupola for amazing views. The historic centre of the town is a place to explore with its narrow alleys.   For people-watching the piazza, or town square, is the place to go for a drink and relax.   For a culture overdose go to the Uffizi gallery, which is believed to be one of the best art museums to be found anywhere, containing many famous masterpieces.  Florence is the place to be for art lovers and students of art history.  If the Uffizi hasn’t exhausted you, visit the Accademia and Palatine Gallery.

In the areas surrounding Florence there are many wonderful places to explore on day trips, such as Siena, and Fiesole where there are Roman ruins and a church containing frescoes by Fra Angelico.  The libraries in Florence are packed with rare and priceless books and documents.  Florence has many wonderful museums, including the History of Science and many others.  We cannot possibly do Florence justice here, so carry on reading for yourselves:

Links:  www.firenzeturismo.it and www.aboutflorence.com

Milan

Milan is the largest city in the northern part of Italy.  It has the reputation as the capital of fashion and is a sophisticated and stylish place.  It is also the location of the famous La Scala opera house.  You can shop at designer shops like Valentino, Gucci and Armani - or maybe just press your nose against the window.   However, there is also plenty of history and culture to be found in Milan with many museums, churches and monuments.  For sightseeing outside the city try the monastery at Pavia and museum of wine making.   The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is the location of da Vinci’s fresco of the Last Supper which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  There are too many wonderful places to visit in Florence to cover here, so we’d suggest purchasing a good guide book and doing the city on foot so you don’t miss anything. 

Link:  www.ciaomilano.it

Palermo

Palermo is the capital, and largest city, of the island of Sicily, located on the NW shore of the island.  Modern Palermo is a port city and buzzing with life.  However it holds secrets of a long and diverse history, having been dominated by many different peoples and cultures over the centuries.  Mention Sicily and most people will immediately think of the Cosa Nostra - Mafia!  However, what you will find to enjoy is a mixture of medieval architecture from as far back as the 11th century and different periods of time, including Arab and Viking influences.  Don’t miss the former royal palace:  Palazzo dei Normanni (also known as Palazzo Reale) with the Capella Palatina (chapel), Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti, Palermo’s Norman Cathedral and many other interesting churches and monuments.  If you are not squeamish, try the Catacombs at the Convent dei Cappuccini.  For a side trip try the monastery and cathedral at Monreale.  The Quatto Canti (Four Corners) is the centre of the city and a good place to start your walking tour of the sights, and the market is also a popular attraction.   If you prefer to relax, try one of the beaches near Palmermo, such as Mondello.

Link:  www.regione.sicilia.it

Rome

The capital city, Rome, is also known as the ‘Enternal City’.  Rome is located about halfway down the ‘boot’ of Italy, on the western side and a short distance from the Sea.  It is a city of amazing history, monuments, aqueducts and fountains, the most famous of which is the much-visited Trevi Fountain.  The River Tiber runs through the city, crossed by many picturesque bridges.  You will soon get caught up in Rome’s magic as you stroll past the ancient momuments and enjoy the ambience of the restaurants and cafes.   Don’t miss the fountains in Piazza Navone as well as the wonderful cafes and churches. Other sights on every visitor’s list include Piazzo del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps, the Forum, the Pantheon (don’t miss Bernini’s Elephant sculpture opposite), Colosseum, Piazza del Campidoglio, Villa Borghese with its gardens and museums, and Vatican City.  It’s worth purchasing a good guide book to make sure you don’t miss any of the amazing sights.

Plan to spend a lot of time visiting Vatican City – the smallest state in the world and papal residence - as there is so much to see and do, with the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s marvelous Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.   Don’t forget Castel Sant’ Angelo, close by.   Be prepared for possible long queues to visit the attractions, especially the Sistine Chapel and Museum - we’d recommend starting your day early.  If you have the energy – and don’t suffer from claustrophobia - climb to the top of the Basilica as the stunning view is definitely worth it.  The steps up are narrow and winding and often packed with people coming and going.  You will want to take at least one photo of the Swiss Guard in their colourful uniforms.  Don’t forget to send postcards home from Vatican City with their own stamps affixed. 

Link:   www.rome.info.

Siena

Located south of Florence in the lovely hilly, wine-producing, Tuscany region, Siena is a very scenic medieval city.  Like Florence, Siena is also packed with history, beautiful art and architecture and the area between the two cities is famous for its Chianti wine.  Siena is built atop three hills with city walls which have been preserved well If you visit in summer – during July and August - you may be lucky to see the famous ‘Palio’ horse race in the medieval, shell-shaped, Piazza del Campo – a spectacular traditional scene not to be missed. Other popular attractions include the Piazza del Duoma and the 14th century Gothic Duomo. The Duomo, or cathedral, is a spectacular piece of architecture.  Siena has many picturesque palazzos (squares) such as Palazzo Pubblico where the Torre del Mangia is located.  A climb to the top of the tower (Torre) provides fabulous views over the city and countryside.   You might want to take a tour of the underground waterway system or ‘Bottini’ as well as the botanical gardens. 
Link:  www.aboutsiena.com.

Turin

Located in the north-west of the country, close to France, Turin (Torino) lies on the River Po surrounded by the majestic snow-capped Alps.  It is the capital of the Piedmont region and home of the car manufacturer, Fiat.  The city has a total of four rivers: the Po, Stura, Dora and Sangone.  Popular sights and attractions include the Palazzo Carignano which was the first Italian Parliament and is today a museum, where you will find the Carignano Theatre and Egyptian Museum (with collection of mummies).   The Art Museum is located in Piazza Castello and close by are the Royal Palace and Church of San Lorenzo.  Other attractions include the Palazzo Chiablese, Royal Armoury, Mole Antonelliana and Museum of Cinema offering fantastic views from the roof terrace. The Chapel of the Holy Shroud at the Duomo houses the Turin Shroud and is a famous pilgrimage location.  Piazza Castello in the centre of the city includes many famous palaces, castles and residences of the Savoy Dynasty, such as Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Venice

Venice is located in the northeast of the country, on the Adriatic.  Where do you start to describe the beauty and wonder of Venice?  Italy has so many wonderful places, but there is nothing in the entire world to compare with Venice.  It is built atop over 100 islands, with more than 100 canals and over four hundred bridges.  The central area of Venice is a place where you are forced to abandon your car and travel by foot or by boat.  Enjoy losing yourself amongst the alleys, canals, backstreets and squares as you find yourself transported to this place of fascinating history, quaint bridges, and splendid palaces. 

The best way to get around in Venice for most visitors is by water bus or ‘Vaporetto‘.  For best value purchase a pass for the duration of your stay.  A good place to start in Venice is to catch the No.1 Vaporetto for a trip down the famous Grand Canal where you can admire the palaces and pass beneath the Rialto and Accademia bridges and get a good look at the gondolas and gondoliers in action. You could pay more for a private water taxi if you wish to avoid the crowds.  You cannot visit Venice without paying for a pricey gondola ride at least once - it is well worth it.   The Traghettos are commuter gondolas which cross the Grand Canal from one side to the other.  Be warned though…as you have to stand for the trip across the Grand Canal, you may want to avoid it after a few glasses of Prosecco or Bellini at the famous Harry’s Bar (frequented by Hemingway). 

Unfortunately the worst part of a visit to Venice is discovering that thousands of other people have had the same idea.  It gets very crowded.  For those able to avoid the high summer period, try the magic of off-season, or winter when you may experience the adventure of agua alta (high water).

There are so many attractions and things to do in Venice.  Where to start?  Most head to St. Mark’s Square, where you will find historic, sophisticated cafes with live orchestras vying for your business. Be warned that if you sit at one of the tables the bill will be hefty, as you are charged heavily for the privilege and for the ‘musica’.  So, if on a budget, join the throngs who stand to listen and admire the scene and ambience while enjoying a gelato (Italian ice cream).
 
You cannot leave St. Mark’s Square without visiting St. Mark’s Basilica where the body of St. Mark is buried, the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs, and a ride up the Campanille (bell tower) for amazing views.  The Accademia Gallery is worth setting a good chunk of time aside for. 

The famous Venice Carnivale is usually held in February and the shops are filled with souvenir masks year-round.  The Venice Regatta usually takes place in early September.  Held every other year, the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition is an event which includes the Venice Film Festival and Venice Architecture Biennale where events and exhibitions are on show from June through November. 

Venice also has beaches for relaxation.  Try the beach at Lido, and explore the island by foot, which is easily accessible by Vaporetto.

Don’t forget to take a trip on the lagoon to the nearby islands of Murano (famous for glass and glass factories), Burano (famous for lace), and quaint Torcello. 

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