Italy
La Dolce Vita
Italy, the historical centre of the Roman Empire, boasts more cultural sights and attractions than you could ever hope to see in a single visit. In fact, Italy lays claim to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (54 in total) than any other country in the world. Many of these awe-inspiring attractions – often rather casually located amid the hustle and bustle of modern city-life – are essential to an understanding of contemporary western civilisation. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to the intricate Gothic architecture of Cathedral Square, to the almost obscene wealth of artwork housed in the galleries of Tuscany, a holiday in Italy is nothing short of spectacular.
Of course, Italy’s culture does not only belong in the past – but the country also remains on the cutting-edge of haute couture. Watching the famously stylish locals clip along cobblestoned streets in six-inch stiletto heels is almost a tourist attraction in itself. Shopaholics will feel as though they have found paradise, browsing the boutique stores of Milan’s Fashion Quadrilatero; while gastronomes should prepare themselves for a holiday punctuated by unforgettable meals. The world-famous Italian cuisine is, naturally, even more delicious when prepared in its homeland. Visitors to Italy can look forward to trying interesting regional variations of their favourite pizza and pasta dishes.
Whether enjoying a holiday in Venice, where the songs of gondoliers are carried on the evening breeze, relaxing on the staggering Amalfi coastline, or exploring Verona, sipping an espresso in a crowded piazza while the sun sinks behind a skyline of Gothic spires, Italy will be an experience visitors won’t soon forget.
What to see and do in Italy
- Visit the Colosseum, the ancient site of Roman pageantry and gladiatorial combat in Rome.
- See Milan’s awe-inspiring Duomo Cathedral, the world’s most grandiose example of Gothic architecture, and do not forget to get great deals in this fashion capital.
- Join the hordes exploring the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii and come face-to-face with the ‘frozen people’ from the catastrophic eruption 2,000 years ago.
- Visit the Duomo Cathedral in Florence, and the Uffizi Gallery with one of the finest collections of art on the planet. Enjoy the Tuscan countryside and cuisine whilst there.
- Stand with your back to the Trevi Fountain and flick a coin over your shoulder into its famous waters. Legend has it that this will guarantee you a return visit to Rome one day!
- Tour the museums of Vatican City, and marvel at the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
- Take a ride on one of Venice’s gondolas, and let your gondolier serenade you while you float through the waterways of the legendary city.
- Drive through the gorgeous Chianti Region, sampling some of the country’s finest wines and olive oils as you go.
- Rediscover romance in the Lake District, at Lake Como or Maggiore or Lugano.