Once home to the heart of Western civilization and culture as embodied by the Roman Empire, Italy today remains a vital and important center of European life. The country is a quilt of sights and sounds, from quaint villages to sprawling historic cities. Rome is a 2700-year-old treasure boasting a range of sightseeing opportunities. Visitors to the city are often overwhelmed by the magnitude of things to see and do.
Shopping and spotting art treasures are among the top of travelers' lists. Italy travel by train is an easy and economical way to see the country and Mediterranean cruises that stop in major ports are also extremely popular. The best times to visit Italy are late spring and early fall, when the country blossoms with activity.
Today, besides the renowned cities of Venice, Florence, Siena and Naples, each with its own unique identity and architecture, Italy features romantic medieval hill towns, such as San Gimignano in Tuscany and unspoilt fishing villages, like Positano on the Amalfi coast. Operatic productions are staged in Verona’s ancient amphitheater, while the influence of Federico Fellini is celebrated in Turin’s museum of cinema.
Italy combines art, history and contemporary fashion with stunning natural landscapes: the turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda offer one of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of sand, sea and sunshine, while the snow-covered slopes of the Dolomite Mountains are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.