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| Hot Destinations - Italy |
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| Italy Holiday Travel |
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About Italy:
Italy is one of those countries to which you probably have already quite a number of preconceptions even before you have put one foot into the country. Country of olive oil and mafia, pasta, wine and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces. Although some of these images are appealing, it would be a shame if that was the only thing you would get away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and interesting than that. Italy is a modern country with deep roman catholic roots, full of interesting stuff for the casual tourist and even more for the educated visitor. It is easy to spend two weeks in major tourist centers without any reason to get bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track.
In the north, next to the Alps and the flatlands of the Po river, both cultural jewels and industrial highly developed cities attract. This is where Italy's economic heart beats. But even in the buzzling and busy cities, people live the "Italian way of life". In Lombardia's capital Milan, city of haute couture and business, you can easily spend weeks without being bored. On every corner you will discover something new.
Culture of Italy:
Italy is the precepts of the Roman Catholic Church, the spirit of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, and the architecture. It can also be tasted in Italy's food. Italy is home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites with 44 sites inscribed in the list of UNESCO, as of 2009. The type of government is republic.
The country is known for its architecture, fashion, food, wines, and culture. It is where the Renaissance began. It is where Vatican City is located.
The Culture of Italy revealed in the ancient relics and historical remnants, reflects the spirit of enlightenment and elegance
existing among the people at that time. Ever since its inception, the country has contributed sufficiently in the advancement of world culture. The Italians, expert and efficient in all cultural spheres like literature, music, architecture and sculptures are the creators of masterpieces in their respective fields. Despite all regional and topographical differences, the cultural heritage of Italy is something that the Italians cherish and boast of, and they feel privileged to hand over this rich cultural legacy down to the coming generations.
Sightseeing in Italy:
The most famous tourist attractions in the north-east are probably Venice and Verona, that both let you think of romantic love affairs. But to discover the beautiful landscapes around, for example Verona province, may be even more fascinating.
The north-west of Italy is a paradise for every culinary interested traveler. For wine lovers, Piemonte is directly connected with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Piemonte's capital, Turin offers more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions. Lots of museums, modern art, book and music fairs make Turin one of the leading Italian cities concerning cultural life. At the same time is was and still is a booming industrial and multimedia city.
The coastal region of Liguria is another highlight. The Italian Riviera has nothing to envy its French counterpart. Beaches, countryside, the right climate and old towns like Genoa make a visit a must. Mostly undiscovered valleys offer beautiful walking possibilities. Albenga and Ceriale are worth a visit and even a longer stay.
Italy Festivals & Events:
Carnevale is a huge festival celebrated in many parts of Italy 40 days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday. Many festivals last for about 2 weeks prior to the actual day of Carnevale.
Here's a sampling of top festivals in Italy. Many Italian festivals are based on historic events and often include processions with people dressed in period costume or historic re-enactments. Italy has interesting festivals every month of the year and attending a festival is a great way to experience Italy's culture.
How to Get In:
Numerous airlines have direct flights to the major airports of Italy. The national carrier of Italy, Alitalia has daily flights into Italy from around the globe. Rome & Milan are the principal airports for intercontinental flights arriving into Italy. Most people choose to arrive in Rome and depart from Milan, touring the three principal cities of Rome, Florence & Venice in-between flights.
Another popular way of arriving in Italy is by train using Eurail passes. Travelling by train you'll get to see a lot of the Italian countryside, perhaps arriving via the Alps into Venice or Milan.
If you plan to arrive in Italy by car you'll find it's easy to travel through the Italian peninsula via the Autostrada's (toll-highways). A typical toll-fee from Venice to Rome would be around 60€, and unfortunately the petrol/gas prices in Italy are on the highest on mainland Europe - around 5.50 US a Gallon.
Things to Do in Italy:
Sure, it's an obvious place to begin, but no trip to Italy is complete without viewing the ruins of ancient Rome. The crumbling remains of one of the great Republics in world history, you can see what is left of the victory arches, the decaying roads, the temples that used to command the Roman skyline. Palatine Hill offers a glimpse into how the Emperors once lived, and the Colosseum stands at the apex of the entire city, its once-imposing circular walls still housing the legends of those who fought and died on its arena floor.
Some other major attractions are - Pisa Tower, Sicilian beach , Sample Chiantis in Siena, Float down the Grand Canal, Walk the Waterfront in Naples, The Boboli Gardens, Eat in the Trastevere District and Bicycle through Tuscany.
Adventure and Recreation in Italy:
Water Sports, Bicycles, Bowling, Camping, golf, hunting, Raquet Sports, skiing and many more would keep you active on your trip to italy.
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