Welcome in Italy!

A country that has been home to key civilisations from prehistoric times, Italy is a major influence on European culture. The Etruscan community and the great Roman Empire have left a great legacy for Italy. A centre for art and science during the middle Ages and the Renaissance, the country has also made significant contributions in the sphere of religion. The independent state of the Vatican within Rome is the seat of the Catholic Church and is governed by the Pope (or Bishop of Rome).

Italy is full of spectacular things to see and do. It has three of the world's most beautiful cities - Florence, the art capital of the world; Rome where antiquity and a lively metropolis exist side by side; and Venice, with its unique romantic charm. Then there is the fashionable Milan, the stately Turin, historic Naples, beautiful Siena, the romantic medieval hill town of San Gimignano and Positano, an unspoilt fishing village on the Amalfi coast. Looking for a taste of Italian theatre and cinema? Verona's ancient amphitheatre is used to stage operatic productions and Turin's museum of cinema has exhibits related to Federico Fellini and his influence on cinema.

A tour in Italy gives you a chance to experience the wonderful combination of stunning natural landscapes and rich heritage of history, art and contemporary fashion. Sardinia's Costa Smeralda with its turquoise waters is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of sea, sand and sunshine of Europe, the perfect spot for a scenic Italy tour. The Dolomite mountain slopes covered with snow are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Several scenic lakes along Italy's border with Switzerland have escaped the tourism route.

Italy is divided into eighteen mainland and two island (Sicily and Sardinia) divisions. Though Italian, these regions have their own special regional cuisines, customs and traditions. Visitors can have a wonderful time touring the country, taste fine regional wines at vineyards and cellars, relish simple but tasty food served at the trattorie and see locals turning out excellent pieces of handicrafts at various workshops. There is also numerous accommodation options throughout Italy, with many of the hotels in Italy offering stunning city, coast, or mountain views. You can also use our interactive Italy map to choose your hotel in Italy based on its location.

Italian music ranges across a broad spectrum of instrumental classical music and opera that includes a combination of traditional music styles of various regions and popular music taken from both foreign and native sources. Dance is an integral part of Italian folk tradition. Some ancient dances are still in vogue. Italian folk songs include lyrical songs, ballads, children's songs, lullabies and seasonal songs like Christmas songs, life-cycle songs that celebrate baptisms, weddings and other important events, cattle calls, dance and songs of fishermen, soldiers and shepherds.

Millions of visitors from various countries across the globe come every year to enjoy the amazing variety and beauty that Italy has to offer. And with a wide range of Italy hotels and tours in Italy to choose from, it's easy to explore this spectacular travel destination!