I T A L Y

Please Click on the underlined text below here to navigate up and down the page for information on each area.

Florence Lake Como Lake Maggiore Milan
Rome Sorrento Tuscany Venice

 

Florence

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The cultural and historical impact of Florence (or Firenze) is overwhelming. Close up, however, the city is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval centre that contributed so much to the artistic and political development of Europe.

Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Even long after it had set on the political and economic horizon, Florence upheld its elegant appearance: its skyline, all russet rooftops and lofty domes, is indeed picturesque.

Florence Florence Florence
Florence Florence Florence

Rome

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It's hard to say what you'll find most breathtaking about the Eternal City - the arrogant opulence of the Vatican, the timelessness of the Forum, the top speed of a Fiat Bambino, the gory resonance of the Colosseum, trying to cross a major intersection, or the bill for your caffe latte.

Make like the locals and souse your senses in the glut of pleasures the city has to offer, from the grandiose thrill of feeling centuries of turbulent history under your feet to the small but potent intoxication of eating chestnut gelati on a hot day.

Rome Rome Rome
Rome Rome Rome

Sorrento

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An unashamed resort town, Sorrento lines the cliffs that look over the water to Naples and Mt Vesuvius. According to Greek legend, it was here that the Sirens, those mythical provocateurs of pure voice and dodgy intent, lurked, trying to lure Homer's Ulysses and his men.

Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are well known for its splendid big lemons. Typical products from Sorrento are produced with these "Limoni": Limoncello, a very tasty lemon liqueur, lemon chocolate, colorful ceramic articles with lemon motives or lemon soap. One should also try the over 70 different ice cream flavours of Gelateria Bougainvillea. One is tempted to shop by the small street Via S. Cesareo, the heart of Sorrento. In addition to this there is the weekly market that takes place on Tuesdays, where one can buy real bargains.

Sorrento is also very popular due to its good location as starting point to all the important surrounding sights. The summit of the peninsula of Sorrento is only about 5 km away from Capri, which can be easily reached from the Harbor Marina Piccola. Also Ischia and Procida, of which the silhouettes can be seen on clear days, can be reached very quickly per speedboat. Sorrento is also the terminus of the Circumvesuviana, a small train with its start in Naples. One can reach Pompeii and Herkulaneum by this rail in about thirty minutes and Naples in circa one hour's time.

Sorrento Sorrento Sorrento
Sorrento Sorrento Sorrento

Lake Maggiore

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Like the other northern Italian lakes, Lake Maggiore's credentials as a tourist destination go back a long way. The early twentieth century saw a spate of illustrious visitors enjoying themselves in luxurious lakeside villas and verdant gardens.The most popular Lake Maggiore resorts are on the western shores of the lake. Stresa is a lovely town with beautiful villas and gardens (some open to the public), a good climate and lake views. From the town a cablecar takes you up Monte Mottarone, where from a height of over 4,000 ft you can enjoy views of the Alps and the other lakes.If you spend time at Lake Maggiore, you will soon become familiar with the name of the Borromeo family, who still own the islands named after them. Their most celebrated scion, St Charles Borromeo, was born in the castle in Arona, at the southern end of the west shore. A gigantic statue in the town celebrates San Carlo; if you climb up inside the hollow structure, you can admire the view through the Saint's eyes.The Borromean Islands are unmissable Lake Maggiore tourist attractions. There are three open to the public, containing beautiful gardens, small settlements and restaurants.

Lake Maggiore Lake Maggiore Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore Lake Maggiore Lake Maggiore
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Milan

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The now and the next are invented daily in Milan, Europe's creative capital. Until Milan led the way, who knew that happy hour could last four hours, that clothing and household appliances could be made out of basketry, and that coffee could make a delicious pasta sauce?

This city is all about worldly pleasures. Shopping is of quasi-religious significance. Theatre and cinema flourish in this fashionable milieu, as does a hopping club scene and a slew of tempting restaurants. Apart from a few gems, the city is not renowned for its looks; it's lifestyle that counts.
Milan Milan Milan
Milan Milan Milan
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Venice
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Venezia, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, city of canals and palaces...or tawdry sewer alive with crowds and charlatans? Venice's nature is dual: water and land, long history and doubtful future, airy delicacy and dim melancholy. If this precious place does sink, the world will be the poorer.

For a thousand years the city was one of the most enduring mercantile sea powers on the face of the earth. Today the brilliance and influence have long since faded, leaving a town of tarnished glories, out of time and out of place, so achingly beautiful it's hard not to look for the back of the set.
Venice Venice Venice
Venice Venice Venice
     

Lake Como
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Italy's Lake Como is the deepest lake in Europe, in the foothills of the Alps, and is just a short drive from Milan - the contrast between the hustle and bustle of the city and the serene tranquility of the lake could not be more striking.

The area boast impressive scenery, with mountains rolling down to the waters edge, and while the summer months are hot it is often still possible to see snow on the peaks of the mountains across the lake.

The lake has long been a popular destination for Italians escaping the heat of the cities, and as a result there are many historic and beautiful villas lining the shores, such as the Villa Carlotta and the Villa D'Este, as well as many larger villas that have in recent years been converted into luxury hotels.

The area's beauty has earnt it a reputation among the stars, with Como being used as a location for the recent James Bond film, Casino Royale, and with a number of celebrities choosing to make Como their second (or fifth or sixth..) home.

While just about every town on the lake side has its charms, some of the most spectacular views are to be found near the middle of the lake, between Tremezzo, Mennagio, Bellagio and Varenna where the sheer scale of the area, from the depth of the lake to the height of the mountains around, can be seen.

 
     

Tuscany
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From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces.

Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore theextraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine. Walkers enjoy themountain paths, cyclists the rolling hills, summer vacationers the sea coast and islands. Students come to learn the beautiful Italian language and culture.