Travel

Italy

Italy is a country of great diversity, of decadent food, gorgeous sunshine, fascinating culture and ancient history. Travellers can bask in the sun on sumptuous beaches in the south or float down the canals in Venice in the north. In between, there are numerous Roman monuments, beautiful churches and exhibits of the best in Renaissance art. Italy truly has it all - a stimulating experience for even the most seasoned traveller.

Italy's boot-like shape makes it perhaps the most recognizable country on any world map and its location in southern Europe has made it the home of many European cultures. It encompasses the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia and borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia. Additionally, the Italian Peninsula features the enclaves of San Marino and the Vatican City, home of the Roman Catholic Church.

The climate in Italy is highly diverse and varies greatly from one region to another. Most of the inland northern areas of Italy have a continental climate while the coastal areas of the peninsula can be very different, particularly during the winter months when the higher altitudes tend to be cold, wet, and often snowy. The coastal regions have mild winters and warm and generally dry summers, although lowland valleys can be quite hot in summer.

See all vacations available for this destination »