Cultural, beautiful and enticing
It’s impossible to not be charmed by idyllic Italy. Fascinating cities steeped in ancient history, incredible Renaissance art and interesting ruins are combined with jaw-dropping lakes, rugged mountains and verdant countryside. Add incredible food to the mix, and you have the varied, beautiful and welcoming Italy.
Below you’ll find some of our favourite destinations in Italy. There is historic Rome, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Then there’s is exquisite Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance with its abundance of art treasures. Magical Venice, the romantic City of Canals is a worthy weekend getaway, whilst the south coast offers the gorgeous sun-soaked city of Sorrento. Up in the north, you’ll find three of Italy’s most magnificent lakes, Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore.
What brings these locations together is Italy’s la dolce vita – living the sweet life. Days are effortlessly laidback and slow-paced, instead focusing on the smaller things in life. The first sip of coffee in a small Venetian café. Strolling through the pretty cobbled streets of Florence. Tucking into deliciously fresh seafood pasta whilst overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. These moments are what makes a holiday to Italy so memorable.
Why visit Italy?
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Italy is heaven for foodies. Varying hugely between the regions, while in Italy you’ll discover succulent seafood, pillow-like pizzas and humble pasta dishes, all enjoyed in al fresco cafes and cosy family-owned trattorias. Venice is known for its risotto and Sorrento for its beautiful fresh fish best enjoyed as frittura mista (a fried mix of shellfish and seafood), whilst Florence boasts incredible Tuscan pizzas with locally sourced toppings. Italy’s lakes are the perfect setting for fresh seafood pasta, whilst Rome’s carbonara easily beats anything you’ve had at home. Wherever you go, one thing’s for sure – you’ll enjoy the best gelato in the world as you explore.
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Steeped in history and culture, Italy’s cities make for the perfect weekend getaway. Discover Rome with its astonishing history preserved in such monuments as the Roman Forum, the Coliseum and the Circus Maximus. Florence – known as ‘The Cradle of the Renaissance’, was culturally one of the most important cities in Europe throughout the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. It is home to numerous museums and art galleries such as the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitto. Meanwhile, a walking tour around St Mark’s Square in Venice will allow you to see some of the most beautiful historic buildings in the world – the Doges Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Clocktower.
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Italy’s natural beauty is unsurpassable. In northern Italy you’ll discover impressive forest-clad mountains adorned with picturesque towns and framed by still, breath-taking lakes. A visit to Tuscany rewards you with luscious hills abundant in emerald flora and gastronomic delights, whilst the Amalfi and Sorrento Coast in the south offers rugged mountains, picturesque bays and gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea.
