Italy Holidays

SUNSHINE, scenery and a splendid historical past – it’s not difficult to see why Italy is one of Europe’s top holiday destinations. All the great joys of life can be found in abundance in Italy – beauty, food, wine, art, ice cream, fashion and football! It is no surprise then that the Brits have been visiting Italy for over a thousand years – from pilgrims to explorers, 19th century moneyed elite on their Grand tour to today’s package holidays – Italy has always provided something for everyone.



WHERE TO GO
Whether it’s floating by gondola through the magical waterways of Venice, enjoying la dolche vita in Amalfi, watching the world go by in Rome or shopping for the latest fashions in Milan – Italy is the perfect holiday destination. But with so many delights on offer, which region should you choose to visit. Below we guide you through some of Italy’s most beautiful regions, cities and towns.

Cities:
Italy is reknown throughout the world for its beautfiul cities brimming with art, history and antiquities. Rome is a treasure trove of palaces, churches, squares and fountains, including the Vatican's St Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel. Stunnning Venice is a hauntingly beautiful city scattered on islands surrounded by canals and open water; hop between the islands by water taxi or romantic gondola

. Milan is a modern fashion centre, and Naples a chaotic adventure and Bologna a little known historic gem.

Beaches and Islands
Italy has thousands of beaches -the seasides of Sardinia and the breath-taking vistas of the Amalfi coast. Italy’s islands are holiday destination in their own right; like rugged, timeless Sardinia, the achient legends of Sicily, the fairytale atmosphere of Capri and Ischia.

Snow
Italy is also popular among skiers. Good skiing stretches from the Milky Way ski area in the west to the Dolomite ski resorts in the east. In the Piedmont region, big ski resorts include Bardonechia, Sauze d'Oulx and Sestriere. Further north, the Aosta Valley's resorts include Cervinia, Courmayeur and La Thuile. Italy's most most expensive ski resort is Cortina D'Ampezzo in the Dolomites.

Tuscany
Tuscany is the birthplace of Dante, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Italian Renaissance, so if you are an art lover this area should be your first stop.

Low, verdant hills, aromatic vines and olive trees, dark cypresses, medieval walled hill-towns and excellent wines from Chianti and Montalcino, are all hallmarks of this region. Florence is Tuscany’s largest city, home to countless old masters including: Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Birth of Venus. The town centre is like a glorious open-air museum, with amazing sites such as the Duomo cathedral and Ponte Vecchio bridge.

Stunning Siena is another sightseeing must for those touring Tuscany. An unspoilt medieval city; it is famous for its horse race that takes place around the main square twice a year on July 2 and August 16. The nearby Leaning Tower of Pisa and towers of San Gimignano are also well worth a visit.

Lakes
The Italian Lakes (Como, Garda and Maggiore) glitter among stunning steep sided mountains lined by pretty pastel coloured villages. Breath-taking scenery, fragrant mountain air, temperate climate and and lush vegetation are just some of the reasons why thousands of tourists flock to this area in droves each year.

The magestic Lakes Garda, Como, Maggiore and Orta have inspired generations of Romantic poets, Italian opera composers, German philosophers and British holidaymakers for more than two centuries.

It is still possible to experience a taste of a more genteel Victorian and Edwardian time by taking a day-trip across the lakes in a little steamer, taking tea in one of the Lake’s many historic villas and strolling through their exotic gardens. The Lakes are also a popular resort for water sport lovers. Sailing, water-skiing, hiking and even golf are just some of the sports on offer. The Isole Borromee, a scattering of little islands on Lake Maggiore, including Isola Bella with its stunning ornate gardens, Isola Madre and the unspoilt Isola dei Pescatori – are all worth a visit.

As is, Orta San Giulio, the pretty main village on Lake Orta – dubbed the 'Cinderella' of the Italian lakes.

Amalfi Coastline
The Amalfi coastline, is a stunning and dramatic stretch of coastline that hugs the Mediterranean. There are views to die for – if you survive the hairpin bends! The picturesque towns of Ravello, Amalfi and Positano nestle on the craggy headlands swooping down to a sparkling blue sea.

Gorgeous beaches and charming fishing villages cluster at the water's edge. The fragrance of Lemon groves pervades the air. The historic town of Amalfi, with its beautiful Romanesque cloister is well worth a visit. And book a ticket for one of the classical concerts at romantic Ravello, a town perched high on the cliff edge boasting several palatial villas and gardens.

Watch the world go by in the many cafes and restaurants in the busy resort town of Sorrento or sip a glass of chilled champagne in Positano, the little fishing village become a haven for the dolce vita crowd back in the 60’s. It is also possible to make day trips to Capri or to Pompeii.

NIGHTLIFE
After dark the Italians like nothing better than to parade around in elegant clothes, chatting with friends, window shopping, eating ice cream and hanging out in cafes and restaurants. Dining often starts at 10pm and can continue into the early hours of the morning.

Bars are not just restricted to adults, they are open to old and young, families and singles, occasionally children with their parents. Italy is not known for larger lout behaviour, few people get drunk, mostly they're there to socialise and show off the latest fashions. Clubs in smaller towns can be a bit old fashioned but in the big cities it is another story – with cool, chic bars open to the early hours and crammed full with Italy’s “beautiful people”.

There is seldom live modern concerts but plenty of classical performances, often in churches or public spaces.

SHOPPING
Shopping and looking good is almost a religion in Italy, which boasts Versace and Gucci among its many fashion gurus. Clothes in Italy are generally high quality, and leather is a cut above anything you will find in the UK.

Whether its picking up the latest fashion must-have in the chic, high end boutiques of the big cities or buying trinckets and antiques while strolling down charming cobbled street of small towns – retail therapy in Italy is a real pleasure.

It is worth bearing in mind that the larger city stores will open on Sunday, but smaller local stores will vary according to region High street stores in cities and large malls will normally be open at around 9.30am and stay open until around 9.00pm - and as late as midnight in tourist areas throughout the summer

Smaller, local shops will usually open around 10.00am and close for lunch between 1.30 and 4.00pm and then open until 8.00pm.

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