Italy

Why Go

The Italian Republic has long been hailed as the birthplace of Western civilisation. It was here that the Romans controlled their Empire, the unique nation-state of the Vatican City was born, and many of the world's greatest archaeological wonders still reside.

There is something for everyone if you choose an Italy holiday - not least the highly endearing Mediterranean climate and varied topography. Rome, one of the country’s most popular destinations, is home to the Colosseum and Vatican City - plus is named as one of the most enticing shopping holiday resorts. Milan, a designer-lovers central also has a plethora of shops, not to mention great architecture and top-notch restaurants. Florence is a great city for culture-lovers, with its high-end restaurants, art galleries and piazzas in which to sample authentic, strong Italian coffee. You can't mention holidays to Italy without speaking about Venice - the city on the water. This fascinating region of Italy is full of amazing piazzas, art galleries and museums, plus numerous statues and monuments hidden among its river-roads.

Beach holidays in Italy are also extremely popular, due to the Amalfi Coast, and the Adriatic, Venetian and Neapolitan Rivieras. Bask in the Mediterranean sunshine in one of the coastal resorts - whether you want the calm of Cattolica, or the bustle of Naples.

The area of Lake Garda is one of the most attractive regions, set around a series of huge, clear water lakes, sprinkled with beautifully sculpted buildings. This area is a haven for yacht and watersports enthusiasts.

If it's skiing you are after, the various mountainous regions of Italy that cross over borders and etch through the landscape provide a perfect winter holiday to Italy. You can choose from stylish Sestriere and Sauze d'Oulx, or the less-travelled regions of Pragelato and Passo Tonale linking the Lombardy and Trentino regions to take to the piste.

With its vibrant café culture, effortless cool, unpolluted light and dizzyingly beautiful, plump and verdant landscapes, Italy holidays will seduce you - and you don’t have to throw a coin in Rome’s Trevi Fountain to know one thing: you'll return.