Italy

A country that celebrates pleasure like no other, Italy is one of the planet’s great travel destinations. A treasure trove of art and timeless history with world-famous cuisine and style, Italy stimulates the senses with its many charms. From the ancient marble ruins of Rome and the architectural wonders of Florence to the romantic waterways of Venice and the volcanic action on Sicily, Italy offers adventures of every color and flavor. Visit Tuscany for picturesque farmland and medieval villages, head to Lake Como for breathtaking scenery or travel to the jaw-dropping city of Positano for postcard-perfect views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Rome

Rome’s magic is indeed alluring and enduring. It is an authentically Italian city harboring not just some of the most famous and historical sites and monuments, but terrific cafés, beautiful piazzas, vibrant personalities, and of course, excellent shopping. When visiting Rome, take the time to indulge in these smaller treasures and you’ll understand why it is still one of the great capitals of Europe.

Venice

Regardless of the hordes of tourists and the higher than normal prices (relative to Italy) of this enchanting city, words or images cannot prepare you for the unique and unforgettable experience Venice offers. Whether you indulge in culture and art, history, romance and nightlife, it will be tainted with an intriguing, enduring and exotic flavor that cannot properly be described. By foot and gondola you can explore glorious landmarks, romantic canals and exciting markets. In a pinch and if you must, you can explore Venice as a day trip from Rome.

Milan

Although a historic city with centuries of war and dynastic influence, is today mainly a modern commercial hub and is best suited as a quick stopover on the way to somewhere more inspiring and interesting. For a day or so, though, it’s worth exploring the city’s ancient churches, monuments and museums as well as browsing through the countless shops and cafés. As the center of international fashion and style, Milan has a cutting edge cosmopolitan flair, attested to by its hip bars, nightclubs and cafés. At the tourist office, pick up a copy of the free city entertainment guide, Milano Mese, for the latest happenings.

Pisa

Known around the world for its famous leaning tower, Pisa is an exciting Italian city that offers much more than one wonky building. A university town, Pisa offers a host of artistic and architectural treats as well as a thriving pedestrian culture and fabulous cuisine. With a small city center, Pisa is easy to explore on foot. Soak up the sights as you wander through charming streets from the train station Campo dei Miracoli, where you’ll find the legendary leaning tower and a whole collection of historic buildings.

Florence

Once the center of Renaissance art and culture, today Florence remains an intriguing and alluring city. Although inundated with tourists, you can still immerse yourself in its rich history and Italian culture. Don’t miss the surrounding golden countryside which tempts you with the promise of a true Tuscan experience.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a big, bustling Italian city located along the gorgeous coastline of the Gulf of La Spezia between Pisa and Genoa. Situated between the mountains and the sea, La Spezia is an important military center with stately buildings, easy-to-navigate streets and numerous museums. Ideal for launching trips into the Cinque Terre region, this large, modern city has a pleasant, mild climate and offers plenty of traveler conveniences and transportation connections.

Italian Riviera

Sun yourself and soak up the good life on the Italian Riviera, the gorgeous strip of coastline between the French border and Capo Corvo near the entrance to Tuscany. Centered by the city of Genoa, this area offers charming old fishing ports, a mild Mediterranean climate and a beautiful seaside landscape that has attracted travelers for centuries. Popular towns on the Italian Riviera include Portofino, Lerici and the five villages of the Cinque Terre.

Italian Alps

Soaring high above the continental plane, the Italian Alps provide a majestic setting to explore with snow-capped peaks, fertile valleys and plenty of hiking and options for outdoor activities. Experience alpine culture with Italian flair in the regions of South Tyrol and Trentino, a cosmopolitan area where the populace speaks largely German. Take a day trip into the Dolomites Mountains, plan for a longer hiking excursion or just sit back, relax and enjoy the incredible mountain views.

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Free Backpacking Europe Planning & Essentials Guide

Backpacking Europe Planning and Essentials Guide

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Free Backpacking Europe Planning & Essentials Guide

Backpacking Europe Planning and Essentials Guide

Download/More info on the Backpacking Planning and Essentials Guide