Visit Italy:Florence,Venice,Rome and Milan are just a start to your Italian journey

The Beautiful Land

Italy is known worldwide for its mild weather and its artistic and landscaping heritage. Located in Southern Europe, Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula surrounded by the Alps to the North and by the Mediterranean Sea on the other. Italy has a population of over 60 mln and Rome as its capital.

Italian roots date back to the Paleolithic period as attested by several prehistoric findings. Romans made Italy the cradle of many European cultures and united it for the first time. After that Italy has been divided in several states till the creation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. These territorial division are still recognizable in its language made of several dialects, in its culture made of different customs, and its economic development made of industries to the North and agriculture to the South.

What makes Italy unique is its rich historic and artistic heritage that ranges from roman cities as Pompei and Ercolano to the Mole Antonelliana in Turin, from the Valley of the Temples in Sicily to Renaissance Florence, from the Colosseum in Rome to Milan's gothic Cathedral, from Naples to Venice, from the Stones of Matera to Piazza del Campo in Siena. The list can go on and on including also minor sites such as the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, the Palazzo Ducale in Urbino, the Royal Palace of Caserta and the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi in Umbria. As a matter of fact Italy has the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (more than 40 sites).

Even thought is not listed, the Italian cuisine is part of the World heritage. Delicious and rich it reflects the customs and traditions of every Italian region. Pizza and pasta are definitely the most appreciated and famous dishes. But even regional recipes such as saffron rice, pesto genovese and Florentine Steak are now part of Italian cuisine. Fundamental for every Italian meal is great wine that lists exclusive wines such as Cannonau from Sardinia, Chianti wine from Tuscany, Barolo wine from Piemonte and Verdicchio wine from Marche.

This is what makes Italy the Bel Paese (Beautiful land) where experience your "dolce vita".

Accommodation in Italy

Italy offers a large selection of lodgings all over the country. There are several types of accommodation, each one featuring unique characteristics. The most typical Italian accommodation is the Agriturismo or farmhouse, that is a proper farm offering apartments or rooms for rent. Here we list for you the best guides to accommodation in Italy:

• Accommodation in Umbria - This is the reference guide for all those who intend to visit Umbria and spend there a few days. It lists the best lodgings in  Umbria providing photos, services and prices. You can book any property directly online with the owners.
•   TuscanyAccommodation.com is the ultimate guide to accommodation in Tuscany. It offers the complete list of the best hotels, farmhouses, villas and bed and breakfasts in Tuscany.   You can contact directly the accommodation and book with the owner.