Italy is a land of unparalleled natural diversity, where rugged coastal cliffs give way to rolling hills, olive groves, inviting vineyards and Alpine lakes. This astonishing scenery is complemented by a rich and varied history. Everywhere you go, you will discover the remnants of bygone empires including the Etruscans, Greeks, Normans and of course, the Romans. Italy has produced some of the greatest painters, sculptors and architects of all time, and the legendary art cities of Rome, Florence and Venice are packed with masterpieces by Renaissance heavyweights Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli and Donatello. With such a variety of natural and cultural wonders, the hardest part of an Italian holiday is deciding what not to see! Key Highlights Rome is one of the most important cities in the history of Western civilisation. Packed with charm and culture, the Italian capital has enough iconic monuments to keep you occupied for weeks. Zoom around architectural marvels on a scooter, admire the Vatican’s priceless art treasures or just soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere while sipping espresso at a sidewalk cafe. Venice has been capturing travellers’ hearts for centuries. Dotted with crumbling villas, grand palaces and superb art galleries, the city of canals is one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Take in an opera performance at the historic La Fenice theatre, enjoy a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal and discover Murano’s ancient glassmaking traditions. Renowned for its gorgeous landscapes and fabulous food and wine, Tuscany is an essential part of any trip to Italy. Explore picturesque vineyards and medieval towns or experience the artistic splendour of Florence, the Tuscan capital. The cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is home to fascinating museums and churches boasting masterpieces by the world’s greatest artists. The Amalfi Coast is regarded as one of Europe’s most breathtaking coastal areas. Positano is a beautiful cliff-face town with steep alleyways that meander past quaint cafes and high-end boutiques to the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Not far away are the alluring island of Capri and the remarkable buried city of Pompeii. In Depth Italy’s second-largest city, Milan is a global centre of fashion and design. It’s also the gateway to the Italian Lakes, where shorefront towns and villas are set amongst some of the country’s most magnificent scenery. Stretching between Tuscany and the French border, the Ligurian Coast is dotted with charming resorts regularly patronised by the rich and famous. A highlight of this captivating region is the Cinque Terre, where tiny villages perch on rocky cliffs overlooking the sea. Visitors to Sicily can enjoy spectacular views of Mt Etna, marvel at beautifully preserved Greek temples or wander the medieval streets of Palermo, Taormina and Erice. Sicilian cuisine is also superb, blending classic Italian ingredients with Spanish, Greek and Arab influences.