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Tuscany |
Pasta,
wine and the arts. What more does a woman need, really? Italy
is one of the most popular vacation countries in Europe, all seasons being good
for a visit. In summer, Italy is an international playground, with visitors from
all continents mingling with vacationing Italians at the famous resorts. Spring
comes early to Italy and autumn lingers - and so will the wise traveler who wants
to enjoy at a more leisurely pace the art centers, the large cities and the holiday
resorts such as those in the Lombardian lake region where spring and fall are
ideal seasons.
In winter, the Italian Alps are unequaled for scenery
and skiing. In northern Italy are some of the world's most renowned winter sports
resorts, easily reached from such centers as Torino, chief city of the westernmost
Piemonte region; from Milano, hub of the central mountain and lake district; and
from Venezia, leading city of the eastern region. Skiing is also a summer sport
in the Torino Alps and the lofty mountains surrounding the Valle d’Aosta.
From the sunny southern slopes of the Alps to the lush orange groves of
Sicilia, Italy offers enormous variety in its natural scenery and historical backgrounds.
Because a good part of Italy grew up as a collection of independent city-states,
customs and food vary greatly from region to region. This rich history is preserved
in the colorful folklore festivals that take place in all of Italy's regions throughout
the year.
Most of the year the beaches are sunny, with 5,310 miles of
shoreline bordering Italy and its islands. You can usually find waters where the
temperature is right for swimming. And history is always in season: choose any
time of year to tour historic buildings and view the world's greatest art treasures,
for this is a land that has been writing and preserving its history for over three
thousand years.
(Source:
Italian Government
Tourist Board) |
