Italy | Travel Research Online

60-Second Geography

Italy

• Separated from Northern Europe by the Alps and surrounded by the waters of the Mediterranean, the fertile land of Italy is one of the finest and most important agricultural settings in the world.
• The Italian lifestyle is a huge attraction for visitors, contrasted with the more reserved attitudes of Northern Europe.
• Italy became a unified country only in the 19th century and still today great regional differences in cuisine, dialects and culture are evident.
• Italy has an excellent rail and road system and is easily accessible from the rest of Europe. The rail fares are some of the lowest in Europe and a terrific way to travel the country.
• Italian ports have become important to the cruise industry and represent major ports of call on Mediterranean itineraries.
• There are more than 4 million hotel beds in the country of all types. Many Italian hotels are small, family run operations. Italian villas, some costing many thousands of dollars a night, are in high demand.
• It is easiest to think of the country as broken into three regions: the North which includes the Alps and the North Italian Plain, Central Italy encompassing Tuscany, Rome and Umbria and Southern Italy.
• To the north, the Italian Alps are a favorite destination for world-class skiers from Europe and elsewhere. Large lakes dot the area and provide a summer resort setting.
• Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world. Build on a lagoon, there is no vehicular traffic in the city. The canal system is not for tourists only – it is an important transportation option. At times, the city floods as merchants and hotels calmly pick up furniture and rugs, moving them to a higher floor until the ground level water recedes hours later.
• Some of the finest art collections in the world are housed in Italy and the architecture of its major monuments are immediately recognizable and iconic, from the Roman Coliseum to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Rome, the “Eternal City”, has been a center of Western civilization for more than 3000 years. Enveloped in the city is a country – Vatican City – home of the Roman Catholic Church and St Peter’s Square.

• ITALIAN ADVENTURE: Our Italian Adventure allows you to visit three famous Italian cities on one incredible vacation. You will travel to Rome, Florence and Venice; three of Italy’s most fantastic cities. Ride the canals of Venice in a gondola, sample renowned wine in Florence, and view the monuments of Rome.

• AMAZING ITALY ESCORTED TOUR: Only the best are included in this tour of Italy. In just seven nights you will discover why Venice is so enchanting, Florence artistic, Tuscany romantic and Rome eternal. Other stops included en route to these fabulous destinations include Assisi, Pisa, and Siena.

• COOKING IN ITALY: We all have our favorite Italian Restaurant but this package gives you the knowledge to cook great Italian food at home. Along with visiting the wonderful cities of Rome and Florence you will be taught the secrets of Italian cuisine with cooking classes. While at your hotel in Trevi you will master Italian cooking and then enjoy your labors for lunch with the perfect wine pairing from the hotel’s Sommelier.