About Italy
General Information
Italy is one of the most popular holiday destinations 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.
|
 |
|
History and Geography
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 large 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.
|
 |
