Land of la dolce vita (the sweet life), it is little wonder that this country is one of the world's best-loved destinations—two-thirds of the world's historical artistic heritage are in Italy. Tuscany alone possesses more artistic treasures than the whole of Spain, which is the second country in the world for cultural heritage.

Whether it's culture, gastronomy, cutting-edge design, sybaritic pleasures or simply the art of dolce far niente—doing nothing and just soaking up the atmosphere—this is a country for lovers of all that is good in life. A visit to Italy is a lesson in living well. Open-air vegetable and fruit markets, neighborhood bakeries and fresh cheeses made daily are fixtures of Italian life. Tradition reigns: Neighbors still meet in the piazza to discuss the day, laundry is still line-dried, even in the largest of cities, and the passeggiata (leisurely stroll) is still made in the evening air—preferably with a gelato in hand. From the mountains to the coasts, the emphasis is on simple pleasures and high quality.

Italy resembles a boot about to kick the Sicilian "football," with the island of Sardinia already in the air. One of the most densely populated countries in Europe, Italy is characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain and thousands of miles/kilometers of coastline. The Alps form a barrier to the north (blocking bad weather more successfully than they ever did invaders), and the Apennines run the length of the boot. Only in the north, in the Po River valley, is there relatively flat land. No place is very far from the sea. To the east is the Adriatic, to the southeast the Ionian and to the west the Tyrrhenian.

Things to see and do

VENICE Carnival
With traditional masked balls and dazzling 18th-century costumes,the Carnival is the highlight of the city’s year. St. Mark’s Square and surrounding campi burst into exuberant life. The biggest days are the second Thursday, known as Giovedi Grasso, or “Fat Thursday,” and the last day, Martedi Grasso, or “Shrove Tuesday.” Most events are held around the Piazza San Marco, which fills up with thousands of people dressed in flashy costumes on the first Sunday. Some of the most interesting events, such as Baroque music and Commedia dell’Arte, are held on the smaller squares.

MILANO Vende Moda Spring-Summer Fashion
Tne of the top fashion shows in the world, Milano Vende Modais is held at Fiera Milano city every year and is the mustattend event for all self-respecting fashionistas.

ROME SPRING FESTIVAL
The elegant sweep of the Spanish Steps rises from a small piazza with cafes and a fountain, to the church of Trinita Dei Monti high above. This
is the scene of a regular Roman festival in which azaleas are set out on the steps in terracotta flowerpots, and there is a programme of concerts laid on for the awakening of the new tourist season.

VENICE
Marriage to the Sea: An ancient festival dating to a pagan ritual for Neptune. For centuries, the fortunes of the Maritime Republic were determined by seaborne trade. To symbolize the relationship, each year the doge would board a ceremonial barge and toss a wedding ring into the waters of the lagoon. Today, the mayor of Venice maintains the colourful tradition.

VERONA Opera Festival
The city’s 25,000-seat Roman amphitheatre provides a stunning setting for this celebrated open-air opera festival.

ROME Jazz Festival
Music lovers flock to the ancient city of Rome for the annual Rome Jazz Festival. Some of the best talent from home and abroad is showcased at the festival, providing a contemporary musical experience that is one of the best around, making use of some of Rome's most important music venues. 

SIENA Palio
Fiercely contested bareback horse races staged annually in Siena since 1644. The events take place around the dramatic, sloping “Piazza del Campo.

SPOLETO Festival
Renowned arts festival founded by the late Gian Carlo Menotti and held every year in the lovely walled Umbrian town of Spoleto.

VENICE Film Festival
The world’s oldest film festival, Inaugurated in 1932 it is still one of the most prestigious.