Italy - The World's Top Vacation Destination
Author: Jawahn Thompson
Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional
association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange
travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an
informal survey among members to name the world's top vacation
destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of
international vacation destinations - Italy, the heart of
civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy
Sea.
What is it that makes Italy so special? The spectacular scenery
and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the
picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a
delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers
something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culture buff to
adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite,
Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone
in between.
Italy's cities and countryside offer a true
embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring
the countryside and never see half of what the country has to
offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every
year?
See Italy for the Art Italy was the center of the Renaissance,
and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire
world. According to UNESCO, half the world's artistic and
historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice,
Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, you'll find artistic and
architectural wonders that you won't find anywhere else.
Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio,
Donatello - the most famous artists of all the eras worked and
left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout
the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in
nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning
stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted
ceilings of cathedrals.
See Historic Italy History lives in Italy. Long known as the
cradle of Western civilization, Italy's cities and countryside
are a treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via
Appia and feel the weight of centuries drop away as you realize
that two thousand years ago, this very road was traveled by the
armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit the Coliseum in Rome,
or wander through the preserved city of Pompeii and become a part
of history. And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city
inside Rome that is the home and the heart of the Catholic
Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts and
treasures.
Visit Italy for the Scenery The scenic vistas of
Italy are as varied as its twenty regions. From snowcapped
mountains to sweeping, white sand beaches, the natural beauty of
Italy is as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous
artists. When you venture beyond the cities, you'll still find
the untamed beauty of the Tuscan hills with their craggy, winding
paths and terraced vineyards. You can wander through twenty three
national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preserves that are
protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpine
mountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of
course, the sea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.
Come to Italy for the Food Italian food and hospitality is famous
the world over for its abundance. Abondanza is a concept that is
well-understood in the Mediterranean country. Everywhere you go,
you'll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms inviting you
to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight,
for there is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each
region of Italy has its own unique flavors and combinations that
are drawn from the local specialties and available foods. Tuscany
is famous for its seafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complex
flavors, Bologna for its traditional red sauce. Eating and
drinking well is a way of life in Italy, and whether you treat
yourself to a fine meal in one of Rome's five-star restaurants,
or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, you're sure
to be served the best of the best.
To Your Health! Italy has been famous for its
thermal spas and springs since the times of Hippocrates. Italian
spas enjoy the benefits of both sea and fresh water springs. Hot
water thermal springs are plentiful, thanks to the country's
geological peculiarities and the network of underground volcanic
springs. Today, the thermal spas are a popular attraction in
nearly every region of Italy, and have become popular holiday
destinations in their own rights. Italian health spas offer more
than just the baths. Many are located close to cultural and
leisure attractions, and make a wonderful base of operations for
your stay in the country.
Travel Gems in Italy If you visit Rome, spend at least one day
just walking around the city. You'll discover many tiny sites and
historical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may
have been uncovered during the construction of another building
and never completely excavated, but are there to stumble across
and enjoy away from the bustling crowds.
By all means, visit the well-known museums in the major cities,
but for a real treat take a drive outside the cities and seek out
small towns and villages. You'll discover some of the most
amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted
on the walls of village churches throughout the country.
Skip the hotels and rent a villa or cottage in a small town if
you're staying in Italy for more than a few days. In many cases,
it won't cost much more - and will often be less - than a stay in
a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part of the family
while you're there.
Italy is a country of contrasts and beauties whose charm grows
deeper and warmer with every visit. It's no wonder that it
regularly tops the list of holiday destinations worldwide, or
that so many who visit return again and again to its warm and
welcoming arms.
About the author:
This article on Italy travel was
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