Italy has a rich history and it is visible in the form of numerous Roman ruins, Renaissance works of art, beautiful churches and medieval hill towns. In winter, the Italian Alps are excellent for skiing, while the summer sees the country's beaches full of sunbathers.

Some of the most famous cities in Italy include Rome, Venice and its canals, Florence and Pisa, with its leaning tower. Every Italian city is beautiful, though and there are too many sights to mention.

The best times to visit the country are spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). During these seasons, the scenery is beautiful, the temperatures are pleasant and there are relatively few tourists. In August most Italians take their vacations and many shops and businesses are closed as a result. The summer is also uncomfortably hot, especially in the south.

The ski season generally lasts from December to late March, while the seawater temperatures are best between June and September. July and September are the best months for hiking in the Alps. Generally, the further south you go, the longer the summer lasts. In southern Italy, November and December see very pleasant weather.

Countless festivals and traditional events are held in Italy throughout the year. Easter, in particular, is celebrated fervently, but there are also other important events, including the pre-Easter Carnivale. On top of that, almost every town has its own local festivals.

Italy is a diverse country where every visitor will find something of interest. The country has excellent rail and road connections and accommodation is widely available.

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