Enjoy food, history and scenery in Italy

24th Apr 2012 by Page & Moy

Italy is one of Europe's leading holiday countries and it is easy to see why, with an intoxicating mix of good food, fascinating history and wonderful sights offering plenty of experiences for visitors.

The country is home to cities, islands, lakes, rural regions, coastal resorts and much more, with each destination offering its own attractions and a unique insight into Italian life.

Tuscany

Tuscany is one of Italy's most famous and popular regions, known around the world for its beautiful landscapes, cuisine and cities rich in culture and history. Travellers taking touring holidays in Italy can discover some of the highlights of Tuscany, such as the cities of Pisa, Florence, San Gimignano and Siena.

These destinations are home to some of the country's most recognisable attractions, including Pisa's leading tower, Siena's medieval buildings and the cathedral dome that dominates the skyline of Florence. Holidaymakers can spend their holiday in the picturesque seafront town of Lido di Camaiore on the Tuscan coast and take their pick of the excursions on offer.

Other experiences available in this part of Italy include sampling some of the country's finest red wines in Chianti, taking a walking tour in the charming city of Arezzo and trying authentic olive oil at the I Bonsi estate in Umbria.

Hidden cities and a majestic capital

While seeing famous landmarks and iconic sights will be at the top of the 'to-do' list for many people taking escorted holidays to Italy, there is just as much satisfaction to be gained from exploring the country's lesser-known destinations.

Tours of the nation's 'hidden cities' provide the opportunity to discover places like Ravenna, where visitors can see grand mosaics, the sixth-century churches of San Vitale and Sant'Apollinaire Nuovo and the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

There are many medieval and Renaissance treasures to be seen in Ferrara, while gastronomes can look forward to savouring Italy's culinary capital, Bologna, and tucking into some ham, cheese and other delectable local products in Parma.

As well as boasting a host of cities offering new and surprising experiences, Italy is home to one of the world's most famous and recognisable tourist destinations - the magnificent capital of Rome.

One tour itinerary allows travellers to spend a day in Rome - taking in highlights such as Vatican City and St Peter's basilica - before heading to Sorrento, Pompeii and the stunning Amalfi coast.

Breathtaking lakes

Italy's elegant lakes are among its most impressive natural sights, with Lake Garda arguably the most famous of all.

Travellers tempted by the prospect of rail holidays in Europe can head to northern Italy via Paris and Lausanne to spend six nights in Lake Garda, where visitors can enjoy a string of memorable experiences including trips to quaint lakeside resorts and taking in the sight of the imposing Dolomite mountains.

Optional excursions to Venice and Verona give holidaymakers the option of visiting attractions such as St Mark's Square and Piazza del'Erbe respectively. Both cities are full of cultural institutions and historic buildings where guests can learn more about local and national heritage.

Lakes Maggiore, Lugano, Como and Orta can be combined on a single rail holiday featuring other highlights including a ride on the Centovalli railway.

Guests can see the charming Borromean Islands on an optional trip from their base at Lake Maggiore, along with the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto and the vibrant city of Milan, Italy's fashion capital.