t A picturesque canal in Venice lined with boats
t A picturesque canal in Venice lined with boats
Magnificent piazzas, turquoise seas and rolling hills – Italy has it all. And that’s before you add iconic art, more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else on earth, and the Italian knack for la dolce vita. Whatever your dream trip to Italy entails, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide will prove the perfect travelling companion.
Italy only became a country in 1870 – before that it was a turbulent collection of rival city states. Happily for the visitor, their conflicting allegiances and histories resulted in a variety of architecture and art not seen anywhere else in Europe. From the mighty architecture of ancient Rome and Pompeii to the pretty Teutonic mountain villages of the north, and from the lacy Gothic palazzi of Venice to the refined Renaissance churches of Florence, a tour along the Italian peninsula is a roller-coaster ride through European history.
The landscape, too, is incredibly diverse. Ski the spectacular slopes of the Dolomites or witness volcanic pyrotechnics on the summit of Mount Stromboli. Lose yourself in the wilderness of the maquis-clad Sardinian mountains or spot wild ibex in the rocky valleys of the Gran Paradiso national park. Bask on the unspoiled beaches of Puglia or sip vintage wine in the vineyard-cloaked hills of Tuscany. However you choose to experience its natural beauty, Italy will not disappoint.
Italy can easily overwhelm with the sheer number of unmissable cities, towns, villages, archaeological and natural sites that pepper the peninsula. We’ve picked out themes and planned itineraries to whet your appetite, broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, and created colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether you’re staying for a weekend, a week, or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best the country has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Italy.
1 Flowers in bloom in Monti Sibillini National Park, Umbria.
2 Traditional Italian food.