Bel Paese (The Beautiful Country)
Italy has 20 administrative regions with diverse landscapes.
Ancient amphitheater in Rome, largest ever built in the Roman Empire.
Famous for its unintended tilt, part of the Piazza del Duomo complex.
Network of waterways and bridges in the floating city of Venice.
Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi's famous dome.
Stunning Mediterranean coastline with colorful cliffside villages.
Ancient Roman city preserved by Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD.
Legendary founding by Romulus and Remus, beginning of Roman Kingdom.
Augustus becomes first Emperor, beginning Pax Romana.
Cultural rebirth centered in Florence, with artists like Michelangelo and da Vinci.
Kingdom of Italy proclaimed under Victor Emmanuel II.
Benito Mussolini's dictatorship, alliance with Nazi Germany.
Monarchy abolished, modern democratic republic established.
Schengen visa rules apply. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for 90 days.
Euro (€). Credit cards widely accepted, but carry cash for small shops and restaurants.
Excellent train network (Frecciarossa high-speed trains), buses, and metro in major cities.
Greet with "Buongiorno", dress modestly for churches, and enjoy meals leisurely.
Try pizza napoletana, pasta carbonara, risotto, gelato, tiramisu, espresso, and regional wines like Chianti and Prosecco.