Italy dips down out of Europe and into the Mediterranean like a womens leg firmly planted in a sleek stiletto, so its hardly surprising that Italians are known for their impeccable style and fashionable dress sense. Theyre also known for once having an empire that stretched across the globe, and for having the most spectacular churches, frescos, sculptures and Renaissance paintings in all of Europe.
The Italy of today is littered with the relics of more than 3,000 years of history, and an atmosphere that ranges from the Armani-wearing-scooter-driving-espresso-drinking buzz of its cities to the quiet, pastoral existence of its hillside olive farms and seaside fishing villages.
From the depths of the canals in Venice, which floats on a series of islands in an Adriatic lagoon, and the bleached sands of San Remo on the Riviera, to the rocky crags of the Alps, Dolomites and Apennines, Italy has everything from beach holidays to luxury mountain ski resorts.
Italys cities reveal awe-inspiring architecture from the curved arches of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence to the crumbling magnificence of the Colosseum in Rome. Home of da Vinci, Michelangelo, Carvaggio and Botticelli, its artworks are a visual delight to all visitors.
Nestled into the outskirts of Rome is the independent Vatican City, the seat of the Pope and home to the famous St Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The influence of the Holy Catholic Church on the people of Italy is still evident today in a series of holy festivals, carnivals, and parades involving young and old alike in almost every city, town and village.
One of the oldest and largest of its kind in Italy,
the Milan aquarium houses 36 gigantic pools filled with more than
100 different species of fish, living in recreated environments
ranging from the Amazon to the Mediterranean. The main focus of the
pools is more towards native Italian fish life, both fresh and
saltwater, and plenty of exotic sea life from other continents. The
Amazon freshwater pool contains a wonderful exhibit of the infamous
piranha. The aquarium hosts events throughout the year suitable for
the family and the library is one of the most important resources
for marine biology and oceanic studies in Italy.
Excursion: No Address: 2 Viale Gadio 20121 Telephone: 02 8 846 5754 Email: info@acquariocivico.mi.it Opening Time: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5.30pm.
Closed Mondays Admission: Free
Monza is one of the first tracks ever built, but for
more than sentimental reasons it remains one of the highlights on
the Formula One calender as it is also the fastest. The track is 10
miles (16km) north east of Milan.
Venue: Monza Date: 4-6 September 2009 Website: www.monzanet.it
This four-storey, glass-domed arcade is entered from
the Piazza in front of the Cathedral and extends to the Piazza
della Scala. It was originally built as a link to the opera house
but has become a fashionable place to hang out, sip coffee or
camparis, or take a stroll through its many exclusive shops.
Milanese gather in this conservatory to escape the winter rains or
to socialise after a busy working day.
Excursion: No Address: Piazza del Duomo
Nestled in a sheltered inlet within the stretch of the
Italian Mediterranean is the coastal village of Portofino. It has
long been the playground for the rich and famous, attracting the
likes of Humphrey Bogart, Sophia Loren, Richard Burton, Elizabeth
Taylor and Princess Grace. It is not surprising therefore that its
exclusivity and prices rose to match its holidaymakers. The scenic
surrounds can be explored from the outlying nature reserve graced
with cypress and olive slopes. Set off from here on a 90-minute
trek to San Fruttuoso or a 2½-hour hike to Santa Margherita. Other
sights around Portofino include its castle and the lighthouse
(faro) with its breathtaking view of the coastline.
Excursion: Yes Telephone: (0185) 269 024 (tourist office)
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