Sicily is an island of many splendors and a rich but complex history. Situated as one of the main stepping stones between Europe and Africa, Sicily has been coveted by many civilizations due to its strategic location and resources (both mineral and agricultural).
During periods in its history, Sicily was occupied or controlled by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Normans, Austrians, Spanish and the Bourbons. In 1861 Sicily joined with Sardinia and regional states along the peninsula to become the country today called Italy. more…
The Cinque Terre Located on the eastern end of the “Italian Riviera”, the Cinque Terre is a band of five scenic towns nestled along a hilly, dramatic coast overlooking the Gulf of Genoa on the Ligurian Sea.
The uniqueness of the Cinque Terre is reflected in the fact that it is protected both as a National Park of Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. more…
Offering scenic canals, beautiful buildings and world famous landmarks, Venice is an experience unique in the world of travel. The city seems to exude romance, history, fantastic photo opportunities and good food, almost at every corner.  Exploring Venice is an experience that you will never forget. Whether taking a gondola down a cozy canal or examining this romantic city’s unique setting and architecture while on foot, you will find Venice inviting and magical. more…
The “Eternal City” is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Once the capital of western civilization, Rome has incredible antiquities, gorgeous piazzas, stunning fountains, great food, and an exhilarating ambiance.
The saying “All roads lead to Rome” was a truism during the era of the Roman Empire and the Eternal City displays the landmarks of Ancient Rome in a spectacular fashion. more…
Tell a non-Calabrese Italian that you’re going to Calabria, and you will probably elicit some surprise, inevitably followed by stories of the ’ndrangheta – the Calabrian Mafia – notorious for smuggling and kidnapping wealthy northerners and keeping them hidden in the mountains.
But Calabria contains startling natural beauty, and spectacular towns that seem to grow out of the craggy mountaintops. It has three national parks: the Pollino in the north, the Sila in the centre and the Aspromonte in the south. more…
Sicily is a mountainous arid island — an extension of the Apennine Mountains separated from the mainland by the Straits of Messina. Many powers have occupied this strategically important area: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Phoenicians and of course the Mafia. Historical sites related to those powers are part of the island’s attraction.
(A Mafia tour visits sites of various Family activities and the graves of infamous godfathers and victims.) But there are many other reasons to visit Sicily: water sports, beaches of rock and sand (including black sand), natural beauty, good food and friendly people. more…
Florence is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, as well as the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, this is the Italy of stunning views, fields of sunflowers, miles of vineyards, rolling hills, and mountaintop castles.
It is famous for flavor rich Florence restaurants and it is the Renaissance capital of the world — its celebrated sons are Leonardo DaVinci, Dante Alighieri, Machiavelli, Fra Angelico, and Michelangelo. It is a destination filled with fascinating Florence activities that should not be missed. more…
