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…

Venice, the destination which stirs romance and love. Beautiful building adorned in the delicate architectural marvels line up the street. The city is situated on a lagoon and the roads in here are replaced by water ways. Waterways where the Gondola’s glide by effortlessly with the boatman singing couplets dedicated to love. The world seems to come to a halt here. There is stillness which can be felt here in Venice.

People are in no hurry to go about with their work and seem to enjoy every moment of their lives. A cruise trip to Venice will take your cruise ship up to the Port of Venice where they are generally docked. more…

Italy is located in Southern Europe, with Rome as its capital. Italy has always held a special place in history, both for the cultural movements and influences that were born here and for being the seat of Catholic power. Of course, one cannot forget Rome, for having been the birthplace of a very important civilization.

Through the Renaissance era, Italy made significant contributions to the arts, which are still heralded by the world, as masterpieces. more…