Italy
Italy is a land celebrated for the arts, and not the least among the arts that
have attained their highest expression in Italy is the art of hospitality. The
Italian welcome is as warm and traditional as a glass of fine wine. This comparison
is apt, for travelers in ancient times gave the country its first name: Land
of Wines. Italians are such good hosts because they get so much practice welcoming
visitors from all over the world.
Italy is one of the most popular vacation countries in Europe, all seasons
being good for a visit. In summer, Italy is an international playground, with
visitors from all continents mingling with vacationing Italians at the famous
resorts. Spring comes early to Italy and autumn lingers - and so will the wise
traveler who wants to enjoy at a more leisurely pace the art centers, the large
cities and the holiday resorts such as those in the Lombardian lake region where
spring and fall are ideal seasons.
In winter, the Italian Alps are unequaled for scenery and skiing. In northern
Italy are some of the world's most renowned winter sports resorts, easily reached
from such centers as Torino, chief city of the westernmost Piemonte region;
from Milano, hub of the central mountain and lake district; and from Venezia,
leading city of the eastern region. Skiing is also a summer sport in the Torino
Alps and the lofty mountains surrounding the Valle d’Aosta.
From the sunny southern slopes of the Alps to the lush orange groves of Sicilia,
Italy offers enormous variety in its natural scenery and historical backgrounds.
Because a good part of Italy grew up as a collection of independent city-states,
customs and food vary greatly from region to region. This rich history is preserved
in the colorful folklore festivals that take place in all of Italy's regions
throughout the year.
Most of the year the beaches are sunny, with 5,310 miles of shoreline bordering
Italy and its islands. You can usually find waters where the temperature is
right for swimming. And history is always in season: choose any time of year
to tour historic buildings and view the world's greatest art treasures, for
this is a land that has been writing and preserving its history for over three
thousand years.
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