Milan is Italy's window on Europe, its most sophisticated and high-tech metropolis. La Scala, its landmark, is one of Europe's most prestigious opera houses. In addition, it's the site of several world-renowned annual trade fairs. Milan is one of Eur ... more

Milan is Italy's window on Europe, its most sophisticated and high-tech metropolis. La Scala, its landmark, is one of Europe's most prestigious opera houses. In addition, it's the site of several world-renowned annual trade fairs. Milan is one of Europe's top shopping cities, with an incredible concentration of sophisticated, high style boutiques - and that's only fitting because Milan is the dynamo of the Italian fashion industry. Dolce & Gabbana, Ferré, Krizia, Moschino, Prada, Armani, and Versace have all catapulted to international stardom from design studios based here. Inevitably, shopping is of almost religious significance.  (close)

Formed by glaciers, Lake Garda, the largest and easternmost of the lakes, is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Its exotic landscape has attracted the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio, whose villa near Gardone is one of the area's major attractions. ... more

Formed by glaciers, Lake Garda, the largest and easternmost of the lakes, is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Its exotic landscape has attracted the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio, whose villa near Gardone is one of the area's major attractions. Visitors come here to swim, windsurf, and enjoy the relaxing ambience of Garda's many pleasant lakeside resorts. The ancient fortified town of Sirmione, located on the south of the lake is one particularly popular destination.  (close)

Once belonging to Austria, Bolzano has only been part of Italy since the end of World War I. It is a fascinating city at crossroads between Italian and Austrian cultures. The city's Austrian character, enhanced by the narrow cobblestone streets, Aust ... more

Once belonging to Austria, Bolzano has only been part of Italy since the end of World War I. It is a fascinating city at crossroads between Italian and Austrian cultures. The city's Austrian character, enhanced by the narrow cobblestone streets, Austrian-style churches give Bolzano an unique charm. The main attractions are: the Gothic Cathedral dating from 1184, Walther von der Vogelweide Platz, the Archeological Museum, which hosts the Ötzi mummy and various beautiful castles.  (close)

Cortina d'Ampezzo is Italy's best-known resort and probably among the three most exclusive mountain locations in Europe, renowned for its first-class hotels and shops. Surrounded by the Dolomite peaks, of which eighteen rise more than 10,000 ft, it h ... more

Cortina d'Ampezzo is Italy's best-known resort and probably among the three most exclusive mountain locations in Europe, renowned for its first-class hotels and shops. Surrounded by the Dolomite peaks, of which eighteen rise more than 10,000 ft, it has stunning views. The most famous peaks in the city's neighbourhood include Le Tofane, Il Cristallo and Le Cinque Torri. Cortina appeals to the vistors with 90 miles of ski runs and 50 cable cars and chairlifts that make the slopes easily accessible.  (close)

With sumptuous palaces and romantic waterways, Venice is straight out of an 18th-century Canaletto masterpiece. No matter how many times you have seen it in movies or TV commercials, the real thing is more surreal and dreamlike than you ever imagined ... more

With sumptuous palaces and romantic waterways, Venice is straight out of an 18th-century Canaletto masterpiece. No matter how many times you have seen it in movies or TV commercials, the real thing is more surreal and dreamlike than you ever imagined. Its landmarks, the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale are exotic mélanges of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. It is full of secrets, ineffably romantic, and - at times - given over entirely to pleasure. You must walk everywhere in Venice and where you cannot walk, you go by water.  (close)