The first major civilisation to have left its remains for modern tourists to admire was that of the Etruscans. Perceived nowadays as a 'mysterious' people, as we know relatively little about them, the Etruscans were a sophisticated people who traded throughout the the Mediterranean from their base in Central Italy. Their carefully-constructed, highly-decorated cities of the dead can be visited in Tuscany and Lazio.
While the Etruscans thrived to the north, the Greeks occupied the southern tip of Italy, which became known as Magna Grecia. Impressive Greek temples still stand at the sites of some of their former colonies in Sicily and other parts of the south.
Dislodging both the Etruscans and the Greeks, a small kingdom from near the sea in the centre of Italy began increasing in power. From relatively humble beginnings (later elevated into romantic mythology), ancient Rome took control of most of the known world. rhodes kos rhodos rodos

When it outgrew its kings, Rome became a Republic, and following that, an Empire. Extensive traces of the Roman Empire can be seen through Europe, the Middle East and Africa, but there can be little to compare with the power of seeing the ruins of the Forum in Rome, the heart of all that power, glory and myth.
When Rome crumbled, and invaders overran Italy, much of the Empire's infrastructure and constructions were destroyed. Some remained, to be incorporated into later kingdoms and palaces. The are we now know as Italy embarked on a period of internal warfare and unrest that lasted almost until the present day. Medieval struggles between Popes, Emperors and Kings were followed by power struggles between families, and the rivalry of city states. Along the way came the Italian Renaissance (Rinascimento), when a combination of powerful patrons and talented artists resulted in some of the world's greatest works of art.
Modern Italy didn't begin to take shape until the 19th Century, when Napoleon fleetingly became ruler, before the country was divided again by the Congress of Vienna. A nationalist uprising led by Garibaldi led finally to the creation of a united Italy, and Vittorio Emmanuele II was declared King of Italy. rhodes kos rhodos
The monarchy lasted until the Second World War, when Mussolini and his Fascist party involved Italy on the side of Germany. After the downfall of Mussolini and the end of the war, Italy was ready for a change, and in 1948 the Republic of Italy was established.

is a country located in Southern Europe, that comprises the Po River valley, the Italian Peninsula and the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. Italians also refer to it as lo Stivale ("the Boot", due to its boot-like shape), il Bel Paese ("the Beautiful Country") or la Penisola ("the Peninsula" as an antonomasia). Italy shares its northern alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within Italian territory, while Campione d'Italia is an Italian exclave in Switzerland.greece greek rhodos rodos kos

Italy is a beautiful country but is one of those countries which you probably have some questions and preconceptions, before your coming to this special country. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to give its tourists. Although some of these conceptions are amazing and interesting, it would be a shame if that was the only thing you come away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and stimulating than these concepts. kos rhodos rodos rhodes greece greek

Italy is a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist, it has deep Roman Catholic roots. The tourists can stay weeks in important tourist centers without reason to feel bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track. In the north, next to the Alps and the landscapes of the Po river, many cultural gems and highly developed industrial cities fascinate. In this exciting country the people live the "la vita Italiana".

Rome, the Eternal City, Rome Caput Mundi. A unique city worldwide because of the completely opposite styles of art and life that manage to live side by side there: Imperial Rome and Baroque Rome, sophisticated Rome and working-class Rome.
The most splendid squares in Rome and the most famous fountains. The best way to get to know this incredible city is to walk around these places and admire the Baroque masterpieces, first of all the Trevi Fountain.The majestic Republican Palaces, the lavish late-Renaissance residences and the wonderful gardens of Rome: the Quirinale, Villa Borghese, il Pincio. greece rhodes rhodos kos greek hellas

Venice is different than almost any other city in the world and certainly unique in Europe. Practically lacking any sort of roads, with its maze of canals, Venice makes boating compulsory as the only means of getting around for visitors and Venetians alike. Gondolas and "the vaporetto" have to be trusted for almost any major transportation.


"Photo credit Destination360 Venice"

Lombardia is the capital of Milan, city of business organization and haute couture, the tourist can easily stay weeks without being bored. Bergamo is only an hour of distance and has an upper Old Town. On every corner you will observe something new. Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in the north-east of Italy, maybe you can think about romantic love affairs here. greece rodos rhodes kos greek hellas

The people can discover easily the beautiful landscapes of Italy, Verona province may be the more fascinating. Many persons say that the north-west of italy is a paradise for every culinary interested travelers. For the people who adore the wine, Piemonte is related with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Turin is the capital of Piemonte, this city provides more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions. Lots of tourist attractions like museums, modern art, music and book fairs make of this city, one of the notable Italian cities concerning cultural life. At the same time it is a booming industrial and multimedia city.