The ancient sun-warmed land pulses with secrets and messages from a rich and enigmatic past. In Italy one peels back the centuries even as one explores a country wreathed in myth and legend. Time rests lightly on this seductively beautiful land and yet it has left behind an indelible imprint.

            The nation has spawned intellectual giants in the fields of literature, art, and science. Homer, Virgil, Dante, Columbus, Michelangelo, Vivaldi, etc – have straddled the national stage and held the world in thrall for centuries and continue to do so even today.

            The larger-than-life conquests of Julius Caesar, the magnificent Roman Empire, the creative outpourings of the Renaissance… Italy has seen it all. The country morphed into a modern state in the 1800s and continues to be the high seat of Christendom. Indeed the past stalks the present here and is captured and distilled in the great works of literature, music, art, architecture and even its gifted people.
           

"What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago." Erica Jong

From the Classical to Medieval, from Gothic to early Renaissance and finally from high Renaissance to Mannerism and Baroque styles of art, Italy has it all and the best that the world can offer! To be in Italy and not tread its magical art trails borders on the sacrilegious! This is the country that gave birth to Christian Art and the Byzantine legacy of mysticism and spiritualism that flowers in monasteries, churches and the medieval cities of Assisi, Siena and Orvieto. Trace the transition from Medieval to Modern, in Giotto's Florence and the creative genius of Brunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio and Sandro Botticelli, whose works are scattered through the length and breadth of the country.

            Marvel at the works of the Renaissance period and feel the humanism and moral drama depicted in the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Titian. While this Mecca of art and architecture has its epicentre in the magnificent cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, the tourist will stumble on sublime art even in rustic little villages!

It is said that nowhere is Italian life more seductive than in the kitchen and at the table. Italian food is not just an art but has soul as well! It engages your senses of taste, smell, sight and touch and titillates your palate with the flavours of the traditional cooking styles of its many regions.
           
            A trip though Italy is a celebration akin to participating in its many spirited festivals that culminate in grand feasts where food is served and savoured with passion. Whether it is the pesto sauce of Genoa, the bistecca alla fiorentina (T-bone steak) of Tuscany, the ‘original' pizza from Naples, the delicious mozzarella di bufaa from Puglia or the porcetto in Sardinia, each region has a unique cuisine that makes the country a gourmet's heaven. Indeed the Italians are and have always been epicures.

            While pizzas and pastas are Italy's well-known gastronomic export, it is the delicious and diverse regional cuisine where the culinary expertise of this country finds greatest expression. Whether it is the risotto made with porcini mushroom or truffle, cured meats like speck, game meats such as venison or wild boar, or fresh fish from the coast, every region in Italy has something that will tease your palate. Italy also has a rich culinary tradition in sweets. Struffoli from Naples, caggionetti from Abruzzo, and panforte from Siena are second only to the Christmas cakes from Milan and Verona - panettone and pandoro.

            Italy's love affair with wine and cheese is well known. Whether it's white, rose or red, this country produces some of the world's best wine. Amarone from Veneto, Barolo from Piemonte, Chianti Classico from Tuscany are but a few that you must savour on your journey.

The Italian peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea with its boot-like shape kicking the island of Sicily is covered in large parts by mountains. While the Dolomite range that extends across northern Italy is a part of the Alps, the Apennine mountains run down the centre of Italy, stretching from north to south, dividing the east and west coasts. The Italian Alps protected the country in ancient times from barbaric invasions and the imposing Monte Bianco is the highest peak in the country.

            Little wonder then, in a country where nature has been so munificent, locals and tourists can enjoy La Dolce Vita. Skiing is centred in the Dolomiti Superski Area which embraces the ski resorts of the Alta Badia, Marmolada Glacier, Val di Fassa and Val Gardena. This is the place to plan an adrenalin-fuelled week in the chic ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo in the magnificent Dolomites. Team up with Alpine guides and instructors for rock climbing and mountain biking; hit the white water for canyoning and hydro speeding.

Meander along the scenic trails of the Apuane and Orecchiella National Parks in northern Tuscany and hike up some arduous mountain paths. Explore magical hilltop villages, dramatic mountain pathways and ancient, mystical forests. At the end of any strenuous trail, there will be some fine rural cooking and excellent wine!

Italian beaches are stunning and surreal. You don't necessarily have to head for Sicily and Sardinia for unforgettable seaside holidays. Just a few miles from most cities you will find a sandy strip waiting for you. In Abruzzo, the coastline boasts of the sette sorelle (seven sisters) - seven seaside resorts from Martinsicuro to Silvi, while Pescara offers a harbour view and a promising nightlife.

            The region of Campania has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Capri and the Amalfi Coast attract the cognoscenti, especially to Positano. A seascape of this magnitude can only be enjoyed fully if you drive along the coastline, and stop overnight in one of the many beach resorts. Whether it is the thermal spas of Ischia, located in the Gulf of Gaeta, or the cliff-side hotels of Sorrento, your trip will be rich in memories and undoubtedly magical. If you are in the region of Emilia Romagna, head for the serpentine beaches of the Adriatic Riviera such as Torre Pedrera, Viserbella, Viserba, Rivabella, San Giuliano Mare, Bellariva, Marebello, Rivazzurra e Miramare.

            Those who don't shy away from crowds and seek fun and frolic, should opt to travel to the Liguria region. The beaches along the Italian Riviera may be bustling with energy, but they are nonetheless  beautiful. Starting from the French border is the Riviera of the Setting Sun or Riviera di Ponente, the location of the enchanting little resort town of Genoa. Riviera of the Rising Sun or Riviera di Levante on the other hand, stretching from Genoa to Portovenere is full of small coves and rocky cliffs. One of the must-sees on your itinerary should be the Cinque Terre: The “five lands” include the idyllic and quaint villages of Monterosso, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza.