Italy

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for travelers. From the Dolimite and Apennine Mountains to the Italian Riviera, Italy offers something for every taste.

As cliché as it may sound, no trip to Italy is complete without a stop in Rome. So much of not only Italy's history but that of the world can be traced to ancient Rome. Get a feel for the way the emperor's lived and see the famous Colosseum. Christians and non-Christians alike visit the Vatican to see St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel while hoping to get glimpse of the Pope himself.

The city of Venice was designed to face the water, not the streets of the city. Some of the best views of Venice are from the sea. However, no one should go to Venice without traversing the city in a gondola. Inland from Venice to the north and to the west are Milan and Florence.

Milan is the largest city in Italy and is full of bustling, big city atmosphere, but there is one must-see attraction there. The church of Santa Maria della Grazie has on display what may be the greatest painting of the Renaissance – The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

Florence is famous for the part it played in starting the Renaissance period and has been home to Michelangelo's David for over 500 years.

Italy is rich in history, art, and architecture. You can visit Roman ruins, get your fill of Renaissance art, stay in small medieval towns, go skiing in the Alps, discover the canals of Venice and be awed by beautiful churches.