Like many other European countries modern Italy does have its problems with illegal immigration, crime and economic growth, but that aside, perhaps no country on this planet has given the world more cultural icons, including fine automobiles, architectural styles, fashions, operas, paintings, sculptures, tenors, and we certainly can't forget food and world-championship soccer teams.

Italy has so much to see and do, from skiing in the Alps, the Lake District of the north, the historic and stylish cities of Florence, Milan, Naples, Siena, Turin and Venice, coastal cities and quaint little villages, and of course Rome, and the Holy See (Vatican).

The boot-shape peninsula of Italy, extending into the central Mediterranean Sea is a rugged, mountainous country of simply stunning scenery that also includes the popular island destinations of (Sardinia) and (Elba) to the west, and (Capri), (Ischia) and (Sicily) off the southern coast.

Italy is renowned for its olive oil, pasta, pizza, wine, and of course sunshine, and year-round great weather. Simply stated, Italy is "la dolce vita" (the sweet life), and many people that travel to this incredible country never want to leave.