Their cultural legacy may still be seen throughout Italy in the baroque exuberance of Rome, the Renaissance stateliness of Florence, the misty sensuality of Venice, the southern intrigue of Naples and the northern business sense of Milan. Geographically, too, the country is diverse, ranging from sun-baked Sicily at the confluence of the Mediterranean to the valleys and high pastures of the Alps, from the rolling Tuscan countryside to the industrialisation of the Lombardy plain. Italians like to eat well - not only at home but in their neighbourhood restaurants too. As a result, eating out is generally an assurance of a good meal, whether in a trattoria, ristorante or pizzeria.
Italian wines range from light, refreshing whites to rich, fruity reds.
Sales are usually held in July and August and again in December and January - good times to pick up a bargain. A short break to Italy with Emirates Holidays enables you to take a long weekend or mini holiday in Rome - an ideal way to celebrate a special occasion. Please contact us for details. Many towns hold carnivals in the 10 days preceding Ash Wednesday. Of these, the Venice Carnival is perhaps the best known.