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Italy is a great place to experience new sights, sounds and experiences that can reinvigorate the senses and leave travellers hungry to see more of a welcoming and beautiful European gem. There is an intensity and passion for life running through this land which can prove infectious – Italy is a country where the days seem longer with no set rhythm and a unique atmosphere pervades the cities and countryside villages.
This doesn’t mean that the pace of life is necessarily slow – far from it. Outdoor activities abound and the superbly rugged hill towns of regions such as Tuscany can provide all with some of the most stunning and memorable scenery available in Europe. The foothills of Lucca boast olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees and local villages serve espresso or macchiato. Natural highlights also include Cinque Terre – an area where a collection of five small fishing villages look out on to the Mediterranean. Breath-taking views can be appreciated and ancient trails connect the communities.
Cycling is another favoured pastime in Italy enabling a look at the sights from the comfort of a saddle. Tours are offered in many regions throughout the country with Tuscany again providing excellent facilities for anyone interested in taking life at a more leisurely pace. In the centre of Florence, pedestrianized areas surround the famed Duomo and the River Arno, meaning bikes can be useful.
Of course, Italy is renowned the world over for wonderful food and drink and, with vineyards adorning the hillsides, sampling a glass of wine is a great way to accompany any dish. While pizza and pasta are often on the menu, seafood is another delicacy, from tuna fish to octopus and cuttlefish. Supermarkets generally provide a huge selection while restaurants offer a flavour and flair only found in Italy.
Make your Italian summer one to remember.
