Lonely Planet Best of Italy

Home to some of the world's greatest artworks, architecture and gastronomy, Italy elates, inspires and moves like no other. The country's 20 regions feel like independent states, each with its own traditions, and glorious food.

Epicentre of the Roman Empire and birthplace of the Renaissance, this sun-kissed virtuoso groans under the weight of its cultural heritage: here youll stand in the presence of Michelangelos David and Sistine Chapel frescoes, Botticellis Birth of Venus and da Vincis The Last Supper. In fact, Italy has more Unesco World Heritage cultural sites than any other country. In few places do art and life intermingle so effortlessly. This may be the land of Dante, Titian and Verdi, but its also the home of Prada, chef Gualtiero Marchesi and architect Renzo Piano. Beauty, style and flair furnish every aspect of life, from those immaculately knotted ties and perfect espressos to the flirtatious smiles of strangers. The root of Italian psychology is a dedication to living life well and, effortless as it may seem, driving that dedication is a reverence for the finer things. So slow down, take note and indulge in a little bella vita.

Italys fortes extend beyond its galleries, plates and wardrobes. The country is one of Mother Natures masterpieces, its geography offering extraordinary natural diversity. From the north's snowy Alps to the souths volcanic craters, this is a place for doing as well as seeing.

Rome

Italys hot-blooded capital is an inspiring city

Once capital of the world, Rome was legendarily spawned by a wolf-suckled boy, grew to be Europes first superpower, became the spiritual centrepiece of the Christian world and is now the repository of over two millennia of art and architecture. From the Pantheon and the and countless works by Caravaggio, theres simply too much to see in one visit. So toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and promise to return.

S.BORISOV / SHUTTERSTOCK

Sistine Chapel Ceiling and Lunettes, Vatican City | BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

ITALY'S TOP 12 PLAN YOUR TRIP

A city of marble built on a lagoon

An maze of skinny streets and waterways, Venice straddles the middle ground between reality and sheer fantasy. This is a city of ethereal winter fogs, fairytale domes and Gothic arches fit for an opera set. Look beyond its sparkling mosaics and brooding Tintorettos and you'll discover the other Venice; a living, breathing organism studded with secret gardens, sleepy campi (squares) and well-worn bacari (small bars) filled with the fizz of prosecco and the sing-song local dialect.