DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Italy

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t Lake Orta, Piedmont

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t A picturesque canal in Venice lined with boats.

Magnificent piazzas, turquoise seas and rolling hills Italy has it all. And thats before you add iconic art, more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else on earth, and the Italian knack for la dolce vita. Whatever your dream trip to Italy entails, this DK Eyewitness travel guide is the perfect companion.

Italy only became a fully unified country in 1870 before that it was a turbulent collection of rival city states. Happily for the visitor, their conflicting allegiances and histories resulted in a variety of architecture and art not seen anywhere else in Europe. From the mighty architecture of ancient Rome and Pompeii to the pretty Teutonic mountain villages of the north, and from the lacy Gothic palazzi of Venice to the refined Renaissance churches of Florence, a tour along the Italian peninsula is a roller-coaster ride through European history.

The landscape, too, is incredibly diverse. Ski the spectacular slopes of the Dolomites or witness volcanic pyrotechnics on the summit of Mount Stromboli. Lose yourself in the wilderness of the maquis-clad Sardinian mountains or spot wild ibex in the rocky valleys of the Gran Paradiso national park. Bask on the unspoiled beaches of Puglia or sip vintage wine in the vineyard-cloaked hills of Tuscany. However you choose to experience its natural beauty, Italy will not disappoint.

Italy can easily overwhelm with the sheer number of unmissable cities, towns, villages, archaeological and natural sites that pepper the peninsula. Weve picked out themes and planned itineraries to whet your appetite, broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, and created colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a weekend, a week, or longer, this DK Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best the country has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Italy.

Flowers in bloom in Monti Sibillini national park, Umbria.

Traditional Italian food.

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Evocative ruins, extravagant palaces, vineyards, strong espresso and freshly baked pizza: there are so many reasons to love Italy. Here, we pick some of our favourites.

t Theres no better way to fill the hours before dinner. Designed to whet your appetite, this Italian tradition consists of a cool sparkling drink served with snacks ranging from olives to exquisite little antipasti.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

t Everyone should sail down Venices great waterway at least once in their life. Take the slow boat, Vaporetto 1, and stand on the deck for the best views not only of the lacy palace faades, but of life in a city in which everything happens by water.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

t Probably originating in Naples, pizza is, of course, now available all over Italy. Thick crusted in Naples, thin in Rome, sold by the slice, or folded over as a calzone, pizza comes in endless varieties. Wherever you eat it, you can be sure it will be fresh from the oven.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy

t In every town, village and city in Italy, locals put on their finery and head out for an evening stroll. They might do a little window shopping or stop for an aperitivo, but the main purpose of the passeggiata is to see, be seen and bump into friends.

Discover Reasons to Love Italy