EASYROME

Italy is of course the archetypal landscape of Western artistic tradition and culture. Holidaymakers flock to the great galleries of Rome and Florence, and the ageless and unique beauty of Venice. For those looking for landscapes and beaches, the environs of Naples and the isle of Capri spring to mind, and have their share of the mass-market visitor each season.

Amongst all this, there are many hidden gems - the 'real' Italy, where you can choose from all kinds of accommodation styles - from city centre and small family-run hotels, to restored farm houses and luxurious resort accommodation in the most beautiful parts of this culturally-rich country.

A tailor-made itinerary in both Italy and Sicily will yield many treasures, to allow you to get to know the country intimately - not just its hotels and obvious attractions, but its people, its cuisine, its culture and its quirky bits.

Rich in culture and history, there is an unending list of attractions to suit all tastes and interests.

Yes, there is Rome, Florence and Venice - all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and home to some of the world's best known works of art from Botticelli's painting of the 'Birth of Venus' to Michelangelo's awe-inspiring paintings adorning the roof of the Sistine chapel. But how many travellers have visited the spectacular Greek temples at Paestum, Agrigento, Segesta or Syracuse?

Away from the cultural honey-pots, there are ample opportunities to tour the rolling green landscapes and medieval hill-top villages of Tuscany, Umbria and Puglia. And of course for the adventurous, there is always the idea of climbing Mount Etna - Europe's tallest volcano at 3,320m, and still active.

For health and wellness holidays, a great idea is 'Take the cure' in a sulphur pool on the Aeolian island of Vulcano. Or for example in Tuscany, try a new spa at Villa Lucia. Surrounded by hills, four miles south of Lucca, in the tiny village of Vorno, this is a fine example of a spa hotel in a region suffused with fine thermal resort hotels of all sizes. For shopping fanatics, you can 'Shop 'til you drop' in the famous fashion houses of Armani, Versace and Dolce e Gabbana

And of course, there is the food. Dine out on the gastronomic delights of Italian cuisine from homemade pastas and pastries to mouth-watering Neapolitan ice cream.

From cities to lakes, lakes to mountains, mountains to spectacular coastal resorts and rural landscapes, a holiday in Italy has it all, and there are great choices to be had to access it all: low cost flights, flexible fly-drives, train and multi-centre itineraries to the lesser known areas of Italy and Sicily as well as the popular must-see locations for your holiday.

Jimi St.Pierre in association with travel correspondent Penny Church, has worked with Sunvil - the "real Italy" - to produce elements of this article. Find Italy holiday brochures online with map-based holiday brochure finder Travelwhere at http://www.travelwhere.co.uk . Here you will also find a wide range of holiday brochures featuring Italy and other major holiday destinations

Article Source: Tailor-made Italy - Ideas for a Real Italian Holiday