Italy - the World's Top Vacation Destination

Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an informal survey among members to name the world's top vacation destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of international vacation destinations - Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy Sea.

What is it that makes Italy so special? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culture buff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone in between.

Italy's cities and countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has to offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?

See Italy for the Art

Italy was the center of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the world's artistic and historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, you'll find artistic and architectural wonders that you won't find anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio, Donatello - the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted ceilings of cathedrals.

See Historic Italy