| Italy's Culture and InfluenceKey civilizations have | | | | romantic getaway, Italy has something to offer |
| existed in Italy since prehistoric times. Throughout | | | | for every occasion!Hiking the Hills and Valleys of |
| history, Italy has been a main influence of | | | | ItalyBring your trekking poles for a terrific hiking |
| European culture, from the Etruscan community | | | | adventure in the gorgeous country of Italy! Italy |
| to the dominating Roman Empire. During the | | | | offers some fabulous hiking trails where you'll |
| Middle Ages and Renaissance period, Italy was the | | | | discover the land's unique culture and history, and |
| center of art and science. The religious influence | | | | enjoy great food along the way.Hiking in Italy is |
| of Italy has also been far reaching. The Vatican is | | | | exciting because there are so many beautiful |
| an independent state within Rome that is | | | | places to explore. Whether it's nature you love or |
| governed by the Pope (or Bishop of Rome), the | | | | the busy city life, there are hiking tours available |
| seat of the Catholic Church.Italy Tourism - | | | | for both. Here are some recommended hiking |
| Something Fun for EveryoneTourists flock to Italy | | | | adventures to consider during your visit to |
| each year to enjoy art galleries and museums, | | | | Italy.The National Park of the Gran ParadisoEnjoy |
| learn about Italy's many historic landmarks, and | | | | a mountainous hike through this park's lovely |
| view the beautiful outdoor scenery. Italy has | | | | terrain. You'll be introduced to the park's wildlife, |
| much to offer both individuals and families. For the | | | | experience challenging hikes to view the high |
| golfer, there are courses available throughout the | | | | mountain peaks of the Alps, and see the glaciers |
| country. Golf courses can be found in the | | | | that surround the Rifugio Sella. You might also |
| mountains, by the sea, near art cities such as | | | | want to visit the wooden village of Nex Tignet, |
| Florence, Venice and Rome, and even by many | | | | which looks like it came from a fairy tale!Tour the |
| of the scenic lakes of Italy.The Beaches of | | | | Dolomites (Starting in Ortisei, Italy)The Dolomites, |
| ItalyFun in the sun can be experienced by families | | | | where Mediterranean and German cultures meet, |
| at one of the many beaches in Italy. There are | | | | are home of an ancient people called the Ladins, |
| over 7,600 miles of shoreline snuggling the | | | | who live in the high valleys surrounding the Sella |
| mainland and islands. The Mediterranean Sea | | | | Group massif. While hiking in the Dolomites, you'll |
| offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the | | | | discover the well-preserved culture and traditions |
| world, and many vacation resorts outline the | | | | of the Ladin people, view the herding pastures in |
| coasts with sun-soaking sand, lounge chairs and | | | | Gardena Valley, and also observe karstic rock |
| umbrellas. Italy's beaches are known for their | | | | formations.Tour the Italian Lakes District (Starting |
| cleanliness and safety. Abruzzo, Apulia, Calabria | | | | in Milan, Italy)Hike challenging trails while viewing |
| and Tuscany are among the many regions where | | | | some of Italy's most picturesque lakes. The |
| beaches were recently awarded with the Blue | | | | lake-side towns of Stresa, Bellagio and Lugano |
| Flag, an award given to beaches that are clean | | | | offer delicious cuisine, great shopping and a |
| and offer safe bathing areas.Nature Lover's | | | | variety of wines. Each lake is encircled by amazing |
| DreamThere are 20 national parks in Italy, where | | | | mountain scenery, and you'll be able to hike |
| nature lovers can explore the outdoors and | | | | among breathtaking glacial lakes. This hike might |
| rugged terrain. Lakes, mountains, plants and unique | | | | include a visit to the islands of Lago Maggiore, |
| animals are bountiful throughout Italy's parks. | | | | where there are gardens, palaces and fishing |
| Regions where national parks are located include | | | | villages. There's also a milky-white waterfall called |
| Apulia, Calabria, Sicilia, Sardinia, Tuscany, Piedmont | | | | Fiumelatte at Varenna.Hiking at the Cinque Terre |
| and the Marches.Nature lovers also enjoy touring | | | | (Starting at La Spezia)The Cinque Terre is a |
| unique Italian botanical gardens. There are over 30 | | | | lovely collection of oceanside villages where Italian |
| of these lovely gardens in Italy. For the bicyclist, | | | | seafaring and traditional Mediterranean food and |
| each region offers fantastic bike trails for | | | | culture coincide. You can hike among the many |
| exploring the outdoors and touring various sites | | | | cliffs and trails that surround the villages, take a |
| and parks.Explore Art and History in ItalyAs one | | | | tour of nearby Pisa to see the famous "Leaning |
| of the world's most prominent art and history | | | | Tower," or explore the Medieval art city of |
| centers, Italy offers many fine galleries, museums | | | | Lucca.Hiking at the National Park of AbruzzoThis is |
| and landmarks. Unique museums featuring cars, | | | | a rugged, challenging hike where you can explore |
| entertainment, science and technology, and | | | | the true wild side of Italy. The park is home to |
| archeology are scattered throughout the Italian | | | | around 300 types of birds, mountain goats, |
| regions to suit all tastes. Saint Peter's Square is | | | | wolves, bears and chamois. Don't worry - |
| one of the most beautiful sites in the world and | | | | sightings of bears and wolves are rare during |
| was constructed by many famous architects, | | | | hiking tours. This park is the largest national park |
| including Michelangelo, Vignola, Raphael and Pirro | | | | in Italy and offers beautiful scenes of mountains, |
| Ligorio. There are also many castles, palaces and | | | | alpine pastures and more. Be sure to visit nearby |
| cathedrals that attract visitors each year.Whether | | | | villages to enjoy local cuisine and wines, and |
| it's to learn about key periods of time in history, | | | | discover each town's unique history. |
| relax with the family at the beach, or to enjoy a | | | | |