Introduction to Italy

Italy is a peninsula extending from Southern Europe into the Mediterranean Sea, with adjacent islands, principally Sicily and Sardinia. Italy has shared borders with France in the north-west, Switzerland and Austria in the north and Slovenia in the north-east. It is divided into 18 regions. Italian is the language of the majority of the population. However, there are minorities speaking German, French, Slovene and Ladino.

Italy has a long history of civilization since 8th century BC. After the Middle Ages, Renaissance transform Italy into an nation of early modern art. Paintings, sculptures and architectures serve as precious resources of Italy which attract millions of tourists nowadays.

Italy is now an industrialized city in Europe. The more industrialized north contains most of the larger cities and about two-thirds of Italy’s population. The primarily agricultural south has a smaller population base. In this trip, we will visit the cities of Venice and Florence in the north first. Finally, we will travel southwards to the Chianti region, a region of wine-brewing..

Map of Italy (Courtesy  of  I. G. De Agostini Spa)

Venice

Venice is the most beautiful city in the world. It is built on one hundred and seventeen small islands, and holds one hundred and fifty canals, connected by an amazing four hundred and nine bridges, of which only three cross the main canal. The area it covers is a mere 284 miles (458 kilometres). Although the city appears small, it is really quite extensive for its size.

Florence
Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the cultural capital of Italy and one the cultural capitals of Europe.  The changes that we associate with the Renaissance first occurred in the city of Florence and continued to be more pervasive there than anywhere else. The city's economy and its writers, painters, architects, and philosophers all made Florence a model of Renaissance culture.

The Chianti region
The Chianti region is located at the south of Venice and Florence. It is in the territories of Tuscany. The panorama of oak, pine, olive groves, vineyards and cypresses, its steep hills and the red-tiled roofs of the farm houses make it instantly recognisable. Culture, history and tradition together with its famous wine and cookery, make the Chianti zone of Tuscany a wonderful vacation destination.

Source:
Ammonet Infotech (2010). Chianti. Retrieved August 4, 2010 from http://www.chianti-chianti.net/
Italian Government Tourist Board (2010). ITALIA Planning Your Trip - General Info. Retrieved August 4, 2010 from, Web site: http://www.italiantourism.com/geninfo.html